Is There any Role of Visceral Fat Area for Predicting Difficulty of Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer?

PURPOSE: Obesity is associated with morbidity following gastric cancer surgery, but whether obesity influences morbidity after laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) remains controversial. The present study evaluated whether body mass index (BMI) and visceral fat area (VFA) predict postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 217 consecutive patients who had undergone LG for gastric cancer between May 2003 and December 2005 were included in the present study. We divided the patients into two groups ('before learning curve' and 'after learning curve') based on the learning curve effect of the surgeon. Each of these groups was sub-classified according to BMI ( or =25 kg/m2) and VFA ( or =100 cm2). Surgical outcomes, including operative time, quantity of blood loss, and postoperative complications, were compared between BMI and VFA subgroups. RESULTS: The mean operative time, length of hospital stay, and complication rate were significantly higher in the before learning curve group than in the after learning curve group. In the subgroup analysis, complication rate and length of hospital stay did not differ according to BMI or VFA; however, for the before learning curve group, mean operative time and blood loss were significantly higher in the high VFA subgroup than in the low VFA subgroup (P=0.047 and P=0.028, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: VFA may be a better predictive marker than BMI for selecting candidates for LG, which may help to get a better surgical outcome for inexperienced surgeons.

Effects of Continuing Adjuvant S-1 for 1 Year on the Prognosis of Gastric Cancer Patients: Results from a Prospective Single Center Study

PURPOSE: Although several clinical trials have proven the efficacy of adjuvant S-1 treatment in gastric cancers, it is still unclear which patients receive the most benefit. In this study, we prospectively recruited patients with locally advanced gastric cancer who had undergone curative resection followed by adjuvant S-1 administration to investigate which factors affect the outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2010 and October 2011, we enrolled 49 patients who underwent curative resection for stage II or III gastric cancer and who subsequently received adjuvant S-1 treatment for 1 year. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (59.2%) continued S-1 treatment for 1 year, and 12 patients (24.5%) experienced recurrent disease during the follow-up period. Patients with continuation of S-1 for 1 year had significantly increased rates of disease-free survival (P<0.001) and overall survival (P=0.001) relative to the patients who discontinued S-1 during year 1. Multivariate analysis indicated poor outcomes for patients with stage III disease and those who discontinued S-1 treatment. Excluding patients who discontinued S-1 due to cancer progression (n=7), adjuvant treatment with S-1 still demonstrated a significant difference in the disease-free survival rate between the patients who continued treatment and those who discontinued it (P=0.020). CONCLUSIONS: S-1 is tolerated as adjuvant treatment in gastric cancer patients. However, discontinuing S-1 treatment may be an unfavorable factor in the prevention of recurrence. S-1 adjuvant treatment should be continued for 1 year if possible through the proper management of toxicities.

Effective and Safe Outcome of Sleeve Gastrectomy Performed by Experienced Gastric Surgeon

PURPOSE: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is an emerging approach, but there have been a surge in popularity because of its perceived technical simplicity, feasibility, and good outcomes. We describe results of a single fully experienced gastric surgeon's short-term outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and robotic sleeve gastrectomy (RSG) for morbidly obese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients underwent LSG and RSG from July 2010 to February 2014. RESULTS: The mean age was 36.3+/-10.1 years, the mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 37.3+/-5.4 kg/m2. Mean operative time was 124.4+/-36.2 min. The postoperative length of stay was 5.1+/-4.1 day. There was no open conversion and mortality, nor severe postoperative complication found in the LSG and RSG cases. The mean BMI decreased to 26.1+/-2.5 kg/m2 at 1 year and the mean percentage excess weight loss was 69.8+/-24.9% at 1 year. CONCLUSION: Effective weight loss without complication would be achieved by sleeve gastrectomy if the procedure is performed by experienced gastric surgeon. However, further well-designed comparative studies with larger sample size are warranted to prove this preliminary result.

