UofL Physicians - Surgery
401 E. Chestnut St., Suite 710
Louisville, KY 40202
​
Treatment Options for Gastric Cancer
Treatment
Patients may undergo one or more of the following treatment options:
-
Surgery
-
Radiation Therapy
-
Chemotherapy
-
Targeted Therapy
-
Immunotherapy
Surgery
Surgery is a common treatment for gastric cancer. Types of surgery include:
-
Subtotal Gastrectomy – Removes part of the stomach containing cancer.
-
Total Gastrectomy – Removes the entire stomach and reconnects the esophagus to the small intestine.
-
Lymphadenectomy – Surgical removal of nearby lymph nodes to check for cancer spread and reduce recurrence risk.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
-
Digestive issues, including difficulty absorbing nutrients
-
Risk of infection or bleeding
-
Changes in appetite and weight loss
Inoperable Gastric Cancer
For patients with inoperable cancer, alternative treatments focus on symptom management and slowing disease progression, including:
-
Radiation therapy
-
Chemotherapy
-
Palliative care
What to Expect During the Procedure
-
Preoperative preparation may include dietary changes and cessation of certain medications.
-
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
-
Recovery involves a hospital stay and gradual reintroduction of food.
-
Follow-up care includes nutritional counseling and monitoring for recurrence.