One-Step Transpapillary Balloon Dilation under Cap-Fitted Endoscopy without a Preceding Sphincterotomy for the Removal of Bile Duct Stones in Billroth II Gastrectomy

Background/Aims

Endoscopic sphincterotomy may be limited in Billroth II gastrectomy because of difficulty in orientating the duodenoscope and sphincterotome as a result of altered anatomy. This study was planned to investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic transpapillary large balloon dilation (EPBD) without preceding sphincterotomy for removal of large CBD stones in Billroth II gastrectomy.

Methods

Between March 2010 and February 2011, one-step EPBD under cap-fitted forward-viewing endoscopy was performed in patients who had undergone Billroth II gastrectomy at two tertiary referral centers. Main outcome measurements were successful duct clearance and EPBD-related complications.

Results

Successful access to major duodenal papilla was performed in 13 patients, but successful selective CBD cannulation was achieved in 12 patients (92.3%). Median maximum transverse stone size was 11.5 mm (10 to 14 mm). The mean number of stones was 2 (1-5). The median CBD diameter was 15 mm (12 to 19 mm). Mean procedure time from successful biliary access to complete stone removal was 17.8 min. Complete duct clearance was achieved in all patients. Four patients (33.3%) needed one more session of ERCP for removal of remnant stones. Asymptomatic hyperamylasemia in two patients and minor bleeding in another occurred.

Conclusions

Without preceding sphincterotomy, one-step EPBD (≥10 mm) under cap-fitted forward-viewing endoscopy may be safe and effective for the removal of large stones (≥10 mm) with CBD dilatation in Billroth II gastrectomy.     

Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilation for the Retrieval of Bile Duct Stones After Prior Billroth II Gastrectomy

Background/Aims:

Endoscopic retrieval of large common bile duct (CBD) stones is often difficult in patients who have undergone Billroth II gastrectomy, as anatomic alterations may present technical barriers to successful cannulation and increase procedure-related complications. Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) can be an alternative technique for the removal of difficult stones. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of EPLBD for CBD stone extraction in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy.

Materials and Methods:

From July 2006 to November 2011, 30 patients who underwent EPLBD with limited endoscopic sphincterotomy (EPLBD + ES) or EPLBD alone for the treatment of large CBD stones (≥10 mm) after Billroth II gastrectomy were retrospectively reviewed. A large balloon dilator (12-18 mm) was used to dilate the ampullary orifice.

Results:

Selective cannulation was successful in 25 patients (83.3%) with a standard catheter. Of the 30 subjects, EPLBD + ES was performed in 19 and EPLBD alone in 11. The mean bile duct diameter was 17.7 ± 4.3 mm (range, 11-31 mm), and mean size of balloon dilation was 14.5 ± 2.6 mm (range, 12-18 mm). Stone removal was successfully completed in 29 patients (96.7%). Successful stone retrieval during the first session was achieved in 27 patients (90.0%). Two cases (6.7%) of mild pancreatitis responded to conservative treatment, and no perforation or mortality was encountered.

Conclusions:

EPLBD with or without needle knife (NK) sphincterotomy seems to be a safe and feasible modality for CBD stone retrieval in patients with prior Billroth II gastrectomy.     

Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer after Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

Abstract: In 1991, we first performed a simple technique of Iaparoscopy-assisted Bill-roth I gastrectomy for patients with mucosal gastric cancer. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) sometimes fails to completely resect the early gastric cancer lesion, nor does it give full histopathology of the resected stomach. The aim of this study was to review the surgical and pathological findings of eight patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy after EMR for early gastric cancer. Of 54 patients with early gastric cancer who were treated with laparoscopic gastrectomy between 1994 and 1998, eight patients underwent surgery after EMR. The resected margin of the EMR specimens was positive in three and suspicious in five; and three underwent laparoscopic wedge resection of the stomach, while five underwent Iaparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy with regional lymph node dissection. All but one resected stomach had residual cancer tissue in the mucosa or submucosa, and three patients had multiple gastric cancers. The results indicated that remnant cancer tissue might be present when the resected margin of the EMR specimen was positive or suspicious. Partial resection or distal gastrectomy under laparoscopy is useful for such patients who have undergone EMR for early gastric cancer. (Dig Endooc 1999; 11:132–136)     

