PROCEDURES
LAPAROSCOPIC ANTRECTOMY + TRUNCAL VAGOTOMY FOR COMPLICATED PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE
What is a laparoscopic antrectomy?
A laparoscopic antrectomy is a minimally invasive procedure which involves a surgeon removing a portion of the stomach called the antrum. The antrum is the lower third of the stomach which is situated between the middle of the stomach and the polyric canal, which extends to the first portion of the small intestine. An antrectomy may be incomplete or subtotal gastrectomy because it may be the elimination of a portion of the stomach.
When is a laparoscopic antrectomy done?
A laparoscopic antrectomy can be indicated to treat several problems that may occur in the digestive tract. These problems can include:
- Peptic ulcer disease: Peptic ulcer disease may cause uncontrollable or continual bleeding and obstructions which may prevent food from passing through to the small intestine. Laparoscopic antrectomy is indicated when peptic ulcers do not respond to conventional medical management.
- Cancers of the distal stomach
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) from the stomach: These are abnormal small blood vessels that connect arteries and veins, which disrupts the normal flow of blood and oxygen. Arteriovenous malformations can lead to bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract, which can result in you vomiting blood or black stools that may contain blood.
What does a laparoscopic antrectomy entail?
An antrectomy with a vagotomy is normally performed to treat ulcers, bleeding, blockage or cancer in your stomach. The procedure is done under general anaesthesia so that you don't feel anything throughout the procedure. Dr Moodley will make small incisions on your abdomen and pass through a laparoscope and other surgical tools through the incisions.
He will remove the lower portion of your stomach, and the remaining stomach will be attached to your intestine. The incisions will then be stitched close, and a catheter will be placed through your nostril to your stomach to keep your stomach empty to allow the surgery area to heal.