Evaluation of symptoms related to reflux esophagitis in patients with esophagogastrostomy after proximal gastrectomy

Purpose

We investigated postoperative symptoms related to reflux esophagitis in patients who underwent esophagogastrostomy reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy (PG) by conducting a questionnaire survey.

Method

Quality of life was assessed using two different questionnaires, the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) for postoperative abdominal symptoms and F-scale for reflux esophagitis. The survey was conducted among 39 patients who underwent esophagogastrostomy after proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach, and findings were compared with those in patients who underwent total gastrectomy (TG).

Results

The questionnaire was returned by 32 of 39 patients (82%) in the PG group and 40 of 45 patients (89%) in the TG group. On GSRS, the score for indigestion syndrome tended to be higher in the TG group than in the PG group (p?<?0.10), and the score for constipation was significantly higher in the PG group than in the TG group (p?<?0.05). The score for reflux syndrome, however, was almost the same in both groups. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the frequency of GERD symptoms between the PG and TG groups on F-scale questionnaire (47% vs. 63%, p?=?0.18).

Conclusions

Esophagogastrostomy after PG in an end-to-side manner with creation of acute angle at the anastomosis is not associated with an increased risk of reflux esophagitis compared with TG.     

Comparison of Billroth I and Roux-en-Y Reconstruction after Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: One-year Postoperative Effects Assessed by a Multi-institutional RCT

Purpose

This randomized, controlled trial evaluated the clinical efficacy of Billroth I (BI) and Roux-en-Y (RY) reconstruction at 1 year after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods

The primary end point was the amount of body weight lost at 1 postoperative year, and secondary end points included other items related to nutritional status such as serum albumin and lymphocyte count, as well as endoscopic examination findings of the remnant stomach and esophagus. Of the 332 patients enrolled, 163 were assigned to the BI group and 169 were randomized to the RY group.

Results

The loss in body weight 1 year after surgery did not differ significantly between the BI and RY groups (9.1 % and 9.7 %, respectively, p = 0.39). There were no significant differences in other aspects of nutritional status between the 2 groups. Endoscopic examination 1 year after gastrectomy showed reflux esophagitis in 26 patients (17 %) in the BI group versus 10 patients (6 %) in the RY group (p = 0.0037), while remnant gastritis was observed in 71 patients (46 %) in the BI group versus 44 patients (28 %) in the RY group (p = 0.0013); differences were significant for both conditions. Multivariable analysis showed that the only reconstruction was the independently associated factor with the incidence of reflux esophagitis.

Conclusions

RY reconstruction was not superior to BI in terms of body weight change or other aspects of nutritional status at 1 year after surgery, although RY more effectively prevented reflux esophagitis and remnant gastritis after distal gastrectomy.     

A novel laparoscopic procedure for treating proximal early gastric cancer: laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving nearly total gastrectomy

Purpose

Pylorus-preserving nearly total gastrectomy (PPNTG) is a function-preserving gastrectomy for treating proximal early gastric cancer that prevents rapid gastric emptying and reflux. In this report, we present a surgical technique for performing laparoscopy-assisted PPNTG (LAPPNTG).

Methods

The resection of the stomach was similar to that during conventional total gastrectomy, with the key difference being that the pyloric cuff was preserved to a length of 3–4 cm. Compared with standard total gastrectomy, the lymph node dissection along the right gastric vessels and the infrapyloric vessels were omitted. Reconstruction was performed with a jejunal interposition that was 30 cm in length, with preservation of the marginal vessels in a retrocolic fashion.

Results

Thirteen patients with cT1 cN0 proximal gastric cancer underwent LAPPNTG at our institution. The median length of the operation and estimated blood loss were 329 min and 138 ml, respectively. All resected specimens had tumor-free margins, and the median number of removed lymph nodes was 40. There were no serious postoperative complications and no patients underwent conversion to laparotomy.

Conclusions

Performing LAPPNTG with a jejunal interposition is feasible and might be an appropriate treatment for proximal early gastric cancer.     

