What is a Partial Gastrectomy?

A partial gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove a portion of the stomach to treat stomach cancer and benign stomach tumors. When a partial gastrectomy is used as a treatment for stomach cancer, it is performed by a surgical oncologist (a surgeon who specializes in treating cancer). At Moffitt Cancer Center, we have a team of surgical oncologists who exclusively treat stomach cancers, using today’s most advanced techniques to remove cancerous lesions and abnormal gastrointestinal tissues with a high level of precision.

During a partial gastrectomy for gastric cancer specifically, a surgical oncologist will remove the cancerous part of the stomach, a portion of normal surrounding stomach to assure complete cancer removal and with nearby lymph nodes (this can help a pathologist determine if the cancer has started to spread). Typically, a portion of the stomach is removed. The surgeon may also remove other organs during a partial gastrectomy if there are visible signs of cancer in the:

• Spleen
• Colon
• Pancreas
• Small intestine

If the lower portion of the stomach is removed during surgery, the upper portion will be connected directly to the small intestine.  These procedures are usually performed with robotic techniques. Moffitt’s registered dietitians can provide comprehensive medical nutrition therapy to our patients following gastrointestinal surgery.

To learn more about the gastrointestinal surgery procedures performed at Moffitt Cancer Center, including the partial gastrectomy, contact 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online. A physician’s referral is not required to request an appointment.