Gastrectomy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Gastrectomy?
A surgeon who operates on the stomach, such as a surgical oncologist (a cancer surgeon), performs a gastrectomy. A gastroenterologist (a digestive system doctor) can help manage problems after surgery. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a gastrectomy?
A gastrectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the stomach. Doctors use it to treat stomach cancer and peptic ulcers, which are stomach sores.
In a partial gastrectomy, also called a subtotal gastrectomy, only part of the stomach is removed.
In a total gastrectomy, the surgeon removes the entire stomach. The end of the esophagus, the food pipe, is then attached to part of the small intestine.
A vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a weight-loss surgery. The surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach.
Symptoms
A gastrectomy is a surgery, not a disease. So this section covers problems that can follow it. Side effects after surgery for stomach cancer can include:
- Nausea.
- Heartburn.
- Belly pain.
- Diarrhea, particularly after eating.
These side effects might get better over time, but for some people they might not.
Dumping syndrome happens when food moves too fast from the stomach to the duodenum, part of the small intestine. Early symptoms start within 30 minutes after a meal. Late symptoms start 1 to 3 hours after a meal.
Some people with severe dumping syndrome avoid eating to prevent symptoms. This can lead to weight loss and malnutrition, which means not getting enough nutrients.
Because the stomach helps the body absorb some vitamins, a partial or total gastrectomy might cause vitamin deficiencies.
Causes and who gets it
Surgery is often part of the treatment for stomach cancer, if it can be done.
A total gastrectomy is done if the cancer has spread widely in the stomach. A partial gastrectomy might be recommended if the cancer is only in the lower part of the stomach.
If the cancer cannot be removed completely, surgery may still help control bleeding or a blocked stomach.
A vertical sleeve gastrectomy may be an option if you are very obese and diet and exercise have not worked.
Dumping syndrome is more common after a total gastrectomy than after a partial one.
How doctors diagnose it
Before the surgery, talk with your surgeon about how much of your stomach will need to be removed.
After surgery, doctors typically diagnose dumping syndrome based on symptoms. They may also order an oral glucose tolerance test, which checks blood sugar. Or they may order a gastric emptying scan, which shows how fast food leaves the stomach.
Treatment
Most partial and total gastrectomies are done through a large cut in the skin of the belly. This is called open surgery.
In some centers, the surgery is done through several small cuts instead. This is called a laparoscopic gastrectomy. It is very important that your surgeon is skilled and experienced with the technique.
Surgery for stomach cancer is complex and can have complications. During the operation, these can include bleeding, blood clots, and damage to nearby organs. Rarely, the new connections made between the ends of the stomach, esophagus, and small intestine may leak.
After surgery, you will not be allowed to eat or drink for at least a few days. This gives the digestive tract time to heal.
You might need to change your diet after a gastrectomy. The biggest change is eating smaller, more frequent meals. Doctors routinely prescribe vitamin supplements if certain parts of the stomach are removed. Some can only be given as shots.
For dumping syndrome, the first step is changing how and what you eat. A doctor may suggest:
- Eating six small meals a day instead of three larger meals.
- Waiting to drink liquids until at least 30 minutes after a meal.
If eating changes do not help, a doctor may prescribe medicines.
A vertical sleeve gastrectomy cannot be reversed once it has been done. Follow your surgeon's instructions about diet, exercise, and medicines.
When to see a doctor
Tell your doctor if dumping symptoms do not get better with diet changes. Medicines may help. Tell your doctor if you avoid food because of symptoms. This can lead to weight loss and malnutrition.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, severe belly pain, vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can review your symptoms, check your weight, and help coordinate care with your surgeon and dietitian.
Common questions
Is a gastrectomy only done for stomach cancer?
No, it is also used to treat peptic ulcers. A type called vertical sleeve gastrectomy is used for weight loss.
Do you have to change how you eat after a gastrectomy?
Yes, you might need to change your diet after a gastrectomy. The biggest change is eating smaller, more frequent meals.
What is dumping syndrome after a gastrectomy?
Dumping syndrome is a group of symptoms caused by food moving too fast from the stomach to the duodenum.
Sources
- American Cancer Society - Surgery for Stomach Cancer and Possible Side Effects
- NIDDK - Dumping Syndrome
- MedlinePlus - Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