Prognosis of Patients With Gastric Cancer Who Underwent Proximal Gastrectomy

Proximal gastrectomy (PG) has been introduced for patients who are preoperatively diagnosed with early gastric cancer located in the upper third of the stomach. In the present study, we compared the prognosis of patients who underwent PG with that of patients who underwent total gastrectomy (TG). Between 1997 and 2006, 51 patients were diagnosed with early gastric cancer located in the upper third of the stomach and underwent PG. In the same period, 35 patients were diagnosed with early gastric cancer and underwent TG. Of these, in 24 patients, the cancer was localized in the middle to upper part of the stomach, and 11 patients had multiple cancers. We compared the clinicopathologic differences and prognoses between the two groups. Significantly fewer lymph nodes were dissected in the PG group (mean, 18.2) than in the TG group (mean, 36.6;P < 0.001). Complications were detected in 17.6% of patients in the PG group and in 14.3% of patients in the TG group, which was not significant (P = 0.678). The overall and disease-specific 5-year survival rates in the 51 patients who underwent PG (88.7% and 97.1%, respectively) were not different from those in the 35 patients who underwent TG (87.6% and 93.4%; P = 0.971 and P = 0.553; respectively). These findings indicate that PG can be performed safely and may have various advantages compared with TG in terms of patients'' daily lives.Key words: Early gastric cancer, Proximal gastrectomy, Prognosis, Total gastrectomyTotal gastrectomy (TG) has been widely used as a standard treatment for gastric cancers located in the upper third of the stomach to achieve a sufficient resection margin and more radical lymphadenectomy.¹ Recently, however, there has been increased interest in the use of proximal gastrectomy (PG), which can be performed with preservation of the physiologic function of the gastric remnant. Many reports have indicated that PG may be better than TG in terms of the quality of life of patients after gastrectomy.^2–4The principal difference between TG and PG is whether the lymph nodes are dissected radically or not. In patients undergoing PG, the lymph nodes located in the lesser curvature (No. 3) and the right gastroepiploic artery (No. 4d) are not dissected completely. Thus, the radicality of PG is inferior to that of TG in gastric cancer. However, Ooki et al⁵ reported that, in proximal gastric cancer, if the tumor invasion is limited at the muscularis propria (mp), no patients have metastatic lymph nodes at the right gastroepiploic artery (No. 4d). Thus, in our hospital, the indication for PG is limited to patients who are preoperatively diagnosed with early gastric cancer located in the upper third of the stomach. Thus, the optimal surgical strategy for proximal gastric cancer remains controversial. In the present study, to clarify the clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with gastric cancer who underwent PG, we retrospectively compared the prognosis and complications between patients who underwent PG with those who underwent TG.     

Esophagogastrostomy Plus Gastrojejunostomy: A Novel Reconstruction Procedure after Curative Resection for Proximal Gastric Cancer

Objective

The choice of surgical strategy for patients with proximal gastric cancer remains controversial. In this study, we recommend that a new reconstruction procedure be performed following proximal gastrectomy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study involving 71 patients who underwent gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer. Clinicopathological features, postoperative complications, nutritional status, and overall survival (OS) rate were compared among three different reconstruction approaches.

Results

There were 34 cases of proximal gastrectomy followed by esophagogastrostomy reconstruction (EG), 16 cases of total gastrectomy and Roux-en Y reconstruction (RY) and 21 cases of proximal gastrectomy followed by esophagogastrostomy plus gastrojejunostomy reconstruction (EGJ). Though the clinicopathological features, the nutritional status and OS rate were similar among the three groups of patients, the incidence of reflux esophagitis was significantly higher in the EG group (35.3 %) than the RY (6.2 %) and EGJ (9.6 %) groups(P?<?0.05). Few EGJ patients suffered from either reflux esophagitis or anastomotic stenosis.

Conclusions

The EGJ reconstruction method helps to resolve the syndrome of reflux esophagitis. Our data indicates that it is a simple, safe, and effective reconstruction procedure for PGC.     

Gastric Leak After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Early Covered Self-Expandable Stent Reduces Healing Time

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has become a very frequent procedure in bariatric surgery due to its efficacy and simplicity compared to gastric bypass. Gastric staple line leak (1 to 7 % of cases) is a severe complication with a long nonstandardized treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the success and tolerance of covered stents in its management.

Methods

From January 2009 to December 2011, nine patients with gastric staple line leaks after sleeve gastrectomy were treated with covered stents in our department (seven referred from other institutions). The leaks were diagnosed by CT scan and visualized during the endoscopy. Among the studied variables were operative technique, post-operative fistula diagnosis delay, stent treatment delay, and stent tolerance. In our institution, Hanarostent® (length 17 cm, diameter 18 mm; M.I. Tech, Seoul, Korea) was used and inserted under direct endoscopic control.

