Name of the Procedure:

Gastrorrhaphy

• Common Names: Stomach Suturing, Duodenal/Gastric Ulcer Repair
• Technical Terms: Suture of Perforated Duodenal Ulcer, Suture of Perforated Gastric Ulcer, Gastrorrhaphy

Summary

Gastrorrhaphy involves sewing together a tear or perforation in the stomach or duodenum to repair it. This is typically done to fix ulcers or injuries that have caused a hole in the stomach or intestinal lining.

Purpose

Medical Condition:

• Perforated duodenal or gastric ulcer
• Gastric or duodenal wounds or injuries

Goals/Expected Outcomes:

• To close the perforation and prevent leakage of stomach contents into the abdominal cavity.
• To reduce pain and prevent severe complications such as peritonitis or sepsis.
• To promote healing of the injured or ulcerated area.

Indications

• Severe abdominal pain with signs of acute abdomen
• Evidence of stomach or duodenal perforation on imaging tests
• Presence of peritonitis (infection of the abdominal cavity)
• Failure of non-surgical treatments for ulcers or injuries

Preparation

Pre-procedure Instructions:

• Fasting for at least 6-8 hours before surgery
• Stopping certain medications as advised by the doctor (e.g., blood thinners)
• Intravenous (IV) fluids and antibiotics might be administered prior to surgery

Diagnostic Tests:

• Blood tests (CBC, electrolytes)
• Imaging studies like X-ray or CT scan of the abdomen
• Endoscopy may be performed to visualize the perforation

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered.
2. Incision: A surgical incision is made in the abdomen to access the stomach or duodenum.
3. Identification: The perforation, ulcer, or injury is located.
4. Suturing: The tear or hole is carefully closed with sutures.
5. Inspection: The area is inspected for any additional injuries, and the abdominal cavity is cleaned if there is any contamination.
6. Closure: The abdominal incision is closed with sutures or staples.

Tools/Equipment:

• Surgical sutures and needles
• Surgical instruments like scalpels, forceps, and retractors
• Anesthesia and monitoring equipment

Duration

The procedure typically takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity and condition of the patient.

Setting

Gastrorrhaphy is typically performed in a hospital's operating room under sterile conditions.

Personnel

• Surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurses
• Operating room assistants

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Postoperative pain

Rare Risks:

• Leakage from the repaired site
• Abscess formation
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Prolonged ileus (intestinal paralysis)

Management:

• Postoperative antibiotics
• Monitoring for signs of complications
• Pain management protocols

Benefits

• Relief from severe abdominal pain
• Prevention of life-threatening complications like peritonitis
• Restoration of normal gastrointestinal function
• Expected benefits are often seen within days to a week post-surgery.

Recovery

Post-procedure Care:

• Hospital stay for monitoring (usually a few days)
• Pain management with medications
• Gradual return to a normal diet as the intestines recover
• Avoiding strenuous activities for several weeks

Expected Recovery Time:

• Full recovery may take 4-6 weeks.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns

Alternatives

• Non-surgical treatments: Antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for managing ulcers (typically not effective for perforated ulcers)
• Endoscopy: In some cases, non-surgical endoscopic repair might be considered, but often surgery is the definitive treatment.

Pros and Cons:

• Surgery provides immediate and definitive repair, whereas non-surgical methods might not be effective for perforations and can delay necessary treatment.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure:

• The patient will be under general anesthesia and will not feel anything during the surgery.

After the Procedure:

• Initial discomfort and pain managed with medications
• Gradual improvement in symptoms like pain and abdominal tenderness
• Possible dietary restrictions initially, progressing to regular diet as tolerated

Pain Management and Comfort:

• Pain relief with prescribed medications
• Support from nursing staff for mobility and daily activities during hospital stay