Resective operations for biliary carcinoma

Records of 25 consecutive patients who underwent resection for proximal bile duct tumor (3 extended right hepatic lobectomies, 6 left hepatic lobectomies, 16 skeletonization resections) and records of 21 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for distal bile duct carcinoma were reviewed to assess the value of resective therapy. The operative mortality rate for patients with resected proximal bile duct tumor was 4 per cent (0 per cent for liver resection) and that of distal bile duct tumor, 4.6 per cent. The 3- and 5-year actuarial survival rates for patients with proximal bile duct tumor were 44 per cent and 35 per cent, respectively; all except one patient eventually died of disease. Survival was better for patients who had curative resection (margins microscopically free of tumor). The 5-year actuarial survival rate for patients with distal bile duct carcinoma was 58 +/- 12 (SE) per cent, with patients who had negative nodes surviving longer than patients with positive nodes. When major hepatic resection and pancreatoduodenectomy can be performed in selected patients with low operative mortality, patients with bile duct carcinoma should be assessed by an experienced hepatobiliary multidisciplinary group before a decision is made in favor of palliative, endoscopic, or percutaneous techniques because surgical resection appears to offer the best possible long-term survival and probably the best quality of palliation.     

Resective operations for biliary carcinoma

Records of 25 consecutive patients who underwent resection for proximal bile duct tumor (3 extended right hepatic lobectomies, 6 left hepatic lobectomies, 16 skeletonization resections) and records of 21 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for distal bile duct carcinoma were reviewed to assess the value of resective therapy. The operative mortality rate for patients with resected proximal bile duct tumor was 4 per cent (0 per cent for liver resection) and that of distal bile duct tumor, 4.6 per cent. The 3- and 5-year actuarial survival rates for patients with proximal bile duct tumor were 44 per cent and 35 per cent, respectively; all except one patient eventually died of disease. Survival was better for patients who had curative resection (margins microscopically free of tumor). The 5-year actuarial survival rate for patients with distal bile duct carcinoma was 58±12 (SE) per cent, with patients who had negative nodes surviving longer than patients with positive nodes. When major hepatic resection and pancreatoduodenectomy can be performed in selected patients with low operative mortality, patients with bile duct carcinoma should be assessed by an experienced hepatobiliary multidisciplinary group before a decision is made in favor of palliative, endoscopic, or percutaneous techniques because surgical resection appears to offer the best possible long-term survival and probably the best quality of palliation. This report is the basis of a paper read by R.L.R. at the 90th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Surgical Society, Sapporo, Japan, 1990     

Resection for bronchogenic carcinoma involving the carina: long-term results and effect of nodal status on outcome

OBJECTIVE: Bronchogenic carcinoma in close proximity to or involving the carina remains a challenging problem for thoracic surgeons. The operative procedures to allow complete resection are technically demanding and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Little is known about long-term survival data to guide therapy in these patients. METHODS: We conducted a single-institution retrospective review. RESULTS: We have performed 60 carinal resections for bronchogenic carcinoma: 18 isolated carinal resections for tumor confined to the carinal or proximal main stem bronchus; 35 carinal pneumonectomies; 5 carinal plus lobar resections, and 2 carinal resections for stump recurrence after prior pneumonectomy. Thirteen patients (22%) had a history of lung or airway surgery. The overall operative mortality was 15%, improved from the first half of the series (20%) to the second half (10%), and varied according to the type of resection performed. Adult respiratory distress syndrome was responsible for 5 early deaths, and all late deaths were related to anastomotic complications. In 34 patients, all lymph nodes were negative for metastatic disease; 15 patients had positive N1 nodes, and 11 patients had positive N2/N3 nodes. Complete follow-up was accomplished in 90%, with a mean follow-up of 59 months. The overall 5-year survival including operative mortality was 42%, with 19 absolute 5-year survivors. Survival was highest after isolated carinal resection (51%). Lymph node involvement had a strong influence on survival: patients without nodal involvement had a 5-year survival of 51%, compared with 32% for patients with N1 disease and 12% for those with N2/N3 disease. CONCLUSIONS: This constitutes one of the largest single-institution reports on carinal resection for bronchogenic carcinoma involving the carina. Morbidity and mortality rates are acceptable. The overall survival including operative mortality is 42%. Positive N2/N3 lymph nodes may be a contraindication to surgery because of poor prognosis.     