Conventional Cytology Is Not Beneficial for Predicting Peritoneal Recurrence after Curative Surgery for Gastric Cancer: Results of a Prospective Clinical Study

PURPOSE: The role of peritoneal washing cytology in determining further treatment strategies after surgery for gastric cancer remains unclear. One reason for this is the fact that optimal procedures to increase the accuracy of predicting peritoneal metastasis have not been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cytology using samples harvested from two different abdominal cavity sites during gastric cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively recruited 108 patients who were clinically diagnosed with locally advanced gastric cancer (higher than cT1 stage disease). Peritoneal washing fluids were collected from the pouch of Douglas and the subphrenic area. Patients were prospectively followed up for 2 years to determine the recurrence and survival rates. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients dropped out of the study for various reasons, so 75 patients were included in the final analysis. Seven patients (9.3%) showed positive cytology findings, of whom, three showed peritoneal recurrence. Tumor size was the only factor associated with positive cytology findings (P=0.037). The accuracy and specificity of cytology for predicting peritoneal recurrence were 90.1% and 94.2%, respectively, whereas the sensitivity was 50.0%. The survival rate did not differ between patients with positive cytology findings and those with negative cytology findings (P=0.081). CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal washing cytology using samples harvested from two different sites in the abdominal cavity was not able to predict peritoneal recurrence or survival in gastric cancer patients. Further studies will be required to determine whether peritoneal washing cytology during gastric cancer surgery is a meaningful procedure.

Outcomes of Critical Pathway in Laparoscopic and Open Surgical Treatments for Gastric Cancer Patients: Patients Selection for Fast-Track Program through Retrospective Analysis

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical factors affecting on the cure rate by invasive and open surgery for gastric cancer and to establish a subgroup of patients who can be applied by the early recovery after surgery program through this retrospective analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analyzed 425 patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery between January 2011 and December 2011 and were managed with conventional clinical therapies. This clinical algorithm was made when the patient was in minimally invasive surgery group and discharged from hospital one day faster than them in open surgery group. RESULTS: The completion rate of the clinical pathway was 62.4%. Despite the different applications of clinical pathway, completion rate in minimally invasive surgery group was significantly higher than that of open group (P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, the surgical procedure of minimally invasive surgery (odds ratio=4.281) was the most predictable factor to complete clinical pathway. Additionally, younger patients (odds ratio=1.933) who underwent distal gastrectomy (odds ratio=1.999) without combined resection (odds ratio=3.069) were predicted to accomplish the clinical pathway without any modifications. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that high efficacy of the clinical pathway for gastric cancer surgery was expected to selected patients through retrospective analysis (expected completion rate=85.4%). In addition, these patients would become enrolled criteria for early recovery program in gastric cancer surgery.

Comparison of Intracorporeal Reconstruction after Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy with Extracorporeal Reconstruction in the View of Learning Curve

PURPOSE: The intracorporeal reconstruction after laparoscopic gastrectomy can minimize postoperative pain, and give better cosmetic effect, while it may have technical difficulties and require the learning curve. This study aimed to analyze the surgical outcome of intracorporeal reconstruction according to the surgeon's experience comparing with extracorporeal procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2009 to September 2011, intracorporeal reconstruction in laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer was performed for 71 patients (Intra group). During same period, 231 patients underwent laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (Extra group). These patients were classified into initial (1st to 20th case of intra group), intermediate (21th to 46th case), and experienced (after 47th case) phases. RESULTS: Intracorporeal procedures included 35 cases of Billroth-I, 30 Billroth-II and 6 Roux en Y reconstructions. In the initial phase, operation time (P=0.022) were significantly longer for the patients of intra group than them of extra group. Although the difference was not significant, the length of hospital stay was longer and complication rate was higher in the intra group. In intermediate and experienced phases, there was no difference between two groups in operation time and hospital stay. In these phases, complication rate was lower in the intra group than the extra group (3.9% versus 9.7%). The pain scale was significantly lower post operation day 5 in the intra group. CONCLUSIONS: Intracorporeal reconstruction after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy was feasible and safe, and the technique was stabilized after 20th case if the surgeon has sufficient experiences when we compared it with extracorporeal reconstruction.

