Stomach

Stomach ulcers are usually caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These can break down the stomach's defence against the acid it produces to digest food, allowing the stomach lining to become damaged and an ulcer to form that is an erosion in the lining of the stomach, often causing pain and/or bleeding.

The treatment for stomach ulcers is usually medication to reduce acid production or block it, antacids, or antibiotics to kill the H.Pylori bacteria. In case a patient has a serious complication from an ulcer, such as acute bleeding or a perforation, surgery may be required.

Gastroenteritis commonly known as stomach flu has symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and headaches. It is caused by an infection — either viral or bacterial — in the gut. Bacterial infections can be caused by E. coli or salmonella, while viral infections can include rotavirus or norovirus. Parasites, too, can cause gastroenteritis.

Stomach contents, including acid, can travel backward up the esophagus. When symptoms of reflux become bothersome or occur frequently it can cause serious problems of the esophagus. GERD can cause serious problems of the esophagus. GERD can be a problem if it's not treated because, over time, the reflux of stomach acid damages the tissue lining the esophagus, causing inflammation and pain. In adults, long-lasting, untreated GERD can lead to permanent damage of the esophagus and sometimes even cancer.

Gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries — known collectively as bariatric surgery — involve making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight. Some types of bariatric surgeries make your stomach smaller, allowing you to eat and drink less at one time and making you feel full sooner. Bariatric surgery is done when diet and exercise have not worked or when you have serious health problems because of your weight.

Weight loss averages 65% for most patients with over 85% of patients losing and maintaining 50% initial excess weight loss.

Bariatric Surgery is among the Safest Surgical Procedures.

While any surgical procedure has risks, bariatric surgery has been found to be one of the safest surgeries to undergo. It is considered as safe or safer when compared to other elective surgeries.

Some weight-loss surgeries are done with traditional large, or open, incisions in the abdomen. Recently most bariatric surgeries are performed laparoscopically. A laparoscope is a small, tubular instrument with a camera attached. The laparoscope is inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. Laparoscopic surgery has the advantage of avoiding large open wounds or incisions and thus of decreasing blood loss, pain and discomfort. Patients have fewer unwanted effects from analgesia because less analgesia is required. The fine instruments are less apt to cause tissue trauma and blood loss.

• DR. MUFFAZAL LAKDAWALA
• DR. RANDEEP WADHAWAN
• DR. PARITOSH GUPTA
• DR. RAMAN GOEL
• DR. AJAY KUMAR KRIPLANI
• DR. SUKHVINDER SINGH SAGGU
• DR. AMAR VENNAPUSA
• DR. MAHENDRA NAWARIA
• DR. ATUL PETERS
• DR. SHASHANK SHAH
• DR. JAYASHREE TODKAR
• DR. RAMEN GOEL
• DR. ADARSH CHAUDHARY
• DR. PRADEEP CHOWBEY
• DR. VIKAS SINGHAL
• DR. MIR ASIF REHMAN
• DR. NEHA SHAH
• DR. NEEL SHETTY
• DR. SANJAY BORUDE
• DR. APARNA GOVIL BHASKER
• DR. AHSAN BADAR
• DR. ARUN PRASAD
• DR. MAHENDRA NARWARIA

WOCKHARDT HOSPITAL MUMBAI.

INDRAPRASTHA APOLLO HOSPITAL, NEW DELHI.

ASIAN BARIATRICS - OBESITY CENTRE.

MEDANTA MULTI SUPER SPECIALITY HOSPITAL GURGAON.

SAIFEE HOSPITAL MUMBAI.

GLENEAGLES GLOBAL HOSPITALS MUMBAI.

GLENEAGLES GLOBAL HOSPITALS CHENNAI.

ASIAN BARIATRICS AHMEDABAD

Many cases of stomach cancer cannot be completely cured, but it's still possible to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life using chemotherapy and in some cases radiotherapy and surgery. If operable, surgery can cure stomach cancer as long as all of the cancerous tissue can be removed. Surgery to remove some or all of the stomach is known as a gastrectomy. It will still be possible to eat normally after a gastrectomy with a few changes. Chemotherapy can also be used before surgery to help shrink the tumour and sometimes after surgery to help prevent the cancer returning.

The exact cause of stomach cancer is still unclear, although one is more likely to develop it if:

•  male
• 55 years of age or older
• smoke
• have a diet low in fibre and high in processed food or red meat
• have a diet that contains a lot of salted and pickled foods
• have a stomach infection caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria 

The initial symptoms of stomach cancer are vague and easy to mistake for other less serious conditions. They include:

• persistent indigestion and heartburn
• trapped wind and frequent burping
• feeling very full or bloated after meals
• persistent stomach pain

Symptoms of advanced stomach cancer can include:

• blood in your stools, or black stools
• loss of appetite
• weight loss

The core function of the human stomach is as an aid to digestion. The four key components of gastric digestive function are its function as a reservoir, acid secretion, enzyme secretion and its role in gastrointestinal motility.

The common digestive problems are: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Heartburn happens, but if it occurs regularly it needs to be checked

• Chronic Diarrhea. 
• Chronic Constipation.
• Gastroenteritis. 
• Ulcers. 
• Hemorrhoids.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (also called EGD or upper endoscopy). An EGD (upper endoscopy) is a procedure that allows the healthcare provider to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum with an endoscope. This is guided into the mouth and throat, then into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. 

The hydrochloric acid (HCL) in the gastric juice breaks down the food and the digestive enzymes split up the proteins. The acidic gastric juice also kills bacteria. The mucus covers the stomach wall with a protective coating. It also activates the gastric enzymes like pepsin and trypsin.

Early-stage stomach cancer rarely causes symptoms. This is one of the reasons stomach cancer is so hard to detect early. The signs and symptoms of stomach cancer can include:

• Poor appetite
• Weight loss (without trying)
• Abdominal (belly) pain
• Vague discomfort in the abdomen, usually above the navel
• A sense of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating a small meal
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting, with or without blood
• Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen
• Blood in the stool
• Low red blood cell count (anemia)