Short-term outcomes in minimally invasive versus open gastrectomy: the differences between East and West. A systematic review of the literature

Objective

Minimally invasive surgical techniques for gastric cancer are gaining more interest worldwide. Several Asian studies have proven the benefits of minimally invasive techniques over the open techniques. Nevertheless, implementation of this technique in Western countries is gradual. The aim of this systematic review is to give insight in the differences in outcomes and patient characteristics in Asian countries in comparison to Western countries.

Methodology

An extensive systematic search was conducted using the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Analysis of the outcomes was performed regarding operative results, postoperative recovery, complications, mortality, lymph node yield, radicality of the resected specimen, and survival. A total of 12 Asian and 8 Western studies were included.

Results

Minimally invasive gastrectomy shows faster postoperative recovery, fewer complications, and similar outcomes regarding mortality in both the Eastern and Western studies. However, patient characteristics such as age and BMI differ between these populations. Comparison of overall outcomes in minimally invasive and open procedures between East and West showed differences in complications, mortality, and number of resected lymph nodes in favor of the Asian population.

Conclusion

Improved outcomes are observed following minimally invasive gastrectomy in comparison to open procedures in both Western and Asian studies. There are differences in patient characteristics between the Western and Asian populations. Overall outcomes seem to be in favor of the Asian population. These differences may fade with centralization of care for gastric cancer patients in the West and increasing surgical experience.

     

Long-term outcomes following minimally invasive and open esophagectomy in Finland: A population-based study

BackgroundStudies of long-term survival after minimally invasive and open esophagectomy are needed. The aim of this study was to compare long-term outcomes following minimally invasive and open esophagectomy for esophageal cancer at the population level.MethodsAll patients undergoing minimally invasive (n = 159) or open transthoracic (n = 431) esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in Finland between 2004 and 2014 were identified from nationwide registries. Propensity score matching was used to create groups of 150 minimally invasive and open esophagectomies with balanced baseline characteristics (sex, age, comorbidity, center volume, year of surgery, histology, stage (local or locally advanced), and neoadjuvant therapy). The primary outcome was 1-year survival after surgery. Secondary outcomes were the 3-year, 5-year, and 90-day survival.ResultsThe propensity matched 1-year survival rate was 85.3% after minimally invasive and 74.7% after open esophagectomy (adjusted HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31–0.89; P = 0.0174). At 3 years, those were 68.7% and 55.6% (adjusted HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.43–0.91; P = 0.0144), respectively; at 5 years, survival rates were 61.8% and 51.9% (adjusted HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.47–0.97; P = 0.0347). The 30- and 90-day survival rates after minimally invasive and open surgery were 99.3% vs. 98.0% and 97.3% vs. 92.0%, respectively, without statistical significance.ConclusionsIn this population-based propensity matched study, minimally invasive esophagectomy was associated with improved long-term survival. Due to multiple confounding factors replication studies are needed.     

A meta-analysis of prospective randomized trials comparing minimally invasive and open distal gastrectomy for cancer

Current literature suggests that minimally invasive distal gastrectomy (MIDG) may enhance post-operative recovery and decrease morbidity compared to open surgery (ODG) in patients with gastric cancer. A meta-analysis of six Prospective Randomized Trials comparing MIDG (343 patients) and ODG (323 patients) for gastric cancer was conducted. MIDG was associated with increased operative time, reduced blood loss and overall morbidity. There was not sufficient data to draw solid conclusions about the oncologic quality of MIDG.     

