Gastric Cancer Surgery in Limassol

Surgical removal is the main treatment for stomach cancer that can be removed, and it is often combined with chemotherapy before or after the operation. Care is organised as a team: the surgeon works with the medical oncologist, radiologist, pathologist, gastroenterologist and dietitian. I see patients at my clinics in Limassol and Nicosia and operate at the German Medical Institute in Limassol.

Conditions treated

adenocarcinoma of the stomach
gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) and neuroendocrine tumours of the stomach
gastric polyps that need removal
gastric outlet obstruction and other complications of a stomach tumour

When to see a surgeon

when a gastroscopy with biopsy has shown cancer or a suspicious lesion in the stomach
when there is persistent indigestion, early fullness, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss or anaemia
when you want a second opinion on a treatment plan you have been offered

Vomiting blood or black stools, sudden severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting needs urgent assessment. Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Assessment and staging

Assessment includes a clinical examination, blood tests and imaging, usually a CT scan of the chest and abdomen. Gastroscopy and biopsy are carried out by colleagues who specialise in endoscopy. In some cases an endoscopic ultrasound or a diagnostic laparoscopy is needed. The findings are discussed in the team to decide whether chemotherapy should come first and which operation suits you.

The operation

Depending on the site and extent of the tumour, part of the stomach (subtotal gastrectomy) or the whole stomach (total gastrectomy) is removed, together with the neighbouring lymph nodes. The digestive tract is then reconnected so that you can continue to eat by mouth. The operation is performed by open or laparoscopic technique, depending on the case. Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are often removed by a limited resection. The risks and expected results are discussed with you in detail before the operation.

After the operation

The hospital stay is usually longer than a few days, with close monitoring. Eating restarts gradually with small, frequent meals, and recovery at home takes weeks. The dietitian guides you, and after a total gastrectomy vitamin B12 supplements are needed permanently. The pathology result determines whether further treatment is needed, which is planned with the oncologist. Regular follow-up and written instructions are provided.

Where and when

Limassol (clinic and surgery): German Medical Institute, 1 Nikis Avenue, 4108 Agios Athanasios. Monday–Friday, 08:00–16:00, by appointment.
Nicosia (clinic): Zoi Medical Diagnostic Center, 2 Dimofontos Street, 1075 Nicosia. Wednesday afternoon, by appointment. If an operation is needed, it takes place in Limassol.
Appointments: +357 25 208265

To book an appointment or discuss your case, contact the clinic.

This information is general and does not replace individualised medical assessment.