Gastrointestinal (GI) surgery is a medical specialty that focuses on the surgical treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and biliary system. GI surgery involves various procedures, from minimally invasive techniques to major operations, depending on the underlying condition and its severity.Dr Sadadhiv Chaudhari is the Best Gastrointestinal Surgeron in South Mumbai.

Indications for GI Surgery

GI surgery is commonly indicated for conditions such as:

• Colorectal Cancer: Surgical resection of tumors is the primary treatment for localized colon and rectal cancers.
• Gallbladder Disorders: Cholecystectomy, or removal of the gallbladder, is the most common treatment for gallstones or cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder).
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): In cases where lifestyle changes and medications fail, surgical options like fundoplication may be considered.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease: Surgery may be needed to remove ulcers that do not heal with medication or in cases of perforation or bleeding.
• Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Patients with severe or refractory inflammatory bowel disease may require bowel resections or other surgical interventions.
• Obesity: Bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, is an option for morbidly obese patients.
• Hernias: Surgical repair is necessary for hernias in the abdominal wall, including inguinal, umbilical, or hiatal hernias.

Types of GI Surgery

• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive): Advances in technology have allowed for minimally invasive procedures using small incisions and a camera, which reduces recovery time, pain, and hospital stay. Examples include laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder removal or laparoscopic colectomy for colon resections.
• Open Surgery: In some cases, particularly for complex or large tumors, open surgery is required. This involves larger incisions for better access to the abdominal cavity, such as in colorectal cancer surgeries.
• Endoscopic Procedures: These are less invasive than traditional surgeries. Procedures like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are used for treating conditions of the bile ducts and pancreas.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

Recovery from GI surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed. Generally, patients will need to manage pain, follow a modified diet, and gradually return to regular activities. Special care is required to monitor for complications such as infection, bleeding, or bowel obstruction. Some surgeries may involve long-term dietary adjustments, particularly in the case of bariatric or bowel resection surgeries.