How effective is stomach removal surgery for stomach cancer?

A partial gastrectomy removes the affected part of the stomach; a total gastrectomy removes the stomach and connects the food pipe to the small intestine. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed so they can be examined. Surgery is considered when the cancer can be removed safely and completely, although the plan varies with stage and anatomy. Chemotherapy, targeted treatment, or other care may be given before or after surgery. The operation is not suitable for every tumour, particularly when disease cannot be removed with a reasonable surgical plan.

Ask the surgical team what operation is proposed, whether treatment is planned before surgery, and how eating may change afterwards. Recovery commonly involves gradual reintroduction of food, smaller meals, nutritional advice, and monitoring of weight and blood tests. Keep follow-up appointments so the team can review healing, pathology, nutrition, and any additional treatment. Report persistent vomiting, poor intake, or unexpected weight loss early.

After surgery, seek urgent medical help for severe abdominal pain, fainting, chest pain, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, or heavy bleeding. Contact the team quickly for fever, worsening wound redness, fluid from the incision, inability to keep fluids down, or signs of dehydration. These problems require assessment and are not a measure of whether the cancer treatment worked.

Ask whether partial or total gastrectomy is advised, what the scans show about spread, whether lymph nodes will be sampled, and how pathology will guide further treatment. Discuss nutrition support, expected eating changes, and the follow-up schedule.