Robotic Total Gastrectomy With Intracorporeal Robot-Sewn Anastomosis: A Novel Approach Adopting the Double-Loop Reconstruction Method

Gastric cancer constitutes a major health problem. Robotic surgery has been progressively developed in this field. Although the feasibility of robotic procedures has been demonstrated, there are unresolved aspects being debated, including the reproducibility of intracorporeal in place of extracorporeal anastomosis.Difficulties of traditional laparoscopy have been described and there are well-known advantages of robotic systems, but few articles in literature describe a full robotic execution of the reconstructive phase while others do not give a thorough explanation how this phase was run.A new reconstructive approach, not yet described in literature, was recently adopted at our Center.Robotic total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy and a so-called “double-loop” reconstruction method with intracorporeal robot-sewn anastomosis (Parisi''s technique) was performed in all reported cases.Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected and a technical note was documented.All tumors were located at the upper third of the stomach, and no conversions or intraoperative complications occurred. Histopathological analysis showed R0 resection obtained in all specimens. Hospital stay was regular in all patients and discharge was recommended starting from the 4th postoperative day. No major postoperative complications or reoperations occurred.Reconstruction of the digestive tract after total gastrectomy is one of the main areas of surgical research in the treatment of gastric cancer and in the field of minimally invasive surgery.The double-loop method is a valid simplification of the traditional technique of construction of the Roux-limb that could increase the feasibility and safety in performing a full hand-sewn intracorporeal reconstruction and it appears to fit the characteristics of the robotic system thus obtaining excellent postoperative clinical outcomes.     

Stapled gastro/duodenojejunostomy shortens reconstruction time during pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy

AIM:To investigate whether a stapled technique is superior to the conventional hand-sewn technique for gastro/duodenojejunostomy during pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy(PpPD).METHODS:In October 2010,we introduced a mechanical anastomotic technique of gastro-or duodenojejunostomy using staplers during PpPD.We compared clinical outcomes between 19 patients who underwent PpPD with a stapled gastro/duodenojejunostomy(stapled anastomosis group)and 19 patients who underwent PpPD with a conventional hand-sewn duodenojejunostomy(hand-sewn anastomosis group).RESULTS:The time required for reconstruction was significantly shorter in the stapled anastomosis group than in the hand-sewn anastomosis group(186.0±29.4 min vs 219.7±50.0 min,P=0.02).In addition,intraoperative blood loss was significantly less(391.0±212.0 mL vs 647.1±482.1 mL,P=0.03)and the time to oral intake was significantly shorter(5.4±1.7d vs 11.3±7.9 d,P=0.002)in the stapled anastomosis group than in the hand-sewn anastomosis group.There were no differences in the incidences of delayed gastric emptying and other postoperative complications between the groups.CONCLUSION:These results suggest that stapled gastro/duodenojejunostomy shortens reconstruction time during PpPD without affecting the incidence of delayed gastric emptying.     

A totally mini-invasive approach for colorectal laparoscopic surgery

AIM: To study the short-term outcome of patients treated with laparoscopic right colectomy and how intracorporeal anastomosis has improved the outcome.METHODS: We retrospectively examined all patients affected by colorectal cancer who underwent a laparoscopic right colectomy between January 2006 and December 2010 in our department. Our evaluation criteria were: diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma at presurgical biopsy, elective surgery, and the same surgeon. We excluded: emergency surgery, conversions from laparotomic colectomy, and other surgeons. The endpoints we examined were: surgical time, number of lymph nodes removed, length of stay (removal of nasogastric tube, bowel movements, gas evacuation, solid and liquid feeding, hospitalization), and major complications. Seventy-two patients were divided into two groups: intracorporeal anastomosis (39 patients) and extracorporeal anastomosis (33 patients).RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between intracorporeal vs extracorporeal anastomosis, respectively, for surgical times (186.8 min vs 184.1 min, P < 0.001), time to resumption of gas evacuation (3 d vs 3.5 d, P < 0.001), days until resumption of bowel movements (3.8 d vs 4.9 d, P < 0.001), days until resumption of liquid diet (3.5 d vs 4.5 d, P < 0.001), days until resuming a solid diet (4.6 d vs 5.7 d, P < 0.001), and total hospitalization duration (7.4 d vs 8.5 d, P < 0.001). In the intracorporeal group, on average, 19 positive lymph nodes were removed; in the extracorporeal group, on average, 14 were removed P < 0.001). Thus, intracorporeal anastomosis for right laparoscopic colectomy improved patient outcome by providing faster recovery of nutrition, faster recovery of intestinal function, and shorter hospitalization than extracorporeal anastomosis.CONCLUSION: Short-term outcomes favor intracorporeal anastomosis, confirming that a less traumatic surgical approach improves patient outcome.     

Intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy: A single-center 7-year experience

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy in patients undergoing laparoscopic total gastrectomy(LTG) for gastric cancer.METHODS: A retrospective review of 81 consecutive patients who underwent LTG with the same surgical team between November 2007 and July 2014 was performed. Four types of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy using staplers or hand-sewn suturing were performed after LTG. Data on clinicopatholgoical characteristics, occurrence of complications, postoperative recovery, anastomotic time, and operation time among the surgical groups were obtained through medical records.RESULTS: The average operation time was 288.7 min, the average anastomotic time was 54.3 min, and the average estimated blood loss was 82.7 m L. There were no cases of conversion to open surgery. The first flatus was observed around 3.7 d, while the liquid diet was started, on average, from 4.9 d. The average postoperative hospital stay was 10.1 d. Postoperative complications occurred in 14 patients, nearly 17.3%.However, there were no cases of postoperative death.CONCLUSION: LTG performed with intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy using laparoscopic staplers or hand-sewn suturing is feasible and safe. The surgical results were acceptable from the perspective of minimal invasiveness.     

Comparision of modified and conventional delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy in totally laparoscopic surgery

AIM:To evaluate the safety and feasibility of a modified delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy(DSG)in totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy(TLDG).METHODS:We performed a case-control study enrolling 63 patients with distal gastric cancer(GC)undergoing TLDG with a DSG from January 2013 to June 2013.Twenty-two patients underwent a conventional DSG(Con-Group),whereas the other 41 patients underwent a modified version of the DSG(Mod-Group).The modified procedure required only the instruments of the surgeon and assistant to complete the involution of the common stab incision and to completely resect the duodenal cutting edge,resulting in an anastomosis with an inverted T-shaped appearance.The clinicopathological characteristics,surgical outcomes,anastomosis time and complications of the two groups were retrospectively analyzed using a prospectively maintained comprehensive database.RESULTS:DSG procedures were successfully completed in all of the patients with histologically complete(R0)resections,and none of these patients required conversion to open surgery.The clinicopathological characteristics of the two groups were similar.There were no significant differences between the groups in the operative time,intraoperative blood loss,extension of the lymph node(LN)dissection and number of dissected LNs(150.8±21.6 min vs 143.4±23.4 min,P=0.225for the operative time;26.8±11.3 min vs 30.6±14.8mL,P=0.157 for the intraoperative blood loss;4/18 vs3/38,P=0.375 for the extension of the LN dissection;and 43.9±13.4 vs 39.5±11.5 per case,P=0.151 for the number of dissected LNs).The anastomosis time,however,was significantly shorter in the Mod-Group than in the Con-Group(13.9±2.8 min vs 23.9±5.6min,P=0.000).The postoperative outcomes,including the times to out-of-bed activities,first flatus,resumption of soft diet and postoperative hospital stay,as well as the anastomosis size,did not differ significantly(1.9±0.6 d vs 2.3±1.5 d,P=0.228 for the time to outof-bed activities;3.2±0.9 d vs 3.5±1.3 d,P=0.295for the first flatus time;7.5±0.8 d vs 8.1±4.3 d,P=0.489 for the resumption of a soft diet time;14.3±10.6 d vs 11.5±4.9 d,P=0.148 for the postoperative hospital stay;and 30.5±3.6 mm vs 30.1±4.0 mm,P=0.730 for the anastomosis size).One patient with minor anastomotic leakage in the Con-Group was managed conservatively;no other patients experienced any complications around the anastomosis.The operative complication rates were similar in the Con-and ModGroups(9.1%vs 7.3%,P=1.000).CONCLUSION:The modified DSG,an alternative reconstruction in TLDG for GC,is technically safe and feasible,with a simpler process that reduces the anastomosis time.     

Study of celiac artery variations and related surgical techniques in gastric cancer

