About Gastric Cancer Surgery
Key Highlights
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Curative intent for localized gastric cancer, offering the best chance for long-term survival.Performed by specialized surgical oncologists with expertise in cancer surgery techniques.May involve minimally invasive approaches (laparoscopic/robotic) for reduced pain and faster recovery.Aims for complete tumor removal (R0 resection) with precise lymph node dissection for accurate staging.Often part of a multimodal treatment plan combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of adenocarcinoma or other malignant tumors confined to the stomach (localized disease).
- Early-stage gastric cancer (Stage I, II, and some Stage III) where curative resection is possible.
- To relieve symptoms like bleeding, obstruction, or pain in advanced cases (palliative surgery).
- As part of a treatment plan following neoadjuvant (pre-operative) chemotherapy to shrink the tumor.
- For certain pre-cancerous conditions or large benign tumors with high malignant potential.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including blood tests, imaging (CT scan, endoscopy), and cardiac/pulmonary assessment.
- Nutritional optimization, which may include dietary counseling or temporary feeding tube placement if malnourished.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgical team.
- Pre-operative counseling to discuss the procedure, risks, and expected recovery in detail.
- Bowel preparation and fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery as per hospital protocol.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Specific risks: leakage from the surgical connection (anastomotic leak), injury to nearby organs, or pancreatic inflammation.
- Long-term digestive issues: dumping syndrome, reflux, nutritional deficiencies, and weight loss.
- Risk of cancer recurrence either locally or in distant organs despite successful surgery.
- Potential need for additional procedures or interventions to manage complications.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay involves pain management, intravenous fluids, and gradual progression from liquids to soft foods.
- Drains and tubes (e.g., nasogastric tube) are typically removed as healing progresses.
- Patients receive detailed instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and dietary modifications.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing, nutritional status, and for pathological review of the removed tissue.
- Long-term recovery involves adapting to new eating habits, possible vitamin supplements, and ongoing surveillance for cancer recurrence.
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Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full adaptation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering gastric cancer surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform gastric cancer surgery. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for gastric cancer surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 250 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 7-14 days | ~ 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full adaptation | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 875 Thousand – 2.8 Million | 7-14 days | ~ 4-8 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full adaptation | Know More |
Sarah Roy, a 58-year-old high school...
Sarah Roy, a 58-year-old high school librarian and avid gardener, had been ignoring persistent indigestion and a vague feeling of fullness for months, attributing it to stress. When she began losing weight without trying and noticed dark stools, her daughter insisted she see her doctor. An endoscopy revealed a tumor in the lower part of her stomach. Surgical Oncologist Dr. Evans explained that due to the tumor's location and early stage, a subtotal gastrectomy offered the best chance for a cure. Sarah was terrified, mourning the loss of a part of her body and fearing a life without her beloved family meals. The surgery was successful, and after a week in the hospital learning to manage her new dietary needs, she went home. Recovery was slow, involving small, frequent meals and fatigue, but six months later, scans showed no evidence of cancer. Emotionally, Sarah moved from fear and loss to profound gratitude. She now sees her surgery not as a loss, but as a gift of time, and has channeled her love for food into creating a beautiful, thriving vegetable garden, finding new purpose and joy.
Surgical Oncologists for Gastric Cancer Surgery
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform gastric cancer surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore