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.     

Progression from laparoscopic-assisted to totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy: comparison of circular stapler (i-DST) and linear stapler (BBT) for intracorporeal anastomosis

Background

Billroth I (B-I) gastroduodenostomy is an anastomotic procedure that is widely performed after gastric resection for distal gastric cancer. A circular stapler often is used for B-I gastroduodenostomy in open and laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy. Recently, totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) has been considered less invasive than laparoscopic-assisted gastrectomy, and many institutions performing laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy are trying to progress to TLDG without markedly changing the anastomosis method. The purpose of this report is to introduce the technical details of new methods of intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy using either a circular or linear stapler and to evaluate their technical feasibility and safety.

Methods

Seventeen patients who underwent TLDG with the intracorporeal double-stapling technique using a circular stapler (n = 7) or the book-binding technique (BBT) using a linear stapler (n = 10) between February 2010 and April 2011 were enrolled in the study. Clinicopathological data, surgical data, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

Results

There were no intraoperative complications or conversions to open surgery in any of the 17 patients. The usual postoperative complications following gastroduodenostomy, such as anastomotic leakage and stenosis, were not observed. Anastomosis took significantly longer to complete with DST (64 ± 24 min) than with BBT (34 ± 7 min), but more stapler cartridges were needed with BBT than with DST.

Conclusions

TLDG using a circular or linear stapler is feasible and safe to perform. DST will enable institutions performing laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy with circular staplers to progress to TLDG without problems, and this progression may be more economical because fewer stapler cartridges are used during surgery. However, if an institution has already been performing δ anastomosis in TLDG but has been experiencing certain issues with δ anastomosis, converting from δ anastomosis to BBT should be beneficial.     

Comparing the short-term outcomes of totally intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy with extracorporeal gastroduodenostomy after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a single surgeon’s experience and a rapid systematic review with meta-analysis

Background

Since delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy was introduced, many surgeons have utilized laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) with totally intracorporeal Billroth I (ICBI) for gastric cancer, because it is expected to have several advantages over laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy with extracorporeal Billroth I (ECBI). In this study, we compared these two reconstruction options to evaluate their outcomes.

Methods

The data of 166 gastric cancer patients who underwent LDG performed by a single surgeon between April 2009 and February 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. The subjects were divided into ECBI (n = 106) and ICBI (n = 60) groups, and then the clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, symptoms, and change in BMI at 3 months after surgery were compared. Furthermore, a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted.

Results

The operative time was significantly shorter in the ICBI group (197.4 ± 45.5 vs. 157.1 ± 43.9 min), but blood loss was similar between the groups. Regarding surgical outcomes, there were no significant differences in the length of hospital stay, soft diet initiation, visual analogue scale, frequency of analgesics injection, and postoperative white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels between the groups. The surgical complication rates were 5.7 and 13.3 % in the ECBI and ICBI groups, respectively, and one case of anastomosis leakage was observed in each group. At 3 months after surgery, reflux symptoms were more frequent in the ICBI group, but other gastrointestinal symptoms and the change of BMI were similar between the groups. The meta-analysis revealed no significant differences in the operative time, time to first flatus, length of hospital stay, frequency of analgesic usages, and rates of anastomosis complications between the groups.

Conclusions

We could not demonstrate the clinical superiority of ICBI over ECBI based on our data and a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis. The anastomosis method may be selected according to patient conditions and the surgeon’s preference.     

Premedication with erythromycin improves endoscopic visualization of the gastric mucosa in patients with subtotal gastrectomy: a prospective,randomized, controlled trial

Background

Food residue in the remnant stomach after subtotal gastrectomy (STG) interferes with endoscopic observation. We investigated whether intravenous erythromycin improves gastric mucosa visualization in patients with STG.

Methods

This study was conducted from April 2012 to October 2012 as a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Patients who received STG with complete resection (stage T1–2N0M0) were included. Exclusion criteria were diabetes mellitus, neurologic disease, myopathy, recent viral enteritis history, concomitant therapy influencing gastrointestinal motility and severe comorbidity. Patients were instructed to consume a soft diet for dinner between 1800 and 2000 h, and endoscopies were performed between 0900 and 1200 h. Patients were assigned randomly to receive either erythromycin (125 mg in normal saline 50 cc) or placebo saline. The endoscopy was performed 15 min after infusion. Grade of residual food was rated as follows: G0, no residual food; G1, a small amount of residual food; G2, a moderate amount of residual food; G3, a moderate amount of residual food that hinders observation of the entire surface, even with body rolling; G4, a great amount of residual food such that endoscopic observation is impossible.

