Laparoscopic GI Cancers

Laparoscopic GI Cancers

Laparoscopic Surgery for GI Cancers

Most stomach cancers diagnosed today are in an advanced stage. As a result, nearly all patients with stomach cancer require surgical intervention—either through open surgery or a minimally invasive approach.

Surgery is intended to control or eliminate the disease. It also improves quality of life by enabling patients to eat more comfortably and manage symptoms more effectively.

Laparoscopic Gastrectomy

Laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer is known as Laparoscopic Gastrectomy. This minimally invasive procedure uses a laparoscope and specialized surgical instruments to remove the stomach tumor. Performed by experienced surgical oncologists, the procedure can be either partial or total:

Partial Gastrectomy: Part of the stomach is removed. Doctors often remove nearby fatty tissue and lymph nodes to ensure complete cancer removal.

Total Gastrectomy: The entire stomach, nearby lymph nodes, and fatty tissue are removed. The intestines are then connected to the esophagus. Surgeons may create a new “stomach” or pouch using a section of the intestines to aid digestion.

These procedures demand precision. Risks can be minimized by choosing a skilled medical team with experience in treating stomach cancer.

Purpose of the Surgery

The laparoscopic surgery is performed to:

Remove the cancerous portion of the stomach.

Remove the entire stomach if cancer has spread extensively.

Remove lymph nodes near the stomach that may be affected.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery for Gastric Cancer

Laparoscopic procedures are preferred by medical professionals for several reasons:

Smaller incisions

Less post-operative pain

Faster recovery

Reduced hospital stay

Lower risk of complications

Procedure Overview

Before surgery, the patient receives general anesthesia. A catheter is inserted to monitor urine output. A nasogastric tube is placed through the throat into the stomach to clean the abdominal cavity with an antiseptic solution.

A laparoscope is inserted through a small incision to visualize the affected area. Two to three additional small incisions are made to allow the insertion of surgical instruments. The damaged part of the stomach is removed along with any tumors or ulcers. Depending on the part of the stomach affected:

If the upper section is treated, the esophagus is connected to the remaining stomach.

If the lower part is treated, the stomach is attached to the small intestine.

The incisions are then closed and dressed appropriately.

Types of Laparoscopic Procedures for Gastric Cancer

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR):
Conducted in the mucosal and submucosal layers, EMR is used for tumors under 2 cm or to remove affected lymph nodes using an endoscope.

Laparoscopically Assisted Distal Gastrectomy (LADG):
This procedure removes advanced cancer cells and may include lymph nodes or tumors near the celiac artery branches and surrounding tissues.

Before Laparoscopic Surgery

Prior to the surgery, the patient undergoes several evaluations:

Vitals: Temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

Diagnostic Tests: Blood test, CT scan, ultrasound, endoscopy, ECG, EEG, X-ray, etc.

Pre-operative Instructions: The patient must stop eating and drinking a few hours before the surgery.

After Laparoscopic Surgery

Post-surgery, the patient is taken to the recovery room for monitoring. Depending on their condition, they may be moved to the ICU or a regular ward. Initially, no food or drink is allowed.

Hospital stay typically lasts a few days. Upon discharge, the doctor provides medications and post-operative care instructions, including:

Follow-up appointments

Medication schedule

Diet and activity guidelines

Recovery may take a few weeks, after which the patient can return to normal daily activities.