Double Flap Technique Research Articles

Combined Techniques for Bilateral Maxillary and Nasal Reconstruction After Ablative Surgery for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Indolent tumor growth up to large tumor masses and broad infiltration of surrounding tissue are the most typical characteristics of malignant tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. If surgery is a therapeutic option, extended resections and complex reconstruction modalities have to be taken into account. We present a combination of different reconstruction techniques to restore midface integrity after bilateral maxillectomy, including parts of the nasal skeleton, for adenoid cystic carcinoma. After obtaining tumor-free margins, reconstruction was performed using a microvascular double-flap technique to achieve a neo-maxilla and soft tissue lining of the oral cavity, dental implantology with prosthetic restoration and the insertion of a patient-specific implant for nasal re-shaping and stability. In cases of extended maxillary resection, a combination of different techniques can achieve sufficient functional and aesthetic rehabilitation, and restore quality of life. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term stability of such complex reconstructions. However, local tumor control remains the highest priority and will be essential for years.

Double tract reconstruction versus double flap technique: short-term clinical outcomes after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer.

Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) is increasingly preferred for operative management of early gastric cancer, although there is no consensus on a standard reconstruction method after resection. Two popular methods used after LPG are double tract reconstruction (DTR) and double flap technique (DFT). This study assessed comprehensive clinical outcomes including quality of life (QoL) and body composition change 1year after DFT and DTR. We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data from 51 to 18 patients who underwent DTR and DFT, respectively, between September 2014 and December 2018. Short-term surgical outcomes, presence of reflux esophagitis, nutritional supplementation, medications, nutritional status (laboratory results and body composition analysis), and QoL measured preoperatively and at 1year postoperatively were compared between both groups. Both groups did not differ significantly in clinicopathological characteristics. The DFT as compared to the DTR group required significantly longer time for anastomosis (79.4 vs. 60.9min, p < 0.001) and use of fewer staplers (3.39 vs. 6.86, p < 0.001). While the presence of endoscopic reflux esophagitis and iron/vitamin B12 replacement were comparable, the DTR group showed a higher tendency of taking anti-reflux medications for reflux symptoms (DTR: 13.7% vs. DFT: 0.0%, p = 0.177). The DTR group lost significantly more weight (p = 0.038) and body fat (p = 0.009). QoL analysis showed significant deterioration in diarrhea, eating restriction, and taste problems in both groups (DTR group: p = 0.008, p < 0.001, p = 0.010, respectively, and DFT group: p = 0.017, p = 0.024, p = 0.034, respectively). However, only the DTR group showed significant deterioration in physical function (p = 0.009), role function (p = 0.033), nausea/vomiting (p = 0.041), appetite loss (p = 0.019), dysphagia (p = 0.001), pain (p = 0.025), and body image (p = 0.004). Despite requiring a longer anastomosis time, performing DFT after LPG was shown to be an ideal reconstruction method in terms of better 1-year QoL and nutritional outcome. Further larger studies over longer postoperative periods are necessary to confirm our findings.

Functional benefits of the double flap technique after proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BackgroundProximal gastrectomy is a widely performed procedure that has become more common with an increasing number of proximal gastric cancer cases. Several types of reconstructive procedures after proximal gastrectomy have been developed, and it remains controversial which procedure is the most advantageous with regard to the preservation of postoperative gastric stump function and nutritional status. In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed reconstructive procedures in a consecutive case series for proximal gastrectomy, primarily focusing on postoperative body weight maintenance, nutritional status, and gastric remnant functional preservation.MethodsWe enrolled 69 patients who had undergone proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer in our institute between 2005 and 2020. Short-term complications, preservation of gastric remnant functions, nutritional status, and post-operative weight changes were compared.ResultsAfter proximal gastrectomy, the numbers of patients who underwent direct esophago-gastrostomy, jejunal interposition, double tract reconstruction, and the double flap technique were 9, 10, 14, and 36, respectively. The patients in whom the double flap technique was performed suffered no reflux esophagitis after surgery. Prevalence of gastric residual at 12 months after surgery was lowest in the double flap technique group. Moreover, the double flap technique group had a better tendency regarding post-operative changes of serum albumin ratios. Furthermore, the post-operative body weight change ratio of the double flap technique group was smallest among all groups and was significantly better than that of the double tract group.ConclusionsThe double flap technique after proximal gastrectomy was considered the most effective technique for reconstruction which leads to better bodyweight maintenance, and results in less reflux esophagitis.

Robot-assisted Valvuloplastic Esophagogastrostomy by Double-flap Technique Using a Knifeless Linear Stapler After Proximal Gastrectomy.

After proximal gastrectomy, valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy by double-flap technique could be the ideal reconstruction to prevent gastroesophageal reflux. However, it is demanding procedure in laparoscopic surgery. In this video, we demonstrate a robot-assisted double-flap technique using a knifeless stapler.

RECONSTRUCTION OF LARGE ANTERIOR SKULL BASE DEFECTS AFTER RESECTION OF SINONASAL TUMORS WITH INTRACRANIAL EXTENSION BY USING PEDICLED DOUBLE FLAP TECHNIQUES

Background: Surgical resection of a large anterior skull base (ASB) tumor and sinonasal maglinancies with intracranial extension will result a large skull base defect. Reconstruction of large ASB defects by using traditional techniques may result in high risk of postoperative CSF leakage, meningitis and increase mortality rate. The use of pedicled double flap technique to reconstruct the anterior skull base defect may decrease the complications