- You have been advised to have surgery to remove all of the stomach – termed a total
- Gastrectomy. Gastrectomies can be performed for several conditions of the stomach particularly for patients who have stomach cancer but sometimes for non-cancerous conditions such as bleeding or narrowing of the stomach.
- Here, we explain some of the aims, benefits, risks and alternatives to this procedure (operation/treatment). We want you to be informed about your choices to help you to be fully involved in making any decisions.
- Please ask about anything you do not fully understand or wish to have explained in more detail.
After your Procedure
After the Procedure
- After your operation your anaesthetist continues to monitor your condition carefully.
- You will probably be transferred to a recovery ward where specially trained nurses, under the direction of anaesthetists, will look after you.
- Your anaesthetist and the recovery nurses will ensure that all the anaesthetic effects are reversed and that you are closely monitored as you return to full consciousness.
- You may be given some oxygen to breathe in the recovery area, and may find that intravenous drips have been inserted whilst you are unconscious in theatre and that these will be replacing fluids that you might require.
- You will be given medication for any pain that you might feel, and systems, such as Patient Controlled Anaesthesia (PCA) may be set up to continue pain control on the ward.
- You are likely to feel drowsy and sleepy at this stage. Some patients feel sick, others may have a sore throat related to the insertion of the breathing tube during surgery.
- During this time it is important that you relax as much as you can, breathe deeply, do not be afraid to cough, and do not hesitate to ask the nursing staff for any pain relief, and about any queries you may have.
- You are likely to have hazy memories of this time and some patients experience vivid dreams.
- The length of your hospital stay will depend on a number of factors including how complex your procedure was and how your body recover’s from the operation.
- Your doctor and their team will discuss your specific recovery and what you should do once you leave hospital.