What is a Gastrectomy?

A gastrectomy refers to the surgical procedure involving the removal of a portion or the entirety of the stomach. This procedure is typically performed to treat various conditions such as stomach cancer, severe obesity, peptic ulcers, or other significant stomach-related issues. The extent of the surgery can range from removing a small section of the stomach (partial gastrectomy) to the complete removal of the stomach (total gastrectomy).

Understanding the anatomy involved in this procedure is crucial, as the stomach plays a vital role in digestion. The surgery may lead to significant changes in how the body processes food, and patients often require special dietary adjustments post-surgery. The complications and aftercare associated with gastrectomy also highlight the importance of this surgical intervention in managing serious gastrointestinal diseases.

The other options identify different surgical procedures relating to other organs, which highlights the specificity of terms in surgical terminology. Each of these procedures addresses particular health issues associated with the gallbladder, liver, and esophagus, respectively, underscoring the importance of precise definitions in surgical practice.