Major hepatic resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: analysis of 46 patients

HYPOTHESIS: Major hepatectomy, bile duct resection, and regional lymphadenectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma are associated with actual long-term (>5 years) survival. DESIGN: Retrospective outcome study. SETTING: Single tertiary referral institution. PATIENTS: Between 1979 and 1997, 46 consecutive patients had resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma by major hepatectomy, bile duct resection, and regional lymphadenectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Overall survival and tumor recurrence were correlated to clinicopathological factors, operative morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients underwent left hepatectomy, 17 underwent right hepatectomy, and 4 had extended right hepatectomy. Eighteen patients underwent resection of segment 1. Negative (R0) resection margins were achieved in 37 patients (80%). The operative mortality rate was 9%, and the surgical morbidity rate was 52%. Actual 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates were 80%, 39%, and 26%, respectively. Factors adversely associated with patient survival rates included: male sex, lymph node metastases, tumor grade 3 or 4, elevated direct serum bilirubin level at diagnosis, elevated preoperative activated partial thromboplastin time, and more than 4 U of red blood cells transfused perioperatively. Tumor size and R0 resection approached significance for survival. Factors associated with tumor recurrence included: male sex, tumor grade 3 or 4, a low hemoglobin level both at diagnosis and preoperatively, and a low preoperative prothrombin time and low alkaline phosphatase level at diagnosis and preoperatively. Median time to recurrence was 3.6 years. Tumor recurrence was predominantly local and regional. CONCLUSIONS: The actual 5-year survival rate of 26% justifies major partial hepatectomy, bile duct resection, and regional lymphadenectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The high frequency of local and regional recurrence warrants investigation of adjuvant therapy.     

One hundred and eleven liver resections for hilar bile duct cancer

A positive correlation between absence of residual tumor at resection margins and long-term survival in the treatment of hilar bile duct carcinoma has encouraged some surgeons to use a more radical approach, including liver/portal vein resection and combined pancreatoduodenectomy. However, if liver resection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, it may not produce any overall benefit. This review was undertaken in an attempt to determine whether liver resection is a safe procedure and whether if has any beneficial effect over that of local bile duct excision alone, in terms of achieving curative resection and long-term survival. The records of 151 patients with hilar bile duct carcinoma surgically treated between June 1989 and December 1997 at the Asan Medical Center, Seoul, were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical resection was possible in 128 patients. The remaining 23 patients had surgical palliative drainage. Local bile duct excision alone was performed in 17 patients. Liver resection for tumor extending to secondary bile ducts or hepatic parenchyma was performed in 111 patients; portal vein resection was necessary in 29 of these 111 patients (26.1%) and pancreatoduodenectomy was combined in 18 patients (16.2%). Seven patients died during hospitalization after liver resection, an operative mortality of 6.3%. Margins of bile duct resection were free of tumor on histologic examination in 4 of the 17 local bile duct excisions, but in 86 of the 111 liver resections. The cumulative survival rate after local bile duct excision was 85.7% at 1 year, 42.9% at 2 years, 21.4% at 3 years, and 0% at 4 years. However, the survival rate after liver resection (excluding operative mortality) was 97.1% at 1 year, 72.8% at 2 years, 55.3% at 3 years, and 24.0% at 5 years. Survival and the percentage of patients with tumor-free resection margins after liver resection were superior to those after local bile duct excision. Resection of hilar bile duct carcinoma offers long-term survival only when surgery is aggressive and includes liver resection. Received for publication on July 2, 1998; accepted on July 5, 1998     

Effect of surgical experience on the results of resection for oesophageal carcinoma

From 1957 to 1976 oesophageal resection for carcinoma was performed in 1119 patients reported to the West Midlands Cancer Registry. The operations were performed on 581 patients by 127 surgeons who averaged three or less resections per annum (the 'occasional' group). These were compared with 538 patients (the 'frequent' group) whose resections were performed by four surgeons who averaged six or more resections per annum. Operative mortality was 39.4 per cent in the 'occasional' group and 21.6 per cent in the 'frequent' group (P less than 0.001). The age adjusted 5-year survival was 11.1 and 15.2 per cent respectively (P less than 0.05) but when the operative deaths were excluded there was no significant difference. We suggest that oesophageal resection for carcinoma should be performed only where there is an acceptably low operative mortality rate.     

