An operation to prevent cancer
Patients whose genes make them prone to a frequently lethal condition called hereditary diffuse gastric cancer can have their stomachs removed as a preventive measure. Once the stomach is removed, the esophagus and intestines are connected using a method known as Roux-en-Y reconstruction.
SOURCES: bestronghearted.org; Dr. Sam Yoon, Massachusetts General Hospital
James Abundis / Globe Staff

