Question:
Does open RNY increase you chance of stomach cancer?

I had a grandfather who had stomach cancer. I am just worried that I already have a chance and will increase the chance if I have surgery    — Tarsha B. (posted on May 24, 2002)

May 24, 2002
I was wondering the same thing. My Grandmother died of a very rare stomach cancer. Maria
   — Maria S.

May 24, 2002
I HAD ASKED MY DR.ABOUT GETTING STOMACH CANCER FROM THIS TYPE OF SURGERY,AND HE SAID THAT THE PERCENTAGE IS ABOUT THE SAME EITHER WAY.
   — deb44m

May 24, 2002
the only difference between open and lap rny is the way they go in and work on your stomach, it's like taking the elevator vs the escalator, either way gets you to the exact same place, and once they are in they do the exact same rny procedure. So no, open won't make you any more at risk for stomach cancer than lap. the biggest problem is after rny the bottom portion of the stomach is no longer accessible, and they can't do scopes, etc in it. If you have a history of family stomach cancer you may want to talk to your dr about the band, which would leave your stomach intact so they could check it periodically for cancer. Good luck
   — Becky K.

May 25, 2002
Actually, the RNY surgery orginated as a surgical TREATMENT for stomach cancer. Patients with stomach cancer needed portions of their stomachs removed and had to get rerouted.
   — BethVBG

May 25, 2002
Yes, this surgery was discovered after they found removing portions of the stomach due to cancer caused weight loss. However, if you have a history of stomach cancer, or family history, you still need to discuss this with your dr since the lower stomach is not removed, simply closed off. One of the side effects listed on several surgery sites has to do with the inability of the lower stomach to be scoped after surgery. Usually this isn't a big issue as stomach cancer is rarer than say... breast cancer, but if cancer is a concern talk to your dr. Good luck
   — Becky K.

March 3, 2013
After doing some research on the subject any time the stomach is cut increases the risk of stomach cancer in the future as opposed to a non cut stomach. Watch what types of foods and medications you taken will help anyone reduce the likelihood of stomach cancer. Stomach surgery doesn't guarantee getting stomach cancer, just puts you at a more predisposition for it to happen. Many people ave predispositions, any never have a problem.
   — Newstart2013