Pancreatic and periampullary carcinoma

During the 10-year period from 1972 to 1981, 179 patients were treated for pancreatic and periampullary carcinoma (40 resections, 91 bypasses, 39 laparotomies and 9 non-operated) in Oulu University Central Hospital. Mortality after resections was 10% and complication rate 33%. In 1977-1981, mortality after resections decreased from 30 to 3% (p less than 0.05) but resectability or survival did not improve. Median survival following resection for pancreatic and periampullary carcinoma was 8 and 34 months (p less than 0.001). The 5-year cumulative survival rate for resected periampullary carcinomas was 42 +/- 16%. We conclude that 5-year survival after resection for periampullary carcinoma is significantly better than after resection for pancreatic carcinoma. The effect of modern imaging techniques on resectability and survival is negligible. Age as such is not a limiting factor for resection. We recommended a prophylactic duodenal bypass is conjunction of biliary diversion for unresectable carcinoma. The acceptable mortality after resection encourages us to continue an aggressive policy in surgical treatment. However, attention should be drawn to a more careful patient selection and proper preparation.     

Prognosis and therapy of primary epithelial liver tumors. Evaluating a personal patient sample

Prognostically relevant factors and treatment were analysed in 103 patients suffering from primary epithelial liver tumors (88 HCC, 15 CCC). Ninety of them underwent operations: 14 liver transplantations, 32 resections, 44 explorative laparotomies. The resection rate was 38%, the 30-day mortality in transplantation 14%, in resection 22%. The 5-year survival after resection was about 25%. Liver transplantation resulted in 50% 1-year and 40% 2-year survival. Long-term prognosis was positively influenced by cirrhosis and formation of a tumor capsule. Indications for operative management depend only on extension of tumor growth and concomiting liver cirrhosis as biology of epithelial liver tumors is poorly understood.     

Results of surgical treatment of periampullary tumors: a thirty-five-year experience

Data on 126 consecutive patients with periampullary tumors resected at the Cleveland Clinic between January 1950 and December 1984 were reviewed. One hundred five patients underwent pancreatoduodenal resection, 10 patients total pancreatectomy, and 11 patients local resection of the tumor. The site of tumor was ampulla of Vater (59), head of the pancreas (30), duodenum (20), and distal common bile duct (11). Six patients had benign disease. The operative mortality rate for radical resection for the entire period was 7.8%; it has declined to 5.4% since 1974. The operative mortality rate for local resection was 9.1% (one patient). The overall 5-year survival rate for all malignant tumors of the periampullary area was 28% and 25.5% for invasive adenocarcinoma. Survival was affected primarily by location and histologic findings. The 5-year survival rate for adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater was 37.2%, 27.5% for the duodenum, 16.7% for the distal common bile, and 4.3% for the pancreas (p = 0.0001). Papillary adenocarcinoma had a 5-year survival rate of 49.2% in contrast to 18.4% for nonpapillary ductal adenocarcinoma (p = 0.002). Patients with ampullary adenocarcinoma treated by local resection had a 5-year survival rate of 40.9%. These data justify continued use of a selective radical approach in the resection of most periampullary tumors with local resection for small tumors in high-risk patients.     

Major hepatic resection for neoplasia: personal experience in 108 patients.

One hundred eight patients have undergone major hepatic resection by the senior author during the eight year period April 1970 to April 1978. Primary liver cancer was present in 36; metastatic colorectal cancer in 25, miscellaneous metastatic cancers in 15, hepatoblastoma in 5, gallbladder cancer in 4, and bile duct cancer in 3. Benign tumors, principally giant hemangioma, were resected in 20 additional patients. The 30 day operative mortality rate was 9% overall. Prior to 1975, 41 of the resections were done using the vascular isolation perfusion technique. The operative mortality rate of 17% for this technique is a reflection of early experience and the advanced stage of disease of many patients. The operative mortality for the standard resection has been only 4%. Subphrenic abscess has developed in only 13% of patients during the past three years. Postoperative hospitalization has been shortened, being a median of 13 days. The resectability rate for malignant disease was 33%. Forty-six percent of the resections were performed with curative intent. Fifty-four per cent were palliative, performed in individuals with regional spread or distant metastasis. After curative surgery, three year survival was 88% for individuals with primary liver cancer and 72% with metastatic colorectal cancer. After palliative resection, the rates were 31 and 0%, respectively. The three year survival rate is 46% overall, being 81% for the curative resection group and 18% for the palliative group. Tumor markers proved useful in monitoring patients after hepatic resection.     

