Korean Practice Guidelines for Gastric Cancer 2022: An Evidence-based, Multidisciplinary Approach

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in Korea and the world. Since 2004, this is the 4th gastric cancer guideline published in Korea which is the revised version of previous evidence-based approach in 2018. Current guideline is a collaborative work of the interdisciplinary working group including experts in the field of gastric surgery, gastroenterology, endoscopy, medical oncology, abdominal radiology, pathology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology and guideline development methodology. Total of 33 key questions were updated or proposed after a collaborative review by the working group and 40 statements were developed according to the systematic review using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and KoreaMed database. The level of evidence and the grading of recommendations were categorized according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation proposition. Evidence level, benefit, harm, and clinical applicability was considered as the significant factors for recommendation. The working group reviewed recommendations and discussed for consensus. In the earlier part, general consideration discusses screening, diagnosis and staging of endoscopy, pathology, radiology, and nuclear medicine. Flowchart is depicted with statements which is supported by meta-analysis and references. Since clinical trial and systematic review was not suitable for postoperative oncologic and nutritional follow-up, working group agreed to conduct a nationwide survey investigating the clinical practice of all tertiary or general hospitals in Korea. The purpose of this survey was to provide baseline information on follow up. Herein we present a multidisciplinary-evidence based gastric cancer guideline.

The Impact of Different Types of Complications on Long-Term Survival After Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

Purpose@#This study aimed to investigate the impact of different types of complications on long-term survival following total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. @*Materials and Methods@#A total of 926 patients who underwent total gastrectomy between 2008 and 2016 were included. Patients were divided into the morbidity and no-morbidity groups, and long-term survival was compared between the 2 groups. The prognostic impact of postoperative morbidity was assessed using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, which accounted for other prognostic factors. In the multivariate model, the effects of each complication on survival were analyzed. @*Results@#A total of 229 patients (24.7%) developed postoperative complications. Patients with postoperative morbidity showed significantly worse overall survival (OS) (5-year, 65.0% vs. 76.7%, P<0.001) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (5-year, 74.2% vs. 83.1%, P=0.002) compared to those without morbidity. Multivariate analysis adjusting for other prognostic factors showed that postoperative morbidity remained an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.442; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.136–1.831) and CSS (HR, 1.463; 95% CI, 1.063–2.013). There was no significant difference in survival according to the severity of complications. The following complications showed a significant association with unfavorable long-term survival: ascites (HR, 1.868 for OS, HR, 2.052 for CSS), wound complications (HR, 2.653 for OS, HR, 2.847 for CSS), and pulmonary complications (HR, 2.031 for OS, HR, 1.915 for CSS). @*Conclusions@#Postoperative morbidity adversely impacted survival following total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Among the different types of complications, ascites, wound complications, and pulmonary complications exhibited significant associations with longterm survival.

Prognostic Value of the Anatomic Region of Metastatic Lymph Nodes in the Current TNM Staging of Gastric Cancer

Purpose@#The numeric N stage has replaced the topographic N stage in the current tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging in gastric carcinoma. However, the usefulness of the topographic N stage in the current TNM staging system is uncertain. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the topographic N stage in the current TNM staging system. @*Materials and Methods@#We reviewed the data of 3350 patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative gastrectomy. The anatomic regions of the metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) were classified into 2 groups: perigastric and extra-perigastric. The prognostic value of the anatomic region was analyzed using a multivariate prognostic model with adjustments for the TNM stage. @*Results@#In patients with lymph node metastasis, extra-perigastric metastasis demonstrated significantly worse survival than perigastric metastasis alone (5-year survival rate, 39.6% vs. 73.1%, respectively, P<0.001). Extra-perigastric metastasis demonstrated significantly worse survival within the same pN stage; the multivariate analysis indicated that extra-perigastric metastasis was an independent poor prognostic factor (hazard ratio=1.33; 95% confidence interval=1.01–1.75). The anatomic region of the MLNs improved the goodness-of-fit (likelihood ratio statistics, 4.57; P=0.033) of the prognostic model using the TNM stage. @*Conclusions@#The anatomic region of MLNs has an independent prognostic value in the numeric N stage in the current TNM staging of gastric carcinoma.