Results

When good visibility was defined as G0+G1, visibility was significantly better in the erythromycin group (61 + 19 %) than in the placebo group (38 + 12 %, p < 0.001). However, this effect was not seen in patients within 6 months after gastrectomy. The risk factor for food stasis in the placebo group (n = 58) was food stasis at last endoscopy. The only factor predicting erythromycin response in the erythromycin group (n = 56) was elapsed time since surgery. Adverse effects included nausea [11 (19.7 %)] and vomiting [1 (1.8 %)] in the erythromycin group and vomiting [3 (5.2 %)] in the placebo group. However, they were transient and tolerable.

Conclusions

Premedication with erythromycin improves mucosal visualization during endoscopy in patients with STG. (Clinical Trials registration number: NCT01659619).     

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.     

Minimally invasive surgical approach for the treatment of gastroparesis

Background

Gastroparesis is a chronic disorder resulting in decreased quality of life. The gastric electrical stimulator (GES) is an alternative to gastrectomy in patients with medically refractory gastroparesis. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of patients treated with the gastric stimulator versus patients treated with laparoscopic subtotal or total gastrectomy.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who had surgical treatment of gastroparesis from January 2003 to January 2012. Postoperative outcomes were analyzed and symptoms were assessed with the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI).

Results

There were 103 patients: 72 patients (26 male/46 female) with a GES, implanted either with laparoscopy (n = 20) or mini-incision (n = 52), and 31 patients (9 male/22 female) who underwent laparoscopic subtotal (n = 27), total (n = 1), or completion gastrectomy (n = 3). Thirty-day morbidity rate (8.3 % vs. 23 %, p = 0.06) and in-hospital mortality rate (2.7 % vs. 3 %, p = 1.00) were similar for GES and gastrectomy. There were 19 failures (26 %) in the group of GES patients; of these, 13 patients were switched to a subtotal gastrectomy for persistent symptoms (morbidity rate 7.7 %, mortality 0). In total, 57 % of patients were treated with GES while only 43 % had final treatment with gastrectomy. Of the GES group, 63 % rated their symptoms as improved versus 87 % in the primary gastrectomy group (p = 0.02). The patients who were switched from GES to secondary laparoscopic gastrectomy had 100 % symptom improvement. The median total GCSI score did not show a difference between the procedures (p = 0.12).

Conclusion

The gastric electrical stimulator is an effective treatment for medically refractory gastroparesis. Laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy should also be considered as one of the primary surgical treatments for gastroparesis given the significantly higher rate of symptomatic improvement with acceptable morbidity and comparable mortality. Furthermore, the gastric stimulator patients who have no improvement of symptoms can be successfully treated by laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy.     

Metallic Stent Placement in Patients with Recurrent Malignant Obstruction in the Surgically Altered Stomach

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the technical feasibility and clinical effectiveness of expandable metallic stent placement in 196 patients with recurrent malignant obstruction in their surgically altered stomach.

Methods

The 196 patients were treated using five different types of gastric surgery performed for gastric cancer: total gastrectomy (type 1) in 73 patients; distal gastrectomy with gastroduodenostomy (type 2) in 39 patients; distal gastrectomy with a Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy (type 3) in 21 patients; distal gastrectomy with a gastrojejunostomy (type 4) in 49 patients; and palliative gastrojejunostomy for unresectable gastric cancer (type 5) in 14 patients. The technical and clinical success rates, complications, dysphagia score, and influence of chemotherapy were evaluated and the complications compared between the two stent types. The overall survival and stent patency were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Stent placement was technically successful in 192 of 196 patients (97.9 %), with 184 of the 192 patients (95.8 %) showing symptomatic improvement. The mean dysphagia score improved from 3.24 ± 0.64 to 1.48 ± 0.82 (p < 0.001). The complication rate was 25 %. The incidence of stent migration was significantly higher in fully covered stents and in patients who underwent chemotherapy (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). Chemotherapy was significantly associated with an increase of survival (p < 0.001). The median survival and stent patency were 131 and 90 days, respectively.

Conclusion

Placement of expandable metallic stents in patients with recurrent cancer after a surgically altered stomach is technically feasible and clinically effective. Chemotherapy was associated with increased stent migration and prolonged survival.     

