Postgastrectomy
Postgastrectomy denotes the period or condition following gastrectomy, a surgical procedure that removes part or all of the stomach. It is performed for gastric cancer, complex peptic ulcer disease, or other gastric conditions. Resection types include distal (subtotal) gastrectomy with Billroth I or Billroth II reconstruction, and total gastrectomy with esophagojejunostomy or Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The reconstruction chosen affects postoperative digestion and potential complications.
Postoperative care focuses on restoring nutrition while preventing complications. Immediate concerns include bleeding, infection, anastomotic leak,
Long-term, patients may develop postgastrectomy syndrome, characterized by early or late dumping, postprandial fullness, cramps, diarrhea,
Management emphasizes nutrition and monitoring. Lifelong follow-up includes monitoring for anemia, micronutrient deficiencies, and weight. B12