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What is GI surgery?
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the long tube that runs from the food pipe (oesophagus) through the stomach, small intestine and large intestine (colon) to the rectum. GI surgery covers operations on these organs.
At Samrijo Hospital, GI surgery is performed by our general and laparoscopic surgical team. For gallbladder stones, hernia and appendix, see our separate laparoscopic surgery pages; for liver problems, see liver abscess & surgery. This page covers the stomach and intestines.
Some operations are done laparoscopically (through small keyhole cuts with a camera) and some are open (through a larger cut). The surgeon chooses based on the condition, how urgent it is, previous surgeries and your overall health.
Symptoms that may point to a surgical GI problem
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain, especially if the belly becomes hard and tender
- Repeated vomiting, particularly green (bile) or foul-smelling vomit
- Not passing stool or gas with a swollen belly
- Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools
- Difficulty swallowing, or food sticking in the chest
- Long-standing heartburn that returns despite medicines
- Unexplained weight loss, anaemia or a lump in the abdomen
Conditions treated and risk factors
Emergency conditions
- Perforated peptic ulcer: an ulcer that eats through the stomach or duodenal wall. Common triggers are painkillers (NSAIDs), H. pylori infection, smoking and alcohol.
- Intestinal obstruction: a blockage from adhesions (bands after earlier surgery), a trapped hernia, a twisted bowel or a growth.
- GI bleeding that does not stop with endoscopic treatment.
- Abdominal injuries after accidents.
Planned (elective) conditions
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GERD) and hiatus hernia not controlled by medicines.
- Growths or tumours of the stomach or intestine, planned together with cancer specialists where needed
- Stoma closure after previous surgery
- Intestinal tuberculosis with narrowing or complications (see abdominal TB)
When to see a doctor
Sudden severe belly pain, vomiting blood, black stools, or a swollen belly with no stool or gas is an emergency. Come to the hospital or call 93196 62944. We are open 24×7.
- Pain with fever, fast heartbeat or feeling faint
- Difficulty swallowing that is getting worse
- Weight loss, loss of appetite or anaemia without a clear reason
How GI problems are diagnosed at Samrijo
- Clinical examination by the surgeon, day or night
- Blood tests in the hospital laboratory: blood count, kidney and liver function, electrolytes
- X-ray and ultrasound of the abdomen
- CT scan when needed, arranged in-house or at a partner centre
- Endoscopy or colonoscopy for bleeding, ulcers and growths
Treatment options
What to expect
Before
Tests, a clear explanation of the operation and its risks, and a check by the anaesthetist. For planned surgery you may be asked to stop some medicines and fast for about six hours.
During
GI surgery is done under general anaesthesia. The duration depends on the operation.
After
Pain relief, early walking, and a gradual return to fluids and food. Some patients need a short period of close monitoring.
Recovery
Hospital stay ranges from a couple of days to more than a week. Return to work may take one to six weeks, depending on the operation and your job. Recovery varies from person to person.
Recovering well at home
- Walk a little several times a day. Early walking helps the bowel start working, reduces the risk of clots and speeds recovery.
- Build up food slowly. Start with liquids and soft, light meals such as khichdi, dal, curd and soups, then return to your usual diet as advised.
- Protect the wound. Keep it clean and dry, and support your belly with a pillow when coughing. Avoid lifting heavy weights for as long as your surgeon suggests, often several weeks after open surgery.
- Prevent a repeat ulcer. If an ulcer caused the problem, complete H. pylori treatment if prescribed, avoid unnecessary painkillers, and stop smoking and alcohol.
- Know the warning signs. Return if you have fever, increasing belly pain, vomiting, redness or discharge from the wound, or you can't pass stool or gas.
Questions to ask your surgeon
- Is surgery definitely needed, or can we try other treatment first?
- Will it be laparoscopic or open, and what could change the plan during surgery?
- How long will I stay in hospital, and when can I eat and return to work?
- What are the main risks for someone with my health conditions?
