Cancer Research UK logo.
SearchDonate
  • Search

Treatment for stomach cancer

Surgery for stomach cancer

The type of surgery you need depends on where the cancer is in your stomach. 

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.

Last reviewed: 13 Mar 2025

Next review due: 13 Mar 2028

The Dangoor Education logo.

Dangoor Education

About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education

Patient Information Forum. Trusted Information Creator.
Plain English Campaign award.

Help and Support

An icon of a hand shake.

Find a Clinical Trial

Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.

An icon of two speech bubbles, indicating a conversation.

Cancer Chat forum

Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.

An icon of a landline phone.

Nurse helpline

Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.