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Questions to Ask Your Stomach Cancer Surgeon

Last updated: 04-Nov-2026

Have a stomach cancer diagnosis and a list of worries? Send your reports to Dr Harsh Shah’s team on WhatsApp. · Call +91-63555-64601

Portrait of Dr Harsh Shah, gastro and cancer surgeon, Ahmedabad

Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Gastro & Cancer Surgeon · Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad

18 years of experience in surgery for cancers of the stomach, food pipe, liver, pancreas and bowel. He trained at Maulana Azad Medical College and GB Pant Hospital, Delhi, and operates by the keyhole or open route as each case needs.

In short

Go to the surgeon’s room with a short written list. A good first visit answers three things: what the stage is, what the plan is, and what happens next.

You may ask about the operation, the recovery, the risks and the follow-up. A surgeon who explains these in plain words is easy to work with.

Take a family member along. Many people forget half of what they hear on the first day.

The full approach to this cancer is on the gastric cancer surgery with Dr Harsh Shah page. This page gives you the questions to carry into that visit.

Questions about the diagnosis

Start by asking what the reports show and how far the cancer has gone.

  • What type of stomach cancer is this, and where in the stomach is it?
  • Has it stayed in the stomach wall, or has it reached nearby glands or other organs?
  • Is any further test needed before a plan is made, such as a CT scan or a keyhole look in the belly?
  • Does the biopsy need to be re-read, or are special tests on the tissue needed?

Ask for the answers in simple words, and ask the surgeon to write down the stage. You will need it if you ever want another view on your case.

Questions about the plan and the operation

Ask what the plan is, why it was chosen, and what other plans were considered.

What to ask, and why it matters
QuestionWhy it matters
Is medicine advised before the operation?Some stomach cancers are treated with medicine first, so the operation is easier to plan.
How much of the stomach will be removed?Part or all of the stomach may go, and this decides how you eat afterwards.
Which glands will be taken out?Clearing the nearby glands is part of a proper cancer operation.
Keyhole or open surgery?The route depends on the cancer, not on preference alone. Ask why one is chosen for you.
What if the plan changes during surgery?Sometimes the look inside the belly changes the plan. Ask what the team would do.

To understand how this decision is reached, see how the surgery is decided in gastric cancer.

Questions about recovery and eating

Ask how long you will stay in hospital, when you can eat, and what food will look like in the weeks after.

  • How long is the usual stay, and when do I start drinking and eating?
  • Will I need a feeding tube for some days?
  • How will my meals change, and will a dietitian guide me?
  • Which vitamins or supplements will I need later?
  • When can I return to work and normal activity?

Questions about risks and follow-up

Every major operation carries risk. A fair surgeon names the main ones and tells you how the team watches for them.

  • What are the main risks of this operation in my case?
  • How will you find out early if something is going wrong?
  • What follow-up visits and scans will I need after surgery?
  • Who do I call if I feel unwell at home?

Money is a fair question too. See cost and insurance in stomach cancer treatment for what to ask the billing desk.

How to use this list at the visit

Pick the five questions that worry you most, and ask those first.

Bring every report, the biopsy slides and the scope report. Write the answers down, or ask a family member to do it. If you are still unsure after the visit, a second view on the plan is a fair request. For how to compare surgeons, see how to choose a stomach cancer surgeon.

Dr Harsh Shah sees patients at Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad. Bring your list. He will go through it with you.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions should I ask on the first visit?

Ask what worries you most. A short list of your own questions is better than a long list you cannot follow.

Should a family member come with me?

Yes. Another person can listen, take notes and remember the plan later.

Is it rude to ask for a second view on my plan?

No. It is a normal part of cancer care, and a good surgeon will help you take your reports with you.

What if I do not understand the answer?

Ask again in simpler words. You have the right to understand your own treatment before you agree to it.

Can I ask about the risks of not operating?

Yes. Ask what is likely if you wait, and what other options exist for your stage.

Where to see Dr Harsh Shah

Dr Harsh Shah — Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Dr Jivraj Mehta Marg, Vasna, Ahmedabad 380007.
Consultations, review of reports and scans, operations and follow-up. OPD Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Appointments: +91-63555-64601 · +91-63590-11009 · Hospital 079-2663 6363
Directions to the hospital · WhatsApp +91-63555-64601

Back to the main guide: Gastric cancer surgery with Dr Harsh Shah.

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Dr Harsh Shah, Gastro, Cancer & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Ahmedabad
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