What is it?
The stomach sits close to major blood vessels and the pancreas, so this surgery requires both precision and thorough dissection. A robotic approach separates the stomach and its lymph nodes from surrounding structures with accuracy.
Who is this for?
- Stomach (gastric) cancer, the most common indication
- Severe ulcers
- Certain benign tumors
- Cases requiring partial or total gastrectomy
How is the procedure performed?
- Several small incisions with wrist-like instrument motion
- Magnified 3D view supports thorough lymph node dissection
- Affected portion of the stomach removed with surrounding lymph nodes
- Digestive tract reconstructed by connecting remaining stomach or esophagus to the intestine
What are the benefits?
Accurate D1 or D2 lymph node clearance, a key factor in long-term cancer outcomes.
Reduced blood losswhile dissecting around major vessels and the pancreas.
Smaller incisions than an open gastrectomy.
Faster return of bowel function, allowing earlier resumption of eating.
Reduced post-operative pain during recovery.
Careful preservation of nearby structures, helping limit certain complications.
Precise reconstruction connecting the remaining stomach or esophagus to the intestine.
Supported by coordinated dietary counselling before and after surgery.
What should patients expect (risks & recovery)?
Gastrectomy carries risks including leaks at the reconstruction site and long-term nutritional changes, particularly after total removal of the stomach. The decision to proceed, and the extent of resection required, depends on the stage and location of the cancer, determined through endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging. Many patients also receive chemotherapy before or after surgery as part of a complete treatment plan, coordinated closely with the surgical team. Nutrition afterward requires careful long-term guidance, including smaller, more frequent meals and, in some cases, vitamin B12 supplementation, supported by dedicated dietary counselling.