The Effects of Helicobacter pylori on the prognosis of patients with curatively resected gastric cancers in a population with high infection rate / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to assess the correlation between the Helicobacter pylori status of patients who underwent curative resection for gastric adenocarcinoma and their prognosis in Eastern societies where H. pylori infection is prevalent. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2007, 192 patients who had a curative resection for the treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma were enrolled in the study. Of these patients, 18 were excluded due to an inexact evaluation of the H. pylori status, thereby leaving 174 patients in the final analysis. Serologic testing for H. pylori was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for immunoglobulin G, and the histological presence of H. pylori was identified using the Giemsa stain. RESULTS: Of the 174 patients, 111 patients (63.8%) were confirmed for H. pylori infection. H. pylori status did not correlate with the overall or disease-free survival. For patients with stage III or IV gastric cancer, a positive H. pylori status was a significant predictive factor for recurrence over that of a negative H. pylori status (P = 0.019). Negative H. pylori status was a predictive factor for recurrence in multivariable analysis (relative risk, 2.724; 95 confidence interval, 1.192 to 6.228). CONCLUSION: Helicobacter pylori status did not correlate with the clinicopathologic factors of gastric adenocarcinoma. However, a negative Helicobacter pylori status may be a predictive factor for recurrence in patients diagnosed with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma.

Laparoscopic Resection of Gastric Submucosal Tumors: Outcomes of 141 Consecutive Cases in a Single Center

PURPOSE: The treatment of choice for gastric submucosal tumors (SMT) is surgical resection. Recent advanced techniques has facilitated more extensive application of laparoscopic surgery to most types of resectable gastric SMTs. The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of laparoscopic resection for treatment of gastric SMT through analysis of outcomes obtained at a single center. METHODS: A total of 141 patients who underwent laparoscopic resection for treatment of gastric SMT were enrolled between April 2003 and June 2011. Analysis of the demographics, tumor characteristics, and surgical or oncological outcomes of these patients was performed. RESULTS: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) were the most common pathologic findings (90 cases), and the upper third of the stomach was the most common location (70 cases). Wedge resections were performed in 128 patients and major gastrectomies were performed in 13 patients. The mean surgical time was 102 minutes, which was reduced to a stable 70 minutes after the 30th case. The surgical time for tumors located on the posterior or lesser portion of the upper third of the stomach was longer than that for other lesions. Twelve postoperative complications, including two cases of intra-abdominal bleeding, one case of marginal ulcer bleeding, and one case of leakage occurred. However, there was no occurrence of complications after the 70th case. During the follow-up period, two patients suffered recurrent GIST. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery for treatment of gastric SMT is safe and feasible, particularly as the surgeon develops greater skill with increased experience. Laparoscopic resection is useful for treatment of any type of gastric SMT.

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes between Robotic and Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: The Learning Curve of Robotic Surgery

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic gastrectomy is a widely accepted surgical technique. Recently, robotic gastrectomy has been developed, as an alternative minimally invasive surgical technique. This study aimed to evaluate the question of whether robotic gastrectomy is feasible and safe for the treatment of gastric cancer, due to its learning curve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively collected data of 100 consecutive robotic gastrectomy patients, from November 2008 to March 2011, and compared them to 282 conventional laparoscopy patients during the same period. The robotic gastrectomy patients were divided into 20 initial cases; and all subsequent cases; and we compared the clinicopathological features, operating times, and surgical outcomes between the three groups. RESULTS: The initial 20 robotic gastrectomy cases were defined as the initial group, due to the learning curve. The initial group had a longer average operating time (242.25+/-74.54 minutes vs. 192.56+/-39.56 minutes, P>0.001), and hospital stay (14.40+/-24.93 days vs. 8.66+/-5.39 days, P=0.001) than the experienced group. The length of hospital stay was no different between the experienced group, and the laproscopic gastrectomy group (8.66+/-5.39 days vs. 8.11+/-4.10 days, P=0.001). The average blood loss was significantly less for the robotic gastrectomy groups, than for the laparoscopic gastrectomy group (93.25+/-84.59 ml vs. 173.45+/-145.19 ml, P<0.001), but the complication rates were no different. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that robotic gastrectomy is a safe and feasible procedure, especially after the 20 initial cases, and provides a satisfactory postoperative outcome.