Through-the-Scope Balloon Dilation for Endoscopic Ultrasound Staging of Stenosing Esophageal Cancer

Dilation of malignant esophageal strictures often is required to complete staging by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). This study was designed to determine the successful dilation rate (ability to complete staging) and complication rate of through-the-scope (TTS) balloon dilation for malignant esophageal strictures during EUS. We retrospectively reviewed EUS reports for all cases of primary esophageal cancer staged at five centers between January 2002 and October 2004. All dilations were performed with TTS balloons. Among 272 endoscopic ultrasounds, dilation was required in 77 (28%) and was successful in 73 cases (95%). There was one esophageal perforation after dilation (1.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.2–7) and one esophageal perforation after EUS without dilation (0.5%; 95% CI, 0.1–2.8; P=0.48 by two-sided Fisher exact test). There were no other major complications. TTS balloon dilation is highly successful in permitting complete staging of obstructing tumors. The rate of complications after dilation with a TTS balloon dilator is low and similar to the baseline rate of EUS in this setting. Institutions Participating in the Study: Boston University Medical Center, University of Virginia, Oregon Health and Sciences University, University of Chicago, Veterans Administration Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts.     

达芬奇手术系统辅助腹腔镜胃癌根治术的研究进展

随着微创外科技术的发展,腹腔镜胃癌根治术逐渐成为了安全可行的手术方法。然而,复杂的手术操作、过高的技术要求限制了腹腔镜胃癌根治术的进一步发展。达芬奇手术系统的技术优势有助于解决腹腔镜手术中的这一难题。本文就近年达芬奇手术系统辅助腹腔镜胃癌根治术的研究进展作一综述。     

Outcome of ERCP in the Management of Duct-to-Duct Anastomotic Strictures in Orthotopic Liver Transplant

This study sought to determine the efficacy of endoscopic treatment of duct-to-duct anastomotic stricture in orthotopic liver transplant. A retrospective chart and database review was carried out using procedure and diagnosis codes during the period of 1997–2001. One hundred ninety-eight adult patients underwent orthotopic liver transplantation from 1997 to 2001. Fifteen patients (age 52±9 years; 60% women) with duct-to-duct anastomotic strictures were identified. They underwent a total of 53 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) and received different endoscopic treatments including biliary dilation, stent placement, and sphinctrerotomy. Thirteen of these patients (87%) had complete resolution of stricture. Of the remaining two patients, one had partial resolution of stricture and underwent long-term self-expanding metal stenting, while the other had no resolution after two ERCPs. We conclude that ERCP was effective in treating 87% of the duct-to-duct anastomotic strictures in this series. This paper was presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW), San Francisco, California, May 2002.     

Accuracy of Endoscopic Ultrasonography for Determining the Depth of Invasion in Early Gastric Cancer

Background:Accurate staging for depth of invasion (T stage) of early gastric cancer is critical for determining the treatment modality. Endoscopic ultrasonography is a reliable method for assessing the T stage. However, its diagnostic accuracy varies. The aim of this study is to investigate clinicopathologic factors affecting the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography in early gastric cancer.Methods:Patients with early gastric cancer who had undergone endoscopic resection or gastrectomy were included. The diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography was evaluated by comparing the T stage by endoscopic ultrasonography with histopathology of the resected specimen. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the endoscopic resection criteria.Results:A total of 223 early gastric cancer lesions were included. The overall accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography for T staging was 66.4%. The diagnostic accuracy for lesions ≤2 cm was significantly higher than for those of 2-3 cm (odds ratio 3.59) or those >3 cm (odds ratio 5.47). The diagnostic accuracy was significantly decreased in lesions with ulceration (odds ratio 2.62) or non-flat morphology (odds ratio 2.94). The accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography for lesions corresponding to the absolute endoscopic resection criteria was significantly higher than for those corresponding to the expanded criteria (97.3% vs 71.9%, P = .002). Of the tumors that were overestimated by endoscopic ultrasonography treated with gastrectomy, 93.3% corresponded to the expanded criteria.Conclusion:Endoscopic ultrasonography had poor accuracy in early gastric cancer lesions larger than 2 cm, those with ulceration, and those with non-flat morphology, that is, lesions corresponding to the expanded criteria were more frequently overstaged by endoscopic ultrasonography. Such early gastric cancers should be carefully considered when staging by endoscopic ultrasonography before gastrectomy.     