A propensity score–matched case–control comparative study of laparoscopic and open extended (D2) lymph node dissection for distal gastric carcinoma

Background

Technical proficiency at laparoscopic D2 lymph node dissection (LND) is essential for extending the use of laparoscopic surgery beyond the treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical and oncological feasibility of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) with D2 LND for distal gastric cancer.

Methods

Of 922 patients who underwent open or LDG with D2 LND for gastric carcinoma, 133 treated by LDG and 133 treated by open distal gastrectomy (ODG) were selected using the propensity score matching method. The short-term surgical outcomes and long-term survivals of these matched groups were compared.

Results

The two study groups were well matched with respect to age, sex, body mass index, comorbidity, ASA score, abdominal operation history, and tumor stage. The LDG group had a significantly longer mean operating time (227 vs. 161 min, p < 0.001) but showed significantly less intraoperative blood loss (149 vs. 189 ml, p = 0.007). Total numbers of collected lymph nodes were similar in the two groups. Postoperatively, no significant intergroup differences were found for hospital stay, morbidity, or mortality. Furthermore, overall survivals were similar in the two groups (p = 0.621). Multivariate analysis showed that male gender, age ≥70 years, and intraoperative blood loss of ≥200 ml were independent risk factors of postoperative morbidity.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic D2 LND for distal gastric cancer is technically safe and feasible compared with ODG. A prospective randomized trial is warranted to evaluate long-term oncological outcomes in advanced gastric carcinoma.     

Meta-Analysis of Efficacy and Safety of Fast-Track Surgery in Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

Background

Fast-track surgery (FTS) is a promising program for surgical patients and has been applied to several surgical diseases. FTS is much superior to conventional perioperative care. Our aim was to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of FTS and conventional perioperative care for patients undergoing gastrectomy using a systematic review.

Methods

We searched the literature in PubMed, SCOPUS, and EMBASE up to November 2013. No language restriction was applied. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with their 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were used for analysis by a fixed or a random effects model according to the heterogeneity assumption.

Results

In the present meta-analysis, we included five randomized controlled trials and one controlled clinical trial from five studies. Compared with conventional care, FTS shortened the duration of flatus (WMD ?21.08; 95 % CI ?27.46 to ?14.71, z = 6.48, p < 0.00001 in the open surgery group; WMD ?8.20; 95 % CI ?12.87 to ?3.53, z = 3.44, p = 0.0006 in the laparoscopic surgery group), accelerated the decrease in C-reactive protein (WMD ?15.56; 95 % CI 21.28 to 9.83, z = 5.33, p < 0.00001), shortened the postoperative stay (WMD ?2.00; 95 % CI ?2.69 to ?1.30, z = 5.64, p < 0.00001), and reduced hospitalization costs (WMD ?447.72; 95 % CI ?615.92 to ?279.51, z = 5.22, p < 0.00001). FTS made no significant difference in operation times (p = 0.93), intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.79), or postoperative complications (p = 0.07).

Conclusions

Based on current evidence, the FTS protocol was feasible for gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy (distal subtotal gastrectomy, proximal subtotal gastrectomy, or radical total gastrectomy) via open or laparoscopic surgery. Larger studies are needed to validate our findings.     

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.     

Clinical significance of medial approach for suprapancreatic lymph node dissection during laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery

Objective

Suprapancreatic lymph node dissection is critical for gastric cancer surgery. Beginning in 2010, a medial approach was adopted for suprapancreatic lymph node dissection during laparoscopic gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer in our institution. The aim of this study was to compare surgical outcomes of the medial approach and conventional approach in laparoscopic gastric surgery.

Methods

Between January 2007 and December 2012, a total of 100 patients with clinical T1 or T2 tumors underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy involving suprapancreatic lymph node dissection by the medial approach (n = 44) and conventional approach (n = 56) with curative intent. The comparison was based on clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcome.

Results

The laparoscopic procedure was not converted to laparotomy in any patient. The patients’ demographics and tumor characteristics did not show any statistically significant difference, except for tumor location. In the conventional approach group, the tumors were at a higher position (p = 0.037) and more frequently received Roux-en-Y reconstruction (p < 0.001). Intracorporeal anastomosis was significantly more common in the medial approach group (p < 0.001). Compared with the conventional approach, the medial approach was associated with significantly less operative blood loss (p < 0.001), more retrieved suprapancreatic lymph nodes (p = 0.019), and a shorter hospital stay (p = 0.018). The rates of complications were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the medial approach to suprapancreatic lymph node dissection seems to be convenient and useful in laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery.     

