Gastrointestinal Surgery
What is Gastrointestinal Surgery?
Gastrointestinal (GI) surgery refers to any surgical procedure performed on the digestive tract and its related organs. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. GI surgery can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, from cancer to blockages, infections, or inflammatory diseases.
How to diagnose Gastrointestinal Surgery? When to consult a doctor?
Diagnosing the need for gastrointestinal (GI) surgery involves a series of steps, including physical examination, medical history, and a variety of diagnostic tests. GI surgery typically addresses problems related to the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
You should consult a doctor if:
- Sudden, sharp, or severe abdominal pain may be a sign of appendicitis, a perforated ulcer, or gallbladder disease—all of which can require emergency surgery.
- If you're unable to keep food down, or if you experience chronic nausea and vomiting, it could indicate an obstruction, gastroparesis, or other GI condition.
- Bright red blood or black, tarry stools may indicate GI bleeding, which can be caused by ulcers, tumors, or hemorrhoids. Vomiting blood can be a sign of ulcers or esophageal varices, both of which may need surgery.
- Significant weight loss, chronic fatigue, or weakness could indicate a more serious GI condition, such as cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which may necessitate surgical intervention.
- If you've been diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancers (such as colorectal, stomach, or liver cancer), surgery may be part of your treatment plan to remove tumors or affected tissue.
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Causes
- Cancer
- Gallstones
- Appendicitis
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)
- Hernia
- Bowel Obstruction
- Diverticulitis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Symptoms
- Severe Abdominal Pain
- Vomiting and Nausea
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Changes in Bowel Movements
- Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes)
- Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
- Bloating and Gas
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of hospital stay varies based on the procedure and your recovery but can range from a day to several days.
Yes, specific dietary restrictions will depend on the type of surgery. Your doctor will provide guidance on what foods to eat or avoid.
Risks may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and complications related to anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss these with you.
Some patients may require follow-up treatments such as medication or further surgery, depending on their condition.