ABSTRACT
In recent years,laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) with lymphadenectomy is increasingly utilized for the management of gastric cancer located in the middle or upper third of the stomach.However,esophagojejunostomy is the key technical difficulty in operation.Compared with conventional extracorporeal esophagojejunostomy via mini-laparotomy,pioneers are attempting to perform intracorporeal anastomosis in order to gain better manipulation and minimally invasive benefits,as well as reducing the difficulties in digestive tract reconstruction.
ABSTRACT
Compared to that with laparoscopic assisted approach, intracorporeal anastomosis with totally laparoscopic radical total gastrectomy has the advantages of smaller incision, and better vision for operation, and may also be fit for patients with large size lesion, high-located lesions, or obesity. It remains controversial though several surgeons have reported the safety and feasibility of intracorporeal anastomosis with totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy. This review describes the recent technical advances in intracorporeal anastomoses with totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy, focusing on the reconstruction skills and indications. Current data on totally laparoscopic total gastric resection for gastric carcinoma revealed that all digestive tract reconstructions were performed with esophagus-jejunum Roux-en-Y anastomosis, and different reconstruction techniques of such Roux-en-Y anastomosis have certain advantages and disadvantages. Surgeons should make choice based on tumor location, esophageal diameter and personal skills in order to achieve maximal benefit to patients.