Surgical and oncological outcomes of distal gastrectomy compared to total gastrectomy for middle-third gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Distal gastrectomy (DG) and total gastrectomy (TG) are the most common types of radical surgery for patients with middle-third gastric cancer (MTGC). However, the indications and benefits of the two procedures still remain controversial. The present meta-analysis aimed to compare the surgical and oncological outcomes of DG and TG in the treatment of MTGC. A rigorous literature review was performed in the databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Chinese BioMedical Literature to retrieve studies published up to February 2022. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of included studies and a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. A total of 12 retrospective studies performing comparisons of DG and TG were included in the present meta-analysis. For patients who underwent DG, a lower rate of overall post-operative complications, anastomosis leakage and intro-abdominal infection was determined. No significant difference was observed between DG and TG in the 5-year overall survival when the proximal resection margin ranged from 3 to 5 cm. Although DG was associated with a higher 5-year overall survival rate when compared to TG, there was no significant difference in the stratified analyses by TNM stage. In conclusion, the prognosis of MTGC did not depend on the extent of gastrectomy. With lower complications and acceptable oncological outcomes, DG was a safe and feasible surgical procedure for MTGC when a negative proximal margin was confirmed.     

机器人辅助胸腔镜食管癌切除术对比传统胸腔镜食管癌切除术的安全性与有效性的系统评价与Meta分析

目的系统评价机器人辅助微创食管切除术(RAMIE)与传统视频辅助微创食管切除术(MIE)的有效性及安全性。方法计算机检索PubMed、荷兰医学文摘(EMBASE)、Cochrane Library和中国生物医学文献数据库(CBM),搜集关于RAMIE与MIE的临床研究,搜索时限为建库至2017年12月。由两名研究者独立筛选文献、提取资料和评价纳入研究的偏倚风险,采用R3.4.2软件进行Meta分析。结果纳入7项病例对照研究,包括1840例食管癌患者,其中接受RAMIE和MIE治疗的患者各920例。Meta分析结果显示,接受RAMIE治疗的患者术后30天病死率高于接受MIE治疗的患者[比值比(OR)=1.80,95%CI:1.03～3.14;P=0.04];两种手术治疗患者的淋巴结清扫比例[平均偏差(MD)=0.98枚,95%CI:-0.63～2.59]、总手术时间(MD=-9.06 min,95%CI:-33.75～15.63)、胸部手术时间(MD=21.48 min,95%CI:-11.46～54.42)、术中出血量(MD=-19.60 ml,95%CI:-41.29～2.08)、术后住院时间(MD=-1.95 d,95%CI:-5.00～1.10)、R0切除率(OR=1.11,95%CI:0.68～1.79)和总体并发症的发生率(OR=0.79,95%CI:0.46～1.38)比较,差异均无统计学意义(P﹥0.05)。结论 RAMIE与MIE的安全性及有效性基本一致。在统计学上,接受RAMIE治疗的患者术后30天病死率高于接受MIE治疗的患者。随着微创技术的发展,RAMIE将使更多的患者获益。     

腹腔镜辅助D2根治性全胃切除术与传统开腹手术治疗胃癌的近期疗效及血清学变化比较

目的 探讨腹腔镜辅助D2根治性全胃切除术与传统开腹手术治疗胃癌的近期疗效及血清学变化.方法 选取118例胃癌患者,依照患者意愿和手术需求分为腹腔镜组(n=59)和开腹组(n=59).腹腔镜组行腹腔镜辅助D2根治性全胃切除术,开腹组行传统开腹全胃切除术,比较两组患者的术中、术后指标及血清学变化.结果 腹腔镜组患者的手术时间长于开腹组,术中出血量少于开腹组,切口长度短于开腹组,差异均有统计学意义(P﹤0.05);两组患者的淋巴结清扫数目比较,差异无统计学意义(P﹥0.05).腹腔镜组患者术后肛门排气时间、开始进食流质时间、开始进食半流质时间和住院时间均短于开腹组,差异有统计学意义(P﹤0.05).术后72 h,两组患者的肝肾功能指标ALT、AST、ALB、BUN及炎症相关指标WBC、NE、CRP比较,差异均无统计学意义(P﹥0.05),但腹腔镜组患者的Cr水平高于开腹组,差异有统计学意义(P﹤0.05).结论 腹腔镜辅助D2根治性全胃切除术治疗胃癌不仅安全有效,而且创伤小,术后患者恢复快,值得临床推广应用.     

