Minimally Invasive Gastrectomy and Surgery for Peptic Ulcer Disease

Laparoscopic gastrectomy is removal of all or part of the stomach. This procedure is performed to treat recurrent peptic ulcer disease, to remove a chronic gastric ulcer, to stop hemorrhage in a perforated ulcer, or to remove a malignancy. The nerves that control acid secretion in the stomach - the vagus nerves - can be cut through the laparoscope for reduction of acid in the stomach. If surgery is the form of treatment your doctor recommends, physicians at the Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York who specialize in this procedure can determine if laparoscopic surgery is appropriate for you.

How is Laparoscopic Gastrectomy Performed?

Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision at the umbilicus (belly button). The laparoscope is connected to a tiny video camera--smaller than a dime--which projects a view of the operative site onto video monitors located in the operating room. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide, a gas, to allow your surgeon a better view of the operative area. Two or three additional small incisions are made near the laparoscope through which the surgeon inserts very small specialized surgical instruments. The surgeon uses these instruments to remove all or a portion of the stomach and to attach any remaining portion of the stomach to the small intestine. Following the procedure, the small incisions are closed with sutures and covered with Band-Aids. After a few months, they are barely visible.

What Are the Benefits?

• Three or four tiny scars instead of one large abdominal scar.
• Shorter hospital stay - you may leave the same day or the day after surgery.
• Reduced postoperative pain.
• Shorter recovery time - days, instead of weeks - and quicker return to daily activities, including work.

What Can I Expect after Surgery?

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions after surgery. Although many people feel better in just a few days, you may need to take it easy for two to four weeks.

How Safe Is Laparoscopic Gastrectomy?

If performed by experts in this field, laparoscopic gastrectomy is as safe as "open" surgery in carefully selected cases.