D2 Lymphadenectomy For Gastric Cancer Research Articles

Complete Mesogastric Excision with D2 Lymphadenectomy for Gastric Cancer: Short-Term Results.

To compare the short-term results of complete mesogastric excision with the conventional surgical technique. An experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Health Sciences University, Basaksehir City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkiye, from April to December 2023. Comparison of short-term results of open total gastrectomy + mesogastrectomy with standard total gastrectomy + D2 lymph node dissection at a tertiary centre in terms of peroperative results, histopathological findings, and postoperative short-term outcomes prospectively, with review of the literature. A total of 37 patients were included in the study. The groups involved 26 male and 11 female patients. The study group included 14 patients while the control group involved 23 patients. The mean blood loss (mL) was significantly lower and number of metastatic lymph nodes was significantly higher in the study group. Total mesogastric excision is a safe technique which has advantages over conventional D2 gastrectomy in terms of not only peroperative and short-term outcomes, but also disease-free survival. This is the first study from a different population of the world and initial results can contribute to the literature for universalisation. Complete mesogastrium excision, D2 lymphadenectomy, Gastric cancer, Gastrectomy, Mesogastrectomy.

Assessment of diagnostic value of indocyanine green for lymph node metastasis in laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer: a prospective single-center study

PurposeEvaluation of diagnostic value for lymph node (LN) metastasis and LN identification using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence in laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. MethodsA prospective study on 79 patients who underwent radical subtotal gastrectomy with the use of ICG-guided LN dissection. The sensitivity and specificity of the ICG fluorescence lymphography method in detecting metastatic LNs were evaluated. ResultsA total of 79 patients underwent surgery. The number of LNs was retrieved: 2992 LNs, of which 2392 were fluorescent (79.9%) and 600 were nonfluorescent (20.1%). The average number of LNs dissected was 37.7 ± 11.8 LNs, and the average number of fluorescent LNs was 30.3 ± 11.1; the LN metastasis rates in the total LNs and in the ICG group were 6.79% and 7.34%, respectively. The median number of retrieved LNs in patients with LN metastases (37 [IQR, 33–47]) was higher than in patients without LN metastases (36 [IQR, 27–43]), (P = .348). The median number of fluorescent LNs was significantly higher in patients with LN metastases (32 [IQR, 26–44]) than in those without LN metastases (26 [IQR, 21–36]; P < .001). The sensitivity of ICG in metastasis detection was 75.86% (22 of 29 patients), with a false-negative rate of 24.14% (7 of 29 patients). For the identification of metastatic LNs, the sensitivity of ICG was 90.7%, with the specificity of 20.8%. The negative predictive value of nonfluorescent LNs was 97%. ConclusionICG fluorescence lymphography–guided lymphadenectomy can clearly visualize the lymphatic system and the LNs alongside the tumor. The high sensitivity in detecting metastatic LNs and the high negative predictive value of a nonfluorescent LNs suggest that this is an effective method for clinically radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Totally robotic total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer via da Vinci Xi platform: Technical details and perioperative outcomes

BackgroundThis study reported the surgical details and outcomes in a case of totally robotic total gastrectomy (TRTG) using the da Vinci Xi robotic system, aiming to share surgical experience in difficult procedures during TRTG and add evidence supporting the feasibility and safety of TRTG. MethodsA 55-year-old male patient diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of gastroesophageal junction underwent TRTG via the da Vinci Xi robotic system in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center on January 10, 2024. The surgical details and perioperative outcomes were summarized. ResultsWith an estimated blood loss of 100 ​ml, the operation lasted 210 ​min, including an anastomosis time of 36 ​min. During a postoperative hospital stay of 7 days, the patient started liquid diet after the removal of gastric tube on the third day. There were no perioperative complications. Postoperative radiography demonstrated no evidence of anastomotic fistulas or luminal narrowing. The final pathology revealed a 4.5∗1.5 ​cm gastric adenocarcinoma with 10/61 positive lymph nodes. The pathological stage of this patient was pT3N3aM0 IIIB. ConclusionsThis successful surgery reflected the effectiveness of minimally invasive surgery for total gastrectomy through a totally intracorporeal robotic approach. Future research is warranted to further validate the feasibility and safety of performing TRTG.

