Effects of buccal acupuncture on postoperative analgesia in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of buccal acupuncture on postoperative analgesia, perioperative stress response and adverse events in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Methods: It was a prospective, outcome assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial, involving 90 patients aged 65-80 years who were treated with an elective laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. They were randomly assigned to buccal acupuncture group (Group B) and control group (Group C). Buccal acupuncture was applied to patients of Group B before the induction of general anesthesia, while no additional application was given to those in Group C. Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) with sufentanil was postoperatively performed in both groups. Sufentanil consumption and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score within 48 h postoperatively were assessed as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included peripheral levels of stress markers, intraoperative consumptions of anesthetic drugs and postoperative recovery. Results: Patients in Group B presented significantly lower VAS scores within 24 h and less consumption of sufentanil within 48 h postoperatively (both p < 0.01). The awaking time, time to extubation and length of stay were significantly shorter in Group B than in Group C (p = 0.005, 0.001 and 0.028, respectively). Compared with Group C, stress response and inflammatory response within 24 h postoperatively were also significantly milder in Group B. Conclusion: The use of buccal acupuncture before general anesthesia induction favors the postoperative analgesic effect and recovery in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, the mechanism of which involves relieving postoperative stress response and inflammatory response. Clinical trial registration: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn) on 15/06/2023 (ChiCTR2300072500).

Double Half Purse-String Sutures Plus "8" Pattern of Stitching for Prevention of Duodenal Stump Fistula after Laparoscopic Gastrectomy.

Background: Duodenal stump fistula represents an infrequent but serious complication after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy with Billroth II or Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer. The present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic double half purse-string sutures plus "8" pattern of stitching for reinforcement of duodenal stump. Methods: The data of patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy with Billroth II or Roux-en-Y reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed between August 2022 and June 2023. According to the different reinforcement methods of duodenal stump, included patients were subdivided into three groups as follows: Group A, duodenal stump was treated with double half purse-string sutures plus "8" pattern of stitching; Group B, duodenal stump was reinforced by continuous suture using a barbed suture; and Group C, duodenal stump without any additional processing. The incidences of duodenal stump fistula between three groups were documented and compared. Moreover, the independent risk factors associated with duodenal stump fistula were analyzed using the logistic regression analysis. Results: No postoperative duodenal stump fistula occurred in Group A, which was significantly different from Group B and Group C (P = .007). In the multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio [OR], 1.191; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.088-1.303), body mass index (OR, 0.824; 95% CI, 0.727-0.935), and American Society of Anesthesiologists score (OR, 4.495; 95% CI, 1.264-15.992) were the risk factors for duodenal stump fistula. Conclusion: Double half purse-string sutures plus "8" pattern of suture can be conducted in a relatively short operation period and could prevent the incidence of duodenal stump fistula to some extent.

Analgesic efficacy of an opioid-free postoperative pain management strategy versus a conventional opioid-based strategy following laparoscopic radical gastrectomy: an open-label, randomized, controlled, non-inferiority trial.

