Laparoscopic Surgery for Stomach Cancer
Laparoscopic surgery for stomach cancer removes the tumour using a camera and surgical instruments inserted through small abdominal incisions. Part or all of the stomach and the lymph nodes are removed, and digestive tract continuity is restored. Suitability for this approach depends on the tumour stage, location and the patient's general condition.
- Incisions
- 3 or 4 small incisions
- Hospital stay
- 3 to 5 days
- Return to work
- 2 or 3 weeks
What is laparoscopic stomach cancer surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique performed without a large abdominal incision. A camera and surgical instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity through 3 or 4 small incisions. With the wide view provided by the camera, the surgeon removes the tissue containing the tumour and performs lymph node dissection, separating the nodes from surrounding tissue and removing them.
This technique is an alternative to conventional open surgery and is accepted as a standard approach for stomach cancer detected at an early stage. Laparoscopy is reported to provide the same oncological outcomes as open surgery, with benefits in functional outcomes and quality of life.
Stomach-preserving operations are used at an early stage when the tumour is small and has not spread. The aim is to remove the tumour while retaining stomach function. Preserving some stomach capacity allows more comfortable eating.
When is the operation used?
Early stomach cancers at stages T1 and T2
Submucosal tumours, located beneath the mucosal lining, or localised tumours
Tumours that cannot be removed endoscopically
Residual tumours after chemotherapy
Cases in which diagnostic laparoscopy confirms that surgical removal is possible
Early and intermediate-stage stomach cancer without distant metastases
Assessment and the operation
Before surgery, endoscopy and computed tomography establish the disease stage. Whether surgical treatment is possible and whether laparoscopy is chosen depend on the tumour stage, location and the patient's general condition. This technique is not suitable for every stomach cancer; advanced stages may require a combination of open surgery and chemotherapy.
The operation is performed as a total gastrectomy, removing the entire stomach, or a subtotal gastrectomy, removing part of the stomach while preserving the remainder. Lymph nodes are completely removed and digestive tract continuity is reconstructed. Laparoscopic proximal subtotal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction is also described for malignant tumours at the entrance to the stomach; this operation removes the upper part of the stomach and restores the digestive tract using two pathways.
Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy may be prescribed depending on the depth of the tumour and lymph node status. In operations performed by Dr. Ilgar Ismayilov, the risk of recurrence, meaning the cancer returning, is minimal.
Benefits of the laparoscopic approach
Reduced surgical risks, blood loss and risk of infection
Minimal pain and less physical strain on the body because muscles are not cut
Barely visible scars and a favourable cosmetic result
A hospital stay usually lasting 3 to 5 days
Earlier restoration of mobility and eating, with a shorter recovery period
Preservation of stomach function and quality of life
Eating and daily activities after surgery
Liquid intake begins in the first few days after surgery. Pain at the surgical site is usually mild, and mobility and eating gradually return. Resuming daily activities may be possible before fully returning to your usual routine.
Outpatient follow-up continues after discharge. Subsequent treatment takes account of tumour depth and lymph node status.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my entire stomach be removed?
Part or all of the stomach may be removed during the operation. The choice depends on the tumour stage and location. At an early stage, when the tumour is small and has not spread, a stomach-preserving operation may be possible. Retaining some stomach capacity can make eating more comfortable.
Is laparoscopic surgery suitable for me?
To determine this, endoscopy and computed tomography establish the disease stage. The tumour location and your general condition are also considered. Advanced stages may require a combination of open surgery and chemotherapy.
Will I need chemotherapy after the tumour is removed?
Adjuvant chemotherapy may be prescribed after surgery. This decision depends on the depth of the tumour and lymph node status.