Why choose Samrijo Hospital
- 24×7 surgical care for abdominal emergencies.
- Laparoscopic and open expertise under Dr. Arun Kumar Patel (MBBS, MS General Surgery).
- Lab and radiology in the same building for faster decisions.
- Honest guidance, including when referral to a super-specialist centre is in your best interest.
Cost of GI surgery
Cost depends on the operation, the approach (laparoscopic or open), whether it is an emergency, length of stay, ICU needs, tests and your insurance cover.
Call 93196 62944 for an estimate.
पेट और आँतों की सर्जरी (GI सर्जरी), बुराड़ी
GI सर्जरी का मतलब है पेट, छोटी आँत और बड़ी आँत के ऑपरेशन। अल्सर फटना (पर्फ़ोरेशन), आँतों में रुकावट, न रुकने वाला खून, दवाओं से ठीक न होने वाला एसिड रिफ़्लक्स, या पेट और आँत में गाँठ जैसी स्थितियों में सर्जरी की ज़रूरत पड़ सकती है। पेट की ज़्यादातर तकलीफ़ें दवाइयों से ठीक हो जाती हैं, इसलिए पहले सही जाँच ज़रूरी है।
Samrijo Hospital, बुराड़ी में 24×7 सर्जिकल टीम, लैब और रेडियोलॉजी एक ही जगह हैं। जहाँ सुरक्षित हो, ऑपरेशन लैप्रोस्कोपी (दूरबीन) से छोटे छेदों के ज़रिए किया जाता है; गंभीर मामलों में खुली सर्जरी बेहतर हो सकती है। अस्पताल में रुकने का समय और रिकवरी ऑपरेशन पर निर्भर करती है।
अचानक तेज़ पेट दर्द, खून की उल्टी या काला मल हो तो तुरंत आएँ। कॉल करें: 93196 62944।
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between GI surgery and laparoscopic surgery?
GI (gastrointestinal) surgery describes WHAT is operated on: the stomach, intestines and other digestive organs. Laparoscopic surgery describes HOW: through small keyhole cuts with a camera. Many GI operations can be done laparoscopically; some need an open approach.
Which stomach and bowel problems may need surgery?
Examples include a perforated (burst) ulcer, bowel obstruction, some hernias of the diaphragm, bleeding that does not stop with other treatment, and growths in the stomach or intestine. Many digestive problems never need surgery and are treated with medicines.
Is GI surgery always an emergency?
No. Some operations, such as for a perforation or obstruction, are urgent. Others, such as for reflux or a stoma closure, are planned after tests and preparation.
How long is the hospital stay after GI surgery?
It varies widely: from one or two days after some laparoscopic procedures to a week or more after major bowel surgery. Your surgeon will give you an estimate based on your operation and health.
Will I be able to eat normally after surgery?
Most people return to a normal or near-normal diet. After some operations, you start with liquids and move to soft food over days. A dietitian or your surgeon will guide you.
What does GI surgery cost?
The cost depends on the operation, whether it is open or laparoscopic, emergency or planned, the length of stay, ICU needs and tests. Call 93196 62944 for an estimate.
पेट या आँतों का ऑपरेशन कब ज़रूरी होता है?
जब अल्सर फट जाए, आँतों में रुकावट हो, खून बहना दवाओं से न रुके, या पेट/आँत में गाँठ हो, तब सर्जरी की ज़रूरत पड़ सकती है। पेट की ज़्यादातर तकलीफ़ें दवाइयों से ठीक हो जाती हैं।
क्या पेट का ऑपरेशन दूरबीन से हो सकता है?
कई ऑपरेशन लैप्रोस्कोपी (दूरबीन) से छोटे छेदों के ज़रिए किए जा सकते हैं। कुछ मामलों में खुली सर्जरी ज़्यादा सुरक्षित होती है। यह फ़ैसला सर्जन जाँच के बाद करते हैं।
Related treatments
This page is for general health information only. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a consultation. Every patient is different, so please consult a qualified doctor about your own condition and treatment. Medical disclaimer.