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Health Information Center

Surgical Procedures for Stomach Cancer

Authors:
  • Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Surgical Procedures for Stomach Cancer

The primary treatment for stomach cancer is surgery. The goal of treatment is to remove as much of the cancer as possible, while preserving the stomach and its function. It is often used in combination with other treatments. Chemoradiation, a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor or to try to kill off any remaining cancer cells after surgery. Surgical removal is not always an option since most stomach cancers are found in advanced stages.

Gastric surgeries are long and difficult procedures that often have postoperative complications. It is important to seek out an experienced surgeon and hospital for these procedures.

References

  • Gastric carcinoma. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116155/Gastric-carcinoma .
  • Gastric cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/stomach/patient/stomach-treatment-pdq.
  • Stomach cancer. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/tumors-of-the-gi-tract/stomach-cancer.
  • Surgery for stomach cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomach-cancer/treating/types-of-surgery.html.

Contributors

  • EBSCO Medical Review Board
Last Updated:
2021-10-01

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.