Results

Stent treatment was successful in seven cases (78 %). Two other cases had total gastrectomy (405 and 185 days after leak diagnosis). Early stent removal (due to migration or poor tolerance) was necessary in three cases. The average stent treatment duration was of 6.4 weeks, and the average healing time was 141 days. The five patients with an early stent treatment (≤3 weeks after leak diagnosis) had an average healing time of 99 days versus 224 for the four others.

Conclusions

Covered self-expandable stent is an effective treatment of gastric leaks after sleeve gastrectomy. Early stent treatment seems to be associated with shorter healing time.     

Conversion of Vertical Banded Gastroplasty to Stand-Alone Sleeve Gastrectomy or Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch

Introduction

Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) originated as a simplified bariatric operation to avoid malabsorption and provide lasting results due to a fixed stoma. Short-term results were excellent (50–70 % excess weight loss); however, patients often displayed maladaptive eating behaviors, and many failed to either achieve or sustain adequate long-term weight loss. Complications were also common including severe reflux and regurgitation, gastric outlet stenosis or stricture, gastrogastric fistula, and breakdown of the staple line.

Methods

VBG conversions to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy as well as endoscopic interventions such as band removal have been described but have very high complication rates. We describe conversion of VBG to biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch using endoscopic guidance to take down the VBG staple line and the mesh around the outlet.

Results

This technique can also be used to safely convert a VBG to a stand-alone sleeve gastrectomy.

Conclusion

Complication rates have been low by this technique, and we encourage others to adopt this technique.     

Prognostic Significance of Non-curative Gastrectomy for Incurable Gastric Carcinoma

Background

To date, there is no convincing evidence regarding the benefits of non-curative gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. In the present study, we reviewed the outcomes of patients who underwent surgery for incurable gastric carcinoma and evaluated the prognostic significance of non-curative gastrectomy.

Methods

Between 2004 and 2011, a total of 197 patients undergoing elective surgery for incurable gastric carcinoma were divided into the gastric resection and non-resection groups. Patient survival was compared between the two groups, and the prognostic significance of non-curative gastrectomy was investigated using multivariate analysis.

Results

Overall, 162 (82.2 %) patients underwent non-curative gastrectomy with morbidity and mortality of 21.0 and 1.2 %, respectively. The median survival of patients undergoing non-curative gastrectomy was significantly longer than that of patients without gastrectomy (12.4 vs. 7.1 months, p = 0.003). Patients who received postoperative chemotherapy also showed significantly better survival than those without chemotherapy (13.2 vs. 4.3 months, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that non-curative gastrectomy was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio 0.61, 95 % CI 0.40–0.93, p = 0.023) after adjusting for postoperative chemotherapy and other clinical factors. Median survival in patients receiving non-curative gastrectomy combined with postoperative chemotherapy was 13.9 months, which was significantly longer than gastrectomy alone (5.4 months), chemotherapy alone (9.6 months), and no treatment (3.2 months) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Primary tumor resection and postoperative chemotherapy are the most important prognostic factors for incurable gastric carcinoma. The survival benefits of non-curative gastrectomy need to be confirmed in a large-scale, randomized trial.     

Comparison Between Billroth-II with Braun and Roux-en-Y Reconstruction After Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy

Purpose

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Billroth-II with Braun and Roux-en-Y reconstruction after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.

Methods

From April 2010 to August 2012, 66 patients underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (Billroth-II with Braun reconstruction, 26; Roux-en-Y, 40). The patients’ data were collected prospectively and reviewed retrospectively.

Results

The mean operation and reconstruction times were statistically shorter for Billroth-II with Braun reconstruction than Roux-en-Y (198.1?±?33.0 vs. 242.3?±?58.1 min, p?=?0.001). One case of postoperative stricture was observed in each group. One case each of intra-abdominal abscess and delayed gastric emptying occurred in the Billroth-II with Braun group. At 1 year postoperatively, gastric residue and reflux esophagitis were not significantly different between the groups. Gastritis and bile reflux were more frequently observed in the Billroth-II with Braun group (p?=?0.004 and p?<?0.001, respectively). At 2 years postoperatively, gastric residue was not significantly different, but gastritis, bile reflux, and esophagitis were more frequent in the Billroth-II with Braun group (p?=?0.029, p?<?0.001, and p?=?0.036, respectively).

