Surgical procedures to treat disorders of the stomach
Gastrectomy
This procedure refers to removing all or part of the stomach. If part of the stomach is removed, it is called a subtotal or partial gastrectomy. If the entire stomach is removed it is called a total gastrectomy. Gastrectomies are most commonly performed for stomach tumors (either benign or malignant) and for stomach ulcers.
Pyloroplasty
This procedure is often performed in conjunction with a vagotomy and is done to open the pylorus (the muscle valve between the stomach and the duodenum). This procedure helps the stomach contents empty better after the vagotomy.
Gastrojejunostomy
This procedure is another method to help the stomach empty. A new connection between the stomach and small bowel is made. This may be done in combination with a vagotomy and/or a partial gastrectomy.
Vagotomy
This surgical procedure consists of cutting one or more of the nerves to the stomach. It is performed to treat ulcers. The medications for ulcer disease are very good and are usually sufficient . However, occassionally surgery is still needed. It is usually combined with some type of drainage procedure so that the stomach will empty well after the nerves to it are divided.
Antrectomy
This is the removal of the last 1/3 of the stomach. It is the part of the stomach that produces gastrin (a hormone that helps produce stomach acid). When this procedure is done to cure ulcer disease, it is usually combined with a vagotomy.