Paclitaxel-eluting balloon dilation of biliary anastomotic stricture after liver transplantation

AIM:To investigate the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic therapy with a paclitaxel-eluting balloon(PEB) for biliary anastomotic stricture(AS) after liver transplantation(LT).METHODS:This prospective pilot study enrolled 13 consecutive eligible patients treated for symptomatic AS after LT at the University Hospital of Münster between January 2011 and March 2014.The patients were treated by endoscopic therapy with a PEB and followed up every 8 wk by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).In cases of re-stenosis,further balloon dilation with a PEB was performed.Follow-up was continued until 24 mo after the last intervention.RESULTS:Initial technical feasibility,defined as successful balloon dilation with a PEB during the initial ERCP procedure,was achieved in 100% of cases.Long-term clinical success(LTCS),defined as no need for further endoscopic intervention for at least 24 mo,was achieved in 12 of the 13 patients(92.3%).The mean number of endoscopic interventions required to achieve LTCS was only 1.7 ± 1.1.Treatment failure,defined as the need for definitive alternative treatment,occurred in only one patient,who developed recurrent stenosis with increasing bile duct dilatation that required stent placement.CONCLUSION:Endoscopic therapy with a PEB is very effective for the treatment of AS after LT,and seems to significantly shorten the overall duration of endoscopic treatment by reducing the number of interventions needed to achieve LTCS.     

根除幽门螺杆菌和内镜下气囊扩张治疗幽门梗阻的远期疗效

目的:前瞻性追踪观察经内镜气囊扩张和根除幽门螺杆菌(Hp)对十二指肠球部溃疡(DU)所致幽门梗阻的远斯疗效。方法:对25例DU合并幽门梗阻者给予气囊扩张和四联方案根除Hp治疗,且随访在12月以上者进入统计分析。Hp感染用尿素酶、组织学和全血抗体测定。Hp是否根除用~(14)C尿素呼气试验。结果:25例均成功经内镜气囊扩张而无并发症。最后气囊直径:11例12mm,10例15mm,4例18mm。21例(84.0％)行根除Hp治疗均成功根除Hp,4例Hp阴性者而未行根除治疗。平均随访34月。Hp根除者梗阻复发率4.7％(1/21),显著低于未行根除治疗的复发率50.0％(2/4)(P<0.05)。结论:气囊扩张和根除Hp治疗DU导致的幽门梗阻可获得较好的远期效果。     

Long-term Outcomes of Additional Endoscopic Treatments for Patients with Positive Lateral Margins after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Gastric Cancer

Background/AimsIt is uncertain whether additional endoscopic treatment may be chosen over surgery in patients with positive lateral margins (pLMs) as the only non-curative factor after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC). We aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of additional endoscopic treatments in such patients with those of surgery and elucidate the clinicopathological factors that could influence the treatment selection.MethodsA total of 99 patients with 101 EGC lesions undergoing additional treatment after non-curative ESD with pLMs as the only non-curative factor were analyzed. Among them, 25 (27 lesions) underwent ESD, 29 (29 lesions) underwent argon plasma coagulation (APC), and 45 (45 lesions) underwent surgery. Clinicopathological characteristics and long-term outcomes were compared.ResultsResidual tumor was found in 73.6% of cases. The presence of multiple pLMs was associated with higher risk of residual tumor (p=0.046). During a median follow-up of 58.9 months, recurrent or residual lesions after additional ESD and APC were found in 4% (1/25) and 6.8% (2/29) of patients, respectively. However, all were completely cured with surgery or repeated ESD. There were no extragastric recurrences after additional endoscopic treatment. Lymph node metastasis was identified after additional surgery in one (2.2%) patient with an EGC showing histological heterogeneity.ConclusionsGiven the favorable long-term outcomes, additional ESD or APC may be an acceptable choice for patients with pLMs as the only non-curative factor after ESD for EGC. However, clincopathological characteristics such as multiple pLMs and histological heterogeneity should be considered in the treatment selection.     

