What to Except During Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you going to have gastrointestinal surgery? Obvious you start wondering what to expect from the surgery. Not whether it is a simple process or complex surgery; any surgery frightens and sends shivers down the spine when one has no idea how the steps are conducted. But knowing what to expect from preoperative preparation until post-surgery recovery can really minimize your fears and also make you better prepared for each phase of your treatment.
 

In this blog, we shall guide you through every step of your journey through gastrointestinal surgery, detailing what happens at each point from your initial consultation to pre-surgery instructions. We also aim to help answer your questions on how best to prepare for the surgery, exactly what to expect during the procedure itself, and how to ensure smooth recovery.
 

Gastrointestinal surgery

Gastrointestinal (GI) surgery refers to any surgical procedure performed to treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and other related organs. Understanding the types of GI surgery, the steps involved, and the recovery process can help patients feel more informed and confident in their treatment journey.

Types of Gastrointestinal Surgery

1. Appendectomy: An appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the appendix, a small, closed-ended tube attached to the large bowel in the lower right side of the abdomen.
2. Colorectal surgery: This involves the total removal or part of colon.
3. Cholecystectomy: It is the removal of the gallbladder, commonly done to remove gallstones.
4. Hernia repair: Hernia repair occurs when any organ bulges through some muscle or tissue that normally surrounds it.
5. Gastrectomy: It removed small portion or the whole of the stomach due to cancer or grave ulcers.
6. Pancreatic Surgery: This services are for chronic pancreatitis, cancers, and cysts.
7. Laparotomy: A laparotomy is a surgical incision (cut) into the abdominal cavity. This operation is performed to examine the abdominal organs and aid diagnosis of any problems, including abdominal pain. In many cases, the problem once identified can be fixed during the laparotomy.

Gastrointestinal surgery procedure, GI surgery step-by-step

The main stages of surgery on the gastrointestinal tract are its preparation before any surgery, the surgery itself, and recovery post- surgery. Let's outline this process in more detail below:

1. Pre-Operative Preparations: Many diagnostic tests will be conducted on patients before surgery, such as blood work, imaging (CT scans or endoscopy), and a physical exam to check up on the general wellness of a patient. Patients are usually advised to fast for 8 to 12 hours before they are subjected to surgery, to prevent complications with anesthesia. They may be asked to  take prescribed antibiotics to minimize the chance of infection in a patient.
    
2. During the surgery: Most GI procedures involve general anesthesia, meaning that the patient will be unconscious during the surgery. The surgeon will make an abdominal incision open procedure  or have a laparoscopy, which is a minimally invasive procedure. Based on the kind of surgery, the surgeon may necessitate the removal of diseased tissue or perform the underlying problem.
    
3. Post-operative care: The stay of hospital varies with different surgeries and most of the patients can stay in the hospital for a day or two. Right after the surgery, the patients are returned to normal eating that gradually begin with liquids then soft foods before progression to solids.

Bottom line

At AVH Hospital, We are committed to giving you the highest standard of medical care at every stage of your treatment journey. From advanced surgical procedures to an expert range of diagnostics and personalized care, our team of skilled professionals is dedicated solely to your health and well-being. Trust us as your partner in health, giving you the expertise, attention, and dedication that will help you heal quickly and successfully.