Periampullary adenocarcinoma: analysis of 5-year survivors.

OBJECTIVE: This single-institution experience retrospectively reviews the outcomes in a group of patients treated 5 or more years ago by pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary adenocarcinoma. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Controversy exists regarding the benefit of resection for periampullary adenocarcinoma, particularly for pancreatic tumors. Many series report only Kaplan-Meier actuarial 5-year survival rates. There are believed to be discrepancies between the actuarial 5-year survival data and the actual 5-year survival rates. METHODS: From April 1970 through May 1992, 242 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenal resection for periampullary adenocarcinoma at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Follow-up was complete through May 1997. All pathology specimens were reviewed and categorized. Actual 5-year survival rates were calculated. The demographic, intraoperative, pathologic, and postoperative features of patients surviving > or =5 years were compared with those of patients who survived <5 years. RESULTS: Of the 242 patients with resected periampullary adenocarcinoma, 149 (62%) were pancreatic primaries, 46 (19%) arose in the ampulla, 30 (12%) were distal bile duct cancers, and 17 (7%) were duodenal cancers. There was a 5.3% operative mortality rate during the 22 years of the review, with a 2% operative mortality rate in the last 100 patients. There were 58 5-year survivors, 28 7-year survivors, and 7 10-year survivors. The tumor-specific 5-year actual survival rates were pancreatic 15%, ampullary 39%, distal bile duct 27%, and duodenal 59%. When compared with patients who did not survive 5 years, the 5-year survivors had a significantly higher percentage of well-differentiated tumors (14% vs. 4%; p = 0.02) and higher incidences of negative resection margins (98% vs. 73%, p < 0.0001) and negative nodal status (62% vs. 31%, p < 0.0001). The tumor-specific 10-year actuarial survival rates were pancreatic 5%, ampullary 25%, distal bile duct 21%, and duodenal 59%. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with periampullary adenocarcinoma treated by pancreaticoduodenectomy, those with duodenal adenocarcinoma are most likely to survive long term. Five-year survival is less likely for patients with ampullary, distal bile duct, and pancreatic primaries, in declining order. Resection margin status, resected lymph node status, and degree of tumor differentiation also significantly influence long-term outcome. Particularly for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 5-year survival is not equated with cure, because many patients die of recurrent disease >5 years after resection.     

Outcome of Surgical Treatment of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

To evaluate surgical results and the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy in cases of hilar cholangiocarcinoma, we retrospectively analyzed 27 consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection (eight bile duct resections, 18 bile duct resections plus hepatectomy, one hepatopancreaticoduodenectomy). There was no operative mortality, and the morbidity was 37%. Curative resection (R0 resection) was achieved in 20 (74%) patients. Overall survival at 3 and 5 years was 44% and 27%, significantly higher than that of 47 patients who did not undergo resection (3.5% and 0% at 3 and 5 years, p < 0.0001). Survival of patients with positive margins (R1/2 resection) was poor; there were no 5-year survivors. However, survival was better than that of patients who did not undergo resection (median survival: 22 vs 9 months, p = 0.0007). Univariate analysis identified lymph node metastasis as a negative prognostic factor (p = 0.043). Median survival of patients who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy was significantly longer than that of patients who did not (42 vs. 22 months, p = 0.0428). Resection should be considered as the first option for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. There appears to be a survival advantage even in patients with cancer-positive margins. Adjuvant chemotherapy may increase long-term survival.     

