5 Signs You Might Need Gastrointestinal Surgery: When to See a Doctor

Are you experiencing frequent vomiting, constipation, bloating, or an inability to pass gas? These could all be signs of a bowel obstruction requiring medical treatment. It might be a little tricky to spot the sign that tells one to see a surgeon who specializes in gastrointestinal surgery. It thus becomes very vital to address these major concerns at the right time. Knowing when to seek medical attention can make sure that you get the care you need without any further damage.
 

In this blog, we will elaborate on 5 signs that may spell the need for gastrointestinal surgery, and this could, in actual sense, make you better know when to take your symptoms seriously. You can now approach the time to take your symptoms seriously by initially recognizing these signs and then progressing with proper medical advice, thus helping you in making your health decisions in collaboration with your doctor.

Gastrointestinal Surgery

Gastrointestinal surgery usually involves the operations conducted on the digestive system to treat several diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and other digestive organs. Generally, these surgeries are either invoked as a last resort when other forms of treatment fail or if, otherwise, the condition endangers other health aspects.

Common Types of Gastrointestinal Surgery

1. Cholecystectomy: This kind of surgery consists of removing gallbladder, due to inflammation from gallstones, leading to blockage of bile production, and gallstones induced by swelling of the gallbladder.

2. Bowel removal surgery: Sometimes a section of the intestine can be removed during this surgery to treat Crohn's disease, colorectal cancer, or diverticulitis.

3. Appendicectomy: This involves removing the appendix from the body. Appendicectomy is done for the cases of acute appendicitis and in quite rare incidences in cases of chronic appendicitis.

4. Colectomy: Such an operation is done to remove a part or whole of the colon.

5. Stomach Surgery: In such a surgery, it may be necessary to take bits of the stomach away or even make an alteration within it.

6. Liver surgery: Sometimes the correction of conditions within the liver, such as cirrhosis and tumors, will require surgery.

7. Pancreatic Surgery: Surgical intervention sometimes is required for these pancreatic conditions: pancreatic carcinoma, pancreatitis, cystic tumors.

8. Weight Loss Surgery: If diet and exercise fail to help an extremely obese person shed some weight, surgery is a consideration for long-term weight loss.

Gastrointestinal surgery symptoms, common signs of GI surgery

Surgery is indicated when other treatments  are ineffective for the condition. Surgery may be warranted due to manifestations such as:

1. Severe Persistent Pain: Consecutive longstanding abdominal pain, especially if it becomes excruciating, unbearable, and interferes with daily lives.

2. Unexplained Weight Loss: Rapid or unexplained weight loss, particularly if accompanied by malnutrition signs.

3.  Meconium ileus and obstruction of the intestine: These will be symptoms of vomiting, bloating, or even severe pain.

4.  Gastrointestinal Bleeding: If you notice blood in your stool, vomit blood, and so forth, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

5. Cancer or Tumors: Examples of this could include surgery where tumors exist for conditions such as colon, stomach, or pancreatic cancer that would be the principal approach taken to remove the tumors and prevent the spread of cancer.

Bottom line

At AVH Hospital, we are committed to providing the best quality care for all your needs in terms of gastroenterological health. We have a dedicated team of surgeons and gastroenterologists, along with support staff to understand the sensitivities and importance of taking care of gut concerns timely and effectively. Trust AVH Hospital with gentle, expert care exclusively tailored to your needs.