General Surgery

Getting a general surgery isn’t just a medical decision, it’s personal. It’s about holding onto hope when your body feels like it’s giving up. It’s about wanting more time, more memories, more life. If you’re here reading this, maybe it’s something you or someone you love is facing right now.

 It can be overwhelming, with so many questions and so many unknowns. But you don’t have to figure it all out alone. At Biruni Hospital, general surgeries are not treated like routine procedures. They are treated like life stories in the making. Each one is unique and handled with compassion, care, and precision.
Turkey’s medical world has grown rapidly in this field, and Biruni stands right at the heart of it, combining modern science with human connection.

The types of general surgery

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer begins in the pancreas, a small but mighty organ behind the stomach that helps with digestion and blood sugar balance. Most of the time, this cancer starts quietly.
It might be months before someone notices vague symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, or unintentional weight loss. When it is caught early, there is a better chance for surgery, but it is often found later.

Treatment approach

• You will likely go through imaging scans to see exactly where the cancer is and whether it has spread.
  
• Blood tests may help doctors understand more about how your body is coping.
  
• If surgery is possible, it is often a Whipple procedure, but only if the tumor has not spread too far.
  
• Chemotherapy and radiation may be used either before surgery to shrink the tumor or after to keep the cancer from returning.
  
• For some patients, targeted therapies or clinical trials may also be part of the plan.
  
• Throughout the process, managing pain, nutrition, and energy levels becomes a key focus of care.

Whipple surgery (pancreaticoduodenectomy)

Whipple surgery is one of the most complex procedures in abdominal surgery. For some people with tumors in the head of the pancreas, it offers the best chance at long-term survival.

It is a major surgery that involves removing the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, the bile duct, gallbladder, and sometimes part of the stomach. The rest of your digestive system is then carefully reconnected.

Treatment approach

• Before surgery, you will undergo a full workup including imaging, blood tests, and physical exams to ensure your body is strong enough.
  
• During surgery, the team will remove the affected organs and reconnect everything so digestion can continue as normally as possible.
  
• After surgery, expect to stay in the hospital for at least a week. Your care team will manage your pain, monitor for infections, and support your nutrition and recovery.
  
• In the long term, you may need enzyme replacements to help with digestion. A follow-up team will work closely with you to monitor for any signs of recurrence or complications.

Liver cancer

Liver cancer often develops in people who already have liver damage, such as those with hepatitis or long-term alcohol use. However, it can also appear without warning.The liver is a powerful organ that helps filter the blood, store energy, and aid digestion. When cancer starts in its cells, it can grow quickly if not caught early.

Treatment approach

• Imaging and blood tests help determine the size of the tumor and how well your liver is functioning.
  
• If the cancer is limited to one area and the rest of your liver is healthy, surgery may be an option.
  
• A liver transplant may be considered if surgery is not possible.
  
• Other options include local treatments such as ablation, which destroys the tumor with heat or cold, or embolization, which cuts off the blood supply to the tumor.
  
• Chemotherapy and targeted drugs might be used depending on how far the disease has spread.
  
• Nutrition, emotional support, and liver function management are essential throughout treatment.

Liver resection surgery

 Liver resection means removing the part of the liver that contains the cancer. The liver is unique in that it can actually grow back. If your doctors believe a portion of your liver can be safely removed while leaving enough healthy tissue behind, this surgery may be the best path forward.

Treatment approach

• Before surgery, you will have scans and lab tests to identify the tumor’s location and evaluate the health of your liver.
  
• During surgery, the team will remove the cancerous part of the liver. This can be done through open surgery or sometimes laparoscopically.
  
• After surgery, expect a hospital stay where your team will manage pain and monitor for complications like bleeding or infection.
  
• Recovery involves rest, proper nutrition, and tracking how your liver regenerates. Your doctor will advise you on when it is safe to return to your normal activities.

Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, begins in the inner lining of the stomach. It may grow slowly or more aggressively depending on the type.
Some early signs include feeling full after only a few bites, persistent indigestion, nausea, or unexplained weight loss. These subtle symptoms often lead to late detection.

Treatment approach

• You will likely begin with scans and an endoscopy using a camera to look inside the stomach.
  
• If the tumor is operable, surgery is usually the first line of treatment.
  
• Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor or reduce the risk of recurrence.
  
• Nutritional support becomes especially important if part or all of the stomach is removed.
  
• Supportive care is essential for physical, emotional, and digestive well-being during and after treatment.

Gastrectomy (surgery for stomach cancer)

 A gastrectomy is the surgical removal of part or all of the stomach, typically due to cancer. A partial gastrectomy removes only the affected section, while a total gastrectomy removes the entire stomach. After surgery, the digestive system is restructured to allow food to continue moving through your body.

Treatment approach

• Before surgery, imaging, biopsies, and assessments help determine how much of the stomach must be removed.
  
• During surgery, the tumor and nearby tissues or lymph nodes are removed. The esophagus or remaining stomach is then connected to the small intestine.
  
• Recovery begins with liquid foods, progressing to soft foods, and eventually more regular meals. A nutritionist will guide you through this process.
  
• In the long term, you will likely need smaller, more frequent meals and vitamin supplements to support your body’s needs.

What happens after surgery and how healing truly unfolds

Short-term healing: the first few weeks

• Immediately after surgery, your body begins intensive repair. You will stay in the hospital for a few days while doctors monitor for signs of infection, bleeding, or organ issues.
  
• Fatigue, soreness, and discomfort are normal. Pain management is carefully balanced to keep you comfortable without excessive sedation.
  
• Nutrition is limited at first. You will begin with clear liquids, followed by soft foods as your digestive system recovers.
  
• Movement is encouraged early. Sitting up, walking short distances, and gentle activity help prevent blood clots and speed up healing.
  
• Your care team will monitor your vital signs, fluid levels, and organ function daily to quickly detect any issues.

Long-term healing: months of rebuilding and adjusting

• Digestive changes may continue for months. You may need smaller meals, enzyme supplements, or a revised diet.
  
• Fatigue may linger. It is important to honor your body’s need for rest.
  
• Physical activity will be reintroduced gradually, starting with short walks and progressing as your strength returns.
  
• Regular follow-ups are vital for checking your healing progress and catching any complications early.
  
• Working with a nutritionist can help you rebuild strength and prevent deficiencies.
  
• Emotional and mental health are just as important. Support groups and counseling can help with the challenges of long-term recovery.

Taking the next step with strength and hope

Going through this kind of health journey is tough, no doubt about it. But knowing what to expect and having the right support can make it feel a little less overwhelming. Healing is not just about your body. It is about finding your footing again, one day at a time. At Biruni Hospital, you are not alone. Our team is here to walk with you, offering expert care and compassionate support every step of the way, bringing you closer to a fresh start and better days ahead.