The Laparoscopic Approach for Gastric Remnant Cancer

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We wanted to examine the feasibility of employing a laparoscopic approach for treating gastric remnant cancer based on our experience with preliminary laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: Between September 2005 and January 2007, nine consecutive gastric remnant cancer patients underwent an initial laparoscopic approach. Their medical records, including the preoperative condition, the operation data, the histopathologic results and the follow-up data, were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Four patients underwent laparoscopic radical resection with at least D2 lymph node dissection. The other five patients initially underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. Overall, four patients had open conversion and they underwent radical resection (2 patients) or palliative surgery (2 patients). Another patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy only. The intra-operative complications related to the previous gastrectomy and adhesions are not occurred. Eight of the nine patients underwent postoperative adjuvant or palliative chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: An initial laparoscopic approach that's performed by a well-trained laparoscopic surgeon is feasible for treating gastric remnant cancer, although the results of long-term follow-up and a well-designed clinical trial are needed.