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Surgery is a treatment option for numerous different stages of stomach cancer, particularly in its early stages. If a patient has a stage 0, I, II, or III cancer and is generally healthy enough, surgery often offers the only realistic chance for cure.
The aim of surgery is to remove all of cancer in the stomach while keeping as much normal tissue as possible. In some cases, some nearby tissues and lymph nodes may also be removed, depending on the stage and type of stomach cancer. Sometimes the surgeon may need to remove other organs as well.
There are several different types of surgery for stomach cancer. The type of surgery you have will depend on the type and stage of your cancer, as well as its location in your stomach.
Endoscopic resection
Endoscopic resection is used to treat very early-stage tumors that have not spread from the stomach walls. The goal of this procedure is to effectively remove the body of stomach cancer. For some people, this type of procedure is the only treatment needed.
During this procedure, no incision is made in the skin. Instead, your surgeon inserts a flexible tube with a small camera on its end (called an endoscope) through your mouth down into your stomach. Through the endoscope, surgical tools are passed to remove all cancerous tissue and some of the normal stomach wall around it.
Gastrectomy
Gastrectomy is carried out to remove part or all of the stomach while leaving as much healthy tissue as possible. The goal of the surgery is to completely remove cancer from the stomach, as well as the nearby lymph nodes. Gastrectomy is commonly performed on those whose stomach cancer has advanced. There are two types of gastrectomy:
Subtotal (partial) gastrectomy – this type of gastrectomy is usually recommended if the cancer is located only in the lower part of the stomach. Sometimes, it is used for cancers that are located only in the upper portion of the stomach as well. Subtotal gastrectomy involves removing part of the stomach, sometimes along with the first part of the small intestine or part of the esophagus. The surgeon may also remove part of the tissue that holds your stomach in place (the omentum). How much of your stomach and other organs removed depends on the position of cancer. After the surgery, you will have a smaller stomach.
Total gastrectomy – total gastrectomy is done if cancer has spread throughout the stomach. It is also recommended if the cancer is located near the esophagus in the upper part of the stomach or in the middle of the stomach. During the surgery, your surgeon removes the entire stomach, the omentum, nearby lymph nodes, and sometimes, parts of the nearby organs (such as the esophagus, pancreas, and intestines). In order to enable you to continue swallowing and eating normally, your surgeon then attaches the esophagus to part of the small intestine.
A gastrectomy, both subtotal and total, can be performed in three ways:
Laparotomy (open surgery) involves creating a large incision in the abdomen. This procedure may be needed if your abdomen contains scar tissue from previous surgery, making creating a small incision difficult.
Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) involves making several tiny incisions in the skin above the abdomen. Through one incision, the surgeon inserts a laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube with a small camera on its end). Through the other incisions, the surgeon inserts small surgical tools to perform the surgery.
Robotic-assisted surgery uses a robotic surgical tool. The surgeon operates the robot using a console displaying a magnified 3-D image of the inside of your abdomen, which has been highlighted with a special fluorescent dye.
Placement of a feeding tube
After stomach cancer surgery, some patients experience trouble taking in enough nutrition. Other treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy can make the problem even worse. To help you take in enough nutrition, your surgeon can place a tube into the intestine during gastrectomy. The end of this tube remains on the outside of the skin. Through the end of the tube, you can put liquid nutrition directly into the intestine, preventing, and treating malnutrition.
Your length of stay depends on the type of surgery you underwent. In general, you need to stay in the hospital for a few days. Plan to stay in Taiwan for at least 7 days for initial recovery and follow-up checkups.
The recovery time can vary, depending on the type of surgery and the technique your surgeon used. After endoscopic resection, many patients are able to return to work 2-3 days after surgery. For gastrectomy, it generally takes around 4 to 6 weeks until you can resume your normal routine, including work. However, if your doctor uses the laparoscopic technique, the recovery period can be shorter.
