Our Summary

This research paper looks at the relationship between the number of stomach removal surgeries (gastrectomies) a hospital performs each year and the risk of patients dying after the operation. The researchers analyzed 30 studies involving almost 587,000 participants. They found that the risk of patients dying after stomach removal surgery was 35% lower in hospitals that performed a larger number of these surgeries each year compared to hospitals that did fewer. This suggests that hospitals that perform at least 100 gastrectomies a year have lower patient death rates after surgery. The research implies that hospitals with more experience in this particular surgery (those performing more than 100 a year) have better patient outcomes.

FAQs

  1. What is the relationship between the number of gastrectomies a hospital performs each year and the risk of patient death post-operation?
  2. How much lower is the risk of death after stomach removal surgery in hospitals that perform a larger number of these surgeries each year?
  3. Is there a suggested minimum number of gastrectomies a hospital should perform each year to lower patient death rates after the surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about gastrectomy is to choose a hospital that performs a high volume of these surgeries each year, as research suggests that hospitals with more experience in gastrectomies have lower patient death rates after surgery. It is important to discuss the hospital’s experience with gastrectomies with your healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for gastrectomy include those with stomach cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, severe peptic ulcers, or other conditions that cannot be managed with less invasive treatments. Additionally, individuals who have a high risk of developing stomach cancer due to genetic factors, such as those with a family history of the disease or certain genetic mutations, may also be recommended for prophylactic gastrectomy. Overall, the decision to undergo gastrectomy is typically made on a case-by-case basis after thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider.

Timeline

Before gastrectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with stomach cancer or other conditions that require removal of part or all of the stomach
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to assess their overall health and readiness for surgery
  • Patient may receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy to shrink the tumor before surgery
  • Patient receives detailed instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting and medication guidelines

After gastrectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the gastrectomy surgery, which can be done through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques
  • Patient stays in the hospital for a few days to recover and monitor for complications
  • Patient may experience side effects such as pain, nausea, and changes in appetite and digestion
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and begins the recovery process at home, which may include dietary changes and physical therapy
  • Patient follows up with their medical team for regular check-ups and monitoring for any signs of complications or cancer recurrence.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How many gastrectomy surgeries does the hospital perform each year?

  2. What is the hospital’s success rate for gastrectomy surgeries?

  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with gastrectomy surgery?

  4. What is the recovery process like after gastrectomy surgery?

  5. How long will it take to fully recover from gastrectomy surgery?

  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to gastrectomy that I should consider?

  7. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes after gastrectomy surgery?

  8. How will gastrectomy surgery affect my diet and nutritional needs?

  9. What long-term effects or complications should I be aware of after gastrectomy surgery?

  10. Are there any support groups or resources available for patients who have undergone gastrectomy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ning FL, Gu WJ, Zhao ZM, Du WY, Sun M, Cao SY, Zeng YJ, Abe M, Zhang CD. Journal: Int J Surg. 2023 Apr 1;109(4):936-945. doi: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000269. PMID: 36917144