OBJECTIVE: In patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, the use of subcostal transversus abdominis plane block (STAPB) for completely opioid-free postoperative pain management lacks convincing clinical evidence. METHODS: This study included 112 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy at the 900TH Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force from October 2020 to March 2022. Patients were randomly divided into (1:1) continuous opioid-free STAPB (C-STAPB) group and conventional group. In the C-STAPB group, 0.2% ropivacaine (bilateral, 20 ml per side) was injected intermittently every 12 h through a catheter placed on the transverse abdominis plane for postoperative pain management. The conventional group was treated with a conventional intravenous opioid pump (2.5 µg/kg sufentanil and 10 mg tropisetron, diluted to 100 ml with 0.9% NS). The primary outcomes were the accumulative area under the curve of the numeric rating scale (NRS) score at 24 and 48 h postoperatively at rest and during movement. The secondary outcomes were postoperative recovery outcomes, postoperative daily food intake, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: After exclusion (n = 16), a total of 96 patients (C-STAPB group, n = 46; conventional group, n = 49) were included. We found there were no significant differences in the cumulative AUC of NRS score PACU-24 h and PACU-48 h between the C-STAPB group and conventional group at rest [(mean difference, 1.38; 95% CI, - 2.21 to 4.98, P = 0.447), (mean difference, 1.22; 95% CI, - 6.20 to 8.65, P = 0.744)] and at movement [(mean difference, 2.90; 95% CI, - 3.65 to 9.46; P = 0.382), (mean difference, 4.32; 95% CI, - 4.46 to 13.1; P = 0.331)]. The 95% CI upper bound of the difference between rest and movement in the C-STAPB group was less than the inferior margin value (9.5 and 14 points), indicating the non-inferiority of the analgesic effect of C-STPAB. The C-STAPB group had faster postoperative recovery profiles including earlier bowel movement, defecation, more volume of food intake postoperative, and lower postoperative nausea and vomiting compared to conventional groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, the analgesic effect of C-STAPBP is not inferior to the traditional opioid-based pain management model. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2100051784.

Machine learning identifies the risk of complications after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy is widely used, and perioperative complications have become a highly concerned issue. AIM: To develop a predictive model for complications in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer to better predict the likelihood of complications in gastric cancer patients within 30 days after surgery, guide perioperative treatment strategies for gastric cancer patients, and prevent serious complications. METHODS: In total, 998 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer at 16 Chinese medical centers were included in the training group for the complication model, and 398 patients were included in the validation group. The clinicopathological data and 30-d postoperative complications of gastric cancer patients were collected. Three machine learning methods, lasso regression, random forest, and artificial neural networks, were used to construct postoperative complication prediction models for laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and laparoscopic total gastrectomy, and their prediction efficacy and accuracy were evaluated. RESULTS: The constructed complication model, particularly the random forest model, could better predict serious complications in gastric cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. It exhibited stable performance in external validation and is worthy of further promotion in more centers. CONCLUSION: Using the risk factors identified in multicenter datasets, highly sensitive risk prediction models for complications following laparoscopic radical gastrectomy were established. We hope to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of preoperative and postoperative decision-making by using these models.

Evaluation of different scoring systems in the prediction of complications, morbidity, and mortality after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study aimed to assess the suitability of POSSUM and its modified versions, E-PASS and its modified score, SRS, and SORT scores for predicting postoperative complications and mortality in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data analysis was performed on 349 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between January 2016 and December 2021. The discriminative ability of the scoring systems was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The primary endpoint focused on the prediction of postoperative complications, while the secondary endpoint assessed the prediction of postoperative mortality. RESULTS: Among the scoring systems evaluated, the modified E-PASS (mE-PASS) score exhibited the highest AUC (0.846) and demonstrated the highest sensitivity (81%) and specificity (79%) for predicting postoperative complications. All other scores, except for POSSUM, showed moderate discriminative ability in predicting complications. In terms of predicting postoperative mortality, the E-PASS score had the highest AUC (0.978), while the mE-PASS score displayed the highest sensitivity (76%) and specificity (90%). Notably, both E-PASS and mE-PASS scores exhibited excellent discriminative ability. CONCLUSIONS: The P-POSSUM, O-POSSUM, E-PASS, mE-PASS, SRS, and SORT scoring systems are useful tools for predicting postoperative outcomes in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Among them, the mE-PASS score demonstrated the best predictive power. However, the POSSUM system could only be applicable to predict postoperative mortality.

Analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus abdominis plane block in laparoscopic gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications are important factors affecting the survival time and quality of life of patients undergoing radical gastrectomy. AIM: To investigate and compare the anesthetic effects of intravenous general anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia or ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus abdominal plane block (TAPB) in gastric cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. METHODS: The clinical data of 85 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy in our hospital from December 2020 to January 2023 were retrospectively collected and divided into a TAPB group (n = 45) and epidural anesthesia group (n = 40) according to the different anesthesia and analgesia programs used. The TAPB group received general anesthesia combined with TAPB, and the epidural anesthesia group received general anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia. The pain status, cognitive status, intestinal barrier indicators, recovery quality, and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with the epidural anesthesia group, the TAPB group's visual analog scale scores were significantly lower 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after surgery (P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in the TAPB group was significantly lower than that in the epidural anesthesia group, and the Mini-mental State Examination score 24 h after surgery was significantly higher in the TAPB group than the epidural anesthesia group (P < 0.05). The levels of diamine oxidase and plasma D-lactate were significantly lower in the TAPB group than the epidural anesthesia group 24 h after surgery (P < 0.05). The agitation score and the incidence of agitation during recovery were significantly lower in the TAPB group than epidural anesthesia group (P < 0.05). The total incidence of postoperative complications in the TAPB group was 4.44%, significantly lower than the 20.00% in the epidural anesthesia group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with epidural anesthesia combined with general anesthesia, TAPB combined with general anesthesia had a good analgesic effect in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy and can further reduce the incidence of POCD and postoperative complications, improve the levels of intestinal barrier indicators, and improve postoperative recovery quality.

Risk factors for hyperactive delirium after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy under general anesthesia in patients with gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for the occurrence of postoperative hyperactive delirium after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy under general anesthesia in patients with gastric cancer. METHODS: The clinical data of 280 gastric cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy under general anesthesia in First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University from January 2020 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, and the types and incidence of postoperative delirium were recorded. The factors influencing the occurrence of postoperative hyperactive delirium were analyzed. RESULTS: Multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that older age, high dosage of anesthetic drug consumption, high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification (or ASA grade 3-4), long Post-anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) stay, and long extubation time were independent risk factors for the occurrence of hyperactive delirium after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy (OR > 1, P < 0.05). The area under the curve of the nomogram was used to predict the occurrence of hyperactive delirium after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy under general anesthesia was 0.903 (95% CI: 0.846-0.978). CONCLUSION: Older age, high dosage of anesthetic drug consumption, high ASA classification (or ASA grade 3-4), long PACU stay, and long extubation time were independent risk factors affecting the occurrence of hyperactive delirium after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy under general anesthesia.

No.12a Lymph Node Metastasis and Survival Analysis of Upper Gastric Cancer / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To analyze the relationship between No.12a lymph node metastasis and clinicopathological features of upper gastric cancer and to discuss the indications and prognostic significance of lymph node dissection in this group. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical records of 377 patients with upper gastric cancer, to compare the relationship between No.12a lymph node metastasis and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with upper gastric cancer. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the prognosis of patients with or without No.12a lymph node metastasis, and Cox regression analysis was performed to analyze the influencing factors of prognosis and survival of patients with upper gastric cancer. Results Tumor location (lesser curvature side), tumor diameter (≥5.5 cm), degree of differentiation, and T/N/TNM stage were significantly correlated with No.12a lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). After excluding N staging, Cox regression results showed that the degree of differentiation (HR: 0.668, 95%CI: 0.48-0.931, P=0.017) and pTNM stage (HR: 6.319, 95%CI: 4.063-9.828, P < 0.001) were the independent risk factors, but No.12a lymph node metastasis (HR: 1.477, 95%CI: 0.71-3.075, P=0.297) was not an independent risk factor for survival of upper gastric cancer patients. Conclusion No.12a lymph node metastasis does not seem to be an independent risk factor for the prognosis of upper gastric cancer patients. However, the prognosis of patients with No.12a lymph node metastasis is worse than that of patients without No.12a lymph node metastasis. The No.12a lymph nodes should be actively dissected when the tumor is in the following situations: the tumor is located in the lesser curvature, the degree of differentiation is poorly differentiated, and the tumor stage is late (T4, N3, or Ⅱ-Ⅲ stage).

