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We all need the help of certain organs to help in the digestion process. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, rectum, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. When these organs are affected and need to be treated to improve digestion through surgery, gastrointestinal surgery is performed.
Gastrointestinal surgery may be needed to remove tumors or to treat a disease. Minor surgical procedures are used to screen and diagnose problems related to the digestive system. According to the study, around 14 million people are hospitalized with digestive diseases.
Preparation for GI surgery depends on your surgery. But few general instructions can be followed by all patients undergoing GI surgery.
You must keep your colon and other organs clean as suggested by your physician. Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Two or three days before the surgery, it is advised to go on a liquid diet. Take medicines and antibiotics as suggested by your doctor. Use appropriate laxatives as advised by your physician for a smooth surgery without complications.
A nurse will check your vital signs and prepare you for surgery. Any medicine given must be taken with a very small amount of water. Do not wear any skin care products, make-up, or accessories. Arrive at the hospital an hour before to complete all the necessary preoperative procedures and paperwork.
Hospitalization usually lasts 4-7 days, depending on the type of surgery and recovery. You must properly care for your incision and take the painkillers as suggested by your doctor. If you have bandages, wash your hands properly before touching them to avoid infection. Change your bandages often and daily if they become wet.
Contact your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms like fever, pus-like drainage, redness, or any other surgical wound infection near your incision. Schedule and maintain your follow-up appointment one to two weeks after surgery to avoid complications.
See Also: Foods to Avoid If You Have Gallbladder Problems
While some of the symptoms of GI disorders can be easily treated, others can be life-threatening and need emergency treatment. For some people, emergency treatment means surgery, but the treatment varies from person to person, depending on the condition of an individual. Some of the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders may include:
Risks and complications come with every surgery. However, the way you take care of yourself determines the amount of and intensity of your symptoms. Some risks or side effects you need to watch out for are:
Pain: The degree of pain and soreness may vary depending on the surgery you had. You must take any painkillers and medications prescribed by your doctors.
Bleeding: Bleeding is common after surgery, but one should be mindful and visit their doctor to treat it if it’s continuous or in large amounts.
Infection: Chances of infection are considered since your body is very vulnerable after surgery.
Reaction to Anesthesia: Some people may experience nausea and vomiting as a reaction to anesthesia.
Removing a tumor or treating a diseased organ in your GI can help save your life. It can improve life quality for people who do not see any improvement when using medication or changing their diet. There is less blood loss and rapid recovery for GI surgery patients. The expert surgeons’ use of unprecedented precision on abnormal size of organs reduces the risk of infections and damage to other organs.
The patient’s tissue and stool samples and previous medical history are considered before arriving at an accurate treatment option. Few treatment options that the physician would suggest are
See Also: Common Types of Gastrointestinal Surgical Procedures
You can confidently choose the Far North Surgery team for all your Gastrointestinal surgery requirements because:
At Far North Surgery, we offer the most advanced and secure surgical techniques to all our patients for disorders linked to the gastrointestinal tract. The GI surgery can affect your health if you don’t seek help immediately. The results and recovery period may vary from surgery to surgery. Post-surgery pain and side effects can be common.
Contact us today if you are looking for a GI surgery treatment near you in Anchorage, AK. Far North Surgery has great facilities and a qualified, award-winning team. Our chief doctor, Dr. Madhu Prasad, is a renowned oncologist and recipient of the Best of Anchorage Awards for Cancer Treatment and is known best for performing high-quality, diverse digestive surgery.
