Gastrointestinal Surgery

What Are The Types Of Gastrointestinal Surgery?

(GI) surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures that target different parts of the digestive system. Below is a list of the various types of GI surgeries:

1. Appendectomy: An appendectomy is a surgical procedure that falls under gastrointestinal surgery amongst many other procedures. An appendectomy refers to the surgical removal of the appendix, which is found in the right lower side of the abdomen. This procedure is generally carried out on an emergency basis to treat appendicitis (inflamed appendix). Appendicitis has some common symptoms which include nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, and pain. Sometimes, these symptoms may be missing and it becomes essential to consult an expert to evaluate the abdominal cavity to make a diagnosis.
2. Hemorrhoidectomy: Hemorrhoids or piles refer to swollen veins in and around the anus and in the lower rectum. Piles can be classified into: Internal piles and External piles. Internal piles as the name suggests evolve inside the rectum and are not visible from the inside. On the other hand, external piles develop on the outside of the anal opening and are quite visible. Hemorrhoidectomy or piles surgery is a surgical procedure conducted by healthcare experts to remove hemorrhoids. Surgery is important to treat hemorrhoids since it can cause several bothersome symptoms like itching, pain, bleeding, and lumps around the anus.
3. Bariatric Surgery: Bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery is a surgical procedure performed on individuals who are severely obese. This surgery is typically recommended to individuals who attempted other weight loss methods and were unsuccessful and have critical health problems. Bariatric surgery aims to reduce the size of the stomach to restrict the quantity of food the person eats or absorbs.
4. Cholecystectomy: A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure done to remove the gallbladder (a pear-shaped organ that is located below the liver on the upper right side of the abdomen). The function of the gallbladder is to collect and store a digestive fluid produced in the liver called bile. A cholecystectomy is majorly performed to treat gallstones and the complications they cause. Gallstones refer to the hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can develop in the gallbladder. The size of a gallstone can be a grain of sand to as large as a ball.
5. Esophageal Surgery: Esophageal surgeries treat conditions that affect the esophagus, which may include cancer, very bad acid reflux, or structural problems. These include esophagectomy, where part or all of the esophagus is removed, usually due to cancer; fundoplication, which strengthens the valve between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent acid reflux; and in cases of blockages, the diameter of the esophagus needs to be increased by dilation or a stent is placed. Esophagogastrostomy is also performed by connecting the remaining esophagus to the stomach when its part gets removed.
6. Stomach Surgery: Stomach surgery includes all types of operations to fight diseases like cancer, ulcers, or obesity. Gastrectomy is the procedure to remove a part of or the entire stomach, with the most likely cause being cancer or severe ulcers. Reducing the size of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine is a widely used weight-loss procedure in the form of gastric bypass surgery. Gastric sleeve surgery is a type of bariatric surgery that involves the partial removal of the stomach to form a thin tube. Pyloroplasty is the surgical widening of the opening of the lower part of the stomach into the small intestine.
7. Liver Surgery: Liver surgery is primarily performed to treat liver cancer, tumors, or other liver diseases. Hepatectomy involves the removal of a portion of the liver, often due to cancer. In cases of severe liver disease, liver transplantation may be required, where the diseased liver is replaced with a healthy donor liver. Liver resection refers to the surgical removal of a portion of the liver affected by disease or tumors, with the remaining liver regenerating over time.
8. Endoscopic Surgery: Endoscopic surgery involves minimally invasive procedures that are done using an endoscope to treat or diagnose conditions within the GI tract. EMR stands for endoscopic mucosal resection, which removes precancerous or cancerous tissue from the lining of the digestive tract. ESD stands for endoscopic submucosal dissection and denotes the removal of deeper layers; this is usually reserved for larger and more invasive tumors. These procedures are less invasive compared with traditional surgeries and many times have quicker recovery times.

What Happens During a Gastrointestinal Surgical Operation?

Here's a detailed explanation of what happens during a GI surgical procedure:

1. Preoperative Preparation: Before gastrointestinal surgery, the patient undergoes thorough preparation through medical check-ups, imaging, and endoscopy if necessary to view the passage of food. An anesthesiologist goes through the anesthesia plan with the patient. The patient is then asked to fast in order to minimize surgical complications. If the colon and rectum are involved, bowel preparation may be necessary. The surgeon then describes the procedure after which the patient consents by signing a form.
2. Anesthesia and Incision: The next step involves the administration of anesthesia on the day of surgery, followed by the positioning of the patient on the operation table. Sterilization is then performed on the surgical area, followed by making an incision: large in open surgery and small in minimally invasive surgery.
3. Surgical Procedure:

   During surgery, after the preliminary incision, the surgeon will carefully dissect the skin, fat, muscle, and connective tissue to get to the gastrointestinal tract. This requires precision so as not to injure neighboring structures such as blood vessels, nerves, or other organs. Once the abdomen is opened, an exploratory survey may be done, where the surgeon will palpate and inspect all the organs visually to ensure that everything has been properly seen for the condition in question.

   The type of surgical intervention will depend on the problem diagnosed. If resection is necessary, your healthcare provider will remove the portion of the GI tract like a segment of the colon in malignancy or severe disease. In benign conditions like polyps or ulcers, it is sufficient to excise the abnormal tissue. In cases of hernias, the weakened area is repaired usually with mesh to add some strength to the tissue.

