Peptic Ulcer Surgery: The procedure, risks, complications, preparations

Peptic Ulcer Surgery: The procedure, risks, complications,

preparations

The Peptic Ulcer Surgery is a procedure to reduce the accumulation of acid within
the stomach, in order to prevent the formation of ulcers. A Peptic Ulcer Surgery
involves the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, and vagus nerves. The
surgery is also known as Antrectomy, Pyloroplasty or Surgery for Peptic Ulcer.

What are the reasons behind Peptic Ulcer Surgery?

A Peptic Ulcer Surgery is performed for the following reasons:
Excessive bleeding from ulcer site
Excruciating pain in the abdomen
Obstruction of contents within the stomach
Ulcer perforation resulting in peritonitis
How a peptic ulcer surgery is performed?
A Surgery for Peptic Ulcer is generally performed under general anaesthesia.
Depending on the surgical procedure being performed, the following may be
done:
Vagotomy:The surgeon cuts the vagus nerve (the nerve that transmits messages
to increase acid secretion)
Antrectomy:This involves the removal of the lower portion of the stomach,
called the antrum
Pyloroplasty:This procedure involves enlarging the passage between the
stomach and the duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine)
Ageneral surgeonor agastrointestinal surgeonperforms the peptic ulcer
surgery procedure. The time taken depends on the type of peptic ulcer surgery
procedure being performed, and it may take up to a few hours.

Preparations needed before a peptic ulcer surgery

The physician may evaluate the individuals medical history to gain a
comprehensive knowledge of the overall health status of the patient including
information related to the medications that are being currently taken
Some medications increase a persons chances of bleeding and it may be
recommended to discontinue them for a period of time, before the procedure is
performed
Blood tests may be performed to determine, if there is a bleeding tendency or
any other medical conditions that prevents the person from undergoing the
procedure
Do inform the physician if you are allergic to any local anaesthetics,lidocaine,
etc.
Avoid application of any cosmetics, deodorant, or topical medicines on the area,
prior to the procedure
It is advisable toquit smokingand the use of any nicotine based products, for
a while, before the surgery
Consumption of alcoholic drinks must also be avoided for a period of time, as
instructed
The patient must avoid eating or drinking at least 8 hours prior to the surgical
procedure, depending on when the procedure is arranged
Forpersons suffering from diabetes, it is important that the blood sugar
stays within the normal range if not theirdiabetologistmay have to control
blood sugar by recommending insulin or a combination of oral medicines

Diagnostic lab tests needed before a peptic ulcer surgery

Before a peptic ulcer surgery procedure, the patient has to undergo certain tests,
such as:
Routineblood and urine analysis
Abdominal x-ray
Endoscopy
Risks and complications during peptic ulcer surgery surgical procedure
The possible risks or complications that may arise during the peptic ulcer surgery
are:
Excessive bleeding
Infection in the surgical wound
Anaesthetic complications
Accidental injury to large blood vessels and surrounding nerves within the neck,
top of the lungs, thoracic duct, and laryngeal nerve

Risks and complications after peptic ulcer surgery surgical procedure

Post peptic ulcer surgery, the following complications may arise:

Excessive bleeding
Infection in the surgical wound
Incisionalhernia
Recurringpeptic ulcers
Excessive diarrhoea
Malnutrition
The occurrence of symptoms that cause uneasiness, such as flushing, fainting, or diar
after consuming certain foods

Post-operative care needed after peptic ulcer surgery surgical

procedure
At home, the following post-operative care is recommended after a peptic
ulcer surgery:
Slowly resume daily activities as early as possible, which aids in faster
recovery
Use a heat pad or warm compress to relieve pain due to the incision
Resume showering and keep the wound clean and dry. Avoid taking
baths until the surgical wound is completely healed. Gently wash the
surgical wound with unscented soap and re-bandage the wound again
Complete the course of prescribed medication under advice of the
physician
Take antibiotic medication to help combat or prevent infection (per the
physicians advice)
Avoid taking non-prescription medications, such asaspirin. However,
individuals may takeacetaminophento relieve pain, per the physicians
advise
Resume driving after 2 weeks, or only when advised by your physician
Individuals are advised to have clear liquids immediately following
surgery, until thegastrointestinal tractbegins functioning properly.
They are then advised to have a well-balanced diet, which can aid in a
faster recovery