Gastrojejunal Stricture After Gastric Bypass and Efficacy of Endoscopic Intervention

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure (RYGBP) is an effective treatment for morbid obesity. Anastomotic strictures are a common complication after RYGBP. This study examines the frequency of post-RYGBP gastrojejunal strictures (GJS), methods of evaluation, and the outcome of endoscopic intervention. Medical records of patients who had RYGBP for morbid obesity at our institution during four consecutive years were reviewed for patient demographics, medical comorbidities, surgical technique, and outcomes. Radiographic and endoscopic findings of those patients suspected to have GJS were noted. The impact of patient-related variables and surgical technique on risk of GJS, time to diagnosis of GJS, and treatment outcomes for GJS was determined. Of 888 patients, 503 had open RYGBP (57%) and 385 laparoscopic RYGBP (43%). Ninety-four patients (10.6%) underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for possible GJS and 58 (6.5%) were found to have anastomotic stricture. Laparoscopic RYGBP was associated with increased incidence of GJS (43/385, 11.1%) compared with open RYGBP (15/503 or 2.9%, P = 0.0003). A total of 125 dilations were performed with an average of 2.2 dilations per patient. None of the strictures needed surgical revision. There were four perforations (3.2%) related to EGD. Mean time to diagnosis of GJS was 66.2 days. Eighty-seven of 94 patients underwent radiologic upper gastrointestinal (UGI) evaluation prior to EGD. UGI evaluation demonstrated a positive predictive value (PPV) of only 66% [95% confidence interval (CI) 52–77], and negative predictive value (NPV) of 83% (95% CI 65–93). Laparoscopic GBP is associated with increased risk of GJS. Endoscopic dilation of GJS is an effective treatment with minimal risk. Radiographic studies appear to have poor specificity for diagnosis of GJS and have a low positive predictive value. EGD should be performed in all suspected cases of GJS.     

Long-term Outcomes of Undifferentiated-Type Early Gastric Cancer with Positive Horizontal Margins after Endoscopic Resection

Background/AimsThis study examined the long-term outcomes of undifferentiated-type early gastric cancer (UD EGC) with positive horizontal margins (HMs) after endoscopic resection (ER) and compared them between additional surgery and nonsurgical management.MethodsFrom 2005 to 2015, a total of 1,124 patients with UD EGC underwent ER at 18 tertiary hospitals in Korea. Of them, 92 patients with positive HMs as the only noncurative factor (n=25) or with both positive HMs and tumor size >2 cm (n=67) were included. These patients underwent additional surgery (n=40), underwent additional endoscopic treatment (n=6), or were followed up without further treatment (n=46).ResultsNo lymph node (LN) metastasis was found in patients who underwent additional surgery. During a median follow-up of 57.7 months (interquartile range, 27.6 to 68.8 months), no LN or distant metastases or gastric cancer-related deaths occurred in the overall cohort. At baseline, the residual cancer rate was 57.8% (26/45) after additional surgery or ER. The 5-year local recurrence rate was 33.6% among patients who were followed up without additional treatment. The 5-year overall survival rates were 95.0% and 87.8% after additional surgery and nonsurgical management (endoscopic treatment or close follow-up), respectively (log-rank p=0.224). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, nonsurgical management was not associated with an increased risk of mortality.ConclusionsUD EGC with positive HMs after ER may have favorable long-term outcomes and a very low risk of LN metastasis. Nonsurgical management may be suggested as an alternative, particularly for patients with old age or chronic illness. (Gut Liver 2021;15-731)     

The Incidence and Risk Factors for Metachronous Gastric Cancer in the Remnant Stomach after Gastric Cancer Surgery

