What Is Gastric Cancer?
The main curative operation for gastric cancer is a gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy, which is removal of part or all of the stomach with the appropriate number and type of nearby lymph nodes. The amount of stomach that is removed depends on the tumor's location, extent, and growth pattern, with the goal being to remove the entire tumor with an adequate margin of normal tissue.
A subtotal gastrectomy removes the portion of the stomach containing the cancer while preserving the remaining stomach. It is often an option for cancers in the lower stomach. A total gastrectomy removes the entire stomach and may be needed if the tumor is higher in the stomach. The remaining stomach or esophagus is then connected to the small intestine so food can continue through the digestive tract.
Removing nearby lymph nodes — called a lymphadenectomy — is an important part of surgery intended to cure stomach cancer, and this is the part of the surgery that varies most from surgeon to surgeon. An appropriately aggressive lymphadenectomy is critical to ensuring cure in selected patients.
The operation as well as the lymphadenectomy can be done open, or minimally invasively using laparoscopy or robotic surgery. While minimally invasive approaches can improve short term recovery, it is more important that the actual cancer operation is performed appropriately regardless of the approach.
Gastric cancer, or stomach cancer, most often starts in the cells that line the inside of the stomach, and the most common type is called adenocarcinoma. There are two main types of gastric adenocarcinoma, diffuse-type and intestinal-type. The intestinal-type tends to occur in the lower part of the stomach, and is more frequently associated with H. pylori infection. Diffuse-type gastric cancers tend to occur higher in the stomach and are less frequently associated with H. pylori infection. These cancers are generally more aggressive and more difficult to treat, and unfortunately are the most common type we see in our own patient population.
Symptoms tend to be minimal or non-existent when the cancers are small and can include bleeding, vague abdominal pain, feeling of fullness after eating small amounts, nausea and vomiting. Stomach cancer is usually diagnosed with an upper endoscopy, a procedure in which a camera is passed down the esophagus into the stomach, allowing the doctor to see the tumor and take small biopsies for confirmation. Once cancer is found, additional testing helps determine how far it has grown or spread and guides the treatment plan.
How is Gastric Cancer Treated?
Treatment of gastric cancer is multidisciplinary in almost all cases and depends on the cancer's stage, its location in the stomach, the results of tumor testing, and your overall health. Almost all patients with gastric cancer that can be removed surgically benefit from chemotherapy both before and after definitive surgery. In isolated instances when the tumor is very early or the patient is too unhealthy for chemotherapy, surgery alone may be recommended. For gastric cancer that has spread to distant sites, treatment focuses on controlling the disease and maintaining quality of life. This may involve chemotherapy, newer targeted therapies (drugs that attack specific weaknesses in cancer cells), or immunotherapy (drugs that help your own immune system fight the cancer). There are a lot of options and many emerging treatments for gastric cancer. It is imperative to seek an expert in the field to explore both standard options and emerging therapies that have yet to become mainstream, including clinical trials.
Gastric cancer
What is gastric cancer surgery?
The main curative operation for gastric cancer is a gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy, which is removal of part or all of the stomach with the appropriate number and type of nearby lymph nodes. The amount of stomach that is removed depends on the tumor's location, extent, and growth pattern, with the goal being to remove the entire tumor with an adequate margin of normal tissue.
A subtotal gastrectomy removes the portion of the stomach containing the cancer while preserving the remaining stomach. It is often an option for cancers in the lower stomach. A total gastrectomy removes the entire stomach and may be needed if the tumor is higher in the stomach. The remaining stomach or esophagus is then connected to the small intestine so food can continue through the digestive tract.
Removing nearby lymph nodes — called a lymphadenectomy — is an important part of surgery intended to cure stomach cancer, and this is the part of the surgery that varies most from surgeon to surgeon. An appropriately aggressive lymphadenectomy is critical to maximizing the chance of cure in selected patients.
The operation as well as the lymphadenectomy can be done open, or minimally invasively using laparoscopy or robotic surgery. While minimally invasive approaches can improve short term recovery, it is more important that the actual cancer operation is performed appropriately regardless of the approach.
Why Dr. Artinyan Is Different
Dr. Artinyan's background combines extensive experience in surgical oncology along with other multidisciplinary therapies including radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unmatched Technical Expertise
Dr. Artinyan is among the few gastric cancer surgeons in the area who are credentialed to perform not only gastric operations, but also procedures involving the colon, pancreas, spleen, liver and kidney. This breadth of credentialing is of particular importance in the management of complex cancers. When a gastric cancer grows into adjacent organs, Dr. Artinyan is often able to complete the entire resection in a single, coordinated operation — without the need for multiple surgical teams or staged procedures. Dr. Artinyan is also one of the few surgeons experienced in all approaches for gastrectomy and lymphadenectomy, including the ability to perform the entire operation, extended lymphadenectomy included, laparoscopically or robotically. For patients who are candidates, this means the same cancer operation through smaller incisions, with less blood loss and potentially a quicker recovery. He also has unique experience performing complex open multi-organ resections. As a result, the operation is tailored to the needs of the patient, not limited by the skills of the surgeon.