National outcomes and uptake of laparoscopic gastrectomy for cancer in England

Background

Gastrectomy remains the mainstay of curative treatment for gastric cancer, yet it is associated with significant postoperative mortality. The laparoscopic approach has been introduced in an attempt to improve surgical outcomes. This study examines the uptake of laparoscopic gastrectomy in England and quantifies postoperative mortality and morbidity following gastrectomy for cancer.

Methods

A population-based study of a national administrative database was undertaken. Patients undergoing gastrectomy for cancer in any National Health Services hospital in England between April 2000 and March 2010 were included. The main outcome measures were mortality, morbidity and length of stay.

Results

A total of 10,713 patients underwent gastrectomy, of which 10,233 (95.5 %) underwent open gastrectomy (OG), and 480 (4.5 %) underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG). There was no significant difference in 30-day in-hospital mortality between OG and LG (5.6 % vs. 4.8 %; p = 0.461). Medical complications occurred in 2,311 (22.6 %) and 120 (25 %) patients from OG and LG groups respectively (p = 0.217). Patients in the LG groups had a shorter hospital stay than OG with median (interquartile range) of 11 (8–17) versus 14 (11–19) days respectively (p < 0.001). Readmission and reoperation rates were 10.2 versus 12.1 % (p = 0.175) and 4 versus 4.6 % (p = 0.523) for OG and LG respectively.

Conclusions

LG is increasingly being performed in England. Postoperative morbidity and mortality of LG is similar to that of OG, but it is associated with a shorter hospital stay. Data from randomised controlled trials evaluating long term survival and patients’ reported outcomes are essential before the final judgement on the value of LG in the management of gastric cancer.     

A meta-analysis of robotic versus laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Background

Robot-assisted gastrectomy (RAG) for gastric cancer is still a controversial surgical technique for adequate tumor resection, lymphadenectomy, and postoperative outcome.

Methods

A meta-analysis analyzed updated clinical trials that have compared RAG with laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) to evaluate whether RAG is equivalent to LAG.

Results

Eight studies were included in the analysis, comprising 1,875 patients. RAG was associated with a longer operative time (p < 0.05), lower estimated blood loss (p < 0.05), and a longer distal margin (p < 0.05). RAG can be performed safely with lower estimated blood loss and a longer distal margin than with LAG. Complications, hospital stay, proximal margin, and harvested lymph nodes for RAG and LAG were similar.

Conclusions

RAG is as acceptable as LAG for obtaining safe complications and for performing radical gastrectomy.     

Comparison of the outcomes for laparoscopic gastrectomy performed by the same surgeon between a low-volume hospital and a high-volume center

Background

The volume–outcome relationship in laparoscopic surgery is controversial. This study was designed to identify differences in laparoscopic gastrectomy outcomes between a low-volume hospital and a high-volume center and to provide guidelines for overcoming the problems associated with a low-volume hospital.

Methods

From April 2009 to November 2012, one surgeon performed 134 totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomies (TLDGs) at a high-volume center (HVC; ASAN Medical Center) and at a low-volume hospital (LVH; Hanyang University Guri Hospital). All laparoscopically assisted gastrectomies were excluded from this study. During the early period of laparoscopic gastrectomy at the low-volume hospital, TLDG with Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy (RYGJ) was performed according to the surgeon’s choice. The reconstruction method was classified as gastroduodenostomy (GD) or RYGJ. Early surgical outcomes achieved at the LVH were investigated and compared with those obtained at the HVC.

Results

The early surgical outcomes differed significantly between the two hospitals. In particular, the postoperative complication rate for the patients who underwent TLDG RYGJ at the LVH was higher than at the HVC (LVH 15.4 % vs. HVC 0 %; p = 0.037). Furthermore, significant differences were observed in the mean operation time (TLDG GD: LVH 141.0 min vs. HVC 117.4 min, p = 0.001; TLDG RYGJ: LVH 186.3 min vs. HVC 134.6 min, p = 0.009) and length of hospital stay (TLDG GD: LVH 8.1 days vs. HVC 7.2 days, p = 0.044; TLDG RYGJ: LVH 11.5 day vs. HVC 6.8 day, p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Although all the operations were performed by one experienced surgeon, the early surgical outcomes differed significantly between the low- and high-volume hospitals. Low-volume hospitals often lack well-trained surgical professionals such as first assistants and scrub nurses. Therefore, the authors recommend that a surgeon who works at an LVH should assess potential personnel shortages and find a solution before operating.     

