Our Summary
This study was conducted at Tata Memorial Hospital in India, a top hospital for stomach cancer care, to examine the results of stomach cancer surgeries. Data was collected from patients who had surgery to remove stomach cancer between 2010 and 2015.
Out of 580 patients who had cancer-removal surgery, most had tumors located at the lower part of the stomach. About a third of the patients had surgery right away, while the rest had chemotherapy before surgery. Different types of surgery were performed based on the location and extent of the cancer. On average, patients lost about half a liter of blood during surgery and only about 10% needed a blood transfusion. The average hospital stay was 8 days, with serious post-surgery complications occurring in about 9% of patients, and death in 1.5%.
The study also compared results between the first half of the study period (2010-2012) and the second half (2013-2015). It found that in the second half, more cancerous lymph nodes were removed during surgery and patients stayed fewer days in the hospital.
After following up with patients for an average of 3 years, it was found that about 52% of patients were still alive after 5 years, and about 47% were free from cancer.
In conclusion, the study suggests that hospitals that perform a high number of stomach cancer surgeries may have better results, with more cancerous lymph nodes removed and shorter hospital stays.
FAQs
- What was the main goal of the stomach cancer surgery study conducted at Tata Memorial Hospital?
- What were the results of the study in relation to the removal of cancerous lymph nodes and duration of hospital stay?
- What was the survival rate and cancer-free rate of patients 5 years after the stomach cancer surgery according to the study?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about gastrectomy is to follow a nutritious diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery. It is important to eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid foods that may cause discomfort or irritation to the stomach. Patients should also stay hydrated, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol consumption to support overall healing and recovery. Regular follow-up appointments with the medical team are crucial to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended gastrectomy include those with stomach cancer, especially those with tumors located in the lower part of the stomach. The decision to recommend gastrectomy may depend on the location and extent of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. Additionally, patients who have not responded well to chemotherapy or other treatments may also be recommended for gastrectomy.
Overall, this study suggests that gastrectomy can be a successful treatment option for patients with stomach cancer, with good survival rates and low rates of serious complications. The study also highlights the importance of specialized centers with experience in performing stomach cancer surgeries for optimal outcomes.
Timeline
Before gastrectomy, the patient typically undergoes tests and consultations to determine the extent of the cancer and the best course of treatment. This may include chemotherapy or other treatments to shrink the tumor before surgery. The patient also undergoes pre-operative preparations to ensure they are in the best possible condition for surgery.
During gastrectomy, the patient is under general anesthesia and the surgeon removes part or all of the stomach, depending on the extent of the cancer. The surgery may also involve removing nearby lymph nodes to prevent the spread of cancer. The patient may lose blood during surgery and may require a blood transfusion. The average hospital stay post-surgery is around 8 days.
After gastrectomy, the patient goes through a recovery period where they may experience pain, discomfort, and changes in eating habits. The patient will have to follow a specific diet to adjust to the changes in their digestive system. Physical therapy and other rehabilitation may be necessary to regain strength and mobility.
Long-term follow-up is important after gastrectomy to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence and to address any long-term side effects or complications from the surgery. The study mentioned above shows that the survival rates for patients who undergo gastrectomy for stomach cancer are relatively high, with about half of patients still alive after 5 years. Regular follow-up appointments and screenings are crucial for the ongoing care of these patients.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about gastrectomy include:
- What are the different types of surgeries available for stomach cancer removal and which one would be most suitable for my specific case?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with gastrectomy?
- How much blood loss can be expected during surgery and is a blood transfusion likely to be needed?
- How long is the typical hospital stay after gastrectomy surgery?
- What are the chances of experiencing serious post-surgery complications?
- What is the survival rate for patients who undergo gastrectomy for stomach cancer?
- How many cancerous lymph nodes will be removed during surgery and how does this impact the prognosis?
- How many gastrectomy surgeries does the hospital perform each year and how does this impact the outcomes?
- What are the follow-up care and monitoring procedures after gastrectomy surgery?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary restrictions that need to be followed after gastrectomy surgery?
Reference
Authors: Bhandare MS, Kumar NAN, Batra S, Chaudhari V, Shrikhande SV. Journal: Indian J Cancer. 2017 Oct-Dec;54(4):605-608. doi: 10.4103/ijc.IJC_665_17. PMID: 30082543