What is a common complication following a total gastrectomy?

Anemia is a common complication following a total gastrectomy due to several reasons related to the procedure and its impact on the digestive system. During a total gastrectomy, the entire stomach is removed, which significantly alters the digestion and absorption of nutrients. One of the crucial roles of the stomach is to help with the absorption of vitamin B12, which is essential for red blood cell production. Without the stomach, there is a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for vitamin B12 absorption in the intestines. This can lead to pernicious anemia, where the body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells due to the lack of vitamin B12.

Additionally, the removal of the stomach can also affect the absorption of iron and other important nutrients, potentially contributing to iron deficiency anemia. For these reasons, individuals who undergo a total gastrectomy require careful monitoring of their nutritional status and may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent anemia and ensure proper recovery.