AIM: To investigate celiac artery variations in gastric cancer patients and the impact on gastric cancer surgery,and also to discuss the value of the ultrasonic knife in reducing the risk caused by celiac artery variations.METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted to investigate the difference in average operation time,intraoperative blood loss, number of harvested lymph nodes, average postoperative drainage within 3 d,and postoperative hospital stay between the group with vascular variations and no vascular variations,and between the ultrasonic harmonic scalpel and conventional electric scalpel surgery group.RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-eight cases presented with normal celiac artery, and 80 presented with celiac artery variation(33.61%). The average operation time,blood loss, average drainage within 3 d after surgery in the celiac artery variation group were significantly more than in the no celiac artery variation group(215.7 ± 32.7 min vs 204.2 ± 31.3 min, 220.0 ± 56.7mL vs 163.1 ± 52.3 mL, 193.6 ± 41.4 mL vs 175.3± 34.1 mL, respectively, P 0.05). In celiac artery variation patients, the average operation time, blood loss, average drainage within 3 d after surgery in the ultrasonic harmonic scalpel group were significantly lower than in the conventional electric scalpel surgery group(209.5 ± 34.9 min vs 226.9 ± 29.4 min, 207.5 ±57.1 mL vs 235.6 ± 52.9 mL, 184.4 ± 38.2 mL vs 205.0± 42.9 mL, respectively, P 0.05), and the number of lymph node dissections was significantly higher than in the conventional surgery group(25.5 ± 9.2 vs 19.9 ±7.8, P 0.05).CONCLUSION: Celiac artery variation increases thedifficulty and risk of radical gastrectomy. Preoperative imaging evaluation and the application of ultrasonic harmonic scalpel are conducive to radical gastrectomy.     

Laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy with trans-orally inserted anvil(OrVilTM):A single institution experience

AIM:To investigate the feasibility of laparoscopyassisted total gastrectomy(LATG)using trans-orally inserted anvil(OrVilTM)in terms of operative characteristics and short term outcomes. RESULTS:Characteristics of 27 patients with gastric cancer who underwent LATG from October 2009 to October 2012 in the Foshan Affiliated Hospital of South Medical University were retrospectively reviewed. Among these patients,six were reconstructed by minilaparotomy and 21 by OrVilTM.The clinicopathological characteristics,total operation time,total blood loss, abdominal incision and complications of anastomosis including stenosis and leakage,were compared between the groups undergoing LATG with OrVilTM and the group undergoing minilaparotomy. RESULTS:The operations were successfully performed on all the patients without intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery.Two(10%)patients received palliative procedure under laparoscope who were prepared for LATG preoperatively.One case had hepatic metastatic carcinoma and 1 case had tumor recurrence near the anastomosis 8 mo after surgery.The mean follow-up duration was 10 mo(range,2-24 mo). Operation time was significantly reduced by the use of OrVilTM(198.42±30.28 min vs 240.83±8.23 min). The postoperative course with regard to occurrence of stenosis and leakage was not different between the two groups.There were no significant differences in estimated blood loss.The upper abdominal incision was smaller in OrVilTM group than in minilaparotomy group (4.31±0.45 cm vs 6.43±0.38 cm). CONCLUSION:LATG using OrVil TM is a technically feasible surgical procedure with sufficient lymph node dissection,less operation time and acceptable morbidity.     

Surgical care quality and oncologic outcome after D2 gastrectomy for gastric cancer

AIM: To examine the quality of surgical care and longterm oncologic outcome after D2 gastrectomy for gastric cancer.METHODS: From 1999 to 2008, a total of 109 consecutive patients underwent D2 gastrectomy without routine pancreaticosplenectomy in a multimodal setting at our institution. Oncologic outcomes together with clinical and histopathologic data were analyzed in relation to the type of surgery performed. Staging was carried out according to the Union for International Cancer Control criteria of 2002. Patients were followedup for five years at the outpatient clinic. The primary measure of outcome was long-term survival with the quality of surgery as a secondary outcome measure. Clinical data were retrospectively collected from the patient records, and causes of death were obtained from national registries.RESULTS: A total of 109 patients(58 men) with a mean age of 67.4 ± 11.2 years underwent total gastrectomy or gastric resection with D2 lymph node dissection. The tumor stage distribution was as follows: stageⅠ,(27/109) 24.8%; stage Ⅱ,(31/109) 28.4%; stage Ⅲ,(41/109) 37.6%; and stage Ⅳ,(10/109) 9.2%. Forty patients(36.7%) received chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. The five-year overall survival rate for all 109 patients was 45.0%, and was 47.1% for the 104 patients treated with curative R0 resection. The five-year disease-specific survival rates were 53.0% and 55.8%, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, body mass index and tumor stage were independent prognostic factors for overall survival(both P 0.01), whereas body mass index, tumor stage, tumor site, Lauren classification, and lymph node invasion were prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival(all P 0.05). Postoperative 30-d mortality was 1.8% and 30-d, surgical(including three anastomotic leaks, two of which were treated conservatively), and general morbidities were 26.6%, 12.8%, and 14.7%, respectively.CONCLUSION: D2 dissection is a safe surgical option for gastric cancer, providing quality surgical care and long-term oncologic outcomes that are in line with current Western standards.     

