Minimally Invasive Robotic and Laparoscopic Gastrectomy: A new ray of hope for gastric cancer

The stomach is a muscular J-shaped sac-like structure, mainly acts as reservoir for the food, located in the upper and left part of abdomen and a crucial part of the Digestive organ of gastrointestinal system. It produces enzymes (Substances that create chemical reactions) and acids (digestive juices). This mix of enzymes and digestive juices breaks down food so it can pass to our small intestine(duodenum)

Gastric cancer, also referred to as stomach cancer, can happen anywhere, in any part of the stomach (Fundus, Body, also called proximal stomach and Antrum and Pylorus also called Distal part of stomach)– where abnormal growth of malignant cells, invading the stomach and adjacent and distal organs like Liver, Lung, peritoneum and Bone etc

Symptoms of Gastric Cancer

The prominent symptoms of gastric cancer include:

· Difficulty swallowing

· Feeling full or bloated even after eating small amounts of food

· Heartburn or acidity

· Indigestion coupled with nausea and vomiting

· Severe pain in the stomach

· Unintentional weight loss

Causes of Gastric Cancer

There is no definite reason for what could cause stomach cancer. However, the risk factors that can trigger this ailment include

· Chronic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

· Overweight

· Consumption of low fibre diet

· Poor eating habits like intake of food high on salts, deep fries

· Family history

· Infection with Helicobacter pylori

· Chronic gastritis

· Smoking

· Stomach polyps

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of gastric cancer is made by running various tests, including blood tests, and imaging tests like endoscopic ultrasound, CT, PET-CT, biopsy, or Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Treatment

Surgery forms the first line of defence while combating gastric cancer (in early stages). In the last decade, the surgical techniques for treating stomach cancer have grown by leaps and bounds, providing significant relief for the patients Treating gastric cancer requires the exceptional expertise of Surgical oncologists (gastro intestinal surgeons) Over the last decade or more, the surgical treatment for gastric cancers witnessed unparalleled medical advancements, with the advent of minimally invasive procedures like Robotic, Laparoscopic Procedures that ensure a faster recovery.

What is Gastrectomy

Gastrectomy is defined as a full or partial removal of stomach for treating various medical conditions mainly for cancer

Gastrectomy is of four types – Total Gastrectomy, Subtotal Gastrectomy, Distal gastrectomy extended total gastrectomy (removal of distal food pipe) and Proximal gastrectomy

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Robotic, Laparoscopic Gastrectomy Procedures

Open surgery, laparoscopy, or Robotic Surgery; the principles involve the same – removing cancer and surrounding structures (in case of metastasis) without compromising on the cure. Minimally invasive surgical procedures provide a better outcome than open surgery in patients undergoing gastrectomy to treat gastric cancer. Extensively trained Gastrointestinal surgeons adopting either robotic or laparoscopic surgeries to ensure faster, safe and feasible alternatives to conservative open surgery.

Some of the advantages of minimally invasive procedures are:

· Decreased postoperative pain

· Shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery

· Minimal scarring

· Less strain on the immune system

· Smaller incisions

· Less chance of infection and hernia formation

How Is Laparoscopic Gastrectomy Performed?

Laparoscopic Gastrectomy is a widely recommended and adopted minimally invasive surgical procedure for eliminating cancer cells, even in the locally advanced stages of gastric cancer.

During the procedure, several small incisions (key holes) are made by the surgeons. Surgical instruments are sent inside for accessing the diseased part for its dissection and removal. The surgery aimed at eliminating the cancer cells, may take a little longer in comparison to open gastrectomy but the patient would recover faster due to less blood loss and pain. It has 2D vision and Ergonomics of instruments are difficult due to straight instruments

The patient would be able to resume regular duties and eat normally within a week or too

How Is Robotic Gastrectomy Performed?

Robotic-assisted gastrectomy is done by making a small incision (key hole) measuring up to 8 to 12mm, at the belly button and three other small incisions for assistant instruments at the upper abdomen. The surgeon sits at the console during the procedure, directing the robotic arms to perform the operation. These robotic arms work like human hands with absolute, accurate dexterity, finger movement, and wrist (done by surgeon hand actions transmitted through instruments with digital interactions). Even while performing the surgery, the surgeon could view a magnified, high-definition 3D view of the organs, enabling the surgeon to execute procedures like dissection, bowel connections, and stapling.