Conclusion

The postoperative effectiveness of Roux-en-Y reconstruction may be superior to Billroth-II with Braun reconstruction after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.

     

Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with jejunal interposition for gastric cancer in the proximal third of the stomach: a retrospective comparison with open surgery

Background

The incidence of cancer in the proximal third of the stomach is increasing. Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) seems an attractive option for the treatment of early-stage proximal gastric cancer but has not gained wide acceptance because of technical difficulties, including the prevention of severe reflux. In this study, we describe our technique for LPG with jejunal interposition (LPG-IP) and evaluate its safety and feasibility.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, we reviewed the data of patients with proximal gastric cancer who underwent LPG-IP (n = 22) or the same procedure with open surgery (OPG-IP; n = 68) between January 2008 and September 2011. Short-term surgical variables and outcomes were compared between the groups. The reconstruction method was the same in both groups, with creation of a 15 cm, single-loop, jejunal interposition for anastomosis.

Results

There were no differences in patient or tumor characteristics between the groups. Operation time was longer in the LGP-IP group (233 vs. 201 min, p = 0.0002) and estimated blood loss was significantly less (20 vs. 242 g, p < 0.0001). The average number of harvested lymph nodes did not differ between the two groups (17 vs. 20). There also were no differences in the incidence of leakage at the esophagojejunostomy anastomosis (9.1 vs. 7.4 %) or other postoperative complications (27 vs. 32 %). The number of times additional postoperative analgesia was required was significantly less in the LPG-IP group compared with the OPG-IP group (2 vs. 4, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

LPG-IP has equivalent safety and curability compared with OPG-IP. Our results imply that LPG-IP may lead to faster recovery, better cosmesis, and improved quality of life in the short-term compared with OPG-IP. Because of the limitations of retrospective analysis, a further study should be conducted to obtain definitive conclusions.     

Morbidity and Mortality Associated with Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

Background

Surgery alone is often inadequate for advanced-stage gastric cancer. Surgical complications may delay adjuvant therapy. Understanding these complications is needed for multidisciplinary planning.

Material and Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database was queried for patients who underwent gastrectomy for malignancy (ICD-9 code 151.x) from 2005 to 2010. Thirty-day mortality and morbidity were evaluated.

Results

Overall, 2,580 patients underwent gastrectomy for malignancy, divided as total gastrectomy 999 (38.7 %) and partial gastrectomy 1,581 (61.3 %). Overall, serious morbidity occurred in 23.6 %, and the 30-day mortality was 4.1 %. Patients receiving a total gastrectomy were younger and healthier than those receiving a partial gastrectomy for the following measured criteria: age, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension. Serious morbidity and mortality were significantly higher in the total gastrectomy group than the partial gastrectomy group (29.3 vs. 19.9 %, p < 0.001; and 5.4 vs. 3.4 %, p < 0.015, respectively). The inclusion of additional procedures increased the risk of mortality for the following: splenectomy (odds ratio [OR] 2.8; p < 0.001), pancreatectomy (OR 3.5; p = 0.001), colectomy (OR 3.6; p < 0.001), enterectomy (OR 2.7; p = 0.030), esophagectomy (OR 3.5; p = 0.035). Abdominal lymphadenectomy was not associated with increased morbidity (OR 1.1; p = 0.41); rather, it was associated with decreased mortality (OR 0.468; p = 0.028).

Conclusions

Gastrectomy for cancer as currently practiced carries significant morbidity and mortality. Inclusion of additional major procedures increases these risks. The addition of lymphadenectomy was not associated with increased morbidity or mortality. Strategies are needed to optimize surgical outcomes to ensure delivery of multimodality therapy for advanced-stage disease.     

Short-Term Outcomes of Totally Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy: Experience With the First Consecutive 112 Cases

Introduction

Although laparoscopic distal gastrectomy has become a viable treatment option for gastric cancer, laparoscopic total gastrectomy remains in limited use.

Purpose

The present study was designed to evaluate the short-term outcomes of totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG).

Methods

The records of 112 consecutive patients who underwent TLTG for gastric cancer between September 2006 and November 2012 were reviewed, and surgical outcomes were retrospectively investigated.

