Confirm resectability
Confirm whether a locally advanced tumor can be resected with curative intent.
Reviewed by Dr. Juan José Torrent · Updated: April 30, 2026
Specialty
Surgery for stomach cancer
At Quenet-Torrent Institute we treat gastric cancer with oncological surgery, extended lymphadenectomy and a multidisciplinary board that decides the treatment.
CONTACT SPECIALIST
Clinical summary
Stomach cancer is treated with total or subtotal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy, adding HIPEC in selected cases with positive peritoneal cytology or limited carcinomatosis. At Quenet-Torrent Institute (Teknon Barcelona · Memorial Publio Cordón Madrid), the team of Dr. Quenet and Dr. Torrent applies this protocol with strict patient selection.
What is stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a malignant tumor that arises in the cells of the inner lining of the stomach. The most common type is adenocarcinoma, which accounts for more than 90% of cases.
Risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, a diet high in smoked or salted foods, smoking, atrophic gastritis, family history and certain genetic mutations such as Lynch syndrome or the CDH1 mutation.
Surgery with adequate lymphadenectomy is the basis of curative treatment. Perioperative chemotherapy has been shown to improve results.
Symptoms of stomach cancer
Gastric cancer usually presents in a non-specific way and late, which makes early detection difficult. Discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, heartburn, heavy digestion, early satiety and nausea are common symptoms but easily confused with benign conditions.
Progressive loss of appetite and weight, anemia and persistent tiredness are warning signs that require specialist evaluation. In more advanced stages there may be vomiting of blood or black stools, which indicate digestive bleeding. When several of these symptoms occur together, especially in people with risk factors, it is important to see a specialist without delay.
Causes and risk factors of stomach cancer
Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection is the main known risk factor for gastric cancer. Added to this are smoking and a diet high in salted, smoked and preserved foods, with little fresh fruit and vegetables. Chronic atrophic gastritis also significantly increases the likelihood of developing the disease.
A family history of gastric cancer and certain inherited genetic alterations, such as hereditary diffuse gastric cancer associated with mutation of the CDH1 gene, carry a high risk that justifies specific follow-up. Previous gastric surgery and older age are additional factors to take into account when assessing individual risk.
Why ask for a second opinion on stomach cancer?
A second opinion can change the proposed treatment.
Assess the extent of surgery
Determine whether a total or subtotal gastrectomy is needed.
Evaluate the lymphadenectomy
Confirm that a D2 lymphadenectomy will be performed according to oncological standards.
Consider HIPEC
Assess the indication for intraperitoneal chemotherapy in selected cases.
It helps check that the proposed treatment follows current standards.
How do we treat stomach cancer?
Surgical treatment is the basis of curative treatment.
Subtotal gastrectomy
Resection of the distal part of the stomach, preserving the fundus.
Total gastrectomy
Complete removal of the stomach with Roux-en-Y reconstruction.
D2 lymphadenectomy
Extended lymph node dissection according to international oncological standards.
HIPEC
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in cases at risk of carcinomatosis.
The strategy is tailored to location, stage and the patient's characteristics.
Our technology
Technology for gastric cancer surgery
These are the tests and techniques we use for staging and surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery
Minimally invasive approach with equivalent results.
Robotic surgery
Greater precision in the lymphadenectomy.
High-definition endoscopy
Diagnosis and treatment of early lesions.
Endoscopic ultrasound
Staging of the depth of invasion.
Indocyanine green
Intraoperative lymphatic mapping with fluorescence.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Experience in oncological gastric surgery
Quenet-Torrent Institute treats stomach cancer with teams specialized in gastric surgery according to international standards.
Experience in complex cases
We focus on advanced cancer and complex cases, with techniques such as gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy or HIPEC in selected cases, which not every center offers.
Comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach
Surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nutritionists and psychologists review your case together.
Research
We follow the published scientific evidence and review our protocols when new data appear.
Surgical technology
We have laparoscopic and robotic surgery, high-definition endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound and indocyanine green to stage and operate with precision.
Personal, close care
We explain each step of the treatment and answer your questions throughout the process.
Our team
Stomach cancer specialists
Surgeons on the team who treat stomach cancer.
Dr. François Quenet
Oncological surgeon
View doctor: Dr. François Quenet"Surgeon with expertise in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tumors and in highly difficult operations."
Dr. Juan José Torrent
Oncological surgeon
View doctor: Dr. Juan José Torrent"Specialist in gynecological tumors, peritoneal carcinomatosis and complex oncological surgery."
Frequently asked questions about stomach cancer
Answers to the most common questions about diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Can stomach cancer be cured?
Yes, especially if it is detected at early stages and adequate oncological surgery is performed, with complete lymph node dissection. In more advanced stages, treatment combines chemotherapy and surgery, and cure is still possible when a complete resection is achieved.
What is D2 lymphadenectomy?
It is extended lymph node dissection: it includes the lymph nodes around the stomach and those next to the main arterial trunks. It is the oncological standard in gastric cancer, because it improves control of the disease, and it requires a trained team, since it is the most demanding part of the operation.
Can it be operated on laparoscopically?
Yes. Laparoscopic or robotic gastrectomy offers equivalent oncological results, with less pain and a faster recovery. There are two conditions: that it is done at an experienced center, and that it keeps the same quality of lymph node dissection obtained in open surgery.
What is eating like after surgery?
It requires gradual adaptation, with small, frequent meals chewed slowly and with liquids taken separately from solids to avoid rapid emptying. Specialized nutritional support is part of the treatment: maintaining weight directly affects tolerance of subsequent chemotherapy.
