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What is Gastrointestinal Surgery?

Gastrointestinal(GI) Surgery is a procedure that treats the conditions affecting the digestive tract, such as the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, liver, etc. There are two types of GI surgeries: Minimal Invasive Surgery(MIS) and open surgery. These surgeries are done for minimal issues like gallstones or serious conditions like cancer. 

With the advancement in science and technology, it is now easier to treat patients and do surgeries with small incisions where short, narrow tubes are inserted inside the abdomen to check the insides of the body over traditional open surgeries that were painful and had slow healing time.

What is Gastrointestinal Surgery used for?

1. Hernia Repair:  Fixes a Hernia bludging back into place and repairs the hernia defect by connecting weakened tissue and muscles.
2. Esophagectomy: Removes the part of the esophagus due to esophageal cancer. Done through both open or invasive surgery. 
3. Gastric Bypass: Also called Bariatric Surgery or weight loss surgery. Done for weight loss in majorly obese people. Mostly done through the Minimal Invasive technique.
4. Removal of Pancreas: To reduce or remove the part or all pancreas affected by cancer in the pancreas. Done through both Minimal Invasive Techniques or open surgery, depending on the part affected.
5. Hernia Repair:  Fixes a Hernia bludging back into place and repairs the hernia defect by connecting weakened tissue and muscles.
6. Esophagectomy: Removes the part of the esophagus due to esophageal cancer. Done through both open or invasive surgery. 
7. Gastric Bypass: Also called Bariatric Surgery or weight loss surgery. Done for weight loss in majorly obese people. Mostly done through the Minimal Invasive technique.
8. Removal of Pancreas: To reduce or remove the part or all pancreas affected by cancer in the pancreas. Done through both Minimal Invasive Techniques or open surgery, depending on the part affected.
9. Colon Resection: Removes part of the colon or full colon affected by cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases.
10. Appendectomy: Removal of the appendix can be done via open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. 
11. Gallbladder Removal: Also known as Cholecystectomy, gallbladder removal removes the gallbladder caused by pain due to gallstones and inflammation.

Types of Gastrointestinal Surgery

There are two types of Gastrointestinal Surgeries:

1. Minimally Invasive GI procedure: In a minimally invasive procedure, short incision cuts are done, and a narrow tube with a tiny video camera is inserted inside the cut part to see the inside of the body. It is less painful, has small scars, less blood loss, and faster healing time.
2. Open GI procedures: In open GI surgery, there are large cuts, and thus, there is more pain and large scars with longer hospital stays.

Symptoms of  Gastro Disorders

Some gastrointestinal disorders are easily manageable, while others require special treatment with extensive care. Here are some of the symptoms of Gastro Disorders:

• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn/GERD
• Incontinence
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Swallowing problems
• Weight loss or gain 

Benefits and Risks of Gastrointestinal Surgery

As with any surgery, the risk of blood loss and infection is present during or after the surgery. Sometimes, when an organ is partially or wholly removed, proper treatment may be needed to replace the lost functionality.

Medicinal requirements can be met after the procedure, and you may have to follow a proper diet for good digestion.

Upper vs Lower Tract

The GI tract starts with the mouth and ends with the anus. GI Tract is divided into two main sections: the upper GI tract and the lower GI tract.

What is the Upper GI Tract?

The upper GI tract helps digest food and prepare it to utilize nutrients throughout the body. Problems that occur with the Upper GI tract are burping, swallowing, heartburn, acid reflux, abdominal pain, or upset stomach. Performed by Gastroenterologist, the upper GI tract can be examined by endoscopy.

What is a Lower GI Tract?

It is the last part of the digestive tract. It includes the part of the digestive system with large and small intestine, rectum and anus. It helps in the absorption of water, the formation of stool, and eliminating the waste.

Preparation for GI Surgery

Preparation for GI Surgery depends upon the surgery you are opting for, but a few general instructions can be followed by anyone going for GI Surgery:

• Before Surgery: Avoid eating at midnight or the day before your surgery, as suggested by your surgeon. Take medicines or antibiotics that the physician suggests. Go on a liquid diet two or three days before the surgery.
• During Surgery: Arrive early at the hospital to sort out any paperwork before the surgery. Do not drink too much water while taking medicines. Take off all your accessories, and do not wear makeup or anything on your skin.
• After Surgery: Take proper rest after the surgery, even if it's invasive. Do not lift anything heavy. Hospital stay might be shorter depending on the procedure you opted for. Even if it's shorter, do not take the scars lightly; rest and take proper care of the wound. Change your bandages regularly, if any.

When to Contact the Doctor?

If you have symptoms like fever, pus-like drainage, redness, or any other infection near your incision, visit the doctor immediately before the condition gets severe.  Do not forget to schedule your followup appointment with the doctor for checkups and care of your wounded part after the surgery. 

Recovery and Post-OP Care

Recovery days after the surgery take time, and it depends on the procedure you opted for and, generally, patient-to-patient health. Some might require extensive care for days, and some may recover early. Here is what you can generally expect:

1. Follow-up visits in case of any complications or for routine checkups.
2. Some people might require dietary restrictions and medications as described by the surgeon.
3. Patients might be advised not to get involved in heavy lifting and to take full rest for a few days or even weeks.
4. You might have to stay in the hospital if opted for open surgery, as it requires more healing time.
5. You might have to adjust your food from solids to liquids, as the surgeon has advised.

Best Gastroenterologist   in Dehradun

Looking for the best surgeon in Dehradun? Look no further than Baluni Hospital and book an appointment today to meet the best Gastroenterology Surgeon in Dehradun. Dr. U.S. Baluni has expertise as a surgeon. He is appointed as a General and Laparoscopic Surgeon in Baluni Hospital Dehradun. With state-of-the-art facilities and the use of advanced technology, the Baluni Hospital takes great care of its patients. Choose Baluni Hospital to treat yourself and get the best care in Dehradun.

Why choose Baluni Hospital for GI Surgery

You can choose us for GI surgery for the following reasons: 

• Minimal invasive and established surgical treatments are offered.
• We offer world-class treatment for GI surgery.
• We are available 24/7 for our patient's well-being.
• We use modern diagnostic techniques to treat our patients.
• Baluni Hospital provides top-notch medical facilities at affordable prices.  
• It's a NABH-certified multi-specialist hospital in Dehradun.
• Experience: We have been serving excellently for the last 5+ years.
•  We have a team of well-qualified professionals.
•  We use high technology for your services and are equipped with modern state-of-art-equipped Services. 

Conclusion: What is Gastrointestinal Surgery

Gastrointestinal Surgery plays an important role in treating various Digestive issues. Gastroenterology Treat problems like acidity, liver and spleen diseases, gallbladder and common bile duct diseases, and other stomach-related diseases. With advancements in medical fields today, we have different procedures that can be used to cure such diseases with great ease. Traditionally, only open surgeries were done, which would take days to recover from. Still, today, we have technology and tools like MIS (minimally invasive surgery), which has faster healing time and is preferred more now due to its invasive nature. If you and your loved ones are looking for the best gastrointestinal surgery in Dehradun, the Baluni Hospital is your trusted place to be. At Baluni, we are well-equipped with modern technologies to provide our patients with extensive care. Come and discuss the best options for GI surgery available at Baluni Hospital.