Common Surgical Procedures in the Digestive System

2

The digestive system is a complex system responsible for the digestion and absorption of food. When health problems arise in this area, often, surgical procedures are necessary to effectively treat the conditions.

In this article, we will explore the main surgeries performed in this area and provide essential information.

Bariatric surgery: an option to treat obesity

Bariatric surgery is an effective medical intervention for patients with morbid obesity who are unable to achieve satisfactory results with conventional weight loss methods.

There are different types of bariatric procedures, with the main ones today being gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, each with its own mechanisms to promote significant weight loss and improve associated health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Types of bariatric surgery

Gastric bypass: Reduces the size of the stomach and bypasses part of the small intestine, limiting food intake and calorie absorption.

Sleeve gastrectomy: Removes a large portion of the stomach, reducing its capacity and altering the hormones that control hunger.

Many patients experience improvements in conditions such as sleep apnea, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and joint problems.

To learn more about who can benefit from bariatric surgery, the steps involved in the pre-operative process, and the essential post-operative care, explore our blog with articles on bariatric surgery and other digestive system surgeries that we will cover here.

Hernia surgery: correction of a bulge in the abdomen

Hernia surgery is a procedure performed to correct the protrusion of organs or tissues through an opening in the abdominal wall.

Hernias can occur in various parts of the body, with the most common being in the inguinal (groin), umbilical (around the navel), and incisional (post-surgical) regions.

Hernia repair methods

Open surgery: This traditional method involves making a direct incision over the hernia area to reposition the organs and close the opening in the abdominal wall with sutures or a synthetic mesh for reinforcement.

Laparoscopy: Also known as minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopy uses small incisions through which a laparoscope (a small camera) and surgical instruments are inserted.

This technique allows the surgeon to perform the hernia repair with less trauma to the surrounding tissues, which generally results in a quicker recovery and less post-operative pain.

Colectomy: surgical removal of the colon

Another digestive system surgery that deserves attention is colectomy. A surgical procedure performed to remove all or part of the colon, also known as the large intestine.

This intervention is necessary to treat a variety of conditions, including colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory bowel diseases that do not respond to conventional medical treatment.

Segmental colectomy involves the removal of a specific part of the colon affected by the medical condition, preserving the rest of the organ. This procedure is often performed when colon cancer is localized in a specific area or when the inflammatory disease is restricted to a part of the colon.

On the other hand, total colectomy involves the complete removal of the colon and sometimes also the rectum. This may be necessary in advanced cases of colon cancer or in ulcerative colitis.

Traditionally, colectomy was performed through a larger abdominal incision. This allows the surgeon a clear and direct view of the colon and surrounding structures.

Another approach is laparoscopic surgery, which is less invasive and uses small incisions in the abdominal wall through which a laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted.

Gastrectomy: surgical treatment of stomach cancer

Gastrectomy involves the partial or total removal of the stomach, depending on the location and stage of the diagnosed cancer.

When the tumor is located in a specific part of the stomach, surgeons opt for partial gastrectomy to remove only the affected area, preserving as much of the stomach function as possible.

On the other hand, in more advanced cases or when cancer is spread throughout the organ, total gastrectomy may be necessary to ensure the complete elimination of cancer and prevent its spread to other organs.

Pancreatectomy: surgery to treat diseases of the pancreas

This intervention involves the partial or total removal of the pancreas, depending on the nature and extent of the diagnosed condition.

When cancer is localized in a specific part of the pancreas or when there is a benign tumor that cannot be treated otherwise, surgeons opt for partial pancreatectomy.

In this case, only the affected part of the pancreas is removed, allowing for the preservation of part of the organ and, ideally, pancreatic function.

In more severe situations, such as advanced cancer that has spread throughout the pancreas, or in cases of chronic pancreatitis that compromise the entire organ, total pancreatectomy may be necessary.

In this procedure, the entire pancreas is removed, significantly impacting the production of digestive enzymes and the regulation of blood sugar levels.

Pancreatectomy is a highly complex surgery due to the pancreas’s location in the abdomen and its intimate connections with other organs, such as the duodenum, stomach, and gallbladder.

Hepatic resection: surgical removal of part of the liver

Hepatic resection is a fundamental surgical procedure used to remove part of the liver, often indicated in the treatment of primary liver cancer or hepatic metastases originating from other organs.

The liver is a remarkable organ for its unique ability to regenerate, which means that even after part of it is removed, the remaining liver can expand and recover its functionality over time.

The decision to perform a hepatic resection depends on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor, as well as the overall condition of the patient.

In many cases, especially when cancer is localized in a specific part of the liver and has not spread to other areas of the body, partial hepatic resection can be a curative option.

The procedure can be performed via open or laparoscopic approach, depending on the complexity of the case and the surgeon’s preferences.

Open hepatic resection involves a larger incision in the abdominal region to allow direct access to the liver, while the laparoscopic approach uses small incisions through which a laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted.

Conclusion: post-surgical care and guidance for a good outcome

After any surgical procedure on the digestive system, it is essential to follow medical guidelines to ensure proper recovery.

Collaboration with a specialized medical team and regular follow-up are fundamental to achieving a good post-surgical outcome and improving the patient’s quality of life. Understand and ask your questions about these and other digestive system surgeries by accessing the Gastroblog.

Image by stefamerpik on Freepik