What is laparoscopic gastric resection?
Laparoscopic gastric resection is a minimally invasive surgical procedure during which our surgeons access the diseased portion of the stomach or duodenum through tiny incisions made in the abdomen. A small camera, inserted through one of the incisions via a tube-like instrument called a cannula, projects real-time images of the patient’s internal organs onto a high-resolution monitor so that our surgeons can perform the surgery without having to work through larger incisions. The tumor or diseased portion of the stomach is removed through these incisions or, if necessary, the entire stomach is removed in sections. Cannulas are used to insert the surgical instruments through the incisions.
At this time, depending on how much of the stomach is removed, a feeding tube may be placed. This will allow for liquid nutrition to be channeled directly into the intestine, which in turn will help to prevent malnutrition after surgery.
What are the benefits of laparoscopic gastric resection?
Conventional gastric resection is an “open” surgery performed through a single long incision. This procedure requires the patient to stay in the hospital for about a week after surgery, followed by a recovery period of approximately six weeks. By comparison, laparoscopic gastric resection involves:
- Less post-surgical pain and discomfort
- A shorter post-surgical hospital stay, potentially
- A shorter, more comfortable recovery period, potentially
- Far less conspicuous scarring
- A quicker return to solid foods, potentially
- Quicker return to normal bowel function, potentially
- Quicker return to a normal routine
Who is a good candidate for laparoscopic gastric resection?
Most patients we see turn out to be suitable candidates for gastric resection using laparoscopic methods. However, there are certain patients who may not be good candidates and for whom the conventional “open” method may be better suited. These patients include those who:
- Are morbidly obese
- Have had complications during abdominal surgery in the past
- Have extremely large tumors
If complications arise during the laparoscopic gastric resection, such as bleeding problems or the inability to visualize the internal organs with the laparoscope, then our surgeons may have to convert to using the “open” method for your safety.
Learn More about Laparoscopic Gastric, or Stomach, Resection Surgery
If you would like to learn more about laparoscopic gastric, or stomach, resection surgery, or if you want to schedule your initial consultation with one of our esteemed surgeons, please contact Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York today. We would be glad to answer any questions you might have and assist you in scheduling your appointment.
