Is There Any Role of Additional Retropancreatic Lymph Node Dissection on D2 Gastrectomy for Advanced Gastric Cancer?

Background

Extended lymph node dissection beyond D2 in resectable gastric cancer has not shown any survival benefits. However, whether the retropancreatic (No. 13) lymph node should be dissected still remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of additional No. 13 lymph node dissection on D2 gastrectomy for gastric cancer in terms of overall survival.

Methods

From May 2001 to December 2006, 528 patients underwent curative resection for the middle- or lower-third advanced gastric cancer at the National Cancer Center, Korea. The patients were grouped according to whether a No. 13 lymphadenectomy was performed (13D+/13D?). Clinicopathological characteristics and treatment-related factors were compared between the two groups. The overall survival was analyzed using the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

The incidence of No. 13 lymph node metastasis was 6.7 %. There was no significant difference in morbidity or mortality between the 13D+ and 13D? groups. In clinical stages I/II, No. 13 lymph node dissection did not affect overall survival. However, it was an independent prognostic factor in patients with clinical stages III/IV gastric cancer (hazard ratio (HR), 0.55; P = 0.022).

Conclusions

Additional retropancreatic lymph node dissection beyond a D2 gastrectomy might be favorable for survival in patients with clinical stage III/IV middle- or lower-third gastric cancer.     

Total laparoscopic esophageal bypass using a colonic conduit for corrosive-induced esophageal stricture

Background

The colon and the stomach are the most commonly used conduits for esophageal replacement in patients with esophageal strictures resulting from corrosive ingestion. The replacement surgeries have traditionally been performed by an open approach. While laparoscopic replacement surgery using a stomach conduit has been previously reported, a total laparoscopic bypass using a colonic conduit has not been previously described. We herein describe the surgical technique and results of laparoscopic esophageal bypass using a colonic conduit.

Methods

Patients with corrosive stricture involving the esophagus with the proximal level at the hypopharynx, or those with concomitant gastric scarring, were selected. The surgery was performed with the patient in a supine position using five abdominal ports and a hockey stick/transverse skin crease neck incision. The main steps include colonic mobilization and assessment of the adequacy of the marginal vascular arcade, creation of a retrosternal tunnel, preparation of the colonic conduit, neck dissection, delivery of the colonic conduit into the neck and cervical pharyngo/esophagocolic anastomosis, and intra-abdominal cologastric and ileocolic anastomosis.

Results

During the study period, 39 patients with corrosive stricture of the esophagus were managed surgically at our center with either gastric or colonic bypass. Of these, 22 patients underwent an open procedure (12 retrosternal colonic bypasses and 10 retrosternal gastric bypasses) and 17 patients underwent a laparoscopic procedure (13 retrosternal gastric bypasses and 4 retrosternal colonic bypasses). Patients with stricture at the hypopharynx (n = 2) or those in whom the stomach was contracted (n = 2) were considered for a laparoscopic esophagocoloplasty. The average duration of surgery of these latter four patients was 370 (380, 320, 360, and 420) min and the mean estimated blood loss was 100 mL. All patients could be ambulated on the first postoperative day and were allowed oral liquids by the 7th postoperative day. Compared with patients who underwent an open colonic bypass, there was significantly less need for analgesics. At a median follow-up of 5 (range 3–6) months, all patients are euphagic to solid diet and have excellent cosmetic results.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic colonic bypass is an achievable, safe, and effective procedure for the management of corrosive strictures of the esophagus.     

Intrathoracic Esophagogastric Anastomosis Using a Linear Stapler Following Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy in the Prone Position

Background

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in the prone position typically includes thoracoscopic mediastinal dissection and laparoscopic gastric tube construction, followed by esophagogastric anastomosis in the neck. We introduced an intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis using linear staplers.

Technique

The lower mediastinal dissection and the gastric tube construction are done in the laparoscopic part of the operation. The esophagus is transected at the cranial level of the aortic arch after the completion of the upper mediastinal lymph node dissection in the prone position. The excess length of the gastric tube is sacrificed before making the anastomosis. Side-to-side esophagogastric anastomosis is performed using a 35-mm endoscopic linear stapler. The entry hole is closed with hand suturing using the posterior and the axillary port.