Convenient method to improve efficiency of lymph node examination after gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer

BackgroundThe D2 procedure has been accepted as the standard treatment for advanced gastric cancer (GC) in East Asia. Determination of the number of lymph nodes (LNs) after gastrectomy may influence the pathological stage assessment of lymph node metastasis, significantly influencing prognostic evaluations and formulation of chemotherapy regimens.MethodsBetween January 2020 and January 2022, the medical files of 312 patients with clinical stage T0-4aN0-3M0 gastric cancer were reviewed retrospectively, and the patients were assigned to the normal group (lymph nodes were examined roughly), manual group (lymph nodes were manually examined meticulously), and device group (lymph nodes were examined by device). The clinical and pathologic characteristics, number of lymph nodes harvested, and the time required for lymph node examination was compared.ResultsA total of 312 gastric cancer patients (mean age 65.8 ± 10.3 years, 85 females and 227 males) underwent gastrectomy with curative intent at our department. Sex, age, body mass index (BMI), tumor size, clinical TNM stage, and pathologic TNM stage in the three groups showed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). The mean number of harvested lymph nodes in the normal, manual, and device group was 24.2, 36.6 and 35.2, respectively, which showed significant differences (P < 0.0001). The mean number of positive lymph nodes in the normal, manual, and device group was 3.5, 3.9 and 3.9, respectively (P = 0.99). The mean time consumption in device group was 15 min while the time consumption in manual group was 52.3 min, which showed a significant difference (P < 0.0001).ConclusionThis improved lymph node examination method offers a simple approach that is worth promoting, and it can improve the number of harvested lymph nodes efficiently.

Prognostic Performance of Three Lymph Node Staging Systems in Patients After D2 Lymphadenectomy for Gastric Cancer

Background Accurate staging of lymph node (LN) status is essential for predicting prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. Recent proposals suggest that lymph node ratio (LNR) and log odds of metastatic lymph nodes (LODDS) may have superior accuracy in predicting survival by minimizing stage migration. The aim of the present study was to compare the prognostic performances of the UICC (pN), LNR and LODDS staging systems and incorporate the optimal system into a nomogram for predicting individual survival in patients with resectable gastric cancer. Methods The study cohort comprised of 423 patients who had undergone D2 lymphadenectomy. The discriminatory powers of the different LN staging systems were compared using the concordance index (C-index). The optimal system was incorporated into a prognostic nomogram with other independent prognosticators, and bootstrap validation was performed. Results When LN status was assessed as a continuous variable, the LNR system (C-index: 0.712) was superior to pN (C-index: 0.695) and LODDS (C-index: 0.704). Age, LNR, and preoperative serum CA 19-9 and CA 125 were incorporated into a nomogram for predicting 2-year overall survival. Internal validation of the nomogram revealed good predictive abilities, with a bootstrap-corrected concordance index of 0.704. Conclusion Overall, LNR was the optimum predicator of survival in patients with resectable gastric cancer on the basis of LN status. LNR was incorporated into a nomogram along with age and preoperative serum CA 19-9 and CA 125. Internal validation confirmed the predictive ability of this nomogram.

Splenectomy Does Not Increase Early Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Total Gastrectomy: A Case-Control Study with Propensity Score Analysis.

In gastric cancer (GC), D2 lymph node dissection is, alongside negative-margins gastrectomy, of paramount importance. There is a debate between Western and Eastern scientific communities concerning the risk-benefit balance with respect to splenectomy, as Western countries are inclined to perform spleen-preserving gastrectomy due to an increased risk for postoperative complications. In Eastern countries (such as Japan) this is not the case. Our study aimed to determine whether or not spleen-sacrificing total gastrectomy for GC was associated with a higher rate of early postoperative morbidity or mortality. We performed a retrospective case-control study in which we included patients who underwent total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for GC (stages I-III) with curative intent, in a single high-volume tertiary oncologic centre. We divided the cases into two groups: spleenpreserving (SP) and spleen-sacrificing (SS) and evaluated the early complications rate following surgery. Afterwards, we performed propensity score matching (PSM) and analysis of the two groups. Results: We included 74 patients, 29 in the SS group and 45 in the SP group. Fifteen cases (20.2%) developed early postoperative complications and the complication rate was 53% (n=8) in the SS group and 46% (n=7) in the SP group. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 2.7%. Conclusions: Splenectomy is not associated with increased early morbidity following total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy if performed by an experienced surgeon.