Colorectal Cancer and Crohn’s Colitis: Clinical Implications From 313 Surgical Patients

Background

The relation between Crohn’s colitis (CC) and colorectal cancer is still controversial. Several case reports and retrospective studies have shown that patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) have a 6- to 20-fold higher risk to develop CRC than does the normal population. The extent of disease (extensive colitis), presence of anal fistula, age > 40 years, strictures, and length of disease >10 years may be important determinants for increasing risk. Despite this evidence, other population-based studies have shown no increased risk of colon or rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate retrospectively factors that may predict the development of cancer.

Methods

We searched the histopathologic database of the Digestive Surgery Unit at Careggi University Hospital for CC patients (January 1987 to September 2011) and identified 313 patients with CC who underwent surgery.

Results

There are 11 (3.5 %) of adenocarcinomas. Multivariate analysis showed disease duration (p = 0.001), age at CD diagnosis (p = 0.002), distal localization (p = 0.045), and penetrating disease (p = 0.041) to be risk factors. Multivariate analysis showed that 40 patients who had undergone previous immunosuppressive therapy had a significant risk of developing CRC (p = 0.026).

Conclusions

Crohn’s colitis patients who require surgery are at higher risk for developing CRC, particularly those whose disease duration is >10 years, have distal localization, age at diagnosis was <40 years, and have penetrating disease. Previous immunosuppressive therapy should be better investigated. We recommend surgery for any patient presenting with colonic strictures.     

Surgical outcomes in the newly introduced phase of intracorporeal anastomosis following laparoscopic distal gastrectomy is safe and feasible compared with established procedures of extracorporeal anastomosis

Background

Totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) with intracorporeal anastomosis has been introduced to achieve safer anastomosis with good vision, and a small wound. However, little is known about the surgical outcomes of newly introduced TLDG compared with established procedures of laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LADG) with extracorporeal anastomosis.

Methods

This retrospective study included 114 patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) between January 2010 and September 2012. The patients were classified into two groups according to the approach of reconstruction (LADG group: n = 74; TLDG group: n = 40). The parameters analyzed included patients, operation details, and operative outcomes.

Results

No complication was observed in the TLDG group. Surgical outcomes of the TLDG group, such as mean operation time, estimated blood loss, and rate of conversion to laparotomy were not inferior to the LADG group. Furthermore, postoperative hospital stay of the TLDG group was significantly shorter than the LADG group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Surgical outcomes in the newly introduced phase of TLDG were safe as well as feasible compared with established LADG. TLDG has several advantages over LADG, such as shorter post-hospital stay, no incidence of operative complication, adequate working space, and small wound size. Although prospective, randomized control studies are warranted, we submit that TLDG can be used as a standard procedure for LDG.     

Noncurative Gastrectomy for Gastric Adenocarcinoma Should only be Performed in Highly Selected Patients

Background

The benefit of surgical resection in patients with incurable gastric adenocarcinoma is controversial.

Methods

A total of 289 patients who presented with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer from 1995 to 2010 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Ten patients (3.5 %) required emergent surgery at presentation and were excluded from further analyses. Patients who underwent nonemergent surgery at presentation (n = 110, 38.1 %) received either gastric resection (group A, n = 46, 42 %) or surgery without resection (group B, n = 64, 58 %). Procedures in group A included distal gastrectomy (n = 25, 54 %), total gastrectomy (n = 17, 37 %), and proximal/esophagogastrectomy (n = 4, 9 %). Procedures in group B included laparoscopy (n = 17, 27 %), open exploration (n = 25, 39 %), gastrostomy and/or jejunostomy tube (n = 12, 19 %), and gastrojejunostomy (n = 10, 16 %). Group A required a stay in the intensive care unit or additional invasive procedure significantly more often than group B (15 vs. 2 %, p = 0.009). Four patients in group A (8.7 %) and three patients in group B (4.7 %) died within 30 days of surgery (p = 0.45). When the 110 patients who underwent nonemergent surgery (groups A and B) were compared to nonoperatively managed patients (group C, n = 169, 58 %), median overall survival did not significantly differ (8.6 vs. 9.2 vs. 7.7 months; p > 0.05). Three patients in group B (4.7 %) and three in group C (1.8 %) ultimately required an operation for their primary tumor.

