Gastrectomy Treatment in Turkey
About Gastrectomy
Key Highlights
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Definitive treatment for localized stomach cancer and certain benign conditions.Can be performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) techniques for smaller incisions and less pain.Performed by a specialized Surgical Gastroenterologist with expertise in the digestive system.Aims to alleviate symptoms like pain, bleeding, or obstruction caused by stomach disease.Can be a life-saving procedure for malignant tumors.
Who is this surgery for?
- Malignant tumors (adenocarcinoma, GIST, lymphoma) of the stomach.
- Severe, complicated peptic ulcer disease not responsive to medication.
- Benign tumors (e.g., large polyps) with high risk of malignancy.
- Perforation or severe bleeding from the stomach wall.
- Gastric outlet obstruction.
- Prophylactic surgery for patients with very high genetic risk (e.g., CDH1 mutation).
- As part of bariatric surgery for weight loss (sleeve gastrectomy).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging (CT/PET scan) to stage disease.
- Pre-operative nutritional assessment and supplementation if malnourished.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised.
- Pre-operative counseling on the procedure, diet changes, and potential outcomes.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before surgery.
- Pre-operative bowel preparation may be required.
- Baseline blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for anesthesia.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, blood clots.
- Leakage from the new connection (anastomotic leak), a serious complication.
- Damage to nearby organs like the spleen, pancreas, or bile duct.
- Post-gastrectomy syndromes: Dumping syndrome (rapid gastric emptying), bile reflux, or malnutrition.
- Stricture (narrowing) at the surgical connection site.
- Long-term risks: Vitamin B12 deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, and bone disease.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically involves 5-10 days with initial IV fluids and pain management.
- A gradual dietary progression from liquids to pureed foods to soft solids over several weeks.
- Regular follow-up with the Surgical Gastroenterologist to monitor healing and nutritional status.
- Possible need for lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements (especially B12, iron, calcium).
- Encouragement of early and frequent walking to prevent complications.
- Adherence to a new eating pattern: small, frequent meals and thorough chewing.
- Physical activity restrictions (no heavy lifting) for 6-8 weeks.
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Typical hospital stay:
5-10 days
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Expected recovery time:
4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full adaptation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering gastrectomy in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with surgical gastroenterology 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 gastrectomy. MediFyr helps you compare surgical gastroenterologists 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 gastrectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Rohan Miller, a 42-year-old high school...
Rohan Miller, a 42-year-old high school history teacher and father of two, had a strong family history of stomach cancer. For over a year, he battled persistent indigestion, early satiety, and a gnawing upper abdominal pain that antacids couldn't touch. After a significant, unexplained weight loss, an endoscopy revealed a large, suspicious tumor in his stomach. Biopsy confirmed hereditary diffuse gastric cancer. His surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Evans, explained that due to the genetic mutation and diffuse nature of the cancer, a total gastrectomy was the only curative option to remove the entire organ before the cancer spread. Rohan underwent a robotic-assisted total gastrectomy. The surgery was successful, but the initial recovery was grueling. Learning to eat again with his esophagus connected directly to his small intestine was a slow, frustrating process of tiny, frequent meals. He struggled with fatigue and 'dumping syndrome'. A year later, Rohan has adapted remarkably. He follows a strict dietary regimen, has regained some weight, and surveillance scans show no evidence of cancer. Emotionally, he cycled from the terror of a cancer diagnosis to the anxiety of a life-altering surgery, through post-operative despair during the difficult adjustment, to a profound gratitude for his second chance. He now advocates for genetic testing in his family and finds new joy in simple moments with his children.