Outcomes of laparoscopic versus open total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe effectiveness of laparoscopic total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy (LTGD2) remains controversial. This meta-analysis compares surgical and survival outcomes of LTGD2 and open total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy (OTGD2) for gastric cancer.MethodsControlled studies comparing LTGD2 and OTGD2 published before November 2021 were retrieved via database searches. We compared intraoperative outcomes, pathological data, postoperative outcomes, 5-year disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS).Results17 studies were included, containing 4742 patients. Compared with OTGD2, the LTGD2 group had less blood loss (mean difference [MD] = − 122.48; 95% CI: − 187.60, − 57.37; P = 0.0002), fewer analgesic medication (MD = -2.48; 95% CI: − 2.69, − 2.27; P < 0.00001), earlier first flatus (MD = − 1.03; 95% CI: − 1.80, − 0.26; P = 0.009), earlier initial food intake (MD = − 0.89; 95% CI: − 1.09, − 0.68; P < 0.00001) and shorter hospital stay (MD = − 3.24; 95% CI: − 3.75, − 2.73; P < 0.00001). The LTGD2 group had lower postoperative total complication ratio (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.92; P = 0.006), incision (OR = 0.50; 95% CI:0.31, 0.79; P = 0.003) and pulmonary (OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.96; P = 0.03) complication rates, but similar rates of other complications and mortality. Total number of dissected lymph nodes were similar, but the number of No. 10 dissected nodes was less with LTGD2 (MD = − 0.31; 95% CI: − 0.46, − 0.16; P < 0.0001). There was no difference in 5-year OS (P = 0.19) and DFS (P = 0.34) between LTGD2 and OTGD2 groups.ConclusionsLTGD2 produces small trauma, fast postoperative recovery and small length of hospital stays than OTGD2, and had similar long-term clinical efficacy as OTGD2. However, these results still need further high-quality prospective randomized controlled trials confirmation.

Postoperative mortality and morbidity after D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUNDSurgery for gastric cancer is a complex procedure and lymphadenectomy is often mandatory. Postoperative mortality and morbidity after curative gastric cancer surgery is not insignificant. AIMTo evaluate the factors determining mortality and morbidity in a population of patients undergoing R0 resection and D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer.METHODSA retrospective analysis of clinical data and pathological characteristics (age, sex, primary site of the tumor, Lauren histotype, number of positive lymph nodes resected, number of negative lymph nodes resected, and depth of invasion as defined by the standard nomenclature) was conducted in patients with gastric cancer. For each patient we calculated the Kattan’s score. We arbitrarily divided the study population of patients into two groups based on the nomogram score (< 100 points or ≥ 100 points). Prespecified subgroups in these analyses were defined according to age (≤ 65 years or > 65 years), and number of lymph nodes retrieved (≤ 35 lymph nodes or > 35 lymph nodes). Uni- and multivariate analysis of clinical and pathological findings were performed to identify the factors affecting postoperative mortality and morbidity.RESULTSOne-hundred and eighty-six patients underwent a curative R0 resection with D2 lymphadenectomy. Perioperative mortality rate was 3.8% (7 patients); a higher mortality rate was observed in patients aged > 65 years (P = 0.002) and in N+ patients (P = 0.04). Following univariate analysis, mortality was related to a Kattan’s score ≥ 100 points (P = 0.04) and the presence of advanced gastric cancer (P = 0.03). Morbidity rate was 21.0% (40 patients). Surgical complications were observed in 17 patients (9.1%). A higher incidence of morbidity was observed in patients where more than 35 lymph nodes were harvested (P = 0.0005).CONCLUSIONMortality and morbidity rate are higher in N+ and advanced gastric cancer patients. The removal of more than 35 lymph nodes does not lead to an increase in mortality.

Laparoscopic Compared with Open D2 Gastrectomy on Perioperative and Long-Term, Stage-Stratified Oncological Outcomes for Gastric Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of the IMIGASTRIC Database.