Progress of research and technical in minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer / 中华消化外科杂志

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, and its incidence and mortality are among the top of malignant tumors in China. Since Kitano et al com-plete the first laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer in the world in 1992, the laparos-copic technology has developed rapidly. After more than 30 years of exploration and practice, the clinical diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer in China has also made considerable progress. A large number of clinical studies at home and abroad have confirmed that laparoscopic radical gas-trectomy is no less effective than traditional open surgery in the short and long term. Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy has the characteristics of less trauma, faster recovery of gastrointestinal func-tion, less postoperative pain, and shorter average hospital stay. It has gradually replaced open surgery as the mainstream surgical method for gastric cancer. As the concept of surgical treatment for gastric cancer continues to update, emerging minimally invasive technologies continue to emerge, including robotic surgery systems and indocyanine green tracing technology, which are increasingly used in gastric cancer surgery, making gastric cancer surgery more minimally invasive and accurate, the quality of perigastric lymph node dissection and the domestic gastric cancer surgery technology further improving. Based on the relevant research at home and abroad, the authors review and summarize the latest progress in recent years with the topic of minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer, aiming to systematically describe the current situation and future prospects of gastric cancer surgery. It is believed that in the future, the clinical diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer in China will be more standardized, minimally invasive and accurate, more high-quality multicenter clinical research will be carry out and the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer will be further improved in China.

Ultrasound-Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block Combined with General Anaesthesia or General Anaesthesia Alone for Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy for Gastric Adenocarcinoma: A Monocentric Retrospective Study.

Purpose: To investigate, in patients with gastric carcinoma undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, the effects of ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block (UG-QLB) combined with general anaesthesia (GA) on the postoperative recovery compared with GA alone. Patients and Methods: The retrospective study enrolled 231 patients with gastric carcinoma undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, including 119 patients who received UG-QLB combined with GA (Group QG), and 112 patients undergoing GA alone (Group GA). The primary endpoint was the postoperative 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS). The secondary endpoints were the average visual analogue scale (VAS) scores within 48 h after surgery, the first time of postoperative ambulation, the first time of flatus, postoperative hospitalization, perioperative opioid requirement and adverse effects after surgery. Results: UG-QLB combined with GA did not affect the 3-year RFS in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy (HR 0.659, 95% CI 0.342-1.269, P=0.212). However, the VAS ranking analysis implicated that it could significantly alleviate the postoperative pain in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy patients (P<0.01). In addition, it dramatically facilitated the early recovery of postoperative ambulation and flatus, while shortening the duration of postoperative hospitalization (P<0.01). The most important was it could remarkably reduce the opioid consumption (P<0.01), which in the meanwhile, reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (P=0.01). Conclusion: Although UG-QLB combined with GA did not improve the 3-year RFS for patients with gastric carcinoma undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, it could provide satisfactory postoperative pain relief, reduce opioid consumption and adverse effects, which subsequently facilitates postoperative early rehabilitation.

A national advanced training program for laparoscopic radical gastrectomy has a positive impact on surgical trainees: A before and after study (ATP-LRG-1).

BACKGROUND: Due to the high technical requirements of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy (LRG), establishing an effective training system to promote clinical technology and operation specifications is necessary. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a national advanced training program for LRG (ATP-LRG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The contents of the training include the following: 1) detailed technique descriptions; 2) prevention and solving of intraoperative complications; 3) live surgery performance; 4) theory and practice of clinical research; 5) comments on trainees' videos; and 6) questions, answers, and discussions. This retrospective before and after study surveyed 875 trainees from January 2015 to October 2020. Endpoints were general surgical skills (GSS), laparoscopic gastrectomy acceptance (LGA), and clinical research possibilities (CRP). The analysis took place in December 2021. RESULTS: The response rate was 70.5% (617/875). ATP-LRG reportedly had a positive impact on the LRG practice of 99.5% (614/617) of trainees. Their GSS (before vs. after: 16.5 ± 3.7 vs. 20.3 ± 3.1, P < 0.001), LGA (4.2 ± 0.9 vs. 4.6 ± 0.7, P < 0.001), and CRP (2.6 ± 1.2 vs. 3.2 ± 1.1, P < 0.001) significantly improved. The improvement in GSS for those with professional titles of associate chief surgeons and below was significantly higher than that for chief surgeons (4.0 ± 3.0 vs 3.3 ± 2.4, P = 0.017), while those of LGA and CRP were not. The annual number of operations before training was negatively correlated with improvement in GSS (P < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient: 0.14). Multivariate logistic regression showed that those with professional titles of associate chief surgeons and below (odds ratio [OR]: 1.719, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.038-2.846, P = 0.035), and with annual number of operations before training being <60, (OR: 5.257, 95% CI: 2.573-10.742, P < 0.001) were most prone to high-GSS improvement. CONCLUSION: The nationwide ATP-LRG facilitates the improvement of trainees' GSS, LGA, and CRP levels. Surgeons with lower professional titles and fewer performed operations are most likely to improve their GSS through training.