Results

Twenty-six patients with middle or lower esophageal tumor underwent MIE with an intrathoracic anastomosis. The mean thoracoscopic procedure time was 302 min. One patient had an anastomotic leakage, which was successfully managed with drainage. There has been no anastomotic stenosis. Pneumonia was observed in two patients. There was no mortality.

Conclusions

MIE with an intrathoracic linear-stapled anastomosis with the patient in the prone position is safe and feasible.     

Cervical Lymph Node Dissection for Clinically Submucosal Carcinoma of the Thoracic Esophagus

Background

The purposes of this study were to clarify the risk factors for supraclavicular lymph node (SCLN) metastasis and the survival benefit from cervical lymph node (LN) dissections in patients with clinically submucosal (cT1b) carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus.

Methods

A total of 86 patients with this disease who underwent esophagectomy with 3-field lymph node dissection were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard model were used to identify the independent risk factors for SCLN metastasis and prognostic factors, respectively. An index calculated by multiplying the frequency of metastasis at nodal basin and the 5-year overall survival rate of patients with metastasis at that basin were used to assess the therapeutic outcomes.

Results

A total of 40 patients (47 %) were found to have pathological LN metastasis. Also, 13 patients (15 %) had cervical LN metastasis: 6 and 7 with carcinoma of the upper and mid-thoracic esophagus, respectively. SCLN metastasis was found in 6 patients (7 %); however, there was no independent risk factor for SCLN metastasis. The 5-year overall survival rate was 72.5 %. Cervical LN metastasis was an independent prognostic factor (p = .04; odds ratio 2.55; 95 % confidence interval 1.03–6.31); however, there was no significant difference in survival between patients with SCLN metastasis and those without (p = .06). The calculated index of estimated benefit from cervical LN dissections was 6.9, following upper mediastinal LN of 15.6 and perigastric LN of 8.3.

Conclusions

We could not identify risk factors to predict SCLN metastasis. Cervical LN dissection should not be omitted in patients with cT1b carcinoma, especially of the upper and mid-thoracic esophagus.     

Technical Improvement of Total Pharyngo-Laryngo-Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer and Head and Neck Cancer

Purpose

Total pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy (PLE) is highly invasive, and the subsequent reconstruction is difficult. The purpose of this study was to clarify the techniques that can decrease the surgical stress and allow for safe reconstruction after this operation.

Methods

The surgical method and clinical outcomes of total PLE were reviewed in 12 patients with either cervicothoracic esophageal cancer or double cancer of the esophagus and pharynx. Microscopic venous anastomosis was principally performed, and arterial anastomosis was added, if needed.

Results

A narrow gastric tube was used in ten patients, including two patients who underwent free jejunal interposition, while the colon was used as the main reconstructed organ in two other patients. Staged operations were performed in three high-risk patients. All six patients treated after 2010 were able to undergo thoracoscopic and/or laparoscopic surgery. No critical postoperative complications developed, although minor anastomotic leakage developed in two patients who were successfully treated conservatively.

Conclusion

When performing PLE, it is important to decrease the surgical stress and ensure a reliable reconstruction by adopting techniques that are appropriate for each case, such as thoracoscopic and laparoscopic surgery, staged operations, microvascular anastomosis, and muscular flaps.     

Comparison of long-term prognosis of laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy and conventional open gastrectomy with special reference to D2 lymph node dissection

Background

Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) is becoming widely used for early gastric cancer. However, how the curability and long-term prognosis of LAG and open gastrectomy (OG) for early and advanced gastric cancer compare remains unclear. This study assessed short- and long-term outcomes after LAG with lymph node dissection in early and advanced gastric cancer.

Methods

A total of 332 patients who underwent LAG or OG for early and advanced gastric cancer from January 2001 through December 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. The mean operating time, estimated mean blood loss, number of dissected lymph nodes, and survival rates were compared between LAG and OG for early and advanced gastric cancer.

