Long-term outcome of laparoscopic versus open total gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer: A propensity score-matched analysis.

Abstract

77 Background: Laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) is technically and oncologically challenging procedure for surgeons. The aim of this study is to compare technical safety and long-term oncologic feasibility of LTG for AGC patients compared to open total gastrectomy (OTG) using propensity score (PS)-matched analysis. Methods: Between 2004 and 2014, 185 patients (OTG: 127, LTG: 58) underwent total gastrectomy due to advanced gastric cancer. PS-matching was done using patients’ age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) physical status, extent of lymph node dissection, presence of combined resection and pathological stage of gastric cancer. Comparisons were made based on surgical outcomes and long-term survival rates. Results: After PS-matching, 102 patients, respectively 51 patients for each group, were enrolled. LTG had longer tumor-free proximal resection margin (OTG 2.5 cm vs. LTG 3.0 cm, p = 0.008). Total number of retrieved lymph node and metastasized lymph node was similar in both groups. The retrieved number of lymph nodes around splenic hilum (#10 and #11d) was similar in both groups (p = 0.105). Longer operation time was required in LTG (OTG 240 min. vs. LTG 320 min, p = 0.002) but less intraoperative bleeding was observed in LTG (OTG 390 cc vs. LTG 276 cc, p < 0.001). Patients of LTG were discharged earlier than OTG (OTG 12 days vs. LTG 10 days, p = 0.043). Overall morbidity and mortality of both group was similar. Between two groups, there was not a difference in 5-year overall survival rate (OTG 56.3% vs. LTG 56.5%, p = 0.597) or disease free survival rate (OTG 59.0% vs. LTG 67.6%, p = 0.455). Conclusions: For treating proximal AGC, LTG may be a technically and oncologically safe and feasible method.