Clinicopathologic Significance of Gastric Adenocarcinoma with Neuroendocrine Features

PURPOSE: Composite neuroendocrine-exocrine carcinomas are malignancies that have two distinct components residing within the same tumor: an adenocarcinomatous portion and a neuroendocrine portion. This is rare in gastric cancers; however, poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas can sometimes reveal evidence of neuroendocrine features (NEF) or be 'mixed endocrine and exocrine carcinomas'. This study aimed to review NEF in gastric adenocarcinoma and to evaluate its prognostic significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 29 patients who were diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma with NEF and received gastrectomies at the Department of Surgery, Ajou University Hospital between January 2001 and December 2009. We analyzed the clinicopathologic features of gastric cancer with NEF and the prognosis associated with such tumors. RESULTS: The pathologic result with respect to TNM staging of the gastric cancers with NEF were as follows: 5 cases of T1, 5 cases of T2, 10 cases of T3, and 9 cases of T4. There were 7 cases of N0, 7 cases of N1, 8 cases of N2 and 7 cases of N3. The staging of patients with NEF was higher than that of patients without NEF. Especially tumor lymphovascular invasion rate was 82.8%. The overall survival of patients with gastric cancer characterized by NEF was 73.8 months. CONCLUSIONS: Positive NEF status might be correlated with clinicopathologic parameters such as a high stage and high frequency of regional lymph node metastasis.

Efficacy of Roux-en-Y Reconstruction Using Two Circular Staplers after Subtotal Gastrectomy: Results from a Pilot Study Comparing with Billroth-I Reconstruction

PURPOSE: The Roux en Y method has rarely been performed due to longer operation time and high risk of complication, despite several merits including prevention of bile reflux. We conducted a retrospective review of the result of Roux en Y reconstruction using two circular staplers after subtotal gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2008 to May 2009, a total of 26 patients underwent Roux en Y reconstruction using two circular staplers after subtotal gastrectomy, and seventy-two patients underwent Billroth-I reconstruction. Roux en Y anastomosis was performed using two circular staplers without hand sewing anastomosis. We compared clinicopathologic features and surgical outcomes between the two groups. All patients underwent gastrofiberscopy between six and twelve months after surgery to compare the bile reflux. RESULTS: No significant differences in clinicopathologic findings were observed between the two groups, except for the rate of minimal invasive surgery (P=0.004) and cancer stage (P=0.002). No differences in the rate of morbidity (P=0.353) and admission duration (P=0.391) were observed between the two groups. Gastrofiberscopic findings showed a significant reduction of bile reflux in the remnant stomach in the Roux en Y group (P=0.019). CONCLUSIONS: When compared with Billroth-I reconstruction, Roux en Y reconstruction using the double stapler technique was found to reduce bile reflux in the remnant stomach without increasing postoperative morbidity. Based on these results, we planned to begin a randomized controlled clinical trial for comparison of Roux en Y reconstruction using this method with Billroth-I anastomosis.

Giant Mesenteric Cystic Lymphangioma Originating from the Lesser Omentum in the Abdominal Cavity

A 48 year old woman was diagnosed with a huge cystic mass in her abdominal cavity. She complained of significant abdominal discomfort due to the mass. The abdominal computed tomography revealed a giant multi-lobulated mass, measuring 26x12 cm in size, adjacent to the lesser curvature of the stomach. In the operation field, the mass was found to originate from the lesser omentum, including the right and left gastric vessels and the vagus nerves, and to invade the lesser curvature of the stomach. For curative resection, distal subtotal gastrectomy with mass excision followed by gastroduodenostomy were performed. This mass was pathologically diagnosed to be a mesenteric cystic lymphangioma; in fact, the largest ever reported. The patient had no complications during the postoperative period and was discharged from the hospital on the seventh day after surgery.

Efficacy of Endoscopic Ultrasonography for Prediction of Tumor Depth in Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE: As the proportion of early gastric cancer (EGC) has recently been increased, minimally invasive treatment is currently accepted as main therapy for EGC. Accurate preoperative staging is very important in determining treatment options. To know the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), we compared the depth of invasion of the tumor with preoperative EUS and postoperative pathologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 152 patients who underwent EUS before laparoscopic gastrectomy. The preoperative EUS results were compared with the pathological findings. RESULTS: The overall proportion of coincidence for depth of invasion between EUS and pathologic results was 41.4%. Univariate analysis showed that the rate of corrected prediction of EUS for tumor depth significantly decreased for the lesions more than 3cm in diameter (P=0.033), and those with a depressed morphology (P=0.035). In multivariate analysis, the depressed type (P=0.029, OR=2.873) and upper lesion (P=0.035, OR=2.151) was the significantly independent factors influencing the inaccurate prediction of EUS for tumor depth. CONCLUSIONS: When we decide the treatment modality considering the clinical depth of invasion by EUS, the possibility of discordance with pathologic results should be considered for the lesions located in the upper third of the stomach and with a depressed morphology.