Results

Overall, 47.6% (158/332) of patients underwent LAG; D1, D1+ lymph node dissection was carried out in 77.2%, with D2 dissection in 22.8%. Only one patient required conversion to OG. Comparing LAG and OG with D1, D1+ lymph node dissection for early gastric cancer (EGC), mean operating time was significantly longer, estimated mean blood loss was significantly smaller, and the average number of retrieved lymph nodes was significantly greater with LAG. The rate of specific postoperative morbidity was 17.2% for LAG patients and 25.0% for OG patients, with no postoperative mortality. Survival and recurrence rates were not significantly different. Comparing LAG and OG with D2 lymph node dissection for advanced gastric cancer (AGC), mean operating time was significantly longer and estimated mean blood loss was significantly smaller with LAG, while the average number of retrieved lymph nodes, specific postoperative morbidity and mortality, and survival and recurrence rates were not significantly different.

Conclusions

LAG with D1, D1+ lymph node dissection for EGC is safe and equivalent to open gastrectomy in curability. Moreover, LAG with D2 lymph node dissection for AGC is comparable to OG with D2 lymph node dissection with regard to short- and long-term results.     

Tumor Depth as a Predictor of Lymph Node Metastasis of Supraglottic and Hypopharyngeal Cancers

Background

The relationship between the histological parameters of primary lesions and lymph node metastasis in supraglottic and hypopharyngeal cancers has not been elucidated. This analysis is important to evaluate the requirement for additional elective neck dissection when clinically node-negative cancers are treated by transoral surgery.

Methods

This study included 40 previously untreated patients with supraglottic and hypopharyngeal cancers who underwent transoral en bloc tumor resection in two academic tertiary referral centers. Nodal status was confirmed by neck dissection for cases with findings or suspicion of lymph node metastases or by observation of clinically node-negative cases for more than 1 year. Patients’ medical records and pathological features were analyzed retrospectively. The correlation of histological parameters with lymph node metastases, including occult metastases, was evaluated by univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results

Univariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis was correlated with tumor depth (P = 0.00087) and venous invasion (P = 0.027). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that it was significantly correlated only with tumor depth (P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Tumor depth is the most useful parameter for predicting lymph node metastases. In clinically node-negative cases, when tumor depth exceeds 1 mm, elective neck dissection must be considered and, when it is less than 0.5 mm, regular clinical follow-up is recommended. Patients with tumor depth between 0.5 and 1 mm should be carefully observed, since they also have a chance of developing nodal metastasis. Venous invasion also indicates high rates of nodal metastasis, therefore elective neck dissection must be considered for these cases.     

Loss of Alkalization in Proximal Esophagus: a New Diagnostic Paradigm for Patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Introduction

Cervical esophageal pH monitoring using a pH threshold of <4 in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is disappointing. We hypothesized that failure to maintain adequate alkalization instead of acidification of the cervical esophagus may be a better indicator of cervical esophageal exposure to gastric juice. The aim of this study was to define normal values for the percent time the cervical esophagus is exposed to a pH ≥7 and to use the inability to maintain this as an indicator for diagnosis of LPR.

Material and Methods

Fifty-nine asymptomatic volunteers had a complete foregut evaluation including pH monitoring of the cervical esophagus. Cervical esophageal exposure to a pH <4 was calculated, and the records were reanalyzed using the threshold pH ≥7. The sensitivity of these two pH thresholds was compared in a group of 51 patients with LPR symptoms that were completely relieved after an antireflux operation.

Results

Compared to normal subjects, patients with LPR were less able to maintain an alkaline pH in the cervical esophagus, as expressed by a lower median percent time pH?≥?7 (10.4 vs. 38.2, p?<?0.0001). In normal subjects, the fifth percentile value for percent time pH?≥?7 in the cervical esophagus was 19.6%. In 84% of the LPR patients (43/51), the percent time pH?≥?7 were below the threshold of 19.6%. In contrast, 69% (35/51) had an abnormal test when the pH records were analyzed using the percent time pH?<?4. Of the 16 patients with a false negative test using pH?<?4, 11 (69%) were identified as having an abnormal study when the threshold of pH?≥?7 was used.