Your surgeon will give you a set of post-operative instructions that you need to follow. These include wound care and medications to take. You may need to attend regular follow-up checkups to ensure cancer has not come back.
After stomach cancer surgery, you may need to change your diet and you’re eating patterns. You need to eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three big meals a day, particularly after total gastrectomy. Your surgeon will advise you to eat a low-carb and high-protein diet to help you feel better after eating.
The success rate for stomach cancer surgery depends on the stage of cancer and the type of stomach cancer you have. In general, surgery is very effective, particularly in the early stages of stomach cancer.
As with any major surgery, stomach cancer surgery has risks and side effects. These include bleeding, infection, and damage to nearby organs.
In many cases, surgery is necessary to treat stomach cancer, so there are no other alternatives. However, your doctor may recommend radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy instead of surgery, but it often depends on the stage of cancer you have. These types of treatments are usually needed along with surgery.
Stomach cancer can be life-threatening and cause uncomfortable symptoms. After surgery, the symptoms you felt before should be gone and the chance of your cancer spreading to other organs is reduced. In some cases, you may also be put in remission, meaning no cancer is found in your body.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Whilst still a part of the Republic of China, the small island of Taiwan maintains a wealth of ancient Chinese culture and traditions mixed with modern-day Western inspirations. With its food-loving locals and award-winning whiskeys, Taiwan is a land of surprises. With 14 JCI accredited facilities in Taiwan, Taipei, the capital, is home to most, many of which are part of the University Hospitals and offer a range of specialist tertiary care. The country welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Stomach Cancer Surgery procedures. Medical Tourists mostly travel from the mainland or from within the region.
Taiwan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with 23.5 million inhabitants. The country has amazed tourists with its dynamic cities, vibrant culture, interesting history, and incredible natural scenery.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is the main airport in the country, located about 40km west of Taipei in the Dayuan District, Taoyuan. It is the hub for 6 airlines including two of Taiwan’s major airlines, China Airlines, and EVA Air. It has international connections with almost every country in the world. The airport serves major airlines as well as budget airlines such as Air Asia, Eastar Jet, Air Busan, and Tiger air Taiwan. There are other airports that serve international and domestic flights such as Taichung Airport, Tainan Airport, Siaogang Airport, and Taipei Songshan Airport.
Tourists arriving at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport have a variety of transport options such as buses, taxis, car rentals, and Taoyuan Airport MRT. Buses are the cheapest option to get to the city center. Tourists who head towards the Taipei 101 area should take Bus no. 1960, while bus no. 1819 and 1961 will take tourists near Taipei Main Train Station.
Taxis are available in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2’ arrivals lobby. The fare is based on a meter and will usually cost around 1,200 TWD (40.50 USD). A journey to the city center takes about 50 minutes and taxis operate for 24 hours.
Taoyuan Airport MRT is the fastest way to reach Taipei’s city center. It will take tourists to Taipei Main Station in 35 minutes and costs 160 TWD (5.40 USD). The MRT operates from 6.05 am to 11.35 pm.
Tourists can travel around Taiwan by normal train (TRA). It is an affordable option; a train ride from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs around 845 TWD. Tourists who need a quicker travel time can opt for Taiwan High-Speed Train (HSR). The train travels from Taipei to Kaohsiung in just 90 minutes.
The cheapest way to travel around Taiwan is by bus. Buses are readily available and will reach small villages and mountain resorts. The country provides Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus system that offers 42 routes to more than 100 tourist destinations.
Taxis and MRT is the best way to travel around big cities. In Kaohsiung, getting around in a bicycle is the best way to explore as it is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Taiwan.
Citizens of 65 countries do not require a visa to visit Taiwan and can stay for up to 90 days. Nationals of Turkey can obtain a visa on arrival valid for 30 days. It is best to check to the nearest embassy or consulate for visa requirements. Since January 2016, Taiwan offers an eVisa program for 18 countries including Saudi Arabia, Peru, Oman, and United Arab Emirates.