Gastroenterology Surgical Procedures
Cholecystectomy
▲A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the gallbladder, a pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. The gallbladder functions as a reservoir for bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. This procedure is commonly performed and is generally considered safe, with a minimal risk of complications.
In most cases, a cholecystectomy is conducted using a minimally invasive technique known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This approach involves making several small incisions through which a tiny video camera and specialised surgical instruments are inserted to facilitate the removal of the gallbladder. Patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy can typically be discharged on the same day.
In certain instances, an open cholecystectomy may be necessary. This technique involves a single, larger incision for gallbladder removal and generally requires a longer hospital stay and recovery period.
Gastrectomy
▼Gastrectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the stomach, either partially or entirely. A total gastrectomy entails the complete removal of the stomach, while a partial gastrectomy involves the excision of a portion of the stomach.
This procedure is performed to treat conditions such as gastric cancer, severe (Class III) obesity, or other stomach disorders unresponsive to conservative treatments like medication and lifestyle modifications.
Following a gastrectomy, patients typically require hospitalisation for up to two weeks for close monitoring. Healthcare providers ensure adequate nutrition and gradually reintroduce solid foods to facilitate recovery and adaptation to dietary changes.
Nissen Fundoplication
▼A Nissen fundoplication is a surgical procedure used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). During the operation, a surgeon reinforces the lower oesophageal sphincter by wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the oesophagus, preventing acid reflux. This procedure significantly reduces reflux symptoms in most patients.
Two main surgical approaches are used:
- Laparoscopic: Involves small incisions and a camera for visualisation, minimizing recovery times.
- Open surgery: Requires larger incisions for greater anatomical access when complicated factors exist.
If non-invasive treatments such as medication or lifestyle modifications fail, surgery may be recommended. Hospital stays and recovery duration vary depending on the chosen surgical approach and individual health conditions.
Hiatal Hernia
▼A hiatal hernia is often diagnosed during diagnostic tests conducted to identify the cause of heartburn or pain in the chest or upper abdomen. These evaluative procedures may include an X-ray of the upper digestive tract, endoscopy, or oesophageal manometry.
Most individuals with a hiatal hernia remain asymptomatic and do not require treatment. However, those experiencing frequent heartburn or acid reflux may benefit from medication or surgery, sometimes combined with weight-loss procedures like sleeve gastrectomy.
Essential lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms effectively, including:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals.
- Avoiding known dietary trigger foods.
- Maintaining a healthy, balanced target weight.
- Refraining completely from smoking.
Bariatric Surgery
▼Gastric bypass and other forms of weight-loss surgery, collectively known as bariatric or metabolic surgery, involve modifications to the digestive system to promote weight loss. These procedures are recommended when diet and exercise have proven ineffective or when weight-related health conditions necessitate clinical intervention.
Depending on the specific surgical approach, some mechanisms restrict total food intake, while others reduce active nutrient absorption, or combine both pathways together. Despite their long-term benefits, bariatric surgeries are major medical procedures with potential structural risks and side effects.
Achieving sustained success requires lifelong commitment to a highly controlled diet and regular physical exercise. Post-surgery, patients must follow a strict, structured dietary progression and undergo frequent long-term medical evaluations to ensure optimal recovery and overall health outcomes.
Esophagectomy
▼Esophagectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a portion or the entirety of the oesophagus, the muscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. The oesophagus is subsequently reconstructed, typically using a healthy structural section of the patient's stomach.
This procedure is commonly performed for advanced stages of oesophageal cancer and, in some specialized cases, for Barrett’s oesophagus with high-grade precancerous cells. It may also be recommended for severe, noncancerous respiratory and gastric conditions, such as end-stage achalasia or severe structural strictures.
Post-surgery, enteral nutrition via a temporary feeding tube is often necessary until a regular oral diet is safely tolerated. Due to significantly reduced stomach capacity following anatomical reconstruction, patients must permanently adopt smaller, more frequent meal patterns, which can initially result in localized weight loss.
Liver Resections (Hepatectomy)
▼Hepatectomy, or liver resection, is a surgical procedure involving the removal of part or all of the liver. A partial liver resection allows the remaining healthy tissue of the organ to naturally regenerate over time, while a total hepatectomy necessitates a comprehensive human liver transplant.
This procedure is primarily performed to treat localized liver disease, eliminate malignancies, or facilitate living donor liver transplantation. As a technically complex abdominal surgery, hepatectomy may be conducted using traditional open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted techniques, depending heavily on the patient’s clinical status.
Recovery at home typically lasts four to eight weeks, during which patients must observe strict medical restrictions regarding heavy lifting and strenuous activity. Laparoscopic or robotic procedures generally allow for a faster path to recovery, with a safe return to normal daily activities within six to eight weeks.
Bowel Resections
▼A bowel resection is a surgical procedure involving the removal of an affected portion of the small intestine, large intestine (colon), or rectum. It is performed to treat acute or chronic conditions such as cancer, diverticulitis, structural obstructions, or severe localized bleeding that compromise core bowel function and pose critical health risks.
There are three primary surgical approaches utilized by surgeons:
- Open resection: Performed through a larger single incision when wide access to the abdominal cavity is required.
- Laparoscopic resection: A minimally invasive method using small ports, specialized instruments, and cameras.
- Robot-assisted laparoscopic resection: Employs robotic platforms to enhance precision and fine mechanical control.
The final choice of procedure depends on the specific baseline condition, as well as the exact location and geographic extent of the affected bowel segments. As a major surgical intervention, a bowel resection typically requires an inpatient hospital stay of approximately two to four days for close post-operative monitoring and recovery.