Surgery for stomach cancer

The type of surgery you need depends on where the cancer is in your stomach. Find out about the different types of surgery for stomach cancer, what happens before surgery and how you might feel after your operation.

Endoscopic surgery for stomach cancer

This is surgery to remove abnormal cells or very early stage cancer from the lining of your stomach.

Surgery to remove all or part of your stomach

You might have all or part of your stomach removed. This depends on the stage of your cancer and where it is in your stomach. 

Surgery to relieve the symptoms of stomach cancer

Surgery can help relieve symptoms of advanced stomach cancer if your cancer is causing a blockage. 

Before your operation for stomach cancer

Before surgery, you have tests to check your fitness and you meet members of your treatment team. You usually go into hospital on the morning of your operation or the day before.

On the day of your stomach cancer surgery

You have a general anaesthetic so you can't feel anything during the operation. This sends you into a deep sleep. 

After stomach cancer surgery

Surgery to remove stomach cancer is major surgery. You wake up in the intensive care unit or a high dependency recovery unit.

Problems after surgery for stomach cancer

There is a risk of problems or complications after any operation. Many problems are minor but some can be more serious. 

Last reviewed: 
15 Sep 2022
Next review due: 
15 Sep 2025