Total Gastrectomy in West Bengal

How will I eat without a stomach?

The intestine is reconnected directly to the esophagus, and patients adapt to eating smaller, more frequent meals; a dietitian typically helps guide this transition.

Will I need vitamin supplements for life?

Yes, since the stomach is needed to absorb vitamin B12 and iron properly, lifelong supplementation, often B12 injections, is required after total gastrectomy.

Is this surgery curative for stomach cancer?

When the cancer is caught before it has spread widely, total gastrectomy combined with chemotherapy can offer a good chance of long-term survival — your oncologist can discuss your specific prognosis.

How long is the hospital stay and recovery?

Hospital stay is typically 10-14 days given the complexity of the surgery, with full recovery taking 6-8 weeks or longer.

What are the risks?

Risks include leakage at the reconnection site, nutritional deficiencies, and dumping syndrome (rapid gastric emptying causing digestive symptoms), all managed with dietary adjustments and close follow-up.