Simple SummaryGastric resection with D2 lymphadenectomy is considered the gold standard for the treatment of both advanced and early gastric cancer with lymph node metastasis. The performance of D2 lymphadenectomy is technically challenging and represents a key factor in improving patients’ survival. For these reasons, the execution of gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy using the traditional open surgical technique still represents the most widespread approach and, based on current international guidelines, the indication for laparoscopic surgery is limited to early gastric cancer that does not require a D2 lymphadenectomy. The present study aimed to investigate the use of laparoscopic versus open surgical approaches in performing gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for cancer in terms of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes and long-term survival. The study was conducted using the data collected in the International study group on Minimally Invasive surgery for Gastric Cancer (IMIGASTRIC) international database.Background: The laparoscopic approach in gastric cancer surgery is being increasingly adopted worldwide. However, studies focusing specifically on laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy are still lacking in the literature. This retrospective study aimed to compare the short-term and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer. Methods: The protocol-based, international IMIGASTRIC (International study group on Minimally Invasive surgery for Gastric Cancer) registry was queried to retrieve data on patients undergoing laparoscopic or open gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer with curative intent from January 2000 to December 2014. Eleven predefined, demographical, clinical, and pathological variables were used to conduct a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis to investigate intraoperative and recovery outcomes, complications, pathological findings, and survival data between the two groups. Predictive factors of long-term survival were also assessed. Results: A total of 3033 patients from 14 participating institutions were selected from the IMIGASTRIC database. After 1:1 PSM, a total of 1248 patients, 624 in the laparoscopic group and 624 in the open group, were matched and included in the final analysis. The total operative time (median 180 versus 240 min, p < 0.0001) and the length of the postoperative hospital stay (median 10 versus 14.8 days, p < 0.0001) were longer in the open group than in the laparoscopic group. The conversion to open rate was 1.9%. The proportion of patients with in-hospital complications was higher in the open group (21.3% versus 15.1%, p = 0.004). The median number of harvested lymph nodes was higher in the laparoscopic approach (median 32 versus 28, p < 0.0001), and the proportion of positive resection margins was higher (p = 0.021) in the open group (5.9%) than in the laparoscopic group (3.2%). There was no significant difference between the groups in five-year overall survival rates (77.4% laparoscopic versus 75.2% open, p = 0.229). Conclusion: The adoption of the laparoscopic approach for gastric resection with D2 lymphadenectomy shortened the length of hospital stay and reduced postoperative complications with respect to the open approach. The five-year overall survival rate after laparoscopy was comparable to that for patients who underwent open D2 resection. The types of surgical approaches are not independent predictive factors for five-year overall survival.

ICG‐NIR‐guided lymph node dissection during robotic subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. A single‐centre experience

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) allows intraoperative visualisation of the lymph nodes (LNs) draining the tumour. We included in our study 20 patients who underwent robotic subtotal gastrectomy+D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer. In 10 cases, intraoperative ICG-guided lymphography has been used (Group A). We compared the number of LNs retrieved with the use of NIR imaging and the number of LNs retrieved without the use of this technique (Group B, historical group). No complications related to ICG injection or near-infrared imaging were observed. The mean number of overall LNs retrieved was significantly greater in Group A than in group B (40 vs. 24). No statistically significant difference in operative time was observed. ICG-guided fluorescent lymphography can help in performing a more accurate locoregional lymphadenectomy during robotic subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. This technique represents a precious contribution to gastric cancer surgery.

Laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer: Short-term results from a tertiary hospital in Vietnam

Laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer: Short-term results from a tertiary hospital in Vietnam

Pattern of No. 12a lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer.

