Gastric Cancer and Bowel Obstruction: What You Need to Know

When gastric cancer progresses to the point of causing bowel obstruction, it typically indicates that the disease has already spread within the abdominal cavity. This stage of cancer is considered advanced and is associated with a significantly reduced life expectancy. Without any medical intervention, patients may develop widespread tumor dissemination and severe malnutrition due to gastrointestinal dysfunction. In such cases, life expectancy is often limited to approximately three months.

Historically, for patients diagnosed with bowel obstruction due to gastric cancer, survival outcomes have been poor. However, adopting a more proactive treatment approach can potentially extend survival time. For example, surgical procedures such as resection and anastomosis—where the affected sections of the intestine are removed and the healthy parts reconnected—can restore digestive function. Following this, chemotherapy may be used to control tumor growth. Patients who undergo such treatments may survive between one to two years, although long-term survival beyond two years remains rare.

In summary, the development of bowel obstruction in gastric cancer patients signals extensive involvement of the digestive system. While survival time is generally short, ranging from a few months to a maximum of two years with treatment, timely intervention can improve quality of life and prolong survival in some cases. Understanding these outcomes is essential for making informed decisions about care and treatment options.