Conclusion

Normal subjects should have a pH ≥7 in cervical esophagus for at least 19.6% of the monitored period. Failure to maintain this alkaline environment is a more sensitive indicator in the diagnosis of the LPR and identifies two thirds of the patients with a false negative test using pH <4.     

Lymphatic Drainage Patterns from Melanomas on the Shoulder or Upper Trunk to Cervical Lymph Nodes and Implications for the Extent of Neck Dissection

Purpose

To determine the incidence and pattern of cervical lymphatic drainage in patients with melanomas located on the upper limb or trunk, and to evaluate our current neck dissection protocol for those patients with a N+ neck.

Methods

Of 1192 melanoma patients who underwent sentinel node biopsy, 631 were selected with a primary tumor on the upper limb or trunk. All lymphoscintigrams, SPECT/CT images and operative reports were reviewed to determine the exact locations of sentinel nodes visualized preoperatively and dissected during operation.

Results

Thirty-nine (6.2?%) of 631 patients with a melanoma on the upper limb or trunk showing cervical lymph node drainage were identified. In 34 (87?%) of 39 patients, sentinel nodes were excised from level IV or Vb, and in 30 of those 39 patients simultaneous from the axilla. In the remaining five patients (13?%), sentinel nodes were collected from level IIb, level III or the suboccipital region. All collected sentinel nodes were located in the intended dissection area for N+ patients. Thirteen patients (33?%) had a total of 22 tumor-positive sentinel nodes in either the axilla (n?=?10), level IV (n?=?2), Vb (n?=?9) or suboccipital (n?=?1).

Conclusions

Only a minority of the patients with upper limb or trunk melanomas demonstrated lymphatic drainage to cervical lymph node basins, with preferential drainage to levels IV and Vb. Our current dissection protocol of levels II?CV, with or without extension to the suboccipital region, in those patients with involved cervical sentinel nodes seems sufficient.     

Reoperative Lymph Node Dissection for Recurrent Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Effect on Serum Thyroglobulin

Background

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has an excellent prognosis with current treatment methods. However, the rates of locoregional recurrence after initial surgical management remain significant. This study evaluates the effect of reoperative neck dissection for locoregional recurrence of PTC after initial total thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy on the incidence of cervical recurrence and postoperative serum thyroglobulin (Tg) levels.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study conducted in a single academic medical center of patients with recurrent or persistent PTC isolated to the neck after previous total thyroidectomy with or without lymph node dissection and adjuvant I¹³¹ therapy who were treated with reoperative lymph node dissection. Outcomes including operative complications, pathologic findings, and effect of surgery on Tg levels and rates of recurrent disease were analyzed.

Results

From 2001 to 2010, a total of 61 patients had reoperative neck dissections for recurrent cervical PTC with a complication rate of 5?%. Seventy-two percent of patients were clinically free of detectable disease, and 28?% of patients had recurrent, persistent, or newly metastatic disease detected during the follow-up period. All patients had significant decreases in Tg levels, with a median 98?% reduction in preoperative levels. However, only 21?% of patients had an undetectable stimulated Tg (<0.5?ng/mL) during the follow-up period of 15.5?months.

Conclusions

Reoperative treatment of recurrent or persistent PTC can be performed with low complication rates, and Tg levels greatly decrease in most patients; however, few achieve undetectable stimulated Tg.     

The Management of Cervical Lymph Nodes in Patients with Cutaneous Melanoma

Background

The aim of this study was to review the management of cervical lymph nodes in patients with cutaneous melanoma and to analyze factors influencing prognosis.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who had cervical node surgery at the Sydney Melanoma Unit from 1990 to 2004.