Operative Risk Factors in Gastric Cancer Surgery for Elderly Patients

PURPOSE: Gastric cancer surgery is a common operation in East Asia, such as Korea and Japan, and there has been a significant increase in the need for this procedure due to the aging population. As a result, surgery for the treatment of gastric cancer for elderly patients is expected to increase. This study examined the effect of old age on gastric cancer surgery, and analyzed the operative risk factors for elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2008 to August 2010, 590 patients, who underwent a curative resection for gastric cancers, were enrolled. Patients who underwent palliative or emergency surgery were excluded. A retrospective analysis of the correlation between surgical outcomes and age was performed. The elderly were defined as patients who were over the age of 65 years. RESULTS: The mean age of all patients was 58.3 years, and complications occurred in 87 cases (14.7%). The most common complication was wound infection and severe complications requiring surgical, endoscopic, or radiologic intervention developed in 52 cases (8.8%). The rate of complications increased with increasing age of the patients. Univariate analysis revealed age, comorbidity, extent of resection, operation time, and combined resection to be associated with surgical complications. In particular, age over 75 years old, operation time, and comorbidity were predictive factors in multivariate analysis. In the elderly, only comorbidity was associated with surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS: The patients' age is the most important factor for predicting surgical complications. Surgeons should pay an attention to the performance of gastric cancer surgery on elderly patients. In particular, it must be performed carefully for elderly patients with a comorbidity.

Laparoscopy Assisted Subtotal Gastrectomy in Gastric Cancer Patient with Situs Inversus in Korea

Situs inversus totalis is a congenital condition in which there is complete right to left reversal of the thoracic and abdominal organ. According to an increase in minimally invasive treatments, laparoscopic surgery for patients with situs inversus totalis has also been increasing. We performed laparoscopy-assisted subtotal gastrectomy on a 60-year-old gastric cancer patient with situs inversus totalis. He was diagnosed with early stage gastric adenocarcinoma at antrum of the anterior wall. We experienced some technical difficulties because of the position and anatomic variation of major vessels. However, the subtotal gastrectomy was completed with D1+ beta lymph node dissection followed by extracorporeal gastroduodenostomy. The patient was discharged six days after operation without any complications. The pathologic report showed that tumor invasion was limited to the submucosa and one lymph node was positive for metastasis. We believe our experience is the first reported case of laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery for situs inversus in Korea.

Gastric Cancer Associated with Gastritis Cystica Profunda in Patients without Previous Gastric Surgery

Gastritis cystica profunda (GCP) is an uncommom hyperplastic lesion, which is located within the submucosa. GCP may occur several years after previous gastric surgery. In some reported cases, it was a premalignant condition and may lead to carcinoma of the stomach. We report a case of a 54-year-old man with epigastric pain and dyspepsia. He had undergone peritoneal dialysis for end stage renal disease about 13 years prior. An Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed elevated lesion at the gastric antrum, looking like an advanced gastric cancer or gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Endoscopic biopsy results were tubular adenoma with low-grade dysplasia. When followed up 9 months later, the lesion had increased in size and symptoms remained. We therefore performed a subtotal gastrectomy. The final biopsy was adenocarcinoma arising in GCP.

V-shaped Liver Retraction during a Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of our retraction method for achieving a good operative field for the adequate lymph node dissection during laparoscopic gastrectomy in view of short term surgical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study prospectively enrolled 19 patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy for early gastric cancer. The procedure was simply performed by putting the laparoscopic sigle suture in the phrenoesophageal ligament, and then the string was pulling and tying over the sternum. Surgical outcomes of these patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Under V-shaped liver retraction, the mean operating time and mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 166.3 minute and 31.37, respectively. And the results were satisfactory compared to open or conventional laparoscopic gastric surgery. CONCLUSIONS: V-shaped liver retraction requires no extra port or assistant's hands, and prevents additional injury to any intra-abdominal organ. And this method can easily, efficiently and safely enable to achieve a good operative field for the lymph node dissection near the lesser curvature of the stomach.