Effectiveness and safety of continuous wound infiltration for postoperative pain management after open gastrectomy

AIM: To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of continuous wound infiltration(CWI) for pain management after open gastrectomy. METHODS: Seventy-five adult patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA) Physical Status Classification System(ASA) grade 1-3 undergoing open gastrectomy were randomized to three groups. Group 1 patients received CWI with 0.3% ropivacaine(group CWI). Group 2 patients received 0.5 mg/m L morphine intravenously by a patient-controlled analgesia pump(PCIA)(group PCIA). Group 3 patients received epidural analgesia(EA) with 0.12% ropivacaine and 20 μg/m L morphine with an infusion at 6-8 m L/h for 48 h(group EA). A standard general anesthetic technique was used for all three groups. Rescue analgesia(2 mg bolus of morphine, intravenous) was given when the visual analogue scale(VAS) score was ≥ 4. The outcomes measured over 48 h after the operation were VAS scores both at rest and during mobilization, total morphine consumption, relative side effects, and basic vital signs. Further results including time to extubation, recovery of bowel function, surgical wound healing,mean length of hospitalization after surgery, and the patient's satisfaction were also recorded.RESULTS: All three groups had similar VAS scores during the first 48 h after surgery. Group CWI and group EA, compared with group PCIA, had lower morphine consumption(P 0.001), less postoperative nausea and vomiting(1.20 ± 0.41 vs 1.96 ± 0.67, 1.32 ± 0.56 vs 1.96 ± 0.67, respectively, P 0.001), earlier extubation(16.56 ± 5.24 min vs 19.76 ± 5.75 min, P 0.05, 15.48 ± 4.59 min vs 19.76 ± 5.75 min, P 0.01), and earlier recovery of bowel function(2.96 ± 1.17 d vs 3.60 ± 1.04 d, 2.80 ± 1.38 d vs 3.60 ± 1.04 d, respectively, P 0.05). The mean length of hospitalization after surgery was reduced in groups CWI(8.20 ± 2.58 d vs 10.08 ± 3.15 d, P 0.05) and EA(7.96 ± 2.30 d vs 10.08 ± 3.15 d, P 0.01) compared with group PCIA. All three groups had similar patient satisfaction and wound healing, but group PCIA was prone to higher sedation scores when compared with groups CWI and EA, especially during the first 12 h after surgery. Group EA had a lower mean arterial pressure within the first postoperative 12 h compared with the other two groups.CONCLUSION : CWI with ropivacaine yields a satisfactory analgesic effect within the first 48 h after open gastrectomy, with lower morphine consumption and accelerated recovery.     

Novel method for esophagojejunal anastomosis after laparoscopic total gastrectomy: Semi-end-to-end anastomosis

AIM: To test a new safe and simple technique for circular-stapled esophagojejunostomy in laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LATG).METHODS: We selected 26 patients with gastric cancer who underwent LATG and Roux-en-Y gastrointestinal reconstruction with semi-end-to-end esophagojejunal anastomosis.RESULTS: LATG with semi-end-to-end esophagojejunal anastomosis was successfully performed in all 26 patients. The average operation time was 257 ± 36 min, with an average anastomosis time of 51 ± 17 min and an average intraoperative blood loss of 88 ± 46 mL. The average postoperative hospital stay was 8 ± 3 d. There were no complications and no mortality in this series.CONCLUSION: The application of semi-end-to-end esophagojejunal anastomosis after LATG is a safe and feasible procedure, which can be easily performed and has a short operation time in terms of anastomosis.     

Fast-track surgery could improve postoperative recovery in radical total gastrectomy patients

AIM: To assess the impact of fast-track surgery (FTS) on hospital stay, cost of hospitalization and complications after radical total gastrectomy. METHODS: A randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted from November 2011 to August 2012 in the Department of Digestive Surgery, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, the Fourth Military Medical University. A total of 122 gastric cancer patients who met the selection criteria were randomized into FTS and conventional care groups on the first day of hospitalization. All patients received elective standard D2 total gastrectomy. Clinical outcomes, including duration of flatus and defecation, white blood cell count, postoperative pain, duration of postoperative stay, cost of hospitalization and complications were recorded and evaluated.Two specially trained doctors who were blinded to the treatment were in charge of evaluating postoperative outcomes, discharge and follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients finished the study, including 60 patients in the conventional care group and 59 patients in the FTS group. Two patients were excluded from the FTS group due to withdrawal of consent. One patient was excluded from the conventional care group because of a non-resectable tumor. Compared with the conventional group, FTS shortened the duration of flatus (79.03 ± 20.26 hvs 60.97 ± 24.40 h, P = 0.000) and duration of defecation (93.03 ± 27.95 h vs 68.00 ± 25.42 h, P = 0.000), accelerated the decrease in white blood cell count [P < 0.05 on postoperative day (POD) 3 and 4], alleviated pain in patients after surgery (P < 0.05 on POD 1, 2 and 3), reduced complications (P < 0.05), shortened the duration of postoperative stay (7.10 ± 2.13 dvs 5.68 ± 1.22 d,P = 0.000), reduced the cost of hospitalization (43783.25 ± 8102.36 RMBvs 39597.62 ± 7529.98 RMB,P = 0.005), and promoted recovery of patients. CONCLUSION: FTS could be safely applied in radical total gastrectomy to accelerate clinical recovery of gastric cancer patients.     