Unmatched Experience
Dr. Artinyan was a surgical leader in one of the largest medical centers in the world, Baylor College of Medicine in the Texas Medical Center. He has extensive experience treating complex gastric cancers in a multidisciplinary setting, including applying emerging and non-conventional therapies to the overall treatment plan.
Dr. Artinyan has been called the "surgeon's surgeon" having been called upon to operate on his fellow physicians, surgeons and their family members.
Impactful Research Cited Worldwide
Many surgeons in the Los Angeles area advertise their research. Dr. Artinyan's record stands on its own. He has published extensively on his experience with novel treatments for gastrointestinal cancers. It's not just quantity, it's quality - Dr. Artinyan's research has been extremely impactful in his field and is cited worldwide. Dr. Artinyan has also lectured on surgical approaches for the treatment of gastric cancer both nationally and internationally.
How Is Gastric Cancer Surgery Performed?
Gastric cancer surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the tumor's location and stage, the surgeon may perform a partial gastrectomy or a total gastrectomy, along with the removal of nearby lymph nodes to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Dr. Artinyan often utilizes minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, to reduce post-operative pain, shorten hospital stays, and lower the risk of complications. These advanced surgical methods allow for effective cancer removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
What Are the Symptoms of Gastric Cancer?
Gastric cancer symptoms are often nonspecific, particularly in the early stages, which can delay diagnosis. As the tumor grows, patients may experience a variety of signs, including:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Stomach discomfort or pain
- Early satiety (feeling full quickly)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue
- Dark or bloody stools
- Bloating or abdominal fluid buildup
These symptoms can be caused by other conditions so it's important to seek medical evaluation if they persist.
Life Surgical Oncology Reviews
Quiero agradecerle al doctor Artinyan sufri por más de 10 años de hemorroides mi doctora me refiero con este especialista el doctor me realizo una cirugía para acabar con mis problemas mesiento contento mi recuperación asido lento pero el doctor siempre está ai para apoyar es un doctor muy amable y comprensivo trata muy bien asus pacientes también se toma el tiempo de escuchar tus preocupaciones les recomiendo que visiten este lugar si buscan un buen especialista aquí lo van en contrar bendiciones al doctor y atodo su equipo de oficina gracias por ser tan agradables
I highly recommend him and his team to anyone in need of quality medical care
It was really amazing the way Dr. Artinyan helped me. I am very grateful to him and his entire team. May God bless you all.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr Avo Artinyan for his expertise, professionalism, and impeccable surgical skills. Not only he is an exceptionally gifted surgeon with great attention to details, but also a caring and compassionate human being, with great bedside manners. He exudes confidence, yet he’s very approachable and very patient in answering questions. His attentiveness, kindness, and straightforward approach in explaining all of the steps, makes you feel calm and comfortable, even in a stressful situation. I was very lucky to have him as my surgeon and I had complete trust and confidence in his ability to make the best decisions regarding my care. I will forever be grateful for the compassionate and skilled care I received. Dr Avo Artinyan, thank you for being an amazing doctor!
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr Avo Artinyan for his expertise, professionalism, and impeccable surgical skills. Not only he is an exceptionally gifted surgeon with great attention to details, but also a caring and compassionate human being, with great bedside manners. He exudes confidence, yet he’s very approachable and very patient in answering questions. His attentiveness, kindness, and straightforward approach in explaining all of the steps, makes you feel calm and comfortable, even in a stressful situation. I was very lucky to have him as my surgeon and I had complete trust and confidence in his ability to make the best decisions regarding my care.I will forever be grateful for the compassionate and skilled care I received.Dr Avo Artinyan, thank you for being an amazing doctor!
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Life Surgical Oncology in Los Angeles, CA offers specialized care for patients diagnosed with stomach cancer. Dr. Avo Artinyan, a board-certified general surgeon with focused training in surgical oncology, provides advanced treatment options, including both open and minimally invasive gastrectomies. Our team also coordinates with medical oncologists to support chemotherapy before and after surgery, when appropriate. We are committed to guiding each patient with clear communication, evidence-based care, and continued follow-up. Contact our practice to learn how gastric cancer surgery may play a role in your treatment plan.