Clinicopathologic Analysis of Remnant Gastric Cancer after Distal Partial Gastrectomy: Experience of Single Center during 15 Years

PURPOSE: Remnant gastric cancer (RGC) are generally detected at advanced stages or infiltration of adjacent organs. We retrospectively reviewed the surgical outcomes and clinicopathologic results of remnant gastric cancers that have operated during fourteen years in one institution of Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 34 patients who were diagnosed with RGC at Ajou University Hospital from April 1995 to October 2009 were enrolled. We analyzed the features of previous operation, and according to these results, surgical outcomes and clinicopathologic results for RGC were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 34 patients, 20 patients had previously undergone distal gastrectomy for malignant disease, and 14 patients for benign disease. The period between previous operation and surgery for RGC in the patients underwent operation for malignant disease was shorter than that in benign patients (P<0.001). In surgical field, 31 patients (91.0%) were resected and curative resection was possible in 23 patients (67.6%). When 31 patients who underwent resection for RGC were divided into previous malignant and benign disease, there was no significantly different in terms of surgical outcomes and pathologic findings between two groups. Meanwhile, the patients who recently (after 2005) underwent surgery for RGC showed less advanced stage compared with the patients who underwent surgery before 2004. CONCLUSIONS: Resection was possible in the higher proportion (91.0%) of patients diagnosed with RGC compared with previous reports. The cause of previous operation did not effect on the surgical outcomes for surgery of RGC. Recent trend of RGC is to increase the proportion of early stage gastric cancer. Therefore, surgeons should consider curatively surgical resection for RGC the regardless of pattern of previous operation.

Linear-Shaped Gastroduodenostomy in Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic gastrectomy has been common treatment modality for gastric cancer. But, most surgeons tend to perform laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy using epigastric incision. Delta-shaped anastomosis is known as intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy, but it is technically difficult and needed many staplers. So we tried to find simple and economical method, here we report on the results of liner-shaped gastroduodenostomy in totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 25 patients who underwent totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy using liner-shaped anastomosis at School of Medicine, Ajou University between January to October 2009. The indication was early gastric cancer as diagnosed by preoperative workup, the anastomoses were performed by using laparoscopic linear stapler. RESULTS: There were 12 female and 13 male patients with a mean age of 55.6+/-11.2. The following procedures were performed 14 laparoscopic gastrectomies, 11 robotic gastrectomies. The mean operation time was 179.5+/-27.4 minutes, the mean anastomotic time was 17.5+/-3.4 minutes. The mean number of stapler cartridges was 5.6+/-0.8. Postoperative complication occurred in one patient, anastomotic stenosis, and the patient required reoperation to gastrojejunostomy. The mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 6.7+/-1.0 days except the complication case, and there was no case of conversion to open procedure and postoperative mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Linear-shaped gastroduodenostomy in totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy is technically simple and feasible method.

Laparoscopy-assisted Total Gastrectomy with Pancreas-preserving Splenectomy for Early Gastric Cancer: A Case Report

We report our experience with a case of performing laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy along with pancreas-preserving splenectomy for treating early gastric cancer. Laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy was planned for a 62-year-old male patient with a double early gastric cancer located in the upper and lower third of the stomach. Five trocars were placed and we used a harmonic scalpel to dissect the greater curvature. Enlarged splenic hilar lymph node was encountered and they were proved to be metastasis by frozen section biopsy. We then performed total gastrectomy with pancreas-preserving splenectomy for the purpose of completely dissecting the lymph nodes along the splenic artery and splenic hilum. We created a 4 cm sized longitudinal mini-laparotomy below the xiphoid process to remove the specimen, and anastomosis was done via the Roux-en-Y method. The patient was discharged on the 9th postoperative days after an uneventful recovery. Our experience shows that laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy with pancreas-preserving splenectomy is a relatively safe procedure for treating upper third early gastric cancer with metastatic splenic hilar lymph nodes.