Results

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was given to 21 patients (18.8 %). The degree of lymphadenectomy was D1+ in 83 patients (74.1 %) and D2 in 29 (25.9 %). The operation time was 359 min, median intraoperative blood loss was 85 ml, and median total number of harvested lymph nodes was 64. Grade II or higher postoperative complications developed in 25 patients (22.3 %). On univariate analysis, pathologic stages IB to IV (versus stage IA) overlapped esophagojejunostomy (versus functional end-to-end esophagojejunostomy) and operation time >360 min (versus ≤360 min) were related to postoperative morbidity. In the multivariate analysis, operative time and pathologic stage were independent risk factors for postoperative complications.

Conclusions

TLTG is feasible and can be performed with acceptable postoperative morbidity. A longer operating time and more advanced pathologic stage were significantly associated with higher postoperative morbidity.     

Feasibility of esophageal reconstruction using a pedicled jejunum with intrathoracic esophagojejunostomy in the upper mediastinum for esophageal cancer

Objective

An alternative conduit is needed when the gastric tube cannot be used as an esophageal substitute for reconstruction after esophagectomy. We adopted pedicle jejunal reconstruction with intrathoracic anastomosis in the upper mediastinum under such circumstances. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of this technique.

Methods

Two hundred and ten patients with esophageal cancer underwent esophagectomy and reconstruction from 1998 to 2013. Among them, 6 patients underwent colon interposition (colon group) and 13 underwent jejunum reconstruction (jejunum group) including 8 thoracoscopic anastomosis. The operative results of both groups were compared with those of 191 gastric tube reconstructions (stomach group).

Results

The operative times in the colon and jejunum groups were significantly longer than that in the stomach group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.018, respectively). The colon group showed more operative blood loss and more frequent anastomotic leakage and ischemic stenosis of the conduit than did the stomach group (1605 vs. 530 g, P = 0.007; 50 vs. 12.6 %, P = 0.035; 16.7 vs. 0 %, P = 0.03, respectively). There was no anastomotic leakage, conduit necrosis and mortality in the jejunum group. Ischemic stenosis of the conduit occurred more frequently in jejunum group than in the stomach group (23.1 vs. 0 %, P < 0.001). However, the stenosis could be managed safely with endoscopic treatment. Patient survival in the colon and jejunum groups was consistent with that in the stomach group.

Conclusions

Pedicle jejunal reconstruction with intrathoracic anastomosis can be performed safely under thoracotomy or thoracoscopic surgery when stomach cannot be used as an esophageal substitute after esophagectomy.     

Surgical Outcomes of Gastrectomy for Elderly Patients with Gastric Cancer

Background

This study was designed to determine the surgical outcomes of gastric cancer in elderly patients. This information can help establish appropriate treatment for these patients.

Methods

A total of 1,193 patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy between 1995 and 2010 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The clinicopathologic features of 104 elderly patients (aged ≥80 years) were compared with those of 1,089 nonelderly patients.

Results

(1) Tumors located in the lower-third of the stomach, differentiated cancer, and surgery with limited lymph node dissection were more common in elderly patients. However, there was no difference in the proportion of laparoscopic gastrectomy between elderly and nonelderly patients. (2) Although surgical complication rates were similar in the two groups, the operative mortality rate was higher in elderly patients (1.9 %) than in nonelderly patients (0.7 %). (3) Elderly patients had a significantly poorer overall survival rate, whereas the disease-specific survival rates of the two groups were similar. Limited lymph node dissection did not influence the disease-specific survival rate of elderly patients. (4) The median life expectancy of elderly gastric cancer survivors was 9.8 years in patients aged 80–84 years and 6.0 years in those ≥85 years. The patients with limited lymph node dissection had slightly better prognosis.

Conclusions

The treatment results in elderly patients were comparable to those in nonelderly patients. These findings suggest that R0 resection with at least limited lymph node dissection according to Japanese guidelines should be considered, even for elderly patients.     

Comparison of Perioperative and Long-term Outcomes of Total and Proximal Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer: A Multi-institutional Retrospective Study

Background

Various surgical procedures are used to treat early gastric cancers in the upper third of the stomach (U-EGCs). However, there is no general agreement regarding the optimal surgical procedure.

Methods

The medical records of 203 patients with U-EGC were collected from 13 institutions. Surgical procedures were classified as Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy after total gastrectomy (TG-RY), esophagogastrostomy after proximal gastrectomy (PG-EG), or jejunal interposition after PG (PG-JI). Patient clinical characteristics and perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared among these three groups.