Background/AimsLess invasive surgical treatment is performed in East Asia to preserve postoperative digestive function and reduce complications such as postgastrectomy syndromes, but there is an issue of metachronous gastric cancer (GC) in the remaining stomach. This study aimed to analyze the incidence of metachronous GC and its risk factors in patients who had undergone partial gastrectomy.MethodsA total of 3,045 GC patients who had undergone curative gastric partial resection at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital were enrolled and analyzed retrospectively for risk factors, including age, sex, smoking, alcohol, Helicobacter pylori status, family history of GC, histological type, and surgical method.ResultsMetachronous GC in the remaining stomach occurred in 35 of the 3,045 patients (1.1%) 23 in the distal gastrectomy group (18 with Billroth-I anastomosis, five with Billroth-II anastomosis), seven in the proximal gastrectomy (PG) group, and five in the pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) group. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that age ≥60 years (p=0.005) and surgical method used (PG or PPG, p<0.001) were related risk factors for metachronous GC, while male sex and intestinal type histology were potential risk factors.ConclusionsMetachronous GC was shown to be related to older age and the surgical method used (PG or PPG). Regular and careful follow-up with endoscopy should be performed in the case of gastric partial resection, especially in patients with male sex and intestinal type histology as well as those aged ≥60 years undergoing the PG or PPG surgical method.     

内镜下扩张联合注射博来霉素治疗食管手术后吻合口良性狭窄的安全性和有效性

目的分析内镜下扩张联合注射博来霉素治疗食管手术后吻合口良性狭窄的安全性和有效性。方法回顾性分析2015年6月至2019年6月佛山市第一人民医院收治的食管手术后吻合口良性狭窄的55例患者。其中25例患者接受内镜下扩张联合注射博来霉素治疗(内镜下扩张联合博来霉素组),30例患者接受单纯内镜下扩张治疗(单纯内镜下扩张组)。比较两组患者缓解食管狭窄需要的时间、扩张相关的治疗费用、1年无狭窄生存时间、并发症发生情况。结果两组患者均顺利完成了内镜下治疗,治疗后短期内都达到了内镜和临床缓解。两组患者术后均未出现严重并发症,且两组患者术后并发症发生率差异无统计学意义[8.0%(2/25) vs 6.7%(2/30),χ~2=0.046,P=0.83]。在1年的随访时间内,内镜下扩张联合博来霉素组患者无狭窄生存时间长于单纯内镜下扩张组患者[(11.1±0.4)个月vs (3.9±0.2)个月],前者需要达到食管狭窄缓解的扩张次数更少[1 (1,2)次vs 3 (3,4)次],费用更低[5791.2 (4987.4,9974.8)元vs 16084.0 (14036.1,19094.0)元],且差异均有统计学意义(χ~2=54.322,Z=7.103、6.653,P均<0.01)。结论内镜下扩张联合注射博来霉素治疗食管手术后吻合口良性狭窄的疗效优于单纯内镜下扩张,可获得更长的无狭窄生存时间,并减少扩张次数。     

Evaluation of Residual Stomach Motility After Proximal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer by Electrogastrography

The relationship between the motility and the size of the residual stomach after proximal gastrectomy was evaluated using electrogastrography (EGG). Based on fast Fourier transformation, recorded slow waves could be analyzed to obtain the following parameters: dominant frequency (DF), percentage normal frequency (% 3 cycles per minute [cpm]), and power ratio (PR). EGG parameters, the length of the greater curvature of the residual stomach (LGC), were recorded in 18 gastrectomized patients. Compared to 12 healthy controls, the gastrectomized patients had abdominal EGG parameters including lower %3cpm (43 ± 21% vs 83 ± 7%; P < 0.05), DF (2.2 ± 0.4 vs 3.0 ± 0.2 cpm; P < 0.05), and PR (1.5 ± 0.8 vs 2.5± 0.8; P < 0.05). In relation to LGC and parameters, there was no difference between the patients whose LGC was > 20 cm and controls in PR (2.3± 0.9 vs 2.5± 0.8; n.s.). In conclusion, the motility of the residual stomach would be equal to that of the nonresected stomach as if the volume of the residual stomach was more than half.     

