What is gastric surgery?

Gastric surgery consists of procedures that involve treating medical conditions which affect organs that play a critical role in the digestive process. Gastric or stomach surgery is done to address cancerous and non-cancerous conditions. For example, a perforated ulcer leaks digestive juice from the digestive tract. A perforated ulcer occurs when a peptic ulcer penetrates the digestive tract, causing a hole. Generally, a perforated ulcer is a condition that requires urgent medical attention.

Types of gastric procedures

• A laparotomy
  is surgery to treat a perforated ulcer. The procedure involves creating a large incision over the abdominal region to access and treat the spilling contents of the ulcer.
• Less invasive laparoscopic surgery
  entails creating a tiny abdominal incision where a camera and light-equipped scope will be inserted through the opening for extensive visualisation of the area.
• Endoscopic surgery
  involves passing the endoscope down the throat and into the stomach to treat the ulcer with the help of a light, camera and small surgical equipment.

How is gastric surgery performed?

Laparotomy

Laparotomy to treat a perforated ulcer can be done using the Graham Patch, an advanced surgical technique to seal the hole caused by the ulcer. The Graham Patch involves using an omentum patch, which is fat tissue used to seal the hole caused by the peptic ulcer.

Partial Gastrectomy

A partial gastrectomy involves removing a small stomach segment along with the gastric ulcer. The procedure is considered when the ulcer has penetrated deep tissue, creating a large hole. Once the ulcer is removed, the hole in the stomach is sealed.

Vagotomy

A vagotomy involves cutting single or several branches of the vagus nerve to reduce the release of stomach acid. The vagus nerve encourages the release of stomach acid, which can worsen the symptoms of an ulcer. A vagotomy is performed in conjunction with a pyloroplasty which involves dilating the opening between the small intestine and stomach pouch. As a result, the contents of the stomach can flow freely through the opening.