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目的确定继发性肝癌肝切除的适应证、方法、安全性和有效性。方法回顾分析67例继发性肝癌行肝切除69次的随访资料。结果手术死亡1例(1.5％)。其余病例分别随访1～7年,1、3、5年的生存率为28.36％、19.40％和11.94％,其中大肠癌生存＞5年者21.43％。结论肝转移疾病的外科切除,安全有效,肝转移癌病人肿瘤切除后肝功能良好,能耐受手术者应考虑手术切除。     

Orthotopic liver transplantation after extended bile duct resection as treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma First long-terms results

Abstract Although the surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma represents the only potentially curative option, survival figures remain low over the long term. After hilar and partial hepatic resections for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, loco-regional tumor recurrence appears as the primary site of failure. From April 1992 to April 1996, 14 patients underwent extended bile duct resections. Extended bile duct resections combine total hepatectomy, partial pancreatoduodenectomy, and liver transplantation in an attempt to eradicate the entire biliary tract without dissecting the hepatoduodenal ligament. The postoperative 60-day mortality rate was 14% ( n = 2). The rate of curative resections was 93% (13 of 14 extended bile duct resections). One- and 4-year survival rates after curative resections were 56% and 30%, respectively. The rate of curative resections increased by combining total hepatectomy, partial pancreatoduodenectomy, and liver transplantation, i.e., extended bile duct resection. However, survival figures have not improved accordingly. Therefore, this extended surgical procedure has to be implemented with caution and possibly not without modifications (e.g., multimodal treatment).     

Prognostic factors in bile duct carcinoma: analysis of 96 cases.

A computerized analysis of prognostic variables was performed in 96 proven cases of extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma treated over a 24-year period at UCLA. Forty-nine percent of the lesions were in the upper third of the bile ducts and 47% of these were resected, for an operative mortality rate of 23% and a maximum survival rate of 4.5 years. Palliative procedures in this region were associated with a 16% mortality rate and maximum survival rate of three years. The patients whose lesions were in the middle third suffered no operative mortality rate for resection or palliation and had a 12% five-year survival rate, with the longest survivor lasting 11 years. In the lower third lesions, 67% were resected by Whipple's procedures, for an 8% mortality rate and a five-year survival rate of 28% extending to nine years. Resection of these difficult carcinomas offers the best hope of survival but must be weighed against the high operative mortality risk in those lesions located in the hilar region.     

肝门部胆管癌103例外科治疗远期疗效的评析

作者回顾总结了１９８６年１月～１９９６年１月十年间行手术治疗的１０３例肝门部胆管癌的临床特征、手术方式和远期生存率等。１０３例肝门胆管癌行手术切除者６６例,非切除者行胆管内外引流者３７例,总手术切除率为６４．１％。手术死亡率２．９％。手术切除组中行根治性切除者３６例,姑息性切除者３０例。根治性切除者１、３、５年的生存率分别为：９６．７％、２３．３％和１３．３％,最长生存者至今已达８年。而姑息性切除者３年生存率仅为３．８％,无５年生存者。作者提出新的肝门部胆管癌的临床分型法。发现肝门部胆管癌的组织类型及分化程度,与肿瘤浸润及转移特征密切相关,分化程度越差其预后亦越差。     

Aggressive preoperative management and extended surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: Nagoya experience

From 1977 to 1997, surgical resection was possible in 142 (80%) of 177 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma after relieving jaundice by single or multiple percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage followed by percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy and/or percutaneous trans-hepatic portal vein embolization. Curative resection was possible in 108 (61%) of the 142 patients, and 100 of these patients underwent various types of hepatectomy with caudate lobectomy for a 30-day operative mortality rate of 6% and 9% hospital mortality. Combined portal vein resection was carried out in 43 cases including 41 hepatectomies and 2 bile duct resections. Hepatopancreatoduodenectomy was performed in 16 patients. Cancer recurrence was observed in 58 of the 108 patients undergoing curative resection. The 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates for 100 patients undergoing curative hepatectomy and 8 with curative bile duct resection were 43%, 26%, and 19%; and 31%, 16%, and 0%, respectively; those for 40 patients with positive lymph node metastasis, 84 with perineural invasion, and 43 with combined portal vein resection were 27%, 14%, and 7%; 34%, 21%, and 13%; and 18%, 6%, and 0%, respectively. These survival rates are significantly better than those for 35 patients with unresectable cancer. Curative resection after aggressive preoperative management is recommended as a reasonable surgical approach to hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Received for publication on Aug. 23, 1999; accepted on Nov. 29, 1999     

Is there a role for pneumonectomy in pulmonary metastases?