ObjectiveThe current standard D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer (GC) includes dissection of lymph nodes (LNs) along the proper hepatic artery (No. 12a), however, the survival benefit remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pattern of No. 12a LN metastasis (LNM) in GC and explore the indications for No. 12a LN dissection.MethodsMedical records of 413 consecutive GC patients who underwent curative surgery in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University between January 2015 and December 2018 were enrolled and reviewed retrospectively. The correlation between No. 12a LNM and clinicopathologic characteristics of patients was analyzed.ResultsThe overall incidence of No. 12a LNM was 2.67% (11/413). Tumor location (P=0.012), depth of tumor infiltration (P<0.01) and N stage (P=0.018) were significant factors associated with No. 12a LNM. All the tumors with No. 12a LNM involved the lower third of the stomach and were in T3−4 stages. Patients with No. 12a LNM had extensive LNM than those without (20.91±4.25vs. 5.0±0.54, P<0.001). For advanced GC patients (stage III/IV) with tumors involving the lower third of the stomach, the incidence of No. 12a LNM increased to 10.7% (11/103). Patients with No. 12a LNM had a significantly poorer recurrence-free survival (RFS) (P=0.005) and overall survival (OS) (P=0.017). According to the result of multivariable Cox regression, No. 12a LNM was not an independent impact factor on RFS and OS. ConclusionsThe overall incidence of No. 12a LNM was low but it was much higher in GC patients who had very advanced tumors involving the lower third of the stomach. No. 12a LN dissection should be considered for these patients to improve the survival outcomes.

Choroidal metastasis from gastric cancer 8 years after surgery

A man in his 50s underwent total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer 8 years ago. The pathological stage was pT3N3bM0, pStage IIIC. He took tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil potassium (S-1) as adjuvant chemotherapy for the next 3 years at his own request. No recurrence was observed for 8 years after surgery, but then a recurrent lesion near the anastomosis and multiple metastases were detected on abdominal computed tomography. He started treatment with S-1 plus oxaliplatin. One month later, he experienced right-sided visual disturbance. Ophthalmological tests revealed a tumor on his choroid. Three months later, the recurrent tumor and metastatic lesions shrank, and his visual symptoms improved. Therefore, we diagnosed choroidal metastasis from gastric cancer. Choroidal metastasis from the gastrointestinal tract is extremely rare. We discuss this case along with the relevant literature.

D2 Lymphadenectomy According to the Arterial Variations in Gastric and Hepatic Irrigation.

D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer is technically demanding and requires clearance of the lymph node stations along the main arteries that irrigate the stomach and the liver. As gastric and hepatic irrigation have a different pattern from the classic branching of the celiac trunk in approximately 25% of patients, acquaintance with these variations and knowledge on how to adequately perform the lymphadenectomy in different anatomic settings is of utmost importance for surgeons who manage gastric cancer.1 METHODS: This video demonstrates, step-by-step, how to perform D2 lymphadenectomy in accordance with gastric and hepatic irrigation. Illustrations of the arterial variation correlate with the corresponding computed tomography image and operative management of the lymph node stations. D2 lymphadenectomy is the standard of care in advanced gastric cancer.2 It implies clearing the lymph node stations along the celiac trunk, left gastric artery, and common and proper hepatic arteries. However, the celiac trunk and hepatic irrigation are highly variable and surgeons must be aware of how to properly and safely address the lymph node stations in all scenarios. Vessel anatomical variations increase the risk of vascular injuries and its complications, such as bleeding, necrosis, liver function impairment, liver necrosis, and conversion to open surgery.3-5 Additionally, the lymphadenectomy cannot be compromised if a variation is found.6 Preoperative knowledge of the gastric blood supply also shortens the surgical duration.7 CONCLUSIONS: The present video demonstrates how to recognize the most common variations found during D2 gastrectomy, and provides strategies to adequately approach them.

Surgeon Quality Control and Standardization of D2 Lymphadenectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study (KLASS-02-QC).

To qualify surgeons to participate in a randomized trial comparing laparoscopic and open distal D2 gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. No studies have sought to qualify surgeons for a randomized trial comparing laparoscopic and open D2 gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. We conducted a multicenter prospective observational study evaluating unedited videos of laparoscopic and open D2 gastrectomy performed by 27 surgeons. Surgeons performed 3 of each laparoscopic and open distal gastrectomies with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer. Five peers reviewed each unedited video using a video assessment form. Based on experts' review of videos, a separate review committee decided surgeons as "Qualified" or "Not-qualified." Twelve surgeons (44.4%) were qualified on initial evaluation whereas the other 15 surgeons were not. Another 9 surgeons were finally qualified after re-evaluation. The median score for Qualified was significantly higher than Not-qualified (P < 0.001).Significant differences between Qualified and Not-qualified were noted both in operation type and in all evaluation area of surgical skill, perigastric, and extra-perigastric lymphadenectomy, although the inter-rater variability of the assessment score was low (kappa = 0.285). However, Not-qualified surgeons' scores improved upon re-evaluation of resubmitted videos.When compared laparoscopy with open surgery, median scores were similar between the 2 groups (P = 0.680). However, open gastrectomy scores for surgical skills were significantly higher than for laparoscopic surgery (P = 0.016). Our surgeon quality control study for gastrectomy represents a milestone in surgical standardization for surgical clinical trials. Our methods could also serve as a system for educating surgeons and assessing surgical proficiency.

