Insertion of anvil into esophagus for anastomosis during laparoscopic radical proximal gastrectomy or radical total gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical value of a new anvil inserting method for esophagogastrostomy or esophagojejunostomy during laparoscopic radical proximal gastrectomy or radical total gastrectomy for gastric cancer.Methods The clinical data of 21 patients with gastric cancer who received laparoscopic radical proximal gastrectomy or radical total gastrectomy at the Southwest Hospital from March 2010 to February 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.Five trocars were inserted through the abdominal wall of the patients.After perigastric lymphadenectomy and mobilization of esophagus,an incision was made on the esophagus above the tumor,and then the anvil with drawn wire attached was inserted into the esophagus.An endo-cutter was applied to cut the esophagus adjacent to the incision left the drawn wire untouched,and then the stem of the anvil was pulled out by the drawn wire for laparoscopic anastomosis. Results The operations were successfully accomplished under the laparoscope with no conversion to open surgery.Fifteen patients received laparoscopic radical total gastrectomy and 6 received laparoscopic radical proximal gastrectomy. The mean operation time,volume of blood loss,time to off-bed activity,passage of flatus and postoperative duration of hospital stay were (257 ± 38) minutes,( 119 ± 32) ml,(2.5 ± 0.5 ) days,( 3.7 ± 0.8 ) days and (7.5 ± 2.6) days,respectively.No perioperative mortality,anastomotic bleeding or anastomotic fistula was detected.One patient was complicated with pulmonary infection + pleural effusion and was cured by conservative treatment; 1 was complicated with anastomotic stenosis which was alleviated by gastroscopic balloon dilation; 1 was complicated by incisional infection and was cured by medical treatment after drainage.No cancer cells were detected at the anastomotic ring or resection margin of the specimen.There were 4 patients with well-differentiated adenoma,8 with moderate-differentiated adenoma and 9 with poor-differentiated mucinous adenoma.There were 5 patients in stage Ⅰ,10 in stage Ⅱ and 6 in stage Ⅲ (UICC staging).Twenty-one patients were followed up for a mean period of (11 ±4) months (range,6-17 months ),no tumor recurrence or metastasis was detected. Conclusions The new technique for anvil insertion is safe,effective and easy for manipulation and learn.It offers a new approach for laparoscopic digestive tract reconstruction. Key words: Gastric neoplasms; Laparoscopy; Gastrectomy; Esophagogastrostomy; Esophagojejunostomy