Robotic versus laparoscopic resection of liver tumours

Background

There are scant data in the literature regarding the role of robotic liver surgery. The aim of the present study was to develop techniques for robotic liver tumour resection and to draw a comparison with laparoscopic resection.

Methods

Over a 1-year period, nine patients underwent robotic resection of peripherally located malignant lesions measuring <5 cm. These patients were compared prospectively with 23 patients who underwent laparoscopic resection of similar tumours at the same institution. Statistical analyses were performed using Student''s t-test, χ²-test and Kaplan–Meier survival. All data are expressed as mean ± SEM.

Results

The groups were similar with regards to age, gender and tumour type (P = NS). Tumour size was similar in both groups (robotic −3.2 ± 1.3 cm vs. laparoscopic −2.9 ± 1.3 cm, P = 0.6). Skin-to-skin operative time was 259 ± 28 min in the robotic vs. 234 ± 17 min in the laparoscopic group (P = 0.4). There was no difference between the two groups regarding estimated blood loss (EBL) and resection margin status. Conversion to an open operation was only necessary in one patient in the robotic group. Complications were observed in one patient in the robotic and four patients in the laparoscopic groups. The patients were followed up for a mean of 14 months and disease-free survival (DFS) was equivalent in both groups (P = 0.6).

Conclusion

The results of this initial study suggest that, for selected liver lesions, a robotic approach provides similar peri-operative outcomes compared with laparoscopic liver resection (LLR).     

Choledochojejunostomy with an innovative magnetic compressive anastomosis: How to determine optimal pressure?

AIM: To investigate the optimal magnetic pressure and provide a theoretical basis for choledochojejunostomy magnetic compressive anastomosis(magnamosis).METHODS: Four groups of neodymium-iron-boron magnets with different magnetic pressures of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 MPa were used to complete the choledochojejunostomy magnamosis. Twenty-six young mongrel dogs were randomly divided into five groups: four groups with different magnetic pressures and 1 group with a hand-suture anastomosis. Serum bilirubin levels were measured in all groups before and 1 wk, 2 wk, 3 wk, 1 mo and 3 mo after surgery. Daily abdominal X-ray fluoroscopy was carried out postoperatively to detect the path and the excretion of the magnet. The animals were euthanized at 1 or 3 mo after the operation, the burst pressure was detected in each anastomosis, and the gross appearance and histology were compared according to the observation.RESULTS: The surgical procedures were all successfully performed in animals. However, animals of group D(magnetic pressure of 0.4 MPa) all experienced complications with bile leakage(4/4), whereas half of animals in group A(magnetic pressure of 0.1 MPa) experienced complications(3/6), 1 animal in the manual group E developed anastomotic stenosis, and animals in group B and group C(magnetic pressure of 0.2 MPa and 0.3 MPa, respectively) all healed well without complications. These results also suggested that the time required to form the stoma was inversely proportional to the magnetic pressure; however, the burst pressure of group A was smaller than those of the other groups at 1 mo(187.5 ± 17.7 vs 290 ± 10/296.7 ± 5.7/287.5 ± 3.5, P 0.05); the remaining groups did not differ significantly. A histologic examination demonstrated obvious differences between the magnamosis groups and the hand-sewn group.CONCLUSION: We proved that the optimal range for choledochojejunostomy magnamosis is 0.2 MPa to 0.3 MPa, which will help to improve the clinical application of this technique in the future.     

