When Does a Person Need Gastrointestinal Surgery?
A very important part of the human body happens to be the digestive system. Diseases related to the gastric system in our body include several conditions that range from mild to severe. In severe cases, a person might need to undergo gastrointestinal surgery.
Conditions Requiring Gastrointestinal Surgery
The conditions that most frequently require gastrointestinal surgery are as follows:
- Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Despite lifestyle changes & medications, GERD can persist to cause several debilitating symptoms such as chronic heartburn & difficulty swallowing. In these cases, surgical alternatives such as fundoplication provide a permanent solution by strengthening the weakened lower esophageal sphincter, thereby inhibiting the reflux of stomach acid.
- Gallbladder Disease: These diseases include gallstone formation & inflammation (i.e. cholecystitis). Such problems usually require surgical removals. If pain & discomfort persist even after several conservative measures, cholecystectomy rests as the final solution to relieve symptoms & prevent further complications.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: In severe cases of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis wherein traditional treatments have failed and/or complications have arisen, surgical intervention is essential. Procedures like bowel resection or colectomy may be necessary to treat strictures, fistulas, or uncontrolled symptoms to restore quality of life.
- Cancer Treatment: Colon cancer, a common malignancy, usually requires surgical intervention for effective treatment. Such surgeries can range from tumour resection (i.e. partial colectomy) to extensive resection (i.e. total colectomy). The choice depends on the stage of the cancer & patient-specific factors.
- Complications of Diverticulitis: Complications such as recurrent episodes of diverticulitis & abscess formation need surgical intervention. Procedures such as partial colectomy treat the underlying pathology by reducing the risks of recurrent episodes & associated complications.
- Metabolic & Weight Management Challenges: GI surgery is also performed for weight loss. Bariatric surgery has proven to be a transformative procedure for people suffering from severe obesity & associated metabolic problems. Gastric bypass surgery or sleeve gastrectomy can facilitate weight loss & reduce associated comorbidities, initiating a new chapter in health & vitality. Estimates tell that patients usually lose around sixty to eighty percent of their excess weight.
- Treatment of Hernias: Hernia happens to be a medical condition in which organs protrude through a weakened abdominal wall. This often needs to be surgically corrected to avoid complications such as intestinal obstruction and strangulation. Hernia repair surgical methods help in restoring structural integrity, relieving discomfort, & reducing the risk of further complications.
- Pancreatic Disease: Chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic malignancy might need the person to get under the knife! This is when conservative methods fail to relieve symptoms. Pancreatic resections, ranging from partial to complete resections, treat the underlying pathology, relieve symptoms, and improve the patient’s comfort & quality of life.
- Liver Lesions & Diseases: Advanced liver diseases such as cirrhosis & hepatocellular carcinoma might need the patient to undergo surgery to manage the symptoms. Liver transplantation can also be a life-saving treatment.
Getting Gastrointestinal Surgery Done in India
India happens to be a commanding hub for gastroenterological surgery. The country offers cutting-edge medical procedures at a fraction of cost as compared to the West. International patients can benefit from world-class medical expertise of the doctors here along with state-of-the-art healthcare facilities that ensure the highest quality of care. Along with outstanding medical care, the country also ensures an unforgettable travel experience, making it a great choice for both medical treatments and exploration.
Are you intending to make India your destination for gastrointestinal surgery? It is essential that you have a trustworthy support system here for all your travel & medical related arrangements. It will all be sorted with Health Trawell and sorted is the best! We can be your entrusted medical tourism support assistant in India.