Nationwide oncological networks for resection of colorectal liver metastases in the Netherlands: Differences and postoperative outcomes

IntroductionWidespread differences in patient demographics and disease burden between hospitals for resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) have been described. In the Netherlands, networks consisting of at least one tertiary referral centre and several regional hospitals have been established to optimize treatment and outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess variation in case-mix, and outcomes between these networks.MethodsThis was a population-based study including all patients who underwent CRLM resection in the Netherlands between 2014 and 2019. Variation in case-mix and outcomes between seven networks covering the whole country was evaluated. Differences in case-mix, expected 30-day major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo ≥3a) and 30-day mortality between networks were assessed.ResultsIn total 5383 patients were included. Thirty-day major morbidity was 5.7% and 30-day mortality was 1.5%. Significant differences between networks were observed for Charlson Comorbidity Index, ASA 3+, previous liver resection, liver disease, preoperative MRI, preoperative chemotherapy, ≥3 CRLM, diameter of largest CRLM ≥55 mm, major resection, combined resection and ablation, rectal primary tumour, bilobar and extrahepatic disease. Uncorrected 30-day major morbidity ranged between 3.3% and 13.1% for hospitals, 30-day mortality ranged between 0.0% and 4.5%. Uncorrected 30-day major morbidity ranged between 4.4% and 6.0% for networks, 30-day mortality ranged between 0.0% and 2.5%. No negative outliers were observed after case-mix correction.ConclusionVariation in case-mix and outcomes are considerably smaller on a network level as compared to a hospital level. Therefore, auditing is more meaningful at a network level and collaboration of hospitals within networks should be pursued.     

Oncologic outcomes of minimally invasive versus open distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

In the absence of randomized trials, uncertainty regarding the oncologic efficacy of minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) remains. This systematic review aimed to compare oncologic outcomes after MIDP (laparoscopic or robot-assisted) and open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Matched and non-matched studies were included. Pooled analyses were performed for pathology (e.g., microscopically radical (R0) resection and lymph node retrieval) and oncologic outcomes (e.g., overall survival). After screening 1760 studies, 21 studies with 11,246 patients were included. Overall survival (hazard ratio 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73 to 1.01; p = 0.06), R0 resection rate (odds ratio (OR) 1.24; 95%CI 0.97 to 1.58; p = 0.09) and use of adjuvant chemotherapy (OR 1.07; 95%CI 0.89 to 1.30; p = 0.46) were comparable for MIDP and ODP. The lymph node yield (weighted mean difference (WMD) −1.3 lymph nodes; 95%CI -2.46 to −0.15; p = 0.03) was lower after MIDP. Patients undergoing MIDP were more likely to have smaller tumors (WMD -0.46 cm; 95%CI -0.67 to −0.24; p < 0.001), less perineural (OR 0.48; 95%CI 0.33 to 0.70; p < 0.001) and less lymphovascular invasion (OR 0.53; 95%CI 0.38 to 0.74; p < 0.001) reflecting earlier staged disease as a result of treatment allocation bias. Based on these results we can conclude that in patients with PDAC, MIDP is associated with comparable survival, R0 resection, and use of adjuvant chemotherapy, but a lower lymph node yield, as compared to ODP. Due to treatment allocation bias and lower lymph node yield the oncologic efficacy of MIDP remains uncertain.     

Health related quality of life following open versus minimally invasive total gastrectomy for cancer: Results from a randomized clinical trial

