ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We conducted this study to evaluate the feasibility and the safety of a delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy after totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) and to know about the factors having influence on surgeons' performance of anastomosis and technical details of this operation. METHODS: The clinical characteristics and the surgical results of 57 consecutive patients with delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy after TLDG at Incheon St. Mary's Hospital were reviewed. The patients were divided into 2 groups (before and after 20 cases) and their clinical characteristics and surgical results were compared. The factors which influenced the anastomotic time and the technical details of the operation were also investigated. RESULTS: There was no difference in age, gender, body mass index, surgical results except for operation time, anastomotic time, and starting day of oral feeding between the 2 groups. The experience of the surgeon was the only factor that influenced the anastomotic time. CONCLUSION: Delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy is a feasible and safe procedure even in the early years of a surgeon's career. It could feasibly be done in less than 20 minutes in relatively experienced hands.