How to examine anastomotic integrity intraoperatively in totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy? Methylene blue testing prevents technical defect-related anastomotic leaks.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative methylene blue testing (IMBT), air leak testing, or endoscopy is used to assess the anastomotic integrity of esophagojejunostomy during open total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy has been widely used to treat gastric cancer in the last few decades. However, reports on testing anastomotic integrity in totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy are limited. AIM: To explore the effects of IMBT on the incidence of postoperative anastomotic leaks (PALs) and identify the risk factors for PALs in totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. METHODS: From January 2017 to December 2019, patients who underwent totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy at the Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether or not they experienced an IMBT, the patients were divided into an IMBT group and a control group. If the IMBT was positive, an intraoperative suture was required to reinforce the anastomosis. The difference in the incidence of PALs was compared, and the risk factors were investigated. RESULTS: This study consisted of 513 patients, 211 in the IMBT group and 302 in the control group. Positive IMBT was shown in seven patients (3.3%) in the IMBT group, and no PAL occurred in these patients after suture reinforcement. Multivariate analysis showed that risk factors for predicting positive IMBT were body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2 (hazard ratio [HR] = 8.357, P = 0.009), operation time > 4 h (HR = 55.881, P = 0.002), and insufficient surgical experience (HR = 15.286, P = 0.010). Moreover, 15 patients (2.9%) developed PALs in 513 patients, and the rates of PALs were significantly lower in the IMBT group than in the control group [2 of 211 patients (0.9%) vs 13 of 302 patients (4.3%), P = 0.0026]. Further analysis demonstrated that preoperative complications (HR = 13.128, P = 0.017), totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (HR = 9.075, P = 0.043), and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 7.150, P = 0.008) were independent risk factors for PALs. CONCLUSION: IMBT is an effective method to evaluate the integrity of anastomosis during totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, thus preventing technical defect-related anastomotic leaks. Preoperative complications, totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy are independent risk factors for PALs.

Superior pancreatic lymphadenectomy with portal vein priority via posterior common hepatic artery approach in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: D2 lymph node dissection for advanced gastric cancer is advocated, and station 8p lymph node should be considered in selected patients, which is, however, technically difficult. AIM: To introduce a new and easy-to-perform procedure for dissection of the lymph nodes superior to the pancreas. METHODS: A series of patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer were retrospectively included with utilization of a new procedure for superior pancreatic lymphadenectomy (LND) with portal vein priority via the posterior common hepatic artery approach (SPLD-PPPH) based on a newly defined portal triangle. The surgical outcome of the patients, as well as the efficacy and safety of SPLD-PPPH are reported. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients were included with most of them being male (n = 34, 66.7%). According to the 8th edition of AJCC TNM staging, there were four (7.8%) patients in stage I, 13 (25.5%) in stage II, 33 (64.7%) in stage III and one (2.0%) in stage IV. The average duration for LND was about 1 h (67.7 ± 6.9 min). After surgery, four patients developed morbidities, but all were treated successfully with no perioperative mortality. Among the 51 patients included, the percentage of patients who had lymph node metastasis at station 8p was 9.8%. Of note, with a total of 14 lymph nodes harvested at station 8p, the incidence of nodal metastasis was 14.3%. CONCLUSION: About one in 10 patients with advanced gastric cancer had nodal metastasis at station 8p. The new approach of SPLD-PPPH is safe and effective for D2+ LND during laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.

