Possible complications of a gastrectomy
As with any operation, complications can happen during or after a gastrectomy. Your doctor will explain the risks to you before the procedure.
Risks of a gastrectomy include:
- blood clots – you may be given injections after surgery to reduce the risk of getting blood clots
- wound infection – usually treated with antibiotics
- chest infection
- a leak in the new join in your digestive system – this can usually be treated, but you may need more surgery to repair it
Many of these things are more likely to happen while you're still in hospital. But it's still important to look out for any symptoms after you get home.
Urgent advice: Get help from NHS 111 if:
You've had a gastrectomy and you have:
- redness, tenderness, swelling or pain in your leg that is not getting better or gets worse – redness may be harder to see on black or brown skin
- a high temperature or you're feeling hot and shivery
- swelling, redness, oozing or a bad smell coming from your wound
- become breathless or you are more breathless than usual
- coughed up a few small spots, flecks or streaks of blood
These could be signs of a blood clot or infection.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
You've had a gastrectomy and you:
- have severe tummy pain that does not get better with painkillers
- have severe difficulty breathing – you may be choking, gasping or have difficulty speaking
- have pain in your chest or upper back
- are coughing up more than just a few spots, flecks or streaks of blood
- feel like your heart is racing or beating very fast, going too slowly or skipping a beat – you may have a fluttering feeling in your chest
These could be a sign of a pulmonary embolism or a leak in your digestive system.
Information:
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.