Results

Of 716 patients who met the study criteria, 339 had a sentinel node biopsy (SNB) and 396 had a neck dissection. Locoregional recurrence occurred in 27.6?% of those undergoing therapeutic neck dissection and 60?% eventually developed distant metastases. Radiotherapy was given as adjuvant treatment in 110 of the patients who had a therapeutic neck dissection (41?%), but this was not associated with improved regional control (p?=?.322). Multivariate analysis showed that nodal positivity (p?<?.001) and primary tumor ulceration (p?=?<?.027) were the most important predictors of locoregional recurrence and that primary tumor Breslow thickness (p?=?.009) and node positivity (p?=?.046) were the most important factors predicting survival. SNB-positive patients who underwent immediate completion lymphadenectomy had a 5-year survival advantage over those who had a therapeutic neck dissection for macroscopic disease (54?% vs 47?%, p?=?.028).

Conclusions

Nodal status was the most important factor predicting disease-free and overall survival in patients with melanoma of the head and neck. Adjuvant radiotherapy was not associated with better locoregional control in the non-randomized cohorts of patients in this study.     

Robot-assisted Supraomohyoid Neck Dissection via a Modified Face-lift or Retroauricular Approach in Early-stage cN0 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity: A Comparative Study with Conventional Technique

Background

Supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOND) in clinical N0 (cN0) neck of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is performed by many head and neck surgeons showing improved regional control and disease-specific survival. However, disfiguring neck scars have been accepted to be unavoidable. In this study, we sought to introduce and evaluate the feasibility of our surgical technique to hide the external scar of neck dissection using the robotic system via a modified face-lift or retroauricular approach.

Methods

Twenty-six patients with cN0 oral cavity SCC were divided into two groups of robot-assisted neck dissection and conventional neck dissection via external cervical incision. The operation time, amount and duration of drainage, length of hospital stay, complications, number of retrieved lymph nodes, and satisfaction scores were compared.

Results

Mean operation time was longer in the robot-assisted group (157?±?22?min) than the conventional group (78?±?16?min) (P?<?0.001). However, the amount and duration of drainage, hospital stay, retrieved lymph nodes, and complications were comparable. Because the postoperative scar was hidden by the auricle and hair, the satisfaction score was significantly higher in the robot-assisted group (P?<?0.001).

Conclusions

Robot-assisted SOND via a modified face-lift or retroauricular approach in cN0 oral cavity SCC was feasible compared to conventional technique and showed a clear cosmetic benefit. Longer operation time remains the drawback of this procedure. However, it could be considered for patients who require SOND and prefer to avoid external neck scar.     

Laparoscopic extraperitoneal aortic dissection: does single-port surgery offer the same possibilities as conventional laparoscopy?

Background

This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of single-port surgery (SPS) for laparoscopic extraperitoneal aortic dissection.

Methods

From December 2010 to April 2011, all patients referred for aortic lymph node staging underwent a laparoscopic extraperitoneal approach with a single-port device. The extraperitoneal approach was performed using only one 3–4?cm incision on the left side. Gelpoint from Applied Medical (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA), a 10-mm 0° laparoscope, and 5-mm standard instruments were used.

Results

The study enrolled 13 patients. Aortic dissection was complete for 11 patients and incomplete for 2 patients. The mean lymph node count was 16 (range, 7–40). The mean blood loss was 40.7?ml (range, 0–100?ml), and no transfusion was necessary. The mean hospital stay was 1.7?days (range, 1–4?days) for this series.

Conclusion

The study results demonstrate the feasibility of single-port-access laparoscopy for extraperitoneal aortic lymphadenectomy. The lymph node count was similar to that described in the published experience of conventional laparoscopic extraperitoneal dissection. This preliminary report shows that SPS is usable for extraperitoneal aortic dissection and that it is possible to perform this procedure using only one skin incision compared with the three or four incisions required for conventional laparoscopy.     

Ultrasonic Scalpel for Gastric Cancer Surgery: a Prospective Randomized Study

Background

The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential advantages of the ultrasonic scalpel compared with the conventional technique in gastric cancer surgery.

