Benign Disorders of the Stomach
Robotic surgery provides optimal medical outcomes in combination with the least possible inconvenience for the patient not only in cases of malignancies, but also in benign disorders of the stomach and the upper digestive system in general, such as:
Dr. Konstantinidis and his Surgical Team have extensive experience and great specialization in the treatment of benign disorders of the stomach with the assistance of a surgical robot, the state-of-the-art da Vinci Xi robotic system in particular, at Athens Medical Center in Maroussi.
What are Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors?
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are soft tissue sarcomas that can be found anywhere in the digestive system and most often in the stomach and small intestine.
They are caused by genetic alterations in specific nerve cells in the walls of the stomach or intestine, which control digestive processes, such as the movement of food.
When GISTs are small (less than 2cm in length) they are considered benign and usually show no symptoms. However, if left untreated they can grow and become malignant tumors.
GISTs mainly develop in people between the ages of 50 and 70 and almost never before the age of 40.
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Why choose Dr. Konstantinidis?
Dr. K. M. Konstantinidis and his team possess vast experience in the field of laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
Dr. Konstantinidis is the pioneer of Robotic Surgery in Greece and one of the leading figures internationally in the field, having performed the largest series of General Surgery operations in Europe with the innovative Da Vinci® robotic system, including inguinal hernia surgeries.
What are the symptoms of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors?
The most common symptom of GISTs is when these tumors bleed and blood appears in feces or vomit.
Other possible symptoms of GISTs include:
Anemia due to tumor bleeding
Abdominal pain
Motion sickness
Vomiting
Loss of appetite and weight
Difficulty swallowing
How is Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors diagnosed?
The diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors involves a combination of the following tests:
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (esophagus, stomach, upper small intestine)
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Thin needle biopsy to take a tissue sample from the tumor and subsequent laboratory examination of the sample
How are Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors treated?
When the gastrointestinal stromal tumors are large or symptomatic then they are surgically removed along with a part of the stomach.
The procedure of choice is called gastrectomy and can be performed with open surgery or with a minimally invasive technique, i.e., laparoscopy or robotic surgery, the latter being the evolution of the former.
Robotic gastrectomy is the optimal choice, as the precision, flexibility and stability of the robotic arms, as well as the magnification of the surgical field enjoyed by the surgeon navigating the arms from a console, makes it safe to remove GISTs even if they are very large, involve too many organs and tissues or the general health of patients is compromised.
What are Peptic Ulcers?
Peptic ulcers develop on the lining of the stomach and in the upper part of the small intestine.
Peptic ulcers are divided into two main categories:
Stomach ulcers, which occur inside the stomach
Duodenal ulcers, which occur inside the upper small intestine (duodenum)
What are the symptoms of Ulcers?
Peptic ulcers are characterized by various symptoms with the most common being stomach pain, especially between meals or at night.
More specifically, the main symptoms are the following:
stomach pain
a feeling of fullness and bloating
intolerance to fatty foods
heartburn
motion sickness
In the most severe cases, ulcers can cause:
bleeding that appears as dark blood in feces, or as dark (usually bloody) vomit
difficulty in breathing
mood swings
unexplained weight loss
The above symptoms are serious and are a reason to seek medical help.
What causes Ulcers?
There are several causes for peptic ulcers, with the following being the most common:
- the helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium
- the long-term use of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Contrary to popular belief, stress and poor nutrition do not in themselves cause peptic ulcers.
However, they are factors that can make an ulcer deteriorate by exacerbating its symptoms, such as pain.
What are the risk factors for Ulcers?
Factors that increase the likelihood of ulcers are:
- smoking, especially in those infected with the pylori bacterium.
- alcohol consumption, as it erodes the lining of the stomach
- anxiety and stress
- the consumption of spicy food
What are the complications of Ulcers?
If neglected and not treated properly and in a timely manner, peptic ulcer can have various complications, such as:
- Internal bleeding, which can be from limited to severe and lead to serious blood loss and the need for a transfusion.
- Infection. As ulcers are an open sore, there is a risk of severe infection of the abdominal cavity.
- Inhibition of food. Ulcers may impede the smooth passage of food through the digestive tract, resulting in vomiting and unnecessary weight loss.
How is an Ulcer diagnosed?
The diagnosis of ulcers begins with a physical examination during which the doctor gets the patient’s history.
Then, depending on the case, the following tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis:
- Microbiological testing to determine if the patient is infected with the bacterium pylori bacterium.
- Gastroscopy, i.e., the examination of the upper digestive tract using an endoscope. If ulcers are found on examination, then a tissue sample may be taken for biopsy.
- Barium meal with x-ray
How are Peptic Ulcers treated?
The treatment for peptic ulcers depends on the cause. Typically, if the ulcer is due to the H. pylori bacterium, then medication is administered to eliminate it.
In more advanced conditions, however, where the damage to the stomach or duodenum from the ulcer is extensive, surgical removal of the damaged part may be necessary.
The procedure of choice is called gastrectomy and can be performed with open surgery or a minimally invasive technique, i.e., laparoscopy or robotic surgery, the latter being the evolution of the former.
Robotic gastrectomy is the optimal choice, as the precision, flexibility and stability of the robotic arms, as well as the magnification of the surgical field enjoyed by the surgeon navigating the arms from a console, makes it safe to remove GISTs even if they are exceptionally large, involve too many organs and tissues or the general health of patients is compromised.
