Gastroenterostomy Cost and Gastroenterostomy Procedures Information

Gastroenterostomy Surgery Cost and Procedure Introduction

Gastroenterostomies are often standard “open” procedures, though they are also performed laparoscopically. Laparoscopic (minimally invasive) procedures are performed through tiny incisions, using an instrument with a camera attached (laparoscope) and a video monitor to guide the repair. This procedure is done for patients with peptic ulcer disease, tumors or problems with the stomach emptying into the small intestine. The surgeon attaches the stomach to the healthy part of the small intestine (this usually follows removal of part of the stomach or small intestine). Performed by a general surgeon in a hospital, gastroenterostomies require patients to be under general anesthesia. You will need to stay in the hospital for several days — until you can tolerate food, are able to walk without assistance, and your pain is manageable with oral medication.

Patient Preparation for Gastroenterostomy Surgery

A physical examination will be performed along with blood or other diagnostic tests — EGDs, X-rays of upper gastrointestinal tract, and serum electrolytes. It is particularly important to inform the physician of all medications or vitamins taken regularly or if you are pregnant (or think you might be pregnant). Also, tell your doctor if you have heart, lung or other medical conditions that may need special attention. Finally, tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for the surgery; be sure to read and follow those instructions. You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. You’ll need to make arrangements for transportation after the surgery is complete. If you are given a prescription for pain medication, have it filled prior to surgery.

What to Expect During and After Gastroenterostomy Surgery

The surgery itself takes one to two hours, but the preparation and recovery time may add several hours. An intravenous line is inserted into the arm to administer a sedative and a painkiller. Your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure. In most cases, the procedure is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). After the bladder and stomach are drained, the surgeon will use sutures or staples to join the stomach to the small intestine. Drains may be temporarily placed at the surgical to help blood and other fluids drain from your body. The incision will be closed using staples.

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will moved to a hospital room. Before being discharged, you will be given instructions about care for your incisions, limits on activities and what you should do to aid your recovery. If you notice any of the following, call the number the hospital gave you: Fever, excessive sweating, difficulty urinating, redness, bleeding or worsening pain.