Management of gastric cancer in the surgery service of the Military Hospital, period 2017-2022

Abstract

Introduction: In Paraguay, the incidence of gastric cancer is relatively low, ranking fifth among the most common types of cancer. According to data from the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, this type of cancer accounts for 7.2 % of all registered cases.
Objective: To describe the management of Gastric Cancer in the Surgery Department of the Military Hospital, Asunción - Paraguay,
during the period 2017-2022.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional observational study. Data were collected through a review of medical records.
Results: A total of 13 patients were evaluated, of whom 11 were men and 2 were women, with an average age of 66 years. The most common reason for consultation was a sensation of gastric fullness accompanied by weight loss. In most cases, the diagnosis was made at advanced stages. The most commonly used diagnostic methods were upper digestive endoscopy with biopsy for histological analysis and computed tomography for staging. The most frequent surgical technique was subtotal gastrectomy.
Conclusion: The experience at the Central Hospital of the Armed Forces demonstrated final results that are similar and comparable to those obtained in world-class centers dedicated to
gastric cancer.