   Bypass may be needed where the surgeon makes a new way for the passage of digestive contents by bypassing a diseased part of the tract. In some very severe cases, as in advanced liver disease, a transplant may be done, in which a diseased organ is replaced by a healthy donor organ.

4. Closing the Incision: After the procedure, the doctor will make sure that there is no excessive bleeding, followed by closing the incision with sutures or staples. Sterile dressings are applied to protect the site and ensure healing.

What Are The Advantages Of Gastrointestinal Surgery?

Here are the advantages of gastrointestinal (GI) surgery:

1. Effective Treatment of Serious Conditions: The surgery represents a definite solution for serious conditions such as cancer, serious infections, or even a structural abnormality that cannot be treated with medication.
2. Relieving of Symptoms: Cures symptoms like pain, nausea, blockages, and digestive problems, which enhance the quality of life in general.
3. Enhanced Functionality: It returns normal functionality to the digestive system, after which patients normally recover to resume the regular intake of food and digestion.
4. Minimally Invasive Options: Advances in technology have fostered minimally invasive techniques, like laparoscopic surgery, which reduce recovery time and lessen pain while reducing the risk of complications.
5. Enhanced Recovery Time: Faster recovery and lesser hospitalization, as against traditional open surgeries, ensure that one can get back to normal routine activities faster.
6. Weight Loss and Management: Advanced bariatric surgeries, including gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, work wonders for the long-term weight loss and management of an individual for certain obesity-related conditions.
7. Prevention of Complications: Surgical intervention may obviate or minimize serious complications from an untreated condition, such as perforation or sepsis.
8. Improved Quality of Life: Many patients experience an immense improvement in their quality of life, including better digestion, fewer symptoms, and general well-being.

How To Prepare For A Gastrointestinal Procedure?

Preparing for a gastrointestinal (GI) procedure involves several necessary steps to ensure the best possible outcome. Here's a guide on how to prepare:

• See Your Surgeon or Gastroenterologist: Speak with your doctor regarding the procedure, detailing what will take place, what sort of risks could occur, and what kind of preparation should be done beforehand. Provide your doctor with your entire history of medical ailments and the medications you are taking to make sure it is safe and can be tailored to suit your needs.
• Pre-procedure Instructions: Follow all dietary and medication adjustment instructions given by your doctor. This may mean you need to fast or take a special diet to prepare your digestive system for the procedure.
• Plan for Transportation: Since you might be sedated or anesthetized, you will require someone to drive you home after the procedure, to ensure utmost safety and comfort.
• Plan recovery: Make sure you have time off to rest and have support in place if you need it. The recovery may differ depending on the procedure you're going to have. You may wish to line up help with daily activities like grocery shopping and household chores and devise a comfortable recovery area.
• Follow Hygiene and Preparation Guidelines: If required for your procedure, take laxatives or use an enema as instructed to prepare the bowel. Also, follow other personal hygiene instructions, such as using antibacterial soap, to properly prepare yourself.
• Smoking and Drinking: Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as much as possible during the days before your procedure, as this will, to some extent, hinder healing and the proper functioning of anesthetics.
• Confirm Details: Make sure that you confirm the time and place of your procedure with your provider in order to ensure everything goes according to plan.

What Are The Recovery Tips To Follow After The Gastrointestinal Surgical Procedure?

Here are some of the essential recovery tips one needs to follow after a GI surgical procedure:

• Follow Medical Instructions: Follow post-operative instructions outlined by your surgeon or healthcare team. This includes taking prescribed medications, managing wound care, following dietary restrictions, and activity limitations.
• Manage Pain and Discomfort: Take pain medications as directed to minimize discomfort. You may take over-the-counter pain relievers, but only if your doctor has advised you to do so. Apply topical ointments recommended or follow some strategy to manage your pain.
• Fluid Intake and Dietary Restrictions: Progress from clear liquids to solid foods according to what you are told by your doctor. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids. Further, follow dietary restrictions, if any, against the occurrence of complications and to promote healthy recovery.
• Rest and Avoid Strenuous Activities: Rest is a part of recovery. Accordingly, take adequate rest, avoid heavy lifting, bending forward, and vigorous exercise with the advice from your doctor. You can advance the level of activity after consulting your doctor.
• Watch for Complications: Be aware of signs of complications such as increased pain, fever, swelling, and abnormal discharge at the operated area. Contact the health provider if you experience worrying symptoms.
• Follow-up Appointments: Attend all the follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. Such doctor visits allow close monitoring of recovery, making it possible to resolve many issues. These appointments also ensure adequate healing and make it possible for any necessary adjustments to your care plan.
• Take Good Care of Your Wounds: Always keep your incisions or the surgical site clean and dry. Follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider and do away with touching or scratching the incision area since it increases the chance of getting an infection.
• Gradually Return to Your Regular Activities: Return to your routine gradually. Follow your doctor's recommendations about when to resume work, exercise, or daily activities.
• Promote Digestive Health: Add gentle, easy-to-digest foods to your diet while you're recovering. Probiotics or fiber supplements, if advised by your doctor, can also aid digestion.
• Emotional Support: Surgery and recovery can be an emotional time. You can also reach out for support from family, friends, or a counselor if you need extra help with stress or anxiety during this recovery period.