IntroductionMinimally invasive techniques show improved short-term and comparable long-term outcomes compared to open techniques in the treatment of gastric cancer and improved survival has been seen with the implementation of multimodality treatment. Therefore, focus of research has shifted towards optimizing treatment regimens and improving quality of life.Materials and methodsA randomized trial was performed in thirteen hospitals in Europe. Patients were randomized between open total gastrectomy (OTG) or minimally invasive total gastrectomy (MITG) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This study investigated patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following OTG or MITG, using the Euro-Qol-5D (EQ-5D) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaires, modules C30 and STO22. Due to multiple testing a p-value < 0.001 was deemed statistically significant.ResultsBetween January 2015 and June 2018, 96 patients were included in this trial. Forty-nine patients were randomized to OTG and 47 to MITG. A response compliance of 80% was achieved for all PROMs. The EQ5D overall health score one year after surgery was 85 (60–90) in the open group and 68 (50–83.8) in the minimally invasive group (P = 0.049). The median EORTC-QLQ-C30 overall health score one year postoperatively was 83,3 (66,7–83,3) in the open group and 58,3 (35,4–66,7) in the minimally invasive group (P = 0.002). This was not statistically significant.ConclusionNo differences were observed between open total gastrectomy and minimally invasive total gastrectomy regarding HRQoL data, collected using the EQ-5D, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC-QLQ-STO22 questionnaires.     

Introduction of minimally invasive surgery for distal and total gastrectomy: a population-based study

BackgroundMinimally invasive gastrectomy has been introduced in Western populations during the last decade. As minimally invasive distal gastrectomy (MIDG) versus total gastrectomy (MITG) are procedures with a different complexity, outcomes may differ. The aim of this population-based cohort study was to evaluate the safety of MIDG and MITG.Materials and methodsAll patients who underwent potentially curative gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma were included from the Dutch Upper GI Cancer Audit (2011–2016). Propensity score matching was applied to create comparable groups of patients receiving open distal gastrectomy (ODG) versus MIDG and open total gastrectomy (OTG) versus MITG, using patient and tumor characteristics. Postoperative outcomes and short-term oncological outcomes were appraised.ResultsOf the 1970 eligible patients, 1138 underwent distal gastrectomy and 832 underwent total gastrectomy. For distal gastrectomy, 390 ODG were matched to 288 MIDG patients. Although overall postoperative morbidity and mortality were similar, patients who underwent MIDG encountered less intra-abdominal abscesses (4% vs. 1%, p = 0.039) and wound complications (6% vs. 2%, p = 0.021). The median hospital stay was shorter after MIDGs (9 vs. 7 days, p < 0.001). For total gastrectomy, 323 OTG patients were matched to 258 MITG patients. Overall postoperative morbidity, mortality and hospital stay were similar, whereas the anastomotic leakage rate was higher after MITGs (11% vs. 17%, p = 0.030). Short-term oncological outcomes between both groups were equal for distal and total gastrectomy.ConclusionBenefits of MIG during the early introduction were demonstrated for distal gastrectomy but not for total gastrectomy. An increased anastomotic leakage rate was encountered for MITG.     

Contemporary rates and predictors of open conversion during minimally invasive partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer

ObjectivesTo test contemporary rates and predictors of open conversion at minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MIPN: laparoscopic or robotic partial nephrectomy).Materials and methodsWithin the National Inpatient Sample database (2008–2015) we identified all MIPN patients and patients that underwent open conversion at MIPN. First, estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) tested temporal trends of open conversion. Second, univariable and multivariable logistic regression models predicted open conversion at MIPN. All models were weighted and adjusted for clustering, as well as all available patient and hospital characteristics.ResultsOf 7649 MIPN patients, 287 (3.8%) underwent open conversion. The rates of open conversion decreased over time (from 12 to 2.4%; EAPC: 24.8%; p = 0.004). In multivariable logistic regression models predicting open conversion, patient obesity achieved independent predictor status (OR:1.80; p < 0.001). Moreover, compared to high volume hospitals, medium volume (OR:1.48; p = 0.02) and low volume hospitals (OR:2.11; p < 0.001) were associated with higher rates of open conversion. Last but not least, when the effect of obesity was tested according to hospital volume, the rates of open conversion ranged from 2.2 (non obese patients treated at high volume hospitals) to 9.8% (obese patients treated at low volume hospitals).ConclusionOverall contemporary (2008–2015) rate of open conversion at MIPN was 3.8% and it was strongly associated with patient obesity and hospital surgical volume. In consequence, these two parameters should be taken into account during preoperative patients counselling, as well as in clinical and administrative decision making.     

