Stomach Cancer Treatment
Stomach cancer treatment options
Operation
The aim of surgery for stomach cancer is to remove the tumor completely (so-called R0 resection). The extent of the operation depends on tumor size and tumor cells type. With a safety margin of a few centimeters, the surgeon cuts out stomach cancer. He also removes surrounding connective tissue, lymph nodes as well as possibly the spleen.
If the growth of stomach cancer exceeds the stomach wall, an expanded stomach removal is often necessary. Moreover, for stomach cancer in the entrance area of the stomach (cardia), the removal of the lower section of esophagus is required (distal esophagectomy), as well as the spleen (splenectomy). After partial removal of the stomach (subtotal gastrectomy), the residual stomach will be connected to the small intestine below the duodenum (gastrojejunostomy).
It is necessary, if the stomach has been removed in the stomach cancer therapy, to connects the esophagus to the small intestine below the duodenum, or sew a small bowel loop between the esophagus and duodenum. To prevent back flow of bile and pancreatic secretions into the esophagus, the doctor connects the esophagus by using a portion of the small intestine, not directly with the duodenum. It is often several bowel loops to be sewn together laterally, created as a reservoir for the purposes of a substitute for stomach. This will enlarge the size of the acceptable, different food servings.
Article From: Stomachcancersymptoms.org
Created: 2011-12-08
Last update: 2012-02-21