Gastrectomy with D2 Lymphadenectomy for Carcinoma of the Stomach in a Stand-alone Cancer Centre in Rural India.

The therapeutic role of D2 lymphadenectomy in the management of gastric cancer is an ongoing controversy. To examine the morbidity and oncological outcomes of D2 lymph node dissection for gastric cancer patients treated in a stand-alone cancer center in rural India and to compare it with international data. Retrospective study on patients treated for gastric cancer from June 2009 to December 2014. All patients underwent subtotal or total gastrectomy with modified D2 lymph node dissection preserving spleen and pancreas. The Clavien-Dindo model was used to stratify the severity of morbidity. Descriptive statistics was used for data exploration. Chi-square test was used to compare the association of various factors with survival. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the survival rates (RFS and DFS). Log-rank test was used to compare the survival of different subgroups. Fifty-four patients (41 males and 13 females) were included in the study. Four (7.4%) patients had significant postoperative morbidity. The 5-year OS and DFS respectively were 34.9% and 37.6%. Female sex was associated with poorer survival. Lymph node ratio of more than 0.2 and advanced stage at presentation showed strong tendency towards lower OS and DFS. An R0 resection with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer carries acceptable morbidity and mortality in Indian patients with survival rates comparable with the western studies. Lymph node ratio more than 0.2 and female gender and advanced stage were associated with poorer oncological outcomes.

Laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer: initial Egyptian experience at the National Cancer Institute

BackgroundLaparoscopic gastrectomy has been used as a superior alternative to open gastrectomy for the treatment of early gastric cancer. However, the application of laparoscopic D2 lymphadenectomy remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer.ResultsBetween May 2016 and May 2018, twenty-five consecutive patients with gastric cancer underwent laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy: eighteen patients (72%) underwent distal gastrectomy, four patients (16%) underwent total gastrectomy, and three patients (12%) underwent proximal gastrectomy. The median number of lymph nodes retrieved was 18 (5–35). A positive proximal margin was detected in 2 patients (8%). The median operative time and amount of blood loss were 240 min (200–330) and 250 ml (200–450), respectively. Conversion to an open procedure was performed in seven patients (28%). The median hospital stay period was 8 days (6–30), and the median time to start oral fluids was 4 days (3–30). Postoperative complications were detected in 4 patients (16%). There were two cases of mortality (8%) in the postoperative period, and two patients required reoperation (8%).ConclusionsLaparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy can be carried out safely and in accordance with oncologic principles.