Lymph node dissection for bladder cancer: the issue of extent and feasibility in the minimally invasive era

Lymph node dissection in bladder cancer is an integral part of radical cystectomy. It allows for accurate staging of the patient and will, therefore, serve to dictate additional treatment and add prognostic information. The issue of what is an adequate lymphadenectomy as to the extent and boundaries of the operation, specifically the cephalad extent, has been the focus of recent debate. Some have suggested that lymph node yield, in terms of number, could serve as a surrogate for the adequacy of the node dissection and, thus, the oncologic efficacy of the operation. It has also been suggested that it is a marker for the experience of the operating surgeon. What is meant by a limited, standard and extended lymph node dissection varies among different publications. Recent evidence suggests that an ‘extended’ node dissection infers oncologic efficacy. With the advent of minimally invasive and, specifically, robotic-assisted surgery, more cystectomies are approached robotically. As such, there has been recent debate as to whether a robotic-assisted procedure can emulate the open approach, satisfying the accepted boundaries and extent of dissection and ultimately leading to equivalent oncologic outcomes without increasing morbidity. In this review, we focus on the extent of lymphadenectomy in bladder cancer by reviewing the lymphatic drainage and arguments in favor of a more extended dissection. We will then address the minimally invasive techniques, focusing on robotic-assisted surgery, and review the evidence suggesting that this is a promising new technique that results in acceptable nodal yield and potentially equivalent oncologic outcomes with no added morbidity.     

Influence of uterine manipulator on oncological outcome in minimally invasive surgery of endometrial cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AimThe endoscopic approach for early-stage endometrial cancer (EC) treatment is considered gold standard. Some authors expressed their concern regarding uterine manipulator (UM) as a risk factor for tumor spillage and dissemination allowing peritoneal or lympho-vascular spaces invasion (LVSI). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of UM on the presence of LVSI, recurrence rate and presence of atypical or malignant peritoneal cytology in patients with endometrial cancer.MethodsWe searched electronic databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, EBSCO, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The pooled results were used to evaluate the association between the use of UM and oncological outcomes. This systematic review was reported according to PRISMA statement 2020. Statistical meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software.ResultsThis systematic review included 18 studies (3 prospective studies, 13 retrospective studies, and 2 RCT). The pooled results showed no significant difference (RR: 0.86, 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.08) in the incidence of LVSI between manipulated hysterectomy and total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) and between UM group and non-UM group in minimally invasive surgery (RR: 1.18, 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.85), no significant difference in the rate of recurrence (RR: 1.11, 95% CI, 0.71 to 1.74), in the incidence of positive peritoneal cytology between manipulated and non-manipulated hysterectomies in minimally invasive surgery (RR: 1.89, 95% CI, 0.74 to 4.83) and before and after the use of uterine manipulator (RR: 1.21, 95% CI, 0.68 to 2.16). We found a positive association between malignant cytology and hysterectomies in which a uterine manipulator had been used in a sub-group analysis where LH/LAVH were compared to TAH. (RR = 2.26, 95% CI, 1.08–4.71. P = 0.03).ConclusionsThis meta-analysis supports that the use of uterine manipulator for minimally invasive treatment of endometrial cancer does not increase the rate of recurrence and LVSI. Therefore, the opportunity of any other studies on its use in endometrial cancer women should be questioned.     

Combination electroanesthesia in oncological patients during surgery and in the early postoperative period

Pelan and Elnar type electric stimulators were used to produce analgesia in 178 cancer patients in the course of surgery and in early postoperative period. The results of a complex study using rhythmography, acid-base balance, blood-sugar level, arterial and central venous pressure measurements and psychophysiologic examination with the Neuron type installation showed that joint application of electric stimulation and local anesthesia as well as the use of electric stimulation in combination with intravenous injection of hydroxybutyric acid, seduxen and ketalar provide adequate intraoperative anesthesia in 85% of cases. Postoperative application of electroanesthesia in cancer patients was followed by a significantly lower requirement of narcotic analgetics. Moreover, the procedure did not involve depressive or hyperkinetic complications, characteristic of morphine and promedol treatment. The results of the study suggest that electroanesthesia be used in cancer treatment.     

