1. Multidisciplinary Oncology Consultation
The successful treatment of gastric cancer requires a perfectly coordinated plan developed by a multidisciplinary tumor board.
Your Consultation in Istanbul:
- Advanced Staging: Utilizing Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and PET-CT scans to determine the precise depth of the tumor and assess any lymph node involvement.
- Multidisciplinary Board: Your case is reviewed by GI surgeons, medical oncologists, and gastroenterologists to define the safest approach.
- Neoadjuvant Therapy: Discussing whether chemotherapy is needed before surgery to shrink the tumor and improve long-term survival outcomes.
Our goal is to create a personalized strategy that offers the highest chance of a complete cure.
2. Surgical Excellence in Gastrectomy
Surgery is the most effective treatment for gastric cancer. Our surgeons are internationally recognized for their expertise in complex digestive resections.
Advanced Surgical Approaches:
- Subtotal Gastrectomy: Removing the lower part of the stomach affected by the cancer, allowing the remaining stomach to continue its digestive function.
- Total Gastrectomy: Removing the entire stomach for cancers in the upper or middle section, followed by connecting the esophagus directly to the small intestine.
- D2 Lymph Node Dissection: Meticulous removal of a wider network of surrounding lymph nodesโa hallmark of advanced gastric surgery that significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: Utilizing laparoscopy or robotic surgery to perform the gastrectomy with smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
The priority is complete tumor removal with clear margins while restoring functional digestion.
3. Post-Operative Nutritional and Clinical Support
Recovery from a gastrectomy involves a significant adaptation of your eating habits and digestive process. Our specialized team is here to guide you.
Recovery Milestones:
- In-Patient Care: You will spend several days in the hospital receiving IV nutrition while your new digestive connections heal.
- Nutritional Re-education: Our clinical dietitians will teach you how to eat smaller, more frequent meals, chew thoroughly, and separate liquids from solids to prevent ‘dumping syndrome’.
- Vitamin Supplementation: Because the stomach is responsible for absorbing certain vitamins (like B12), we will establish a lifelong supplementation plan to keep you healthy.
Our team provides comprehensive guidance and coordinates all necessary follow-up oncology appointments.