Things to note for gastric cancer patients during the recovery period

The most common method of treating gastric cancer is surgical resection. Generally, the prognosis of surgical resection is relatively good, but this does not mean that you can sit back and relax after surgical resection. Postoperative review of gastric cancer is crucial as a continuation of treatment. The following requirements are met for review of patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery:

1. Gastric cancer patients should undergo imaging examinations at regular intervals after surgery. The specific examination requirements are: once every six months within 3 years after surgery, and once a year from 3 to 10 years; and abdominal color Doppler ultrasound should be performed once 3 months after surgery, once every six months from 1 to 3 years thereafter, and once a year for life after 3 years.

2. Gastroscopy is an essential examination for follow-up after gastric cancer surgery. It is usually performed once every 6 months from the beginning to 3 years after surgery; after 3 years, it should be performed once a year for life.

3. Generally, gastric cancer patients should undergo physical examination, fecal occult blood test, CEA, CA19-9, liver and kidney function tests, etc. within 1 year after surgery. These are the most basic examinations for postoperative follow-up. The specific time requirements are generally once every three months. If there are any abnormalities, check once a month. From 2 to 5 years after surgery, check once every 6 months. More than 5 years after surgery, check once a year.

4. Gastric cancer patients need to undergo certain special examinations after surgery: for example, within 1 year after surgery, bone scans should be performed once every six months, and within 1 to 3 years after surgery, once a year, and then other examinations can be performed as appropriate.