Does stomach removal surgery treat stomach cancer?

Gastrectomy removes part of the stomach or the entire stomach, along with nearby tissue and lymph nodes when appropriate. The surgeon then reconnects the digestive tract so food can pass. Surgery may be considered when the tumour can be removed safely and the overall treatment plan supports it. Some people receive chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatment before or after surgery. The operation is not suitable for every tumour, particularly when disease is too extensive for complete removal.

Ask the oncology and surgical teams how the tumour’s location, stage, and general health affect the plan. Evaluation may include endoscopy, scans, blood tests, and tissue results. If gastrectomy is advised, discuss the extent of removal, reconstruction, nutrition support, recovery, and possible changes in eating. A dietitian can help plan smaller meals and monitor weight and nutritional needs after surgery.

Before treatment, seek prompt medical advice for persistent vomiting, black stools, vomiting blood, worsening difficulty swallowing, or inability to keep fluids down. After surgery, contact the surgical team for fever, increasing abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, wound redness or drainage, or signs of dehydration. Sudden severe pain, collapse, or heavy bleeding needs emergency care.

Ask: Is the tumour removable? Would I need partial or total gastrectomy? Will treatment be given before or after surgery? How will digestion and eating change? What nutrition support is available? Which symptoms after discharge require an urgent call?