Results

TG-RY, PG-EG, and PG-JI were performed in 122, 49, and 32 patients, respectively. Tumors were larger in TG-RY patients than in PG-EG and PG-JI patients, and undifferentiated-type gastric adenocarcinoma tended to be more frequent in TG-RY than in PG-EG. The operative time was shorter for PG-EG than for PG-JI and TG-RY. Hospital stay and early postoperative complications were not different for the three procedures. With respect to gastrectomy-associated symptoms, a “stuck feeling” and heartburn tended to be more frequent in PG-EG patients, while dumping syndrome and diarrhea were more frequent in TG-RY patients. Post-surgical weight loss was not different among the three groups, however, serum albumin and hemoglobin levels tended to be lower in TG-RY patients.

Conclusion

Three surgical procedures for U-EGC did not result in differences in weight loss, but PG-EG and PG-JI were better than TG-RY according to some nutritional markers. In U-EGC, where patients are expected to have long survival times, PG-EG and PG-JI should be used rather than TG-RY.     

Esophagojejunal Reconstruction After Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer Using a Transorally Inserted Anvil Delivery System

Introduction

Total gastrectomy (TG) is commonly performed for the treatment of patients with gastric cancer. However, reconstruction of the esophagojejunal (EJ) anastomosis can be technically demanding, with reported anastomotic leak rates in the Western world still approaching 10–15 %. We report our experience using the transoral anvil delivery system (OrVil?) for creation of the EJ anastomosis after TG.

Methods

From 2007 to 2011, 48 consecutive patients with gastric cancer underwent open (n = 31) or laparoscopic (n = 17) TG. EJ reconstruction was performed with the transoral anvil deliver system (OrVil?) in an end-to-side fashion. Demographic, clinic, and perioperative data were obtained from a prospectively maintained database.

Results

Of the 48 patients, 83 % were male. Median age at resection was 64 years. Median body mass index was 27.1 kg/m². Seventy-nine percent (n = 38) of patients had at least one comorbidity. Fifteen patients (31 %) had at least one perioperative complication. There was one perioperative death (2 %) following a duodenal stump leak. There were four EJ leaks (8 %) and two EJ stenoses (independent of leak; 4 %). There was one EJ leak (6 %) and one EJ stenosis (6 %) following a case that was first attempted laparoscopically. There were no deaths as a consequence of an EJ leak.

Conclusions

The use of the transoral anvil delivery system during EJ reconstruction is a safe and effective option for reconstruction after open or laparoscopic TG with acceptable mortality and morbidity. The anastomotic leak rate appears to be comparable to that of other techniques.     

Gastric Stump Cancer After Distal Gastrectomy for Benign Disease: Clinicopathological Features and Surgical Outcomes

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to analyze clinicopathologic features and long-term prognosis of gastric stump cancer (GSC) arising in the remnant stomach 5 years or later after partial gastrectomy for benign disease.

Methods

We reviewed the results of 176 patients resected with curative intent for GSC at 8 Italian centers belonging to the Italian Research Group for Gastric Cancer (GIRCG). The median (range) follow-up time for surviving patients was 71.2 (6–207) months.

Results

One hundred forty-six patients were men, the mean age at the time of diagnosis was 69.2 years, and the great majority (167 cases) underwent Billroth II reconstruction. R0 resection was achieved in 158 (90 %) patients, and in 94 (53 %) lymph node dissection was ≥D2. Postoperative mortality and complication rates were 6.2 and 43.2 %, respectively. T1 tumor was diagnosed in 45 (25 %) cases. Lymph node metastases were evident in 86 patients (49 %). Thirteen patients had involvement of the jejunal mesentery nodes (pJN+); five cases were T2–T3 and eight cases were T4. Overall 5-year survival rate was 53.1 %. Five-year survival rates were 68.1, 37.8, and 33.1 % for pT1, pT2-3, and pT4 tumors, respectively (P = 0.001). Five-year survival rate was 56.5 % for node-negative tumors (pN0), 32.3 % for tumors with nodal metastases without involvement of jejunal mesentery nodes (pN+), and 17.1 % for tumors with involvement of jejunal mesentery nodes (pJN+) (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that an aggressive surgical approach can achieve a satisfactory outcome in GSC.     