Outcome after gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM: To evaluate the prognosis of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after gastrectomy and related factors in gastric cancer patients.METHODS: 403 gastric cancer patients with T2DM were studied, who underwent gastrectomy between May 2003 and September 2009. A review of medical records and telephone interviews was performed in this cross-sectional study. The factors included in the statistical analysis were as follows: gender, age, type of surgery, preoperative body mass index (BMI), current BMI, BMI reduction ratio, preoperative insulin or oral diabetic medicine requirement, follow-up duration, and current state of diabetes. Assessment of diabetes status after surgery was classified into four categories according to the change in hypoglycemic agents after surgery and present status of T2DM: resolution, improvement, same, and worse.RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 33.7 mo (± 20.6 mo), preoperative BMI was 24.7 kg/m² (± 3.0 kg/m²), and BMI reduction ratio was 9.8% (± 8.6%). After surgery, T2DM was cured in 58 patients (15.1%) and was improved in 117 patients (30.4%). According to the type of surgery, the BMI reduction ratio was significantly higher in the total gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction group [14.2% ± 9.2% vs 9.2% ± 7.7% (Billroth II group), P < 0.001] and significantly lower in the subtotal gastrectomy and Billroth I reconstruction group [7.6% ± 8.0%, 9.2% ± 7.7% (Billroth II group), P < 0.001]. The BMI reduction ratio, follow-up duration after surgery, type of surgery, extent of gastrectomy, and performance of duodenal bypass were significantly correlated to the course of T2DM (P < 0.05). The BMI reduction ratio was the most influential factor on T2DM status. In a subgroup analysis of patients with a BMI reduction ratio of 10% or less (n = 206), T2DM was cured in 15 (7.6%) patients and was improved in 57 (28.8%) patients after surgery, and only the duration of surgery was significantly correlated to T2DM status (P = 0.022).CONCLUSION: The course of T2DM was significantly correlated to the BMI reduction ratio but not to the type of surgery without a significant change in BMI.     

Laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery for gastric submucosal tumors

AIM:To assess the feasibility,safety,and advantages of minimally invasive laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery(LECS)for gastric submucosal tumors(SMT).METHODS:We retrospectively analyzed 101 consecutive patients,who had undergone partial,proximal,or distal gastrectomy using LECS for gastric SMT at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from June 2006to April 2013.All patients were followed up by visit or telephone.Clinical data,surgical approach,pathological features such as the size,location,and pathological type of each tumor;and follow-up results were analyzed.The feasibility,safety and effectiveness of LECS for gastric SMT were evaluated,especially for patients with tumors located near the cardia or pylorus.RESULTS:The 101 patients included 43(42.6%)menand 58(57.4%)women,with mean age of 51.2±13.1 years(range,14-76 years).The most common symptom was belching.Almost all(n=97)patients underwent surgery with preservation of the cardia and pylorus,with the other four patients undergoing proximal or distal gastrectomy.The mean distance from the lesion to the cardia or pylorus was 3.4±1.3 cm,and the minimum distance from the tumor edge to the cardia was 1.5 cm.Tumor pathology included gastrointestinal stromal tumor in 78 patients,leiomyoma in 13,carcinoid tumors in three,ectopic pancreas in three,lipoma in two,glomus tumor in one,and inflammatory pseudotumor in one.Tumor size ranged from 1 to8.2 cm,with 65(64.4%)lesions<2 cm,32(31.7%)>2 cm,and four>5 cm.Sixty-six lesions(65.3%)were located in the fundus,21(20.8%)in the body,10(9.9%)in the antrum,three(3.0%)in the cardia,and one(1.0%)in the pylorus.During a median follow-up of 28 mo(range,1-69 mo),none of these patients experienced recurrence or metastasis.The three patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy experienced symptoms of regurgitation and belching.CONCLUSION:Laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery is feasible and safe for patients with gastric submucosal tumor.Endoscopic intraoperative localization and support can help preserve the     

Should peri-gastrectomy gastric acidity be our focus among gastric cancer patients?

