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When faced with persistent stomach issues or digestive disorders, you may hear your doctor mention Gastrointestinal Surgery. It sounds daunting, but understanding the basics can ease your concerns and empower you to make informed decisions. Between March 24, 2020, and July 31, 2020, 314 GI surgeries were performed in India, demonstrating the continued need for these procedures even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. This blog unpacks the essentials of Gastrointestinal Surgery, including what it is, when it is needed, and the benefits and risks of Gastrointestinal Surgery.
Synopsis
What is Gastrointestinal Surgery?
Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgery is a specialised field of medicine focused on treating conditions of the digestive system. This includes the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The procedures range from minimally invasive techniques, such as Laparoscopy, to more extensive surgeries for conditions like cancer.
A gastrointestinal surgeon, a professional qualified to identify and manage these intricate disorders, usually performs GI surgery. These experts provide solutions that are customised to meet your unique needs, whether you're suffering from persistent stomach problems after eating or require treatment for complications resulting from a stomach infection.
When Is Gastrointestinal Surgery Necessary?
Sometimes the best—or only—option is surgery, even though many intestinal problems can be controlled with medicine or lifestyle modifications. Common reasons include:
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Persistent Stomach Pain: Surgery is frequently necessary to treat conditions like gallstones, ulcers, or appendicitis.
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Chronic Conditions: When other therapies are unsuccessful, surgery may be required for conditions including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or chronic acid reflux.
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Cancer: In order to stop the disease's progression, stomach, intestinal, or pancreatic tumours frequently need to be removed.
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Infection-related complications: For conditions like peritonitis, surgery might be recommended if left untreated or if the stomach lining is seriously damaged by infections.
A surgical gastroenterologist's prompt assessment and diagnosis are essential for determining whether surgery is required.
Types of Gastrointestinal Surgeries
Minimally Invasive Surgery
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Laparoscopic Surgery: This method uses a camera and tiny incisions, which speeds up recuperation and lowers the risk of infection. It is frequently used for appendectomies, gallbladder removal, and hernia repair.
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Robotic-Assisted Surgery: More precision is possible with advanced robotic equipment, which lowers risks in complicated surgeries like colorectal surgery.
Open Surgery
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Larger incisions are required for this conventional method, which is applied to more extensive conditions, including severe trauma or advanced cancer. It gives surgeons a thorough perspective of the affected area.
Endoscopic Procedures
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To remove polyps, tiny tumours, or abnormal growths found during routine screenings, non-invasive methods such as Endoscopic Mucosal Excision are frequently required.
Benefits of Gastrointestinal Surgery
Significant comfort, improved digestive health, and potentially life-saving results can be obtained with Gastrointestinal Surgery. Key advantages are as follows:
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Relief from Pain and Discomfort: If you have been dealing with constant stomach pain or conditions like gallstones, hernias, or acid reflux, surgery can help alleviate these problems and make you feel better.
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Improved Digestive Health: Surgery can fix blockages, remove growths, or repair damaged parts of the digestive system, allowing you to eat and digest food more comfortably.
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Minimally Invasive Options: Modern techniques like Laparoscopic or Robotic Surgery involve smaller cuts, less pain, quicker recovery, and tiny scars. For example:
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Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Removes an inflamed appendix with small incisions.
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Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy): Gets rid of painful gallstones through a minimally invasive approach.
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Life-Saving Procedures: In emergencies, such as a burst appendix or severe bleeding in the digestive tract, surgery can save your life by addressing the issue immediately.
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Better Long-Term Health: For conditions like cancer, surgery can remove tumours and prevent the disease from spreading, giving you a fresh start and a better chance at recovery.
Gastrointestinal Surgery Risks
Despite its obvious advantages, gastro intestinal surgery carries certain risks. Here are a few things to consider:
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Infection: Infections within the abdomen or at the site of the incision can result from any surgery. To avoid this, your doctor will prescribe medications and care instructions.
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Bleeding: While some bleeding during or after surgery is common, excessive bleeding may require further care, such as a blood transfusion.
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Responses to Anaesthesia: In rare cases, anaesthesia may result in problems like lightheadedness or trouble breathing. To prevent complications, your medical team will keep a close eye on you.
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Blood clots: Blood clots may develop in your lungs (pulmonary embolism) or legs (deep vein thrombosis) following surgery. This danger can be reduced by walking around and following post-surgery instructions.
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Tissue Scarring (Adhesion): Internal scar tissue may develop, which could eventually lead to digestive tract obstructions or even occasional discomfort.
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Short-Term Digestive Problems: You may have constipation, diarrhoea, or bloating following surgery. Usually temporary, these become better with time and the right indigestion treatment and care.
Conclusion
Gastrointestinal Surgery can be a transformative solution for managing complex digestive issues, from chronic conditions to life-threatening emergencies. While the idea of surgery might feel intimidating, advancements in medical techniques, such as Minimally Invasive and Robotic-Assisted Procedures, have made these interventions safer, quicker, and more effective. At Manipal Hospitals, we combine state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care to ensure you receive the best treatment tailored to your needs. Trust us to guide you toward better digestive health and overall well-being.
FAQ's
The procedure determines the recovery time:
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Following minimally invasive surgery, recovery could take a few days to a few weeks.
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Recovery from open surgery could take weeks or months.
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You will receive detailed recovery instructions from your surgeon.
Yes, depending on the procedure you have, your doctor might suggest a particular diet. This might consist of:
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Beginning with clear liquids, then progressing gradually up to solid foods.
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Avoiding heavy, fatty, or spicy foods at first.
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For a full recovery, always do as your surgeon instructs.
Your physician might ask you to:
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Refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours prior to surgery,
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Steer clear of certain medications.
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Make plans for at-home post-surgery care.
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Recovery and the operation go more smoothly when you are prepared.
When gallstones are removed, hernias are treated, or malignant tumours are excised, Gastrointestinal Surgery can often offer a long-term solution. Even after surgery, some chronic illnesses, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, may need to be continuously managed. The specific prognosis for you will be discussed by your physician.
You can schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, by contacting us or visiting our website.
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