Laparoscopy-Assisted Distal Gastrectomy Versus Open Distal Gastrectomy. A Prospective Randomized Single-Blind Study

Background

Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) is generally considered superior to open distal gastrectomy (ODG) with regard to postoperative quality-of-life. Differences in postoperative pain may exist due to recent pain control techniques including epidural anesthesia. There is little evidence for this difference. In this article we report the results of our randomized single-blind study in LADG versus ODG. The aim of the present study was to evaluate differences in postoperative physical activity between LADG and ODG.

Methods

Forty patients with early gastric cancer (stage IA and IB) were registered in this randomized study. For strict evaluation, patients were not told about the type of operation until postoperative day 7. Postoperative physical activity was evaluated objectively by Active Tracer, which records the cumulative acceleration over a 24 h period to investigate differences in postoperative recovery. Questionnaire and visual analog scale score related to postoperative pain were also investigated.

Results

Significant differences were observed with a more favorable outcome noted in the LADG group with respect to intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.001), total amount of pain rescue (P < 0.001), wound size (P < 0.001), postoperative hospital stay (P < 0.001), and inflammatory parameters (C-reactive protein, SaO₂, and duration of febrile period) (P < 0.001). Cumulative physical recovery to 70 % of the preoperative level was significantly shorter (by 3 days, P < 0.001) in the LADG group.

Conclusions

Comparison of LADG and ODG for patients with early gastric cancer showed favorable outcome and earlier recovery of physical activity in the LADG group.     

Nutrient Deficiencies Before and After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

Obesity is associated with nutritional deficiencies. Bariatric surgery could worsen these deficiencies. Fewer nutritional deficiencies would be seen after sleeve gastrectomy compared to the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, but sleeve gastrectomy would also cause further deterioration of the deficiencies. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of pre-operative nutrient deficiencies in sleeve gastrectomy patients and assess the evolution of the nutritional status during the first post-operative year.

Methods

Four hundred seven sleeve gastrectomy patients were assigned to a standardized follow-up program. Data of interest were weight loss, pre-operative nutrient status and evolution of nutrient deficiencies during the first post-operative year. Deficiencies were supplemented when found.

Results

Two hundred patients completed blood withdrawal pre-operatively and in the first post-operative year. pre-operatively, 5 % of the patients were anemic, 7 % had low serum ferritin and 24 % had low folic acid. Hypovitaminosis D was present in 81 %. Vitamin A had excessive levels in 72 %. One year post-operatively, mean excess weight loss was 70 %. Anemia was found in 6 %. Low-ferritin levels were found in 8 % of the patients. Folate deficiency decreased significantly and hypovitaminosis D was still found in 36 %.

Conclusions

In this study, a considerable amount of patients suffered from a deficient micronutrient status pre-operatively. One year after surgery, micronutrient deficiencies persisted or were found de novo in a considerable amount of patients, despite significant weight loss and supplementation. Significant reductions were seen only for folate and vitamin D.     

Follow-Up After Gastrectomy for Cancer: An Appraisal of the Italian Research Group for Gastric Cancer

Background

The Italian Research Group for Gastric Cancer supports the practice of follow-up after radical surgery for gastric cancer.

Methods

This multicenter, retrospective study (1998–2009) included patients with T1-4N0-3M0 gastric cancer who had undergone D2 gastrectomy and lymphadenectomy, with at least 15 lymph nodes examined, and who had developed recurrent disease. Timing and site of recurrence were correlated to the actual scheduled follow-up timing and modalities.

Results

From eight centers, 814 patients with recurrent cancer and over 1,754 (46.4 %) patients undergoing gastrectomy were investigated (median follow-up 31 months). The most frequent sites of recurrence were local/regional lymph nodes (35.4 %), liver (24.3 %), peritoneum (30.3 %), lung (10.4 %) and intraluminal (7.5 %). Ninety-four percent of the recurrences were diagnosed within 2 years and 98 % within 3 years. Thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) scan and (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (18-FDG-PET) detected more than 90 % of recurrences, abdominal ultrasound detected 70 % and tumor markers detected 40 %, while <10 % were identified by physical examination, chest X-ray, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Twenty-six percent of patients with recurrence were treated, but only 3.2 % were treated with potentially radical intent.

Conclusion

Oncological follow-up after radical surgery for gastric cancer should be focused in the first 3 years, and based mainly on thoracoabdominal CT scan and 18-FDG-PET.