AIM:To investigate the necessity and correctness of acid suppression pre-and post-gastrectomy among gastric carcinoma(GC)patients.METHODS:From June 2011 to April 2013,99 patients who were diagnosed with GC or adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction(typeⅡorⅢ)and needed surgical management were enrolled.They all underwent gastrectomy by the same operators[35undergoing total gastrectomy(TG)plus Roux-en-Y reconstruction,34 distal gastrectomy(DG)plus Billroth I reconstruction,and 30 proximal gastrectomy(PG)plus gastroesophagostomy].We collected and analyzed their gastrointestinal juice and tissues from the preoperational day to the 5th day post-operation,and 6 mo post-surgery.Gastric pH was detected with a precise acidity meter.Gastric juice contents including potassi-um,sodium and bicarbonate ions,urea nitrogen,direct and indirect bilirubin,and bile acid were detected using Automatic Biochemical Analyzer.Data regarding tumor size,histological type,tumor penetration and tumornode-metastasis(TNM)stage were obtained from the pathological records.Reflux symptoms pre-and 6 mo post-gastrectomy were evaluated by reflux disease questionnaire(RDQ)and gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire(GERD-Q).SPSS 16.0 was applied to analyze the data.RESULTS:Before surgery,gastric pH was higher than the threshold of hypoacidity(4.25±1.45 vs 3.5,P=0.000),and significantly affected by age,tumor size and differentiation grade,and potassium and bicarbonate ions;advanced malignancies were accompanied with higher pH compared with early ones(4.49±1.31vs 3.66±1.61,P=0.008).After operation,gastric pH in all groups was of weak-acidity and significantly higher than that pre-gastrectomy;on days 3-5,comparisons of gastric pH were similar between the 3 groups.Six months later,gastric pH was comparable to that on days 3-5;older patients were accompanied with higher total bilirubin level,indicating more serious reflux(r=0.238,P=0.018);the TG and PG groups had higher RDQ(TG vs DG:15.80±5.06 vs 12.26±2.14,P=0.000;PG vs DG:15.37±3.49 vs 12.26±2.14,P=0.000)and GERD-Q scores(TG vs DG:10.54±3.16 vs9.15±2.27,P=0.039;PG vs DG:11.00±2.07 vs 9.15±2.27,P=0.001)compared with the DG group;all gastric juice contents except potassium ion significantly rose;reflux symptom was significantly associated with patient’s body mass index,direct and indirect bilirubin,and total bile acid,while pH played no role.CONCLUSION:Acidity is not an important factor causing unfitness among GC patients.There is no need to further alkalify gastrointestinal juice both pre-and postgastrectomy.     

D2 dissection in laparoscopic and open gastrectomy for gastric cancer

AIM: To evaluate the radicalness and safety of laparoscopic D2 dissection for gastric cancer. METHODS: Clinicopathological data from 209 patients with gastric cancer, who underwent radical gastrectomy with D2 dissection between January 2007 and February 2011, were analyzed retrospectively. Among these patients, 131 patients underwent laparoscopyassisted gastrectomy (LAG) and 78 underwent open gastrectomy (OG). The parameters analyzed included operative time, blood loss, blood transfusion, morbidity, mortality, the number of harvested lymph nodes (HLNs), and pathological stage.RESULTS: There were no significant differences in sex, age, types of radical resection [radical proximal gastrectomy (PG + D2), radical distal gastrectomy (DG + D2) and radical total gastrectomy (TG + D2)], and stages between the LAG and OG groups (P 0.05). Among the two groups, 127 cases (96.9%) and 76 cases (97.4%) had 15 or more HLNs, respectively. The average number of HLNs was 26.1 ± 11.4 in the LAG group and 24.2 ± 9.3 in the OG group (P = 0.233). In the same type of radical resection, there were no signifi cant differences in the number of HLNs between the two groups (PG + D2: 21.7 ± 7.5 vs 22.4 ± 9.3; DG + D2: 25.7 ± 11.0 vs 22.3 ± 7.9; TG + D2: 30.9 ± 13.4 vs 29.3 ± 10.4; P 0.05 for all comparisons). Tumor free margins were obtained in all cases. Compared with OG group, the LAG group had signifi cantly less blood loss, but a longer operation time (P 0.001). The morbidity of the LAG group was 9.9%, which was not signifi cantly different from the OG group (7.7%) (P = 0.587). The mortality was zero in both groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic D2 dissection is equivalent to OG in the number of HLNs, regardless of tumor location. Thus, this procedure can achieve the same radicalness as OG.     

Surgical techniques and outcome analysis of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery complex sleeve lung resection: a 20 case-series study

BackgroundOur study aims to explore the feasibility of uniportal video-assisted complex sleeve lung resection and summarize the surgical techniques and clinical outcomes.MethodsFrom June 2016 to April 2020, a total of 20 complex sleeve pulmonary and distal tracheal resections were performed by the single surgical team at the Thoracic Surgery Department of the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital. We defined cases as complex sleeve pulmonary resections if they required pulmonary segment sleeve resection, extended sleeve resection (lobectomy plus segmentectomy of the remaining lobe), sleeve pneumonectomy, lobectomy plus carinoplasty or neo-carina construction, pulmonary-sparing main bronchus resection plus carina reconstruction, and distal trachea resection with end to end anastomosis.ResultsThe 20 cases comprised lung squamous cell carcinoma (n=11), lung adenocarcinoma (n=2), hamartoma (n=3), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n=2), carcinoid tumor (n=1), and pleomorphic carcinoma (n=1). The average blood loss during the operation was 250±126.17 mL (50–800 mL). The average operation time was 192.0±61.1 minutes. The average number of lymph node stations removed was 5.82±1.33, including station seven in all cases, and the median number of lymph nodes removed was 4.18±5.89. On the day of surgery, the drainage volume was 266±192.01 mL. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.37±1.86 days. Twelve of the 16 patients diagnosed with malignancy received postoperative chemotherapy. Granuloma formation at the anastomosis level led to stenosis in one case, and tumor recurrence occurred in one case. Broncho-esophageal fistula occurred in one patient after radiochemotherapy. The postoperative follow-up time was 15.6±10.7 months. The 30-day mortality was zero, and at one-year follow-up, only one patient had died of metastatic disease after the operation.ConclusionsUniportal video-assisted complex sleeve pulmonary resections are feasible when conducted by experienced teams.     

