Surgery is the main treatment for stomach cancer. The aim is to remove the tumour and try to cure the cancer. The main types of stomach surgery are:
Endoscopic resection:Gastrointestinal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a procedure to remove precancerous, early-stage cancer or other abnormal tissues (lesions) from the digestive tract. This is performed with a long, narrow tube equipped with a light, video camera and other instruments. During EMR of the upper digestive tract, the tube (endoscope) is passed down your throat to reach an abnormality in your esophagus, stomach or upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).
Partial gastrectomy: Part of your stomach is removed. If the cancer is found in only a small part of your stomach, the entire cancer and that part of your stomach can be removed.
After the operation, your stomach will be much smaller but the valve between your oesophagus and stomach will still be there.
Total gastrectomy: The whole stomach is removed. For cancer that affects a large part of your stomach, your entire stomach and the lower part of your oesophagus and sometimes your spleen will be removed. Your oesophagus is then joined to your small intestine (bowel).