The advantages of Robotic Gastrectomy are aplenty. It is often recommended for removing Gastrointestinal stromal tumours, gastric adenocarcinoma, or even rare form of carcinoid or neuroendocrine tumours.

This procedure has lesser pain when compared to conventional open gastrectomy. Other benefits include:

· Lesser blood loss and less transfusions

· Reduced risk of infections

· Early starting of feed

· Faster return to normalcy

Since its inception, robotic surgeries have been carried out extensively in thousands of procedures across the globe. These techniques have gained widespread popularity for its positive impact on a patient’s recovery, fewer complications, and shorter stays at hospitals. If we focus on cancers in particular, these surgeries are widely used in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. To learn more about the benefits of robotic surgeries for gastric cancer care, you can consult an oncologist for further guidance.

 

 

 This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Bowel cancer: Sitting the wrong way while pooping could put you at risk

Bowel cancer’s link with your toilet habits

Bowel cancer refers to cancer that begins in the large bowel (large intestine). Depending on where the cancer starts, bowel cancer can be called colon or rectal cancer. Most people diagnosed with it are over the age of 60, and this particular cancer is also becoming increasingly common in Western countries.

Cancer risk factors are wide-ranging. Many studies have found that chronic constipation is a major risk factor for bowel cancer. There is also evidence that poor or inappropriate toilet habits could also lead to this cancer. Sitting to empty the bowels is more likely to cause constipation, and bowel cancer, than squatting.

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​How squatting is better

Squatting is a natural position for defecation as it allows gravity to do most of the work. When you squat, the natural weight of your torso squeezes onto the bowl, so there is less need for you to strain. Squatting allows the ileocaecal valve – the valve between the small bowel and the large bowel – to naturally seal itself off. Further, the puborectalis, which is the muscle attached to the pubic bone, is able to relax better when squatting. All this allows for easier bowel movement, without much effort.

What happens when you sit

Sitting on the toilet seat actually prevents the ileocaecal valve from closing properly. This makes it harder for you to achieve proper internal bowel pressure to successfully pass a stool. When sitting on the toilet, the pelvic floor muscle used to maintain control of the bladder and bowels remains constricted. When the puborectalis muscle is not relaxed, you are straining against it to defecate while sitting.

​Other causes of bowel cancer

The exact cause of bowel cancer is not known, but there are a number of things that can increase your risk. One such factor is your age. Almost 9 in 10 people with bowel cancer are aged 60 or over. Another risk factor is the foods you eat. A diet high in red or processed meats and low in fibre can increase your risk. If you are overweight or obese, then again you could be at a higher risk of bowel cancer. The same applies for people who remain physically inactive. Drinking alcohol and smoking can also increase your risk of getting bowel cancer. A family history of bowel cancer can also put you at a higher risk of developing the disease.

​How to avoid bowel cancer

There are several things you can do to ensure you have a healthy gut, to avoid getting constipated. Eat a healthy diet with home-cooked meals, and avoid junk food which is high in fat and processed food. Include fibre-rich fruits and vegetables in your daily diet, along with drinking plenty of water everyday. Eating fruits like kiwi can help in facilitating regular bowel movement. Regular exercise may also help to stimulate gut transit time. In some previous studies, researchers have found evidence that runners have fewer tumours, compared to non-runners.

Bowel cancer symptoms

When bowel cancer develops, changes in bowel movements is one of the first symptoms a patient notices. According to the NHS UK, more than 90 percent of patients with bowel cancer experience changes in their bowel movements. Persistent changes in bowel habits can include pooping more often, and your poo may also become more runny.

Another symptom could be persistent blood in your poop that happens for no obvious reason or is associated with a change in bowel habit. Persistent lower abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort that's always caused by eating may also be a sign of bowel cancer. This could be accompanied with loss of appetite or significant unintentional weight loss.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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