Distal Gastrectomy

1. What is Distal Gastrectomy?

Distal gastrectomy removes the lower part of the stomach, including the diseased or cancerous area. The remaining stomach is then connected to the small intestine to restore the passage of food.

2. When is it Recommended?

It may be recommended for selected stomach cancers located in the lower or middle portion of the stomach, particularly when the tumour can be completely removed while preserving part of the stomach.

3. What Symptoms May a Patient Notice?

Symptoms of stomach disease may include persistent indigestion, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, early fullness after eating, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite or blood in the stool. Some patients may have few symptoms in the early stages.

4. What Does the Treatment Involve?

The surgeon removes the affected lower portion of the stomach along with an appropriate margin of healthy tissue and, when cancer is involved, nearby lymph nodes. The remaining stomach is then surgically connected to the small intestine.

5. What Are the Main Treatment Options?

Distal gastrectomy may be performed using open, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, depending on the patient's condition and the surgeon's assessment. Additional chemotherapy or other cancer treatment may be recommended depending on the pathology and stage.

6. How Long Does Treatment & Recovery Take?

Hospitalisation is commonly around 5–10 days, depending on the surgical approach and recovery. Patients generally require several weeks to recover and gradually return to their normal diet and activities.

7. What Are the Important Risks or Considerations?

Distal gastrectomy is an established major abdominal procedure. Possible complications include bleeding, infection, leakage at the surgical connection, bowel obstruction, nutritional deficiencies and changes in digestion or eating patterns. Individual risks depend on the patient's health and extent of surgery.

8. Why Consider Treatment in India?

India has specialised gastrointestinal and surgical oncology centres offering open, laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomy, advanced cancer staging and multidisciplinary treatment involving surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and nutrition specialists.

9. How Can Medavelle Help?

Medavelle can assist with pathology and imaging review, gastrointestinal surgeon and oncologist coordination, hospital selection, surgical planning, international patient arrangements and postoperative nutrition and follow-up coordination.

10. What Should the Patient Do Next?

Share your reports → Gastrointestinal/oncology evaluation → Cancer staging & surgical assessment → Treatment recommendation → Treatment planning in India.