Methods

Patients with resectable adenocarcinoma of the stomach were randomly assigned to ultrasonic scalpel or conventional technique. We used the HARMONIC FOCUS? (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.) as ultrasonic scalpel.

Results

Between February 2010 and December 2010, 60 patients with resectable gastric cancer were enrolled into the study. Operative time was significantly shorter with the ultrasonic arm than with the conventional arm (median 238.5 vs. 300.5?min; P?=?0.0004). Blood loss was also significantly lower in the ultrasonic arm than in the conventional arm (median 351.0 vs. 569.5?ml; P?=?0.016). Clavien?CDindo grades of postoperative complications were similar in the two groups. From a questionnaire survey of operators, the ultrasonic scalpel significantly reduced the stress of lymph node dissection (3.67 vs. 2.87; P?=?0.0006). However, in assisting surgeons, the contributions to surgery, study, and technical improvement of the ultrasonic group were lower than in the conventional group.

Conclusions

This study shows that the ultrasonic scalpel is a reliable and safe tool for open gastric cancer surgery.     

The Prognostic Impact of Occult Lymph Node Metastasis in Node-negative Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Purpose

To conduct a meta-analysis to clarify whether occult lymph node metastasis (OLNM), which is identified by molecular detection techniques but is not detected by routine histological examination within regional lymph nodes, represents a prognostic factor for patients with node-negative gastric cancer.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from their inception to November 2012. The published studies that investigated the association between OLNM and the prognosis of patients with node-negative gastric cancer were included. We extracted hazard ratios (HRs) and associated standard errors from the identified studies and performed random-effects model meta-analyses on overall survival and disease-specific survival. Subgroup analyses were also conducted.

Results

A total of 14 eligible studies that included 1,478 patients were identified. Meta-analyses revealed that OLNM was associated with poor overall survival [HR 2.72; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.61–4.60], and disease-specific survival (HR 2.91; 95 % CI 1.25–6.79). Subgroup analyses suggested that OLNM was associated with poor survival in early gastric cancer (HR 3.57; 95 % CI 1.23–10.33). However, subgroup analyses of studies that exclusively enrolled patients with D2 lymph node dissection demonstrated that OLNM did not have an influence on the prognosis (HR 1.97; 95 % CI 0.82–4.70).

Conclusions

OLNM correlates with poor prognosis for patients with node-negative gastric cancer, and D2 lymph node dissection could eliminate this correlation. For OLNM-positive patients with node-negative gastric cancer, D2 lymph node dissection is necessary.     

Surgical outcomes of laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy versus open gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a case-control study

Background

The aim of this study was to clarify the technical feasibility and oncological efficacy of laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) for gastric cancer compared with open gastrectomy (OG).

Methods

Between April 2002 and March 2008, a series of 623 patients with gastric cancer underwent R0 gastrectomy (314 LAG patients and 309 OG patients). Age, gender, lymph node dissection, and pathological stage were matched by propensity scoring, and 212 patients (106 LAG and 106 OG) were selected for analysis after the exclusion of 40 patients who had proximal gastrectomy. Intraoperative factors, postoperative morbidity, long-term quality of life (QOL), and survival were evaluated. Moreover, these outcomes were also compared between the laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) and the open total gastrectomy (OTG).

Results

There was no significant difference in preoperative characteristics between the two patient groups. Regarding intraoperative characteristics, blood loss was significantly lower in the LAG group (143?ml) than in the OG group (288?ml), while operation time was significantly longer in the LAG group (273?min) than the OG group (231?min). The degree of lymph node dissection and number of retrieved lymph nodes did not differ between the two groups. There were no significant differences in postoperative courses or overall and disease-specific survival (89.8% vs. 83.6%, P?=?0.0886; 100% vs. 95.2%, P?=?0.1073) except time to first flatus and time to use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory derivatives between the two groups. Significantly fewer patients felt wound pain in the LAG group 1?year after surgery. Analyses between the LATG and OTG groups showed similar results.

