What is the role of surgical oncologist in the treatment of gastric cancer?

Surgical oncologist plays a pivotal role in treating patients with cancer in the era of precision medicine. In this article, we summarized traditional roles of surgical oncologists and suggested further additional ones for the modern day in the multidisciplinary approach to gastric cancer treatment.

Intracorporeal modified delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy during 2-port distal gastrectomy:technical aspects and short-term outcomes

Purpose@#Surgeons have become increasingly interested in reduced-port gastrectomy to minimize trauma while maintaining oncologic safety. Although gastroduodenostomy has the benefits of better nutritional outcomes and fewer postoperative complications than other types of reconstruction, gastroduodenostomy is not a preferred option for reducedport distal gastrectomy because of technical difficulties. In this study, we describe our intracorporeal modified deltashaped gastroduodenostomy technique, which is easily applicable during 2-port distal gastrectomy. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed our database of 30 consecutive patients with gastric cancer who underwent 2-port distal gastrectomy with intracorporeal modified delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy from October 2016 to May 2021. In this reduced-port approach, we used a Tropian Single port (TROPIAN TECH) via a 25-mm transumbilical incision and a 12-mm port at the right flank. All anastomoses were performed using a 60-mm endolinear stapler. We used 3 additional sutures to provide proper traction and support for the anastomosis. @*Results@#Mean ± standard deviation of operation time was 148.9 ± 34.7 minutes; reconstruction time was 13.2 ± 4.6 minutes; estimated blood loss was 29.3 ± 44.4 mL; and length of hospital stay was 4.5 ± 1.2 postoperative days. A total of 11 patients (36.7%) had a Clavien-Dindo grade I or grade II complication, and there were no grade IIIa or higher complications. @*Conclusion@#Intracorporeal modified delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy was safely performed via a 2-port approach, resulting in acceptable surgical outcomes and no major complications.

Adverse Effects of Ligation of an Aberrant Left Hepatic Artery Arising from the Left Gastric Artery during Radical Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: a Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Purpose@#No consensus exists on whether to preserve or ligate an aberrant left hepatic artery (ALHA), which is the most commonly encountered hepatic arterial variation during gastric surgery. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of ALHA ligation by analyzing the perioperative outcomes. @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the data of 5,310 patients who underwent subtotal/total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Patients in whom the ALHA was ligated (n=486) were categorized into 2 groups according to peak aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels: moderate-to-severe (MS) elevation (≥5 times the upper limit of normal [ULN]; MS group, n=42) and no-to-mild (NM) elevation (<5 times the ULN; NM group, n=444). The groups were matched 1:3 using propensity score-matching analysis to minimize confounding factors that can affect the perioperative outcomes. @*Results@#The mean operation time (P=0.646) and blood loss amount (P=0.937) were similar between the 2 groups. The length of hospital stay was longer in the MS group (13.0 vs.7.8 days, P=0.022). No postoperative mortality occurred. The incidence of grade ≥ IIIa postoperative complications (19.0% vs. 5.1%, P=0.001), especially pulmonary complications (11.9% vs. 2.5%, P=0.003), was significantly higher in the MS group. This group also showed a higher Comprehensive Complication Index (29.0 vs. 13.9, P<0.001). @*Conclusions@#Among patients with a ligated ALHA, those with peak AST/ALT ≥5 times the ULN showed worse perioperative outcomes in terms of hospital stay and severity of complications. More precise perioperative decision-making tools are needed to better determine whether to preserve or ligate an ALHA.

Intracorporeal Esophagojejunostomy during Reduced-port Totally Robotic Gastrectomy for Proximal Gastric Cancer: a Novel Application of the Single-Site ® Plus 2-port System

Purpose@#Intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy during reduced-port gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer is a technically challenging technique. No study has yet reported a robotic technique for anastomosis. Therefore, to address this gap, we describe our reduced-port technique and the short-term outcomes of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy. @*Materials and Methods@#We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent a totally robotic reduced-port total or proximal gastrectomy between August 2016 and March 2020. We used an infra-umbilical Single-Site® port with two additional ports on both sides of the abdomen. To transect the esophagus, a 45-mm endolinear stapler was inserted via the right abdominal port. The common channel of the esophagojejunostomy was created between the apertures in the esophagus and proximal jejunum using a 45-mm linear stapler. The entry hole was closed with a 45-mm linear stapler or robot-sewn continuous suture. All anastomoses were performed without the aid of an assistant or placement of stay sutures. @*Results@#Among the 40 patients, there were no conversions to open, laparoscopic, or conventional 5-port robotic surgery. The median operation time and blood loss were 254 min and 50 mL, respectively. The median number of retrieved lymph nodes was 40.5. The median time to first flatus, soft diet intake, and length of hospital stay were 3, 5, and 7 days, respectively. Three (7.5%) major complications, including two anastomosis-related complications and a case of small bowel obstruction, were treated with an endoscopic procedure and re-operation, respectively. No mortality occurred during the study period. @*Conclusions@#Intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy during reduced-port gastrectomy can be safely performed and is feasible with acceptable surgical outcomes.