Complete laparoscopic resection of the rectum using natural orifice specimen extraction

AIM: To investigate how complete laparoscopic anterior resection with natural orifice specimen extraction(NOSE), as a novel minimally invasive surgery, compares to conventional laparoscopic surgery.METHODS: Twenty patients who underwent complete laparoscopic anterior resection with NOSE and 50 patients who underwent laparoscopic assisted anterior resection by the conventional method between 2011 and 2012 were studied. Selection for complete laparoscopic anterior resection with NOSE was decided on the basis of tumor size, localization of the tumor, and body mass index. Outcomes related to surgery, including operation time, postoperative wound pain, hospital stay after surgery, the number of totally dissected lymph nodes, postoperative complications(suture failure and wound infection), and anal function, were reviewed retrospectively. Anal function was assessed at 3 and 6 mo after surgery using the Wexner fecal incontinence scoring system.RESULTS: Complete laparoscopic resection with NOSE was performed to completion in all 20 patients. There was no patient emergency that required conversion to conventional laparoscopic surgery or open surgery. The comparison between complete laparoscopic resection with NOSE and conventional laparoscopic surgery showed no significant differences in the maximal diameter of the tumor, number of totally dissected lymph nodes, bleeding volume, mean operation time, time to start of oral ingestion, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications. On the other hand, with regard to pain after epidural anesthesia, the total usage of analgesia in this novel surgical technique was 1.85 ± 1.8 times, whereas it was 5.89 ± 2.86 in conventional laparoscopic surgery(P < 0.001). The postoperative pain period was 1.9 ± 1.9 d in this novel surgical technique, whereas it was 3.43 ± 1.41 d in conventional laparoscopic surgery(P < 0.004). In complete laparoscopic surgery with NOSE, the mean postoperative follow-up period was 20 mo(range: 12-30 mo). Neither local recurrence nor remote metastasis was observed during the follow-up period.CONCLUSION: Complete laparoscopic anterior resection using NOSE does not require any incision and has excellent cosmetic properties, with mitigated postoperative pain.     

Surgical Management of Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Single Center Experience

Background/Aim:

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Surgery remains the mainstay of curative treatment. Our objective is to evaluate the outcome of surgical treatment of primary gastric GIST.

Materials and Methods:

Between January 1997 and April 2008, thirty seven consecutive patients underwent resection for GISTs (35 patients with primary gastric GISTs and two patients with intestinal GISTs who were excluded from the study). These patients underwent upper endoscopy ± biopsy, barium meal and abdominal CT scan. Patients’ demographics and clinical presentations were analyzed. Perioperative parameters measured included operative times, estimated blood loss, intraoperative finding, surgical techniques, morbidity and length of hospitalization. Recurrence and survival were also analyzed.

Results:

Of the 35 patients with gastric GISTs included in the study, 63% were female. The median age was 59 ± 14 years (range, 23 to 75 years). The primary presenting symptoms were bleeding and dyspepsia; 43% of these tumors were located mainly in the body of the stomach. Tumor size was < 10 cm in 80% of the patients. The average tumor size was 6.3 ±3.2 cm (range from 3 to 13 cm). Regarding the surgical management, 20 patients (57%) underwent gastric wedge resection, eight patients (23%) underwent partial gastrectomy and the remaining seven patients (20%) underwent total gastrectomy. Radical resections were found in 32 patients (91.5%) while palliative resections were found in three patients (8.5%). The resected lymph nodes were negative in 32 patients (91.5%). Recurrence was noted in three patients, with a median time to recurrence of 14.3 months (range, 7 to 28 months). The three- and five-years survival in patients who underwent wedge resection was 92% and 81%, respectively, where it was 95% and 87%, respectively, in patients who underwent gastrectomy (either partial or total). There were no major intraoperative complications or mortalities.

Conclusion:

Complete surgical resection either through wedge resection or gastrectomy with negative margins remains the gold standard treatment in the management of patients with primary resectable gastric GISTs.