Vascular injury and anatomy during laparoscopy - assisted distal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of intraoperative vascular injury (IVI) and associated anatomical features during laparoscopy - assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer. Methods: A descriptive cohort study was performed. Clinical data and operational videos of 278 consecutive gastric cancer patients who underwent LADG with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer at Department of General Surgery of Nanfang Hospital between January 2010 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. IVI and vascular anatomy during lymphadenectomy were observed and recorded in the following four scenes: scene I: No. 4sb and No.4d of lower left (tail of pancreas) area; scene II: No.6 of lower right (subpyloric) area; scene III: No.5 and No.12a of upper right (suprapyloric) area; scene IV: No. 7, No. 8a, No. 9, No. 11p of central area posterior to the gastric body. IVI was defined as the injury of main perigastric vessel requiring additional procedure for hemostasis such as electrocauterization, gauze compression, clipping or suture. Results: Among 278 patients, 125 (45.0%) had IVI. Two cases of IVI required conversion to open operation and the injuried vascular was left gastric artery (LGA) and right gastric artery (RGA), respectively. Higher incidence of IVI was found in scene II (92/278, 33.1%) and scene IV(39/278, 14.0%). More common IVI was observed in right gastroepiploic vein (RGeV, 57/278, 20.5%) and left gastric vein (LGV, 33/278, 11.9%). The right gastroepiploic vessels were observed in all 278 patients, including 3 (1.1%) cases with 2 RGeVs, and 2 cases with 2 right gastroepiploic arteries (RGeA). RGA was observed clearly in 265 (95.3%) patients, whose ramification pattern was as follows: from proper hepatic artery (PHA, 223/265, 84.2%), from gastroduodenal artery (GDA, 16/265, 6.0%), from left hepatic artery (LHA, 12/265,4.5%), from the crossing of PHA and GDA (8/265, 3.0%), and 6 (2.3%) patients with 2 RGAs simultaneously from PHA and GDA, respectively. The most common injury of RGA (4/12) occurred in LHA. Excluding 2 cases of conversion to open surgery due to intraoperative hemorrhage, among 276 patients, LGV was observed in 270 patients (97.1%), whose drainage pattern was as follows: into the portal vein (PV, 148/270, 54.8%), into the spleen vein (SV, 56/270, 20.7%), into the junction of these two veins (52/270, 19.3%), into left portal vein (LPV, 8/270, 3.0%), meanwhile 6 patients had 2 LGVs simultaneously, including LGVs of 5 cases into PV and SV, and of 1 case into PV-SV junction and SV. The most common IVI was found in those patients with two LGVs (4/6). Conclusions: IVI during LADG with D2 lymphadenectomy is common. The highest risk of IVI is found in scene II and scene IV. Attentions should be paid to anatomic variation of vessels, especially the RGeV, LGV and RGA.

Brief discussion on prevention of the secondary damage in the procedures of D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer

So far, D2 lymphadenectomy has been recognized as the key one of the procedures in curative resection for gastric cancer. In summary, the standardized implementation of D2 lymphadenectomy can contribute to both surgical quality and patients' prognosis. Lymph node dissection, as an important basis for local surgical treatment of gastric cancer, involves certain technical risks due to complex adjacent relationship and anatomical variation of organs or blood vessels, and so on. There is a certain incidence of side injuries in D2 lymphadenectomy for a surgeon, regardless of the experience of learning curve. Complying with specification of surgical procedures and summarizing the vital points of lymph node dissection in each curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer is the principal method to reduce or avoid the occurrence of relevant complications after surgery.

Method and experience of lymph node examination after gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer

The insufficiency of the examined number of lymph nodes after surgery for gastric cancer may undermine the stage of lymph node metastasis, which would have a significant impact on prognostic evaluation and strategy formulation of adjuvant therapy. Under the premise of standard D2 lymphadenectomy, the number of harvested lymph nodes is mainly dependent on the procedures of lymph node examination. Since 2013, our center has set up a special lymph node examination team. In the same year, the average number of harvested lymph nodes in each sample was 46, which was significantly higher than before (average 18 nodes/case in 2004-2012). After continuous quality improvement and regular quality control in 2014, average number of retrieved lymph nodes was 64 per specimen. Therefore, this paper summarizes the methods and experience of lymph node examination in gastric cancer specimens of general surgery in Southern Hospital. The overall construction of the lymph node examination team of gastric cancer in our center mainly includes three parts: establishment of a specialized lymph node examination team, effective standard operating procedures (SOP), and long-term and sustained quality control. The specialized lymph node examination team consists of postgraduate students who are not involved in surgery but have been trained by surgeons. Standard procedures include theoretical reserve of gastric anatomy, surgical observation to correspond to specimens in vitro and in vivo, and standardized specimen processing procedures. Long-term and sustained quality control requires periodic report of lymph node examination data and continuous feedback optimization of the process. Intraoperative lymph node tracing navigation and specimen lymph node intensification are carried out with nanocarbon and indocyanine green dye staining, and then lymph nodes are harvested based on the traditional methods, which can improve the examination rate of lymph nodes, especially for small lymph nodes. Research on lymph node tracing methods, requires multidisciplinary cooperation in particular, will become a hot topic.