Stomach Cancer Surgeon in Kolkata for Gastric Cancer Surgery
Consult Dr Mainak Pal, a stomach cancer surgeon in Kolkata, for assessment and surgical planning following a gastric cancer diagnosis. Treatment depends on the tumour’s location, stage and the patient’s overall health.
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Notable Statistics:
Nearly 969,000 people worldwide have stomach cancer.
In India, 60,000 to 65,000 cases are recorded annually.
Studies show the chance of relapse is 5% if diagnosed early.
What Is Stomach Cancer Surgery?
Stomach cancer surgery removes part or all of the stomach, nearby lymph nodes and affected tissue when required.
Chemotherapy may accompany surgery. Suitability depends on whether the cancer can be removed safely and whether it has spread.
Stomach Cancer Surgery at a Glance
| Treatment Detail | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Condition treated | Operable stomach or gastric cancer |
| Main purpose | Remove the tumour and assess nearby lymph nodes |
| Procedures | Subtotal or total gastrectomy |
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
| Additional treatment | Chemotherapy or radiotherapy when advised |
| Hospital stay | Depends on the operation and recovery |
| Treated by | Dr Mainak Pal |
Which Stomach Cancer Operations Are Mentioned?
The operation is selected according to the tumour’s location and extent:
- Subtotal gastrectomy: removal of the cancer-affected part of the stomach and any involved nearby tissue.
- Total gastrectomy: removal of the entire stomach and, when required, affected parts of nearby structures.
When May Stomach Cancer Surgery Be Recommended?
Surgery may be considered when:
- The tumour appears removable on staging tests
- Disease remains operable after staging
- The patient is fit to undergo a major operation
- Preoperative treatment has been completed when advised
- Surgery may relieve obstruction or bleeding
Which Symptoms Need Assessment?
- Persistent upper-abdominal discomfort
- Reduced appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Feeling full after a small meal
- Repeated nausea or vomiting
- Ongoing bloating or difficulty swallowing
- Dark stools, anaemia or persistent weakness
How Is Stomach Malignancy Diagnosed and Staged?
Assessment may include:
- Upper-GI endoscopy or gastroscopy
- Biopsy of suspicious tissue
- CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis
- Endoscopic ultrasound in selected cases
- Blood tests, nutritional review and biomarker testing
What Are the Potential Benefits of Timely Surgery?
For selected patients, surgery may support:
- Removal of operable disease
- Lymph-node assessment
- Relief of obstruction or bleeding
- Pathological staging
- Planning of treatment after surgery
Why Choose Dr Mainak Pal for Stomach Cancer Surgery?
Dr Mainak Pal’s academic and professional background includes:
- MS in General Surgery
- FMAS from the Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India
- Advanced laparoscopic knotting and suturing training at ETHICON, New Delhi
- Surgical experience at IPGMER and Peerless Hospital, Kolkata
- Expertise in upper-GI malignancy surgery
- Academic and research guidance for DNB trainees
Diagnosis-Led Surgical Planning
The operation is selected after reviewing the biopsy, stage, nutrition and response to previous treatment.
How Is the Treatment Plan Decided?
Planning may consider:
- Tumour location, size and stage
- Biopsy and biomarker findings
- Lymph-node or distant-organ involvement
- Need for chemotherapy
- General fitness and nutritional condition
- Previous abdominal operations
- Expected digestive function
What Happens During a Malignant Stomach Surgery?
Before Surgery
- Review of biopsy and staging scans
- Blood tests and anaesthesia assessment
- Medication and nutritional review
- Fasting and admission guidance
During Surgery
- General anaesthesia
- Subtotal or total gastrectomy as planned
- Removal of nearby lymph nodes
- Removal of involved tissue and digestive reconstruction when required
After Surgery
- Monitoring and prescribed medicines
- Gradual return to food and movement
- Wound or drain care when required
- Pathology review and oncology planning
What Is the Recovery Timeline?
| Stage | What You May Expect |
|---|---|
| Hospital phase | Monitoring and gradual nutritional intake |
| Early home phase | Small meals, medicines and gentle activity |
| Following weeks | Improving strength and food tolerance |
| Long term | Nutritional monitoring, oncology care and surveillance |
What Care Is Needed After Gastrectomy?
Aftercare may include:
- Eating smaller meals and following dietitian guidance
- Taking prescribed supplements
- Monitoring weight and hydration
- Resuming activity gradually
- Attending oncology reviews and scheduled tests
What Can Happen If Stomach Malignancy Is Left Untreated?
Delay may increase the risk of:
- Progressive difficulty eating
- Stomach obstruction
- Bleeding and anaemia
- Increasing weight loss and malnutrition
- Spread to lymph nodes, the liver or abdominal lining
- Emergency admission
- Fewer treatment options
What Determines the Cost of Stomach Cancer Surgery?
Cost may vary by:
- Endoscopy, imaging and pathology
- Cancer stage and operation selected
- Extent of lymph-node or surrounding-tissue removal
- Anaesthesia, theatre and consumables
- Hospital or intensive-care stay
- Nutritional and oncology support
- Insurance coverage
What People Also Ask
Is surgery required for every stomach cancer?
No. Stage, tumour location, spread and general health determine suitability.
What is the difference between subtotal and total gastrectomy?
Subtotal gastrectomy removes part of the stomach; total gastrectomy removes it entirely and requires digestive reconstruction.
Is chemotherapy needed before or after surgery?
It may be. The stage, pathology and treatment plan guide the recommendation.
Consult a Stomach Cancer Surgeon in Kolkata
Consult Dr Mainak Pal to review a confirmed or suspected gastric cancer diagnosis and discuss whether surgery is appropriate.
A Few Kind Words
Treatment Experiences
Here’s what the patients have to say after surgery.