Gastrointestinal surgery encompasses a wide spectrum of procedures aimed at treating diseases of the gastrointestinal system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
This specialty is essential in the management of various conditions, ranging from benign to malignant diseases, and is supported by general surgery.
Types of gastrointestinal surgery
Gastrointestinal surgeries are classified by the technique used, the clinical indication, and the procedure’s complexity. The main types include:
- Open surgery: this involves making a significant incision in the skin and underlying tissues to access the internal organs. This technique is often used in situations where direct visualization or manipulation of one or more organs is required, such as cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) or gastrectomy (partial or total removal of the stomach).
- Laparoscopic surgery: a minimally invasive surgery that helps reduce surgical trauma and minimize postoperative pain, as well as speed up recovery. Laparoscopic procedures include appendectomy, which allows removal of the inflamed appendix, or bariatric laparoscopy, which includes gastric bypass or gastric banding.
- Endoscopic surgery: an endoscope is used to visualize and treat different conditions of the digestive tract without the need for any incisions, such as the diagnosis and treatment of ulcers, polyps, or tumors, as well as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to treat obstructions in the bile ducts.
- Oncologic surgery: a variant intended for oncologic procedures in the digestive system, which may range from tumor resection to lymph node removal, among other examples.
Gastrointestinal endoscopic surgery
Gastrointestinal endoscopic surgery is an invaluable tool in gastrointestinal surgery, as it allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment while minimizing impact on patients. It is divided into several techniques.
- Gastroscopy: used to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
- Colonoscopy: essential for examining the colon and rectum.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a technique that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions of the pancreas and bile ducts.
- Advanced techniques: procedures that include endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic gastric wall surgery to remove early-stage lesions or tumors.
Nursing care in gastrointestinal surgery
Within gastrointestinal surgery, nursing care is just as important as the different techniques that may be used, as it aims to ensure patient safety and the effectiveness of the procedure.
Nursing staff perform a comprehensive assessment of the patient before surgery. Throughout the perioperative period, they monitor vital signs, administer medications, and implement measures to prevent infections.
During the postoperative phase, vital signs are closely monitored, the incision is evaluated, pain is managed, and the patient receives guidance on the care to follow at home.
Gastrointestinal surgery is a comprehensive specialty that encompasses various procedures to address serious conditions in patients.
Digestive surgeons near me
At ABC Medical Center’s Surgery Center, we have a team of specialists in gastrointestinal surgery who are highly trained and dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care for all your surgical needs.
Our digestive surgeons in Mexico City (CDMX) are committed to your well-being and use the latest technology and the most advanced treatments to manage procedures such as digestive laparoscopy, digestive endoscopy, oncologic gastrointestinal surgery, and more.
Fuentes:
Sanitas, MedlinePlus, UMiamiHealth