A minimally invasive immunocytochemical approach to early detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma and dysplasia

Squamous dysplasia of the oral cavity indicates increased risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). An important advance would be the development of a minimally invasive assay for identification of oral SCC and dysplasia. We have investigated the suitability in this context of immunostaining oral smears for minichromosome maintainance proteins (MCMs), sensitive and specific biomarkers of cell cycle entry. Immunohistochemical examination of 66 oral tissue samples showed a greater frequency of Mcm-2 expression in surface layers of moderate/severe dysplasia and SCC compared to benign keratosis/mild dysplasia. Immunocytochemistry for Mcm-2/Mcm-5 was performed on 101 oral smears. Conventional smears included 23 from normal mucosa, benign proliferative disease and mild dysplasia, all of which were MCM negative. Of 52 conventional smears of SCC tissue samples, 18 were inadequate. However, MCM-positive cells were present in 33/34 adequate samples. Of 26 liquid-based cytology smears, 19 out of 20 smears from SCC were adequate and all were MCM positive. Six smears from benign lesions were adequate and MCM negative. We conclude that MCMs are promising markers for early detection of oral SCC and dysplasia, particularly in a liquid-based cytology platform. Detection of MCMs would be amenable to automation and potentially applicable in the developing world. Further studies are now warranted.     

Practical feasibility of outcomes research in oncology: Lessons learned in assessing drug use and cost-effectiveness in The Netherlands

ObjectiveTo investigate the practical feasibility to develop evidence on drug use and cost-effectiveness in oncology practice.Patients and methodsFeasibility was examined using three Dutch case studies. Each case study investigated the degree of appropriate drug use and its incremental cost-effectiveness. Detailed data were retrospectively collected from hospital records. In total, 391, 316 and 139 patients with stage III colon cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer and multiple myeloma were included in 19, 29 and 42 hospitals, respectively.ResultsThe methods used in the case studies were feasible to develop evidence on some aspects of drug use including types of treatments used, dosages, dose modifications and healthcare costs. Aspects such as baseline patient characteristics, reasons to start or stop a treatment and treatment effects were less feasible because of missing values. Despite difficulties to correct for confounding by indication, it was possible to estimate incremental cost-effectiveness by synthesising evidence in two of the three case studies.ConclusionIt is possible to generate evidence about drug use and cost-effectiveness in oncology practice to facilitate informed decision-making by both payers and physicians. This can improve quality of care and enhance the efficient allocation of resources. However, the optimal approach differs between drugs and their indications. Generating high-quality evidence requires active interdisciplinary collaboration. Patient registries can facilitate data collection but cannot resolve all issues. In most circumstances it is inevitable to use data-synthesis to obtain valid incremental cost-effectiveness estimates, but for some indications it will not be feasible to derive a valid and precise estimate.     

腹腔镜与开腹直肠癌腹会阴联合切除术近期结果对比分析

目的探讨腹腔镜下直肠癌腹会阴联合切除术的可靠性及安全性。方法回顾性分析96例直肠癌腹会阴联合切除病例的临床资料,其中腹腔镜手术42例,同期开腹手术病例54例,对比分析腹腔镜与开腹直肠癌腹会阴联合切除术的近期效果。结果腹腔镜组与开腹组所有手术均达到肿瘤根治性切除标准。腹腔镜组与开腹组平均淋巴结清扫数目分别为14.6个和12.3个,术中出血量腹腔镜组少于开腹组,分别为382.0ml和519.4ml;术后排气时间、进食时间及术后患者下床时间腹腔镜组均较开腹组提前,且差异有统计学意义;腹腔镜组与开腹组并发症发生率分别为11.9%和16.7%,无统计学差异。结论腹腔镜直肠癌腹会阴联合切除术是安全可行的,且具有出血少、胃肠功能恢复快、并发症发生率低及术后住院时间短等优势。