The ratio of serum C-reactive protein level on postoperative day 3 to day 2 is a good marker to predict postoperative complications after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

PURPOSE: Study reported that C-reactive protein (CRP) would peak at 48 h after the initiation of an acute inflammatory response. We proposed that the ratio of CRP level on postoperative day 3 to day 2 (POD3/2 CRP) can be used to early predict major postoperative complications (PCs) for patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. METHODS: Patients were randomized into training cohort and validation cohort at a ratio of 7:3. PCs greater than grade II or more, according to Clavien-Dindo classification, were defined as major PCs. Three predictive models for major PCs based on CRP level were constructed, including POD3/2 CRP, the CRP level on POD3 (POD3 CRP), and the ratio of CRP level on POD3 to POD1 (POD3/1 CRP). The performances of three prediction models were assessed by AUC. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors of major PCs. RESULTS: 344 patients were included. Major PCs were observed in 57 patients (16.6%). In the training cohort, POD3/2 CRP provided the best diagnostic accuracy with an AUC of 0.929 at an optimal cut-off value of 1.08, and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.902 and 0.880, respectively. In the validation cohort, the corresponding AUC was 0.917. BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and POD3/2 CRP > 1 were identified as risk factors for major PCs. CONCLUSION: POD3/2 CRP is a reliable marker to predict major PCs after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. If CRP is higher on POD3 than on POD2, major PCs are highly likely.

Laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy improves postoperative inflammation and gastric function in elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy on the inflammation and recovery of gastrointestinal function in elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: Data of 80 elderly patients with advanced GC admitted to the Taizhou First people's Hospital from May 2014 to January 2019 were collected for this retrospective analysis. Among them, 34 patients underwent open D2 radical gastrectomy were regarded as control group. The other 46 patients underwent laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy were considered as observation group. Both groups underwent 2/3 or more mid-segment gastrectomy with D2 regional lymphatic dissection. The operative time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative ventilation time, length of stay (LOS) and perioperative complication rates were compared between the two groups. Peripheral blood was drawn before and after surgery to detect the inflammatory factors C-reactive protein (CRP), calcitoninogen (PCT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), gastric function gastrin 17 (G-17), and pepsinogen (PG) I and II. Subsequently, patients were followed up for 3-year prognosis to document the survival of patients. RESULTS: The operative time and LOS were shorter and intraoperative bleeding was lower in the observation group than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in treatment costs and incidence of perioperative complications between the two groups (P>0.05). After surgery, CRP, PCT and TNF-α were elevated in both groups but were lower in the observation group than that in the control group (P<0.05). PG I was dramatically higher (P<0.05), while PG II and G-17 were lower (P<0.05) in both groups after treatment. Also, the posttreatment PG I and G-17 were higher (P<0.05) and PG II was lower (P<0.05) in the observation group than those in the control group. Prognostic follow-up revealed no statistical difference between groups in terms of the 1-year and 3-year overall survival (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic D2 radical surgery is more effective in the treatment of advanced GC in the elderly, because it can effectively suppress the postoperative inflammation and improve recovery of gastric function. Hence, it has a high clinical application value.