Conclusions

LAG for gastric cancer may be both feasible and safe. However, it will be necessary to conduct a well-designed randomized controlled trial comparing short-term and long-term outcomes between LAG and OG in a larger number of patients.     

Comparison of long-term results between laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy and open gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection for advanced gastric cancer

Background

Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) has been established as a low-invasive surgery for early gastric cancer. However, it remains unknown whether it is applicable also for advanced gastric cancer, mainly because the long-term results of LAG with D2 lymph node dissection for advanced gastric cancer have not been well validated compared with open gastrectomy (OG).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed to compare LAG and OG with D2 lymph node dissection. For this study, 167 patients (66 LAG and 101 OG patients) who underwent gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection for advanced gastric cancer were reviewed. Recurrence-free survival and overall survival time were estimated using Kaplan–Meier curves. Stratified log-rank statistical evaluation was used to compare the difference between the LAG and OG groups stratified by histologic type, pathologic T status, N status, and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. The adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) of LAG.

Results

The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 89.6% in the LAG group and 75.8% in the OG group (nonsignificant difference; stratified log-rank statistic, 3.11; P?=?0.0777). The adjusted HR of recurrence for LAG compared with OG was 0.389 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.131–1.151]. The 5-year overall survival rate was 94.4% in the LAG group and 78.5% in the OG group (nonsignificant difference; stratified log-rank statistic, 0.4817; P?=?0.4877). The adjusted HR of death for LAG compared with OG was 0.633 (95% CI 0.172–2.325).

Conclusions

The findings show that LAG with D2 lymph node dissection is acceptable in terms of long-term results for advanced gastric cancer cases and may be applicable for advanced gastric cancer treatment.     

Totally laparoscopic complete resection of the remnant stomach for gastric cancer

Background

In patients having carcinoma in the remnant stomach, total resection of the remnant stomach with lymph node dissection is a prerequisite.

Materials and methods

We present the first series of successful totally laparoscopic complete gastrectomy (TLCG) for gastric remnant cancer.

Results

TLCG was successfully performed without adverse events during surgery in five patients with gastric remnant cancer. The median age of the patients was 72 years (range, 56-84 years), and there were three men and two women. Three of them had a Billroth I reconstruction and two had a Billroth II reconstruction, and in four cases following partial gastrectomy for gastric cancer and one for gastroduodenal ulcer. The median operative time was 360 min; blood loss was 20 ml. The median number of retrieved lymph nodes was 19. No complications occurred postoperatively, and all of the patients were discharged within the ninth postoperative day.

Conclusions

Although TLCG for gastric remnant cancer is a technically difficult and challenging operation that requires careful lysis of adhesion and dissection along the major vessels, as well as intracorporeal anastomosis, this procedure is technically feasible. Long-term follow-up is mandatory to validate oncological outcome.     

Laparoscopic retrosternal bypass for corrosive stricture of the esophagus

Introduction

Surgical management of corrosive stricture of the esophagus entails replacement of the scarred esophagus with a gastric or colonic conduit. This has traditionally been done using the conventional open surgical approach. We herein describe the first ever reported minimally invasive technique for performing retrosternal esophageal bypass using a stomach conduit.

Methods

Patients with corrosive stricture involving the esophagus alone with a normal stomach were selected. The surgery was performed with the patient in supine position using four abdominal ports and a transverse skin crease neck incision. Steps included mobilization of the stomach and division of the gastroesophageal junction, creation of a retrosternal space, transposition of stomach into the neck (via retrosternal space), and a cervical esophagogastric anastomosis.

Results

Four patients with corrosive stricture of the esophagus underwent this procedure. The average duration of surgery was 260 (240–300) min. All patients could be ambulated on the first postoperative day and were allowed oral liquids between the fifth and seventh day. At mean follow-up of 6.5 (3–9) months, all are euphagic to solid diet and have excellent cosmetic results.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic bypass for corrosive stricture of the esophagus using a gastric conduit is technically feasible. It results in early postoperative recovery, effective relief of dysphagia, and excellent cosmesis in these young patients.     

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.