D2 Lymph Node Dissections during Reduced-port Robotic Distal Subtotal Gastrectomy and Conventional Laparoscopic Surgery Performed by a Single Surgeon in a High-volume Center: a Propensity Score-matched Analysis

Purpose@#Various studies have indicated that reduced-port robotic gastrectomies are safe and feasible for treating patients with early gastric cancer. However, there have not been any comparative studies conducted that have evaluated patients with clinically advanced gastric cancer. Therefore, we aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes of D2 lymph node dissections during reduced-port robotic distal subtotal gastrectomies (RRDGs) and conventional 5-port laparoscopic distal subtotal gastrectomies (CLDGs). @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively evaluated 118 patients with clinically advanced gastric cancer who underwent minimally invasive distal subtotal gastrectomies with D2 lymph node dissections between February 2016 and November 2019. To evaluate the patient data, we performed a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) according to age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification score, and clinical T status. The short-term surgical outcomes were also compared between the two groups. @*Results@#The PSM identified 40 pairs of patients who underwent RRDG or CLDG. The RRDG group experienced a significantly longer operation time than the CLDG group (P<0.001), although the RRDG group had significantly less estimated blood loss (P=0.034). The number of retrieved extraperigastric lymph nodes in the RRDG group was significantly higher than that of the CLDG group (P=0.008). The rate of postoperative complications was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.115). @*Conclusions@#D2 lymph node dissections can be safely performed during RRDGs and the perioperative outcomes appear to be comparable to those of conventional laparoscopic surgeries. Further studies are needed to compare long-term survival outcomes.

D2 Lymph Node Dissections during Reduced-port Robotic Distal Subtotal Gastrectomy and Conventional Laparoscopic Surgery Performed by a Single Surgeon in a High-volume Center: a Propensity Score-matched Analysis

Purpose@#Various studies have indicated that reduced-port robotic gastrectomies are safe and feasible for treating patients with early gastric cancer. However, there have not been any comparative studies conducted that have evaluated patients with clinically advanced gastric cancer. Therefore, we aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes of D2 lymph node dissections during reduced-port robotic distal subtotal gastrectomies (RRDGs) and conventional 5-port laparoscopic distal subtotal gastrectomies (CLDGs). @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively evaluated 118 patients with clinically advanced gastric cancer who underwent minimally invasive distal subtotal gastrectomies with D2 lymph node dissections between February 2016 and November 2019. To evaluate the patient data, we performed a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) according to age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification score, and clinical T status. The short-term surgical outcomes were also compared between the two groups. @*Results@#The PSM identified 40 pairs of patients who underwent RRDG or CLDG. The RRDG group experienced a significantly longer operation time than the CLDG group (P<0.001), although the RRDG group had significantly less estimated blood loss (P=0.034). The number of retrieved extraperigastric lymph nodes in the RRDG group was significantly higher than that of the CLDG group (P=0.008). The rate of postoperative complications was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.115). @*Conclusions@#D2 lymph node dissections can be safely performed during RRDGs and the perioperative outcomes appear to be comparable to those of conventional laparoscopic surgeries. Further studies are needed to compare long-term survival outcomes.

Reply: Factors Favorable to Reducing the Learning Curve of Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

No abstract available.

Short-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy Performed by a Single Surgeon Experienced in Open Gastrectomy: Review of Initial Experience

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) is more complicated than laparoscopic distal gastrectomy, especially during a surgeon's initial experience with the technique. In this study, we evaluated the short-term outcomes of and learning curve for LTG during the initial cases of a single surgeon compared with those of open total gastrectomy (OTG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2013, 134 OTG and 74 LTG procedures were performed by a single surgeon who was experienced with OTG but new to performing LTG. Clinical characteristics, operative parameters, and short-term postoperative outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: Advanced gastric cancer and D2 lymph node dissection were more common in the OTG than LTG group. Although the operation time was significantly longer for LTG than for OTG (175.7+/-43.1 minutes vs. 217.5+/-63.4 minutes), LTG seems to be slightly superior or similar to OTG in terms of postoperative recovery measures. The operation time moving average of 15 cases in the LTG group decreased gradually, and the curve flattened at 54 cases. The postoperative complication rate was similar for the two groups (11.9% vs. 13.5%). No anastomotic or stump leaks occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Although LTG is technically difficult and operation time is longer for surgeons experienced in open surgery, it can be performed safely, even during a surgeon's early experience with the technique. Considering the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, LTG is recommended for early gastric cancer.

A Case of Endometrioid Stromal Sarcoma of ovary / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Endometrioid stromal sarcoma of ovary is so rare that it has been reported 45 cases in the world. Endometrioid stromal sarcoma of ovary is concomitant with endometriosis at 40%, with same tumor in uterus at 30%. The age of pateint is between 11 and 76, half of them are fifties and sixties. Most frequent presenting symptom is abdominal distension and abdominal pain. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, progesterone was helpful, but any management do not result in conclusion because of rarity of cases. Clinical course is indolent because lesion is well-differentiated and grows slowly, so only cytoreductive surgery will be effective. Progesterone may be effective in residual or recurrent low-grade endometrioid stromal sarcoma of ovary. If endometriotic tissue is origin of tumor, estrogen play a role in malignant transformation. We had experienced a case of endometrioid stromal sarcoma of ovary of 42 years old woman. We managed by TAH and BSO, radiotherapy, progesterone therapy. Until now no recurrence was found for 15 months. So, we report this case with review of the literature.