In which position the nurse should position the patient after a gastrectomy?
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Gastrectomy is an operation in which all or part of the stomach is removed. Show
Why am I having a gastrectomy?Gastrectomy is used to treat:
Types of gastrectomyComplete GastrectomyIn a complete gastrectomy, the entire stomach is removed. The esophagus is connected to the intestine. This is a radical surgical intervention which requires significant changes in lifestyle after surgery. Partial GastrectomyIn a partial gastrectomy, a portion of the stomach is removed and the missing area is sutured together, depending on the location. If the removal involves the connections to the intestine or the esophagus, the surgeon may need to re-connect these organs. Sleeve GastrectomyA sleeve gastrectomy involves removing the left side of the stomach. This is primarily done for weight loss. The operation reduces the size of the stomach making the person feel full after eating less. Laparoscopic GastrectomyUsing laparoscopy to perform a gastrectomy has several advantages, some of which are:
In comparison, open surgery involves a larger incision and requires longer hospitalization. Open surgery also has an increased risk for complications. However, laparoscopy may not be appropriate for all circumstances. Preparing for your gastrectomyIf you are a smoker, you should stop smoking several weeks before surgery and not start smoking again after surgery. Smoking slows recovery time and increases the risk of problems. If you require help in quitting smoking, please let your doctor or nurse know.
During the week before your surgery:
On the day of your surgery:
During your gastrectomyThe surgery is done while you are under general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free). The surgeon makes a cut in the abdomen and removes all or part of the stomach, depending on the reason for the procedure. Depending on what part of the stomach in being removed, the intestine may need to be re-connected to the remaining stomach (partial gastrectomy) or to the esophagus (total gastrectomy). After your gastrectomyHow well you do after surgery depends on the reason for the surgery and your condition. After surgery, there may be a tube in your nose which will help keep your stomach empty. It is removed as soon as your bowels are working well. Most patients have mild discomfort from the surgery. You can easily control this with pain medications. Patients usually stay in hospital for 6 to 10 days. After discharge, you should perform light activity for the first 4 to 6 weeks. If you take narcotic pain medications, you should not drive. ComplicationsRisks of any anesthesia include:
Risks of any operation include:
Risks of a gastrectomy include:
A gastrectomy is a serious operation, and recovery can take a long time. After having a gastrectomy, you may be fitted with a nasogastric tube for about 48 hours. This is a thin tube that passes through your nose and down into your stomach or small intestine. It allows fluids produced by your stomach to be regularly removed, which will stop you feeling sick. You'll also have a flexible tube
catheter placed in your bladder. This is to monitor your fluids, and to drain and collect urine while you recover. Until you can eat and drink normally, nutrition will be given directly into a vein (intravenously) or through a tube inserted through your tummy into your bowel. Most people can begin eating a light diet about a week after a gastrectomy. After the operation, you'll need to take regular
painkillers until you recover. Tell your treatment team if the painkillers you're taking do not work – alternative painkillers are available. You'll probably be able to return home 1 to 2 weeks after having a gastrectomy. Whatever type of gastrectomy you have, you'll need to make changes to your diet. It may be months before you can return to a more normal diet. A dietitian should be able to help you with this adjustment. Food
or drink you enjoyed before the operation may give you indigestion. You may find it helpful to keep a food diary to record the effects that certain types of food have on your digestion. You'll probably have to eat frequent small meals, rather than 3 large meals a day, for a fairly long time after having a gastrectomy. However, over time, your remaining stomach and small intestine will stretch and you'll gradually be able to eat larger, less frequent meals. The Oesophageal Patients Association (OPA) has a guide to life after stomach surgery containing lifestyle advice for people after they've had a gastrectomy High-fibre foodsAvoid eating high-fibre foods immediately after having a gastrectomy, as they'll make you feel uncomfortably full. High-fibre foods include:
You'll gradually be able to increase the amount of fibre in your diet. Vitamins and mineralsIf you've had a partial gastrectomy, you may be able to get enough vitamins and minerals from your diet by eating foods that are high in nutrients – in particular, foods high in iron, calcium, and vitamins C and D. If you've had a total gastrectomy, you may be unable to get enough of these from your diet so may require supplements. Read about vitamins and minerals for information on foods that are high in these nutrients. Most people who have had a total gastrectomy, and some who have had a partial gastrectomy, need regular injections of vitamin B12 because this is difficult to absorb from food if your stomach has been removed. After a gastrectomy, you'll need regular blood tests to check you're getting the right amounts of vitamins and minerals in your diet. Not enough nutrition can lead to problems such as anaemia. Page last reviewed: 19 April 2021 What are the patient positions?EXPLORE COMMON PATIENT POSITIONS. Fowler's Position.. High Fowler's Position.. Supine Position.. Jackknife Position.. Kidney Position.. Prone Position.. Lithotomy Position.. Sim's Position.. What is the supine position for surgery?Supine. Patient lies on the back, face toward the ceiling, legs not crossed, arms at sides or on arm boards. This position is most often used for abdominal surgery, some pelvic surgery, open-heart surgery, surgery to the face, neck, mouth, and most surgeries of the extremities.
In what position is a patient when lying on the back?Supine. Many medical professionals consider the supine position to be the most natural of the different positions for patient procedures. Supine has a patient lying on their back. Legs might remain extended or slightly bent.
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