UMC Health

Gastroenterological Surgery

What is Gastroenterological Surgery?

Gastroenterology surgery is a medical specialty that diagnoses and treats diseases of the digestive system. This field includes surgical procedures on digestive system organs such as the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Why is it done?

Gastroenterological surgery is used to treat various digestive system diseases:

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Surgical treatment of stomach acid reflux into the esophagus due to weakness of the valve at the bottom of the esophagus.
  • Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers: Surgical treatment of ulcers resistant to drug therapy.
  • Gallstones: Surgical removal of gallstones.
  • Chronic Pancreatitis: Surgical treatment of inflammation of the pancreas.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Surgical treatment of conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
  • Colon and Rectal Cancer: Surgical removal of colon and rectal cancers.
  • Diverticulitis: Surgical treatment of inflammation of small pouches called diverticula in the large intestine.
  • Hernias: Surgical treatment of hernias that form in the abdominal wall.

Application Areas

Gastroenterological surgery encompasses a wide range of diseases and conditions:

  • Laparoscopic surgery: Surgical procedures performed using minimally invasive methods.
  • Fundoplication: Surgical treatment of reflux disease.
  • Gastrectomy: Removal of part or all of the stomach.
  • Colectomy: Removal of part or all of the large intestine.
  • Gallbladder Surgery (Cholecystectomy): Surgical removal of the gallbladder.
  • Pancreatectomy: Removal of part or all of the pancreas.
  • Liver Resection: Surgical removal of liver tumors.
  • Ileostomy and Colostomy: Surgical creation of an opening from the intestines to the abdominal wall.

Surgery Process

Consultation: Before surgery, you will have a detailed consultation with your doctor to learn about your health condition and treatment options.

Preparation: Necessary tests and examinations will be performed before the surgery. Your doctor will provide you with detailed information about the surgical procedure and preparations will be completed.

Anesthesia: General anesthesia will be administered depending on the type of surgery.

Surgical Procedure: Your surgeon will perform the prescribed surgery. The duration of the surgery varies depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Recovery Process: After the surgery, you will be kept under observation in the hospital for a period of time. After discharge, it is important to follow the care and recovery process recommended by your doctor.

Results

Gastroenterological surgery can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life and eliminate digestive system problems. Maintaining your digestive health after surgery is possible with regular doctor check-ups and recommended lifestyle changes.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, gastroenterological surgery carries certain risks. These risks may include infection, bleeding, complications related to anesthesia, bowel obstruction, and problems that may occur during the postoperative recovery process. Choosing an experienced and expert surgeon is important to minimize these risks.