Celiac Disease Diagnosed after Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

Celiac disease is a systemic autoimmune disorder leading to manifestations of malabsorption syndrome. A 47-year-old Japanese man developed severe diarrhea after surgery for gastric cancer. The diarrhea persisted for seven months, leading to a state of malabsorption. Celiac disease was suspected based on small bowel capsule endoscopy findings. The duodenal findings observed during gastric cancer surgery were reassessed, and Marsh-Oberhuber classification type 3c celiac disease was diagnosed. The anti-tissue glutaminase antibody test results were positive. The patient was started on a gluten-free diet, following which the diarrhea resolved, and the nutritional status improved. Adjuvant therapy after gastric cancer surgery was initiated.     

Novel Biodegradable Stents for Benign Esophageal Strictures Following Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

The application of metallic stents for benign stenosis is limited due to long-term complications. We report here the results of the implantation of a novel biodegradable poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) esophageal stent in two patients with benign esophageal stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Case 1 was a 64-year-old man who received ESD for an early squamous esophageal cancer in the middle esophagus. The mucosal defect was seven-eighths of the circumference, and the distal margin of the resection scar formed the stenosis. After balloon dilatation, the PLLA esophageal stent was endoscopically placed; for 6 months, he has not experienced any symptoms of re-stenosis. Case 2 consisted of a 62-year-old man who developed an early squamous esophageal cancer in the middle esophagus. The lesion was resected by ESD, and the mucosal defect was seven-eighths of the circumference. The resection scar formed the stenosis, and the PLLA esophageal stent was endoscopically placed. He also has not experienced any symptoms of re-stenosis for 6 months. In conclusion, the PLLA esophageal stent provides a new possibility for the management of benign esophageal strictures after ESD. Due to the biodegradable features of this stent, longer term studies are necessary to investigate the relationship between the expected disappearance of the stent and the patency of the stricture.     

Chemotherapy for Advanced Gastric Cancer: Review and Update of Current Practices

No standard adjuvant or palliative chemotherapy regimen has been internationally approved for patients with advanced gastric cancer. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is administered prior to surgery and is used in the Unitied States, and intensified chemotherapy is administered prior to and after surgery and is used in Europe. Limited D1 dissections are also frequently performed in the United States and Europe. In Korea, patients undergoing D2 resection appear to benefit from postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy using S-1 or capecitabine plus oxaliplatin. Fluoropyrimidine, platinum, taxane, epirubicin, and irinotecan may be employed alone or in combination as a first-line therapy in a palliative chemotherapy regimen. In Asia, an orally administered fluoropyrimidine, such as capecitabine or S-1, is favored over the continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil because of its convenience. Trastuzumab has been integrated into the current standard chemotherapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-overexpressing gastric cancers. There is currently no standard regimen for secondary palliative chemotherapy. Clinical studies of several targeted therapies are ongoing.     

Morbidity and Mortality of Laparoscopy-Assisted Gastrectomy with Extraperigastric Lymph Node Dissection for Gastric Cancer

Gastrectomy with extraperigastric lymph node dissection has not been generally acceptable because of increased morbidity and mortality in some Western countries. Recently, many surgeons have become interested in laparoscopic gastric surgery for malignant disease as well as benign lesions because laparoscopic surgery itself has been shown to have many advantages over open surgery. The aims of this study are to evaluate the incidence and nature of operative morbidity and mortality after laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) with extraperigastric lymph node dissection with respect to surgical experience and to identify factors predictive of complications and death. We reviewed the surgical outcomes of LAG with extraperigastric lymph node dissection in 140 consecutive gastric cancer patients. Clinicopathologic characteristics, operative outcomes, and postoperative morbidities and mortalities were compared after dividing the 140 patients into early (1–70) and late (71–140) groups. And risk factors for morbidity and mortality were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The overall operative morbidity and mortality rates were 18.6% and 0.7%, respectively. Thirty postoperative complications occurred in 26 patients. The minor surgical complication rate in the late group was significantly lower than that in the early group (P = 0.0349). According to univariate and multivariate analyses to evaluate the independent predictor of a higher operative morbidity rate, no factor was significantly associated with operative morbidity. We conclude that LAG with extraperigastric lymph node dissection is a technically feasible and acceptable surgical modality for gastric cancer and low morbidity and mortality rates for this procedure can be accomplished by experienced laparoscopic gastric surgeons at large-volume hospitals.