How long does recovery take?
The hospital stay is usually 7 to 10 days and full recovery takes between 2 and 3 months. Readjusting to eating continues after discharge and is what takes longest. Enhanced recovery protocols, with early mobilization and nutrition, shorten the stay.
Can you live without a stomach?
Yes. After a total gastrectomy, the intestine takes over the reservoir function and most patients lead a normal life. It requires small, frequent meals and lifelong supplements, above all vitamin B12, which can no longer be absorbed without a stomach, as well as iron and calcium.
What is HIPEC and when is it used?
It is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, given heated inside the abdomen during the operation itself. In gastric cancer it may be indicated in cases with limited peritoneal carcinomatosis or at high risk of developing it. Selection is strict and the decision is always made by the multidisciplinary board.
Where can I receive this treatment safely?
At centers with proven experience in oncological gastric surgery and enough case volume. The quality of the D2 lymph node dissection depends directly on the team's training and affects the prognosis. It is worth asking how many gastrectomies they perform each year and whether they have a multidisciplinary board.
Where to treat stomach cancer?
We operate in two private hospitals in Spain. The same medical team treats you in Madrid and in Barcelona, with the same surgical and oncological protocols.
Madrid
Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Private hospital in Pozuelo de Alarcón with a multidisciplinary team specialised in digestive surgical oncology.
View Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Barcelona
Centro Médico Teknon
Private hospital in Barcelona where the team performs high-complexity surgical oncology.
View Centro Médico Teknon
Real cases
Patients treated by the Quenet Torrent team
Real testimonies from patients treated by our team in high-complexity surgical oncology.
Debra's case
66-year-old English woman with advanced ovarian cancer and peritoneal metastases. Treated with cytoreduction + HIPEC, she is now disease-free.
Read the full caseRosario (Charo)'s case
73-year-old patient with advanced cancer treated with chemotherapy and high-complexity surgical oncology, with good survival and quality of life.
Read the full caseFelipe's case
A mistaken diagnosis of terminal colon cancer that a second opinion revealed to be pseudomyxoma peritonei, treatable with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.
Read the full caseSantiago's case
Diagnosed with widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis and considered inoperable. After complete cytoreduction with HIPEC, today his is a story of survival.
Read the full case
Verified reviews
See on Google
4.5/5
What our patients say
L
4 weeks ago
5/5
Wonderful surgical team, among the best out there. Dr. Torrent (expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis) is an exceptional surgeon and an even better person. His coordinator is super kind, fast and efficient. The personal care is excellent and so are the results. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.
K
5 months ago
5/5
In the public healthcare system they gave my father a maximum of one year to live. They only offered him chemo and no hope, said it was impossible, that nothing could be done. He had several tumors inside the peritoneal sac with metastases. A year and a half later he is clean, completely cured. His latest PET scan came back clean. We are very happy. Thanks to Dr. Torrent and his team. THANK YOU.
M
A year ago
5/5
Excellent professionals, especially Dr. Torrent, attentive at all times to the patient (my wife), operated for peritoneal pseudomyxoma. They helped us with all our needs since we came from outside Barcelona. Thank you Elisabeth. We are very grateful to Quenet Torrent Institute, thank you for everything.
P
2 years ago
5/5
I am a 63-year-old patient. They detected adrenal gland cancer and told me there was nothing to be done. I sought a second opinion and they told me about the Quenet Torrent team, specialists in complex operations. Dr. Torrent, from the first moment, told me they could operate. They operated and removed a large tumor mass. I spent a week in the ICU and a month on the ward. Every day he came morning and evening, no matter Saturday or Sunday. Never throw in the towel. I am happy to have found these professionals who gave me my life back. Thank you.
I
3 years ago
5/5
Many thanks for your attention. Dr. Torrent always attentive, involved and decisive. The reception staff very pleasant and always offering the best option. 100% RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU.
M
5 years ago
5/5
Dr. Torrent helped me make the best decision at a difficult moment. I think he is a great professional and a person capable of accompanying you and putting himself in another's shoes. Thank you for everything.
F
6 years ago
5/5
I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. When I sent my diagnosis to every center, practically all of them agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time, since I had a very aggressive type of cell. Until we reached Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and their team. I can only confirm what their CV announces: they are far ahead of the rest. They saved my life, because during the operation the harmful cells that everyone had diagnosed, and that were the reason nobody would operate on me, were not there. This intervention has become the best investment of my life.
M
6 years ago
5/5
The best decision of my life was finding this excellent team of surgeons who saved my husband's life. At a prestigious international clinic in Madrid he was given up for lost with advanced peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal cancer, and thanks to them, the best professionals in this field, he was operated on very successfully. A perfect recovery with no complications, because they were on top of his progress at all times. They have a great quality: from the start they were very honest and close. I can only be deeply grateful; we went to buy time and thanks to them my husband got his life back.
E
7 years ago
5/5
Dr. Torrent is a brilliant surgeon and a very approachable and warm doctor, whose manner reveals all the qualities that make him a great person and professional: perseverance, innate curiosity and a desire to learn, humility, sincerity and empathy. Going through an operation is undoubtedly an intense experience, physically and emotionally, in which anxieties arise and you feel very vulnerable. All of that is normal, and as his former patient I can say that his care and professionalism throughout the process were absolutely exceptional. I felt very supported by him, with the confidence of knowing I was in the best hands. I will always be grateful to him. Moltes gràcies Dr. Torrent!
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