Conclusions

Patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who present with advanced or metastatic disease not amenable to curative resection infrequently require emergent surgery. Noncurative resection is associated with significant perioperative morbidity and mortality as well as limited overall survival, and should therefore be performed judiciously.     

Randomized controlled trial of the LigaSure vessel sealing system versus conventional open gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Purpose

LigaSure, a bipolar electronic vessel sealing system, has become popular in abdominal surgery but few clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate its effectiveness in radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods

In this multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial, patients with curative gastric cancer were randomly assigned to undergo gastrectomy either with LigaSure or a conventional technique.

Results

Of the 160 patients enrolled, 80 were randomized to the LigaSure group and 78 to the conventional group. Patient characteristics were well balanced in the two groups. There were no significant differences between the LigaSure and conventional groups in blood loss (288 vs. 260 ml, respectively; P = 0.748) or operative time (223 and 225 min, respectively; P = 0.368); nor in the incidence of surgical complications or duration of postoperative hospital stay. In a subgroup analysis of patients who underwent gastrectomy that preserved the distal part of the greater omentum, the use of LigaSure significantly reduced blood loss (179 vs. 245 ml; P = 0.033), and the duration of the operation (195 vs. 221 min; P = 0.039).

Conclusions

LigaSure did not contribute to reducing intraoperative blood loss, operative time, or other adverse surgical outcomes. The usefulness of the device may be limited to a specific part of the surgical procedure in open gastrectomy.     

Feasibility of laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LG) is an established treatment for early gastric cancer. However, carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery can adversely affect the pulmonary function of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This retrospective cohort study was performed to assess the feasibility of LG for patients with COPD.

Methods

Among 1,053 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy with lymph node dissection between 1999 and 2011 at the authors’ hospital, 220 patients with COPD were studied retrospectively. The clinical outcomes for the patients with COPD who underwent LG (LG group) were compared with those of COPD patients who underwent open gastrectomy (OG group), as well as those of patients with no operative risk and normal pulmonary function who underwent LG (NOR group). Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) were defined as pneumonia, atelectasis, pneumothorax, prolonged mechanical ventilation (>24 h), and adult respiratory distress syndrome within 30 days after operation.

Results

Pulmonary function variables were similar in the LG and OG groups. The findings showed PPCs to be slightly but not significantly less frequent in the LG group (1.7 %) than in the OG group (6.3 %) (p = 0.09). No difference in PPCs was found between the LG group and the NOR group (p > 0.99). For patients with COPD, advanced stage (stage 2 or 3 vs stage 1) was significantly associated with PPCs (p = 0.03), but was not an independent risk factor for PPCs (p = 0.12).

Conclusion

The LG procedure is tolerated in patients with gastric cancer who have mild or moderate COPD, similar to OG.     

Outcome After Curative Surgery for Gastric Cancer Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background

Bariatric surgery has been adapted to the management of morbid obesity, leading to not only loss of body weight but also improvement of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The goal of our study was to evaluate the effect of gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients with type 2 DM.

Methods

From 1989 to 2011, a total of 69 gastric cancer patients receiving curative surgery were enrolled in this study. They were diagnosed with type 2 DM preoperatively and all are alive without tumor recurrence. The clinical characteristics were compared between groups with improved or unimproved DM, and groups were also analyzed based on the extent of gastrectomy and different reconstruction methods.

Results

Of the 69 patients, 58 received subtotal gastrectomy and 11 received total gastrectomy. The frequency of DM improvement was significantly higher after total gastrectomy than subtotal gastrectomy (81.8 vs. 36.2 %; p = 0.007). Patients with DM duration of less than 5 years tended to experience DM improvement after surgery more frequently than patients with DM duration of more than 5 years (p = 0.028). Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy (R-Ye) led to a higher rate of DM improvement than did R-Y gastrojejunostomy (R-Yg), especially in patients with DM duration more than 5 years. Among patients receiving duodenal bypass after gastrectomy, R-Ye was associated with a higher frequency of DM improvement than R-Yg and B-II.

Conclusions

The extent of gastrectomy rather than the reconstruction method played an important role in DM improvement after curative surgery for gastric cancer.