Different Anesthesia and Sedation Depths of BIS-guided Closed-loop Target-controlled Infusion on Perioperative Th1/Th2 Balance in Elderly Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the effect of BIS-guided closed-loop target-controlled infusion on perioperative Th1/Th2 balance in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy under different anesthesia and sedation depths. Methods We applied random number table method to divide 73 elderly patients undergoing elective laparoscopic radical gastrectomy into BIS closed-loop target-controlled infusion group with BIS value of 55(group H, n=36) and BIS value of 45(group L, n=37).Intravenous blood samples were collected immediately before surgery (T1), 2h after surgery (T2), 24h after surgery (T3) and 72h after surgery (T4).IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ were determined by flow cytometry microsphere array.We compared operation duration, postoperative PACU stay time and postoperative hospitalization time between two groups. Results Compared with T1, IL-6 and IL-10 concentration in group H at T2, T3 and T4 significantly increased (P < 0.05), IL-4 and TNF-α in group H at T4 were significantly increased (P < 0.05), IL-2 and IFN-γ in group H at T2 and T4 were significantly increased (P < 0.05), the concentration of IL-6 and IL-10 in group L at T2, T3 and T4 were increased (P < 0.05), IL-2 in group L at T4 was decreased (P < 0.05), and IFN-γ/IL-6 in two groups were decreased at T2, T3 and T4(P < 0.05).Compared with group L, IL-6 and IL-10 in group H were significantly increased at T2(P < 0.05), IFN-γ/IL-6 in group H was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), IL-2 and IL-10 in group H were significantly increased at T4(P < 0.05).Operation duration, postoperative PACU stay time and postoperative hospitalization time had no statistical significance between two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion The anesthesia and sedation depth of BIS-guided closed-loop target-controlled infusion set at 45 is better than 55 in maintaining Th1/Th2 balance in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, but it has no obvious effect on long-term prognosis.

Effect of Subcostal Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Block vs. Oblique Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block after Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided subcostal anterior quadratus lumborum block (QLB) for laparoscopic radical gastrectomy surgery. METHODS: Patients (aged 20-65 years, ASA I - II, and weighing 40-75 kg) scheduled for elective laparoscopic radical gastrectomy were enrolled in the current study. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to two groups by computer-generated randomization codes: an ultrasound-guided oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) group (group T, n=30) or an ultrasound-guided subcostal anterior QLB group (group Q, n=30). In both groups, bilateral ultrasound-guided oblique subcostal TAPB and subcostal anterior QLB were performed before general anesthesia with 0.25% ropivacaine 0.5 mL/kg. For postoperative management, all patients received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) with nalbuphine and sufentanil after surgery, maintaining visual analogue scale (VAS) scores ≤4 within 48 h. The intraoperative consumption of remifentanil, the requirement for sufentanil as a rescue analgesic, and the VAS scores at rest and coughing were recorded at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery. The recovery (extubation time after surgery, first ambulation time, first flatus time and length of postoperative hospital stay) and the adverse events (nausea and vomiting, skin pruritus, respiratory depression and nerve-block related complications) were observed and recorded. The primary outcome was the perioperative consumption of opioids. RESULTS: Compared with group T, the intraoperative consumption of remifentanil, requirement for sufentanil and the frequency of PCIA were reduced in group Q. Meanwhile, VAS scores at all points of observation were significantly lower in group Q than in group T. Patients in group Q were also associated with shorter time to first out-of-bed activity and flatus, and shorter length of postoperative hospital stay than group T (P<0.05). There were no skin pruritus, respiratory depression or nerve-block related complications in both groups. CONCLUSION: Compared with ultrasound-guided oblique subcostal TAPB, ultrasound-guided subcostal anterior QLB provided greater opioid-sparing effect, lower visual analogue scores, and shorter postoperative hospital stay for laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.

Anatomical observation and clinical significance of the left gastric vein in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: The left gastric vein (LGV) plays an important role in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy (LRG). However, the anatomy of the LGV is complicated with significant variation, and it is often damaged and bleeding during LRG. The purpose of this study was to observe and analyze the anatomic types of the LGV in patients undergoing LRG and to explore its clinical significance. METHODS: A total of 217 patients who underwent LRG from June 2016 to December 2020 were included. LGVs were divided into four types according to the relationship between the LGV and peripheral arteries [celiac artery (CA)/common hepatic artery (CHA)/splenic artery (SA)] and the pancreas during LRG. If a LGV was damaged during surgery (resulting in bleeding), it was included in the bleeding group. Non-bleeding groups were included if there was no impairment to the LGV. RESULTS: A total of four types of LGVs were observed, of which type I was the most prevalent, accounting for 58.8% (n=121). In 21 patients (9.7%), the LGV was injured and hemorrhagic during LRG; and the type IV LGV injury bleeding rate was as high as 41.7% (5/12). Univariate analysis revealed that the extent of lymph node dissection (LND), pathological stage, tumor (T) stage, and type of LGV were significantly associated with LGV injury and hemorrhage (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that enlarged LND, late T stage, late pathological stage, and type IV LGV were independent risk factors for LGV injury hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: LGVs that run between the CHA (posterior) and the CA into the portal venous system were the most common anatomical type. A LGV that runs between the SA (posterior) and the CA into the portal venous system is easily injured (resulting in bleeding). LGV injury and hemorrhage are affected by a variety of factors, and therefore, careful intraoperative dissection is necessary to avoid damage to the LGV.