Background. Although sublobar and lobar resections are accepted operations for pulmonary metastases, pneumonectomy is viewed as a major incursion on Stage IV patients. We considered it important to ascertain the current results of pneumonectomy for pulmonary metastases since little information is available.

Methods. Of the 5,206 patients with pulmonary metastasectomy reported by the International Registry of Lung Metastases, 133 (3%) underwent primary, and 38 (1%) completion pneumonectomy between 1962 and 1994. Data were analyzed to determine the operative mortality rates, survival rates, and determinants of survival.

Results. Primary pneumonectomy was performed for metastatic disease mainly from epithelial (49%, 65 of 133) and sarcomatous (33%, 43 of 133) tumors. Indications were central lesion, eg, proximal endobronchial or hilar nodal metastases. Operative mortality was 4% (4 of 112) and a 5-year survival rate of 20% was achieved following complete resection (R0) in 112 patients. In contrast, the 21 incompletely resected patients had an operative mortality rate of 19% (4 of 21), and the majority did not survive beyond 2 years (p = 0.02). Survival was determined by the completeness of resection and not histology of the primary tumor, number of metastases, nodal status, and disease-free interval. In the 38 completion pneumonectomy patients, 35 were operated for recurrent disease and 3 for residual disease. Sarcomatous secondaries predominated in 28 patients. Complete resection was achieved in 31 patients (82%). The operative mortality rate was 3% (1 of 38 patients) and the 5-year survival rate was 30%.

Conclusions. Pneumonectomies for pulmonary metastases, albeit infrequently performed, were associated with acceptable operative mortality and long-term survival when performed in selected patients amenable to complete resection.     

肺转移瘤的诊断与外科治疗

目的探讨肺转移瘤的诊断、手术指征、切除方式及影响预后的因素,以提高患者的生存率。方法125例肺转移瘤患者均行手术治疗,共行肺转移瘤切除术138次,其中行一次手术116例,二次手术5例,三次手术4例。手术方式为肺部分切除66次,肺段切除2次,肺叶切除53次,肺叶加部分胸壁扩大切除2次,全肺切除3次,肿瘤剜除12次;行开胸手术130次,电视胸腔镜手术（VATS）8次。结果本组患者中原发肿瘤为上皮组织来源的94例,肉瘤类26例,其它种类5例。全组患者无围术期死亡,随访122例,随访时间1～10年,1年、3年和5年生存率分别为90．4％、53．3％和34．8％;其中结、直肠癌、肾癌和软组织肉瘤的预后较好,5年生存率分别为43．8％、37．5％和33．3％。105例肺转移瘤完全切除患者的5年生存率为38．9％,20例不完全切除患者为16．7％。89例行常规肺门及纵隔淋巴结摘除患者仅有12例术后病理证实有淋巴结转移,无淋巴结转移患者和有淋巴结转移患者的5年生存率分别为41．5％和14．3％。结论对诊断明确、符合标准的肺转移瘤患者行积极的手术治疗可取得满意的效果,手术径路以后外侧小切口为主,能否完全切除肿瘤和肺门纵隔淋巴结的转移状况是影响预后的重要因素。     

Results of an aggressive surgical approach to gastric carcinoma during a twenty-three-year period

The early work of Dr. William Longmire with total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma prompted us to initiate an aggressive surgical approach to gastric carcinoma in 1960: in curative resections radical total gastrectomy with hepaticoceliac-left gastric arterial node dissection was to be performed for tumors involving the entire stomach or upper two thirds and radical 80% to 90% subtotal gastrectomy with similar node dissection for tumors located in the antrum. During a 23-year period 213 patients with confirmed gastric carcinoma were studied. Celiotomy was performed in 192: advanced gastric cancer was found in 185 and seven had early gastric cancer. In only 80 patients could resections for "cure" be done. In 31 patients who underwent total or extended total gastrectomy the operative mortality rate was 9.6%, and life table survival curves show a better survival rate than in 49 patients treated by subtotal gastrectomy, with an operative mortality rate of 16.3%. The study shows the urgent need for diagnosis of early gastric cancer by gastroscopic screening of adults at risk and the meager salvage by radical resection in advanced disease.