Nursing Care of the Patient Undergoing Gastric Resection for Malignancy
Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer remains the fifth most common malignancy worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Despite advances in multimodal therapy, surgical resection continues to be the cornerstone of curative treatment. However, the complexity of gastric anatomy and the high morbidity associated with gastrectomy necessitate meticulous planning and multidisciplinary care.
Aim: To review the principles, indications, techniques, and complications of gastric resection for malignancy, emphasizing nursing and interprofessional roles in optimizing outcomes.
Methods: A comprehensive synthesis of current evidence and guidelines was undertaken, covering surgical approaches (open, laparoscopic, robotic), lymphadenectomy strategies, endoscopic alternatives, and perioperative management.
Results: Minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted gastrectomy, demonstrate oncologic equivalence to open surgery with reduced morbidity and faster recovery in experienced centers. Endoscopic submucosal dissection offers organ-preserving treatment for early-stage disease. D2 lymphadenectomy remains the gold standard for staging and local control. Postoperative complications—such as anastomotic leak, dumping syndrome, and nutritional deficiencies—significantly impact survival and quality of life, underscoring the need for vigilant nursing care and multidisciplinary coordination.
Conclusion: Gastric resection for malignancy is a complex, high-risk intervention requiring individualized surgical planning, evidence-based perioperative strategies, and robust interprofessional collaboration to minimize complications and optimize patient outcomes.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Wafaa Hamad Al-Suyayfi, Aishah Mushhen Al-Moteri, Fatimah Mohammed Abdo Ghzzawi, Fatimah Yahya Abdo Ghzzawi, Noura Fahad Belal Al-Noofal, Amal Ali Abdullah Al-Mahlfi, Hessah Hamad Al-Suyayfi
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