Effect of quadratus lumborum block on postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a novel and effective postoperative analgesia method for abdominal surgeries. However, whether QLB can affect early postoperative cognitive function by inhibiting surgical traumatic stress and the inflammatory response remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of QLB on postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. METHODS: Sixty-four elderly patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy were randomly divided into the QLB group (Q group, n = 32) and control group (C group, n = 32). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to measure cognitive function 1 day before and 7 days after surgery. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) was defined as a decline of ≥ 1 SD in both tests. The visual analog scale (VAS) scores 6 h (T1), 24 h (T2), and 48 h (T3) after surgery were measured. The serum levels of high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were evaluated 1 day before surgery (baseline), and 1 day (day 1) and 3 days after surgery (day 3). The intraoperative remifentanil dosage, sufentanil consumption 24 h after surgery, recovery time from anesthesia, and adverse effects were also compared. RESULTS: POCD was present in two patients in the QLB group and eight patients in the C group 7 days after surgery (6.7 % vs. 27.6 %, P = 0.032). The MMSE and MoCA scores were similar in both groups preoperatively, and the two scores were higher in the QLB group than in the C group 7 days after surgery (P < 0.05). The VAS scores were significantly lower in the Q group at all times after surgery (P < 0.05). Compared with the C group, the levels of HMGB1, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly decreased 1 and 3 days after surgery in the QLB group (P < 0.05). The remifentanil consumption intraoperatively and sufentanil 24 h postoperatively were significantly lower in the QLB group (P < 0.05). The recovery time from anesthesia was shorter in the QLB group (P < 0.05). No severe adverse effects occurred in either group. CONCLUSIONS: QLB could improve postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. This may be related to the suppression of the inflammatory response after surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chictr.org.cn identifier ChiCTR1900027574 (Date of registry: 19/11/2019, prospectively registered).

Failure of enhanced recovery programs after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy: a single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery programs (ERPs), as a rapid rehabilitation method, have been widely used in gastric cancer patients. Although many related studies have confirmed their effectiveness, some patients may still experience poor clinical outcomes. This study analyzed risk factors associated with ERP failure after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. METHODS: We analyzed the outcomes of 212 patients who underwent ERP following laparoscopic radical gastrectomy between March 2017 and December 2019. The ERP included preoperative education, short periods of fasting, non-mechanical intestinal preparation, early ambulation and oral feeding. ERP failure was defined as more than 7 days of hospitalization due to postoperative complications, unplanned readmission within 30 days of surgery, or death. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 62 years (range 39-89 years). Surgical procedures included total gastrectomy (n = 161) and distal gastrectomy (n = 51). Overall, 38 (17.9%) patients failed to complete the program, with no mortality. Univariable analysis (P < 0.15) revealed that ERP failure was associated with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, tumor location, preoperative education, combined operation, long operation time, and significant blood loss. Multivariable analysis (P < 0.05) showed that age, ASA grade III, combined operation and preoperative education were independent risk factors for ERP failure. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that an advanced age, a high ASA grade, lack of a preoperative education and combined surgery were independent risk factors associated with ERP failure after laparoscopic gastrectomy. Therefore, a preoperative patient evaluations and education are important for the success of ERPs.