Procedure · Surgery

Stomach surgery, cancer and benign disease

Gastrectomy · GIST resection · Ulcer surgery · Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Nellore

Surgery on the stomach covers a wide range, from cancer resection (gastrectomy) to GIST tumour removal, complicated ulcer disease, and revisions of previous gastric procedures. Dr. Dwarakanath Reddy performs both open and laparoscopic gastric surgery at Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Nellore, with multidisciplinary support for cancer cases.

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01 · Surgery

What does stomach surgery cover?

Stomach surgery includes partial removal (subtotal gastrectomy), complete removal (total gastrectomy), wedge resection for GIST tumours, suture-and-drainage procedures for perforated ulcer, and pyloric procedures for outlet obstruction. The right operation depends on the diagnosis, location of the lesion, the patient's overall fitness, and, for cancer, the stage and biology of the tumour. Coverage of stomach cancer specifically is on the GI Oncology stomach cancer page.

02 · Surgery

Conditions treated

Surgery may be needed for:

Gastric cancer (adenocarcinoma), see also the GI Oncology stomach cancer page
Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) of the stomach
Complicated peptic ulcer disease, perforation, bleeding, gastric outlet obstruction
Gastric polyps with malignant potential or where endoscopic removal is not possible
Pyloric stenosis from chronic ulcer scarring
Refractory bleeding from a gastric source
Selected benign tumours of the stomach not amenable to endoscopic removal

Workup typically includes upper GI endoscopy with biopsy, contrast CT (CECT) abdomen, and, for cancer, staging laparoscopy and PET-CT in selected cases.

03 · Surgery

How a laparoscopic distal gastrectomy is performed

01 Five or six small incisions are made in the upper abdomen under general anaesthesia
02 The abdomen is inflated with CO2 to create working space
03 The lesser and greater omentum are mobilised; lymph node stations are systematically cleared (D2 dissection for cancer)
04 The duodenum is divided distal to the pylorus
05 The lower two-thirds of the stomach are divided proximally with a stapler
06 Continuity is restored with a stapled or hand-sewn anastomosis (Billroth-II or Roux-en-Y)
07 Drains are placed; cuts are closed with absorbable sutures

Total operating time is 3 to 5 hours. The decision between distal, subtotal, and total gastrectomy depends on tumour location and proximal margin requirement.

04 · Surgery

Recovery timeline (after gastrectomy)

Day of surgery	Inpatient ICU or HDU. NPO (nil by mouth) for the first 24 hours.
Day 1 to 3	Walking by day one. Sips of clear fluid by day two or three after a contrast study confirms anastomotic integrity.
Day 4 to 7	Soft, low-volume meals six times a day. Discharge typically around day 7 to 10.
Week 2 to 4	Soft diet, small frequent meals. Office work in 4 weeks for non-physical roles.
Month 3	Most dietary tolerance restored. Weight starts to stabilise. Surveillance schedule begins for cancer cases.

After gastrectomy, dietary discipline matters. Small frequent meals (six per day), avoiding sugary drinks, and chewing thoroughly all help prevent dumping syndrome. Vitamin B12, iron, and calcium supplementation may be needed long-term, dietitian-led follow-up is part of the care plan.

05 · Surgery

Risks and complications

Gastrectomy is a major operation. Risks include bleeding, anastomotic leak (the most serious early complication), wound infection, pulmonary complications, dumping syndrome, B12 and iron deficiency long-term, and weight loss. For cancer surgery, oncologic completeness (clear margins and adequate lymph node yield) is the priority. Dr. Reddy discusses procedure-specific risk based on staging and patient fitness.

06 · Surgery

Why Dr. Reddy for stomach surgery

DrNB qualified surgical gastroenterologist with focused upper GI training
D2 lymph-node dissection performed routinely for gastric cancer
Laparoscopic approach offered where oncologically and technically appropriate
Cancer cases discussed in multidisciplinary tumour board format
Apollo Speciality Hospitals, full ICU, blood bank, dietitian, and palliative-care backup

07 · Surgery

Frequently asked questions

Will I be able to eat normally after gastrectomy?

Yes, but the pattern changes. After distal gastrectomy, most patients eat small frequent meals (6 per day) rather than three large ones. After total gastrectomy, the meals are smaller still. Most patients adapt well within 6 to 12 months and return to a near-normal diet.

How much weight will I lose?

Typically 5 to 15 kg in the first three months after gastrectomy. Weight usually stabilises at 6 to 12 months. Significant weight loss is monitored carefully, supplements and dietitian input help prevent malnutrition.

Is laparoscopic gastrectomy as effective as open surgery for cancer?

For early gastric cancer, yes, multiple trials show equivalent oncological outcomes with faster recovery. For advanced cancer requiring extensive lymphadenectomy, the choice is individualised. Dr. Reddy will discuss the right approach for your specific stage and anatomy.

Will my insurance cover this surgery?

Cancer surgery is covered by all major insurers (cashless and reimbursement). Benign gastric surgery is also covered when medically indicated. Send your reports on WhatsApp for a pre-authorisation estimate.

Related conditions

Conditions this procedure treats.

ICD-10 · C16

Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer)

Malignancy of the stomach lining, most commonly adenocarcinoma. Often diagnosed at advanced stages because early symptoms are vague. Curative treatment is gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection, often combined with chemotherapy.

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Next step

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