Treatment Modality Based Survival in Gastric Carcinoma Patients with Stand-Alone Peritoneal Metastasis: a Case-Control Study

Purpose@#To date, there are no promising treatments for gastric carcinoma with peritoneal metastasis. Some researchers have suggested a survival benefit of gastrectomy in select patients. This study investigated the survival of gastric carcinoma patients with stand-alone peritoneal metastasis according to the type of treatment modality. @*Materials and Methods@#We reviewed the data of 132 patients with gastric carcinoma and stand-alone peritoneal metastasis. We performed gastrectomy when the primary tumor was deemed resectable and systemic chemotherapy was administered. We analyzed patient survival according to the type of treatment, and the prognostic value of gastrectomy was evaluated in univariate and multivariate models. @*Results@#Among all patients, 70 underwent gastrectomy plus chemotherapy, 20 underwent gastrectomy alone, 36 underwent chemotherapy alone, and 6 received supportive care.The median patient survival was 13 months. Patients who underwent gastrectomy had significantly longer survival than those who did not undergo gastrectomy (14 vs. 8 months, P<0.001). Patients who received chemotherapy showed significantly longer survival than those who did not (13 vs. 7 months, P=0.032). Patients who underwent gastrectomy plus chemotherapy showed better survival than those who underwent other treatments. In multivariate analysis, gastrectomy was found to be an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–0.82) in addition to chemotherapy. @*Conclusions@#Our study showed that patients who underwent gastrectomy plus chemotherapy had the best survival. Although the survival benefit of gastrectomy remains uncertain, it is a favorable prognostic indicator in patients with stand-alone peritoneal metastasis.

Longitudinal Change in Health-Related Quality of Life after Total Gastrectomy: Approach Based on the Minimally Important Difference

Purpose@#The post-operative quality of life (QoL) is a significant concern for patients undergoing gastrectomy. Unlike subtotal gastrectomy, the detailed aspects of QoL involving the ability to perform everyday activities that reflect physical, psychological, and social well-being; and satisfaction with levels of functioning and control of the disease after total gastrectomy remain poorly investigated. @*Materials and Methods@#We enrolled 170 patients who underwent total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma and completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality-of-Life questionnaires (QLQ) C30 and STO22 preoperatively and post-operatively at 1, 6, and 12 months. We investigated the QoL change in terms of the minimally important difference (MID), which refers to a score change patients would perceive as clinically important (effect size >0.5). @*Results@#At 1-month post-surgery, MID in global health, physical, social, role, emotional, and cognitive functions was observed at 44.0%, 68.0%, 42.7%, 38.7%, 32.0%, and 16.0% respectively. Of QLQ-C30 symptoms, MID was frequently observed in appetite (52.9%). Of the QLQ-STO22 symptoms, MID was frequently observed in eating restrictions (74.1%), dysphagia (63.5%), pain (51.8%), and anxiety (50.6%). At 12 months post-surgery, MID in global health, physical, role, cognitive, social, and emotional functions was 32.9%, 58.8%, 42.4%, 40.0%, 36.5%, and 17.6%, respectively. Of QLQ-C30 symptoms, MID was frequently observed in diarrhea (52.9%). Of the QLQ-STO22 symptoms, MID was frequently observed in eating restrictions (63.5%), dysphagia (52.9%), body image (55.3%), pain (55.3%), and anxiety (51.8%). Male sex, comorbidity, D2 lymphadenectomy, and post-operative morbidity were associated with MID in global health at 12 months post-surgery. @*Conclusion@#This study provides information about the detailed aspects of impairment in various functions and symptoms of QoL after total gastrectomy. This information can be used to develop a tailor-made management plan for QoL.

Abdominal Drainage in the Prevention and Management of Major IntraAbdominal Complications after Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Carcinoma

Purpose@#The role of prophylactic abdominal drainage in total gastrectomy is not wellestablished. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of abdominal drainage in the prevention and management of major intra-abdominal complications after total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the data of 499 patients who underwent total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma in a high-volume institution. The patients were divided into drainage and non-drainage groups and compared for the development and management of major intra-abdominal complications, including anastomotic leak, abdominal bleeding, abdominal infection, and pancreatic fistulas. @*Results@#The drainage group included 388 patients and the non-drainage group included 111 patients. The 2 groups showed no significant differences in clinicopathological characteristics or operative procedures, except for more frequent D2 lymphadenectomies in the drainage group. After surgery, the overall morbidity (drainage group vs. non-drainage group: 24.7% vs. 28.8%, P=0.385) and incidence of major intra-abdominal complications (6.4% vs. 6.3%, P=0.959) did not significantly differ between the two groups. The nondrainage group showed no significant increase in the incidence rate of major intra-abdominal complications in the subgroups divided by age, sex, comorbidity, operative approach, body mass index, extent of lymphadenectomy, and pathological stage. Abdominal drainage had no significant impact on early diagnosis, secondary intervention or reoperation, or recovery from major intra-abdominal complications. @*Conclusions@#Prophylactic abdominal drainage showed little demonstrable benefit in the prevention and management of major intra-abdominal complications of total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma.

Abdominal Drainage in the Prevention and Management of Major IntraAbdominal Complications after Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Carcinoma

Purpose@#The role of prophylactic abdominal drainage in total gastrectomy is not wellestablished. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of abdominal drainage in the prevention and management of major intra-abdominal complications after total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the data of 499 patients who underwent total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma in a high-volume institution. The patients were divided into drainage and non-drainage groups and compared for the development and management of major intra-abdominal complications, including anastomotic leak, abdominal bleeding, abdominal infection, and pancreatic fistulas. @*Results@#The drainage group included 388 patients and the non-drainage group included 111 patients. The 2 groups showed no significant differences in clinicopathological characteristics or operative procedures, except for more frequent D2 lymphadenectomies in the drainage group. After surgery, the overall morbidity (drainage group vs. non-drainage group: 24.7% vs. 28.8%, P=0.385) and incidence of major intra-abdominal complications (6.4% vs. 6.3%, P=0.959) did not significantly differ between the two groups. The nondrainage group showed no significant increase in the incidence rate of major intra-abdominal complications in the subgroups divided by age, sex, comorbidity, operative approach, body mass index, extent of lymphadenectomy, and pathological stage. Abdominal drainage had no significant impact on early diagnosis, secondary intervention or reoperation, or recovery from major intra-abdominal complications. @*Conclusions@#Prophylactic abdominal drainage showed little demonstrable benefit in the prevention and management of major intra-abdominal complications of total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma.

Prospective Multicenter Feasibility Study of Laparoscopic Sentinel Basin Dissection after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Gastric Cancer: SENORITA 2 Trial Protocol

PURPOSE: Although standard radical gastrectomy is recommended after noncurative resection of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer in most cases, residual tumor and lymph node metastasis have not been identified after surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of sentinel node navigation surgery after noncurative ESD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This trial is an investigator-initiated, multicenter prospective phase II trial. Patients who underwent ESD for clinical stage T1N0M0 gastric cancer with noncurative resections were eligible. Qualified investigators who completed the prior phase III trial (SENORITA 1) are exclusively allowed to participate. In this study, 2 detection methods will be used: 1) intraoperative endoscopic submucosal injection of dual tracer, including radioisotope and indocyanine green (ICG) with sentinel basins detected using gamma-probe; 2) endoscopic injection of ICG, with sentinel basins detected using a fluorescence imaging system. Standard laparoscopic gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy will be performed. Sample size is calculated based on the inferior confidence interval of the detection rate of 95%, and the calculated accrual is 237 patients. The primary endpoint is detection rate, and the secondary endpoints are sensitivity and postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study is expected to clarify the feasibility of laparoscopic sentinel basin dissection after noncurative ESD. If the feasibility is demonstrated, a multicenter phase III trial will be initiated to compare laparoscopic sentinel node navigation surgery versus laparoscopic standard gastrectomy in early gastric cancer after endoscopic resection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03123042

Feasibility of No Prophylactic Antibiotics Use in Patients Undergoing Total Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Carcinoma: a Propensity Score-Matched Case-Control Study

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic surgery is associated with lower surgical site infection (SSI) rates due to minimal skin incision and non-exposure of visceral organs. Most previous studies have analyzed the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotic use in open surgery. Here, we investigated the feasibility of total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) for gastric carcinoma without prophylactic antibiotic use.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients who underwent TLDG without prophylactic antibiotic use were 1:1 propensity score matched with 393 patients who underwent TLDG with antibiotic prophylaxis. The short-term surgical outcomes, including SSI rates, were compared between the groups.RESULTS: After matching, 65 patients were selected in each group. The baseline clinicopathological characteristics were well balanced in the matched sample. In the matched group, there was no significant increase in postoperative morbidity in the non-prophylactic group compared with the prophylactic group (18.5% vs. 15.4%, P=0.640), and there were no grade 3≤ complications (1.4% vs. 0%, respectively; P=1.000). The SSI rates in the non-prophylactic and prophylactic groups were 3.1% and 1.5%, respectively (P=0.559). The time to gas passage, diet initiation, and mean hospital stay were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The SSI rate did not increase in the non-prophylactic group in the different subgroups based on different clinicopathological characteristics.CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative morbidity, including SSI rates, did not significantly increase in patients undergoing TLDG without prophylactic antibiotic use. A large prospective randomized trial is warranted to reappraise the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotic use in patients undergoing TLDG.

Retropharyngeal Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor Misdiagnosed as Oropharyngeal Cancer: a Case Report

Extra-articular tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TS-GCT) in retropharyngeal space is a rare case. We found only two case reports in the literature, in which one was located in retropharynx or prevertebral space of the cervical spine. We describe a rare case of TS-GCT in the retropharynx, which was initially misdiagnosed as oropharyngeal cancer. Furthermore, we want to assure that extraarticular diffuse type TS-GCT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lesions showing low signal intensity in MRI scan.

Prevalence of Malnutrition in Hospitalized Patients: a Multicenter Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is associated with many adverse clinical outcomes. The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized patients in Korea, evaluate the association between malnutrition and clinical outcomes, and ascertain the risk factors of malnutrition. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study was performed with 300 patients recruited from among the patients admitted in 25 hospitals on January 6, 2014. Nutritional status was assessed by using the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). Demographic characteristics and underlying diseases were compared according to nutritional status. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of malnutrition. Clinical outcomes such as rate of admission in intensive care units, length of hospital stay, and survival rate were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of malnutrition in the hospitalized patients was 22.0%. Old age (≥ 70 years), admission for medical treatment or diagnostic work-up, and underlying pulmonary or oncological disease were associated with malnutrition. Old age and admission for medical treatment or diagnostic work-up were identified to be risk factors of malnutrition in the multivariate analysis. Patients with malnutrition had longer hospital stay (SGA A = 7.63 ± 6.03 days, B = 9.02 ± 9.96 days, and C = 12.18 ± 7.24 days, P = 0.018) and lower 90-day survival rate (SGA A = 97.9%, B = 90.7%, and C = 58.3%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition was common in hospitalized patients, and resulted in longer hospitalization and associated lower survival rate. The rate of malnutrition tended to be higher when the patient was older than 70 years old or hospitalized for medical treatment or diagnostic work-up compared to elective surgery.

Safety of Laparoscopic Sentinel Basin Dissection in Patients with Gastric Cancer: an Analysis from the SENORITA Prospective Multicenter Quality Control Trial

PURPOSE: We investigated complications after laparoscopic sentinel basin dissection (SBD) for patients with gastric cancer who were enrolled in a quality control study, prior to the phase III trial of sentinel lymph node navigation surgery (SNNS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed prospective data from a Korean multicenter prerequisite quality control trial of laparoscopic SBD for gastric cancer and assessed procedure-related and surgical complications. All complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification (CDC) system and were compared with the results of the previously published SNNS trial. RESULTS: Among the 108 eligible patients who were enrolled in the quality control trial, 8 (7.4%) experienced complications during the early postoperative period. One patient with gastric resection-related duodenal stump leakage recovered after percutaneous drainage (grade IIIa in CDC). The other postoperative complications were mild and patients recovered with supportive care. No complications were directly related to the laparoscopic SBD procedure or tracer usage, and there were no mortalities. The laparoscopic SBD complication rates and patterns that were observed in this study were comparable to those of a previously reported trial. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our prospective, multicenter quality control trial demonstrate that laparoscopic SBD is a safe procedure during SNNS for gastric cancer.

Novel Endoscopic Stent for Anastomotic Leaks after Total Gastrectomy Using an Anchoring Thread and Fully Covering Thick Membrane: Prevention of Embedding and Migration

PURPOSE: The endoscopic management of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) has been suggested for the primary treatment of patients with anastomotic leaks after total gastrectomy. Embedded stents due to tissue ingrowth and migration are the main obstacles in endoscopic stent management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effectiveness and safety of endoscopic management were evaluated for anastomotic leaks when using a benign fully covered SEMS with an anchoring thread and thick silicone covering the membrane to prevent stent embedding and migration. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 14 consecutive patients with gastric cancer and anastomotic leaks after total gastrectomy treated from January 2009 to December 2016. RESULTS: The technical success rate of endoscopic stent replacement was 100%, and the rate of complete leaks closure was 85.7% (n=12). The mean size of leaks was 13.1 mm (range, 3–30 mm). The time interval from operation to stent replacement was 10.7 days (range, 3–35 days) and the interval from stent replacement to extraction was 32.3 days (range, 18–49 days). The complication rate was 14.1%, and included a single jejunal ulcer and delayed stricture at the site of leakage. No embedded stent or migration occurred. Two patients died due to progression of pneumonia and septic shock 2 weeks after stent replacement. CONCLUSIONS: A benign fully covered SEMS with an anchoring thread and thick membrane is an effective and safe stent in patients with anastomotic leaks after total gastrectomy. The novelty of this stent is that it provides complete prevention of stent migration and embedding, compared with conventional fully covered SEMS.

Impact of Various Types of Comorbidities on the Outcomes of Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy in Patients with Gastric Carcinoma

PURPOSE: With increasing life expectancy, the presence of comorbidities has become a major concern in elderly patients who require surgery. However, little is known about the impact of different comorbidities on the outcomes of laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG). In this study, we investigated the impact of comorbidities on postoperative complications in patients undergoing LTG for gastric carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 303 consecutive patients who underwent LTG for gastric carcinoma between 2005 and 2016. The associations between each comorbidity and postoperative complications were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 189 patients (62.4%) had one or more comorbidities. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (37.0%), followed by diabetes mellitus (17.8%), chronic viral hepatitis (2.6%), liver cirrhosis (2.6%), and pulmonary (27.1%), ischemic heart (3.3%), and cerebrovascular diseases (2.3%). The overall postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 20.1% and 1.0%, respectively. Patients with pulmonary disease significantly showed higher complication rates than those without comorbidities (32.9% vs. 14.9%, respectively, P=0.003); patient with other comorbidities showed no significant difference in the incidence of LTG-related complications. During univariate and multivariate analyses, pulmonary disease was found to be an independent predictive factor for postoperative complications (odds ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–4.64), along with old age and intraoperative bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Among the various comorbidities investigated, patients with pulmonary disease had a significantly higher risk of postoperative complications after LTG. Proper perioperative care for optimizing pulmonary function may be required for patients with pulmonary disease.

Clinicopathological Features and Survival of Patients with Gastric Cancer with a Family History: a Large Analysis of 2,736 Patients with Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE: Previous studies indicated conflicting results regarding the prognosis of gastric cancer with a family history (FHX). This study aimed to determine the clinicopathological features and survival of patients with gastric cancer with a FHX. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 2,736 patients with gastric cancer who underwent surgery between 2003 and 2009. The prognostic value of a FHX was determined in the multivariate model after adjusting for variables in the Asian and internationally validated prognostic models. RESULTS: Of the patients, 413 (15.1%) had a FHX of gastric cancer. The patients with a FHX were younger (58.1 vs. 60.4 years; P<0.001) than the patients without a FHX. There were no significant differences in the histopathological characteristics between the 2 groups. A FHX was associated with a better overall survival (OS) rate only in the stage I group (5-year survival rate, 95% vs. 92%; P=0.006). However, the disease-specific survival (DSS) rate was not significantly different between the 2 groups in all stages. The multivariate model adjusted for the variables in the Asian and internationally validated prognostic models revealed that FHX has no significant prognostic value for OS and DSS. CONCLUSIONS: The clinicopathological features and survival of the patients with gastric cancer with a FHX did not significantly differ from those of the patients without a FHX.

Efficacy of Single-Dose Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Preventing Surgical Site Infection in Radical Gastrectomy for Gastric Carcinoma

PURPOSE: Information regarding antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP) for gastric cancer surgery is limited. The present study investigated the efficacy of single-dose AMP for the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2011 and 2013, 1,330 gastric carcinoma surgery patients were divided into two AMP administration groups depending on the duration of treatment. Postoperative outcomes including morbidity and SSI were compared between the two groups overall and in matched patients. Risk factors for SSI were analyzed. RESULTS: The extended group (n=1,129) received AMP until postoperative day 1 and the single-dose group (n=201) received singledose AMP only during an operation. Postoperatively, there were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to overall morbidity, mortality, or length of hospital stay. The SSI rate of the single-dose group was not significantly different from that of the extended group overall (4.5% vs. 5.5%, respectively, P=0.556) or in matched patients (4.5% vs. 4.0%, respectively, P=0.801). There was no increase in the SSI rate of the single-dose group compared to the extended group in subgroups based on different clinicopathological and operative factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed male gender, open surgery, and operating time (> or =180 minutes) as independent risk factors for SSI. CONCLUSIONS: Single-dose AMP showed no increase in the postoperative SSI rate compared to postoperative extended use in patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. The efficacy of single-dose AMP requires further investigation in randomized clinical trials specific to gastric cancer surgery.

Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer in Morbidly Obese Patients in South Korea

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic gastrectomy in obese patients has been investigated in several studies, but its feasibility has rarely been examined in morbidly obese patients, such as in those with a body mass index (BMI) of > or =30 kg/m2. The present study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of laparoscopic gastrectomy in morbidly obese patients with gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,512 gastric cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) were divided into three groups: normal (BMI or =30 kg/m2, n=45). Short-term surgical outcomes, including the course of hospitalization and postoperative complications, were compared between the three groups. RESULTS: The morbidly obese group had a significantly longer operating time (240 minutes vs. 204 minutes, P=0.010) than the normal group, but no significant differences were found between the groups with respect to intraoperative blood loss or other complications. In the morbidly obese group, the postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 13.3% and 0%, respectively, and the mean length of hospital stay was 8.2 days, which were not significantly different from those in the normal group. Subgroup analysis showed that postoperative complication rates were not high in morbidly obese patients, independent of the type of anastomosis technique used and level of lymph node dissection. CONCLUSIONS: LDG is technically feasible and safe in morbidly obese patients with a BMI of > or =30 kg/m2 and early gastric carcinoma. Except for a longer operating time, LDG might represent a reasonable treatment option in these patients.

Corrigendum: Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer in Morbidly Obese Patients in South Korea

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Is Laparoscopy-assisted Radical Gastrectomy Safe in Patients with Child-Pugh Class A Cirrhosis?

PURPOSE: We investigated early postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis who had undergone radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 41 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy at the Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital (Hwasun-gun, Korea) between August 2004 and June 2009. There were few patients with Child-Pugh class B or C; therefore, we restricted patient selection to those with Child-Pugh class A. RESULTS: Postoperative complications were observed in 22 (53.7%) patients. The most common complications were ascites (46.3%), postoperative hemorrhage (22.0%) and wound infection (12.2%). Intra-abdominal abscess developed in one (2.4%) patient who had undergone open gastrectomy. Massive ascites occurred in 4 (9.8%) patients. Of the patients who underwent open gastrectomy, nine (21.9%) patients required blood transfusions as a result of postoperative hemorrhage. However, most of these patients had advanced gastric cancer. In contrast, most patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy had early stage gastric cancer, and when the confounding effect from the different stages between the two groups was corrected statistically, no statistically significant difference was found. There was also no significant difference between open and laparoscopic gastrectomy in the occurrence rate of other postoperative complications such as ascites, wound infection, and intra-abdominal abscess. No postoperative mortality occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic gastrectomy is a feasible surgical procedure for patients with moderate hepatic dysfunction.

Outcomes of Abdominal Total Gastrectomy for Type II and III Gastroesophageal Junction Tumors: Single Center's Experience in Korea

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of abdominal total gastrectomy, without mediastinal lymph node dissection for type II and III gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed surgical outcomes in 67 consecutive patients with type II and III GEJ cancers that were treated by the surgical resection between 2004 and 2008. RESULTS: Thirty (45%) patients had type II and 37 (55%) had type III tumor. Among the 65 (97%) patients with curative surgery, 21 (31%) patients underwent the extended total gastrectomy with trans-hiatal distal esophageal resection, and in 44 (66%) patients, abdominal total gastrectomy alone was done. Palliative gastrectomy was performed in two patients due to the accompanying peritoneal metastasis. The postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 21.4% and 1.5%, respectively. After a median follow up of 36 months, the overall 3-years was 68%, without any differences between the Siewert types or the operative approaches (transhiatal approach vs. abdominal approach alone). On the univariate analysis, the T stage, N stage and R0 resection were found to be associated with the survival, and multivariate analysis revealed that the N stage was a poor independent prognostic factor for survival. CONCLUSIONS: Type II and III GEJ cancers may successfully be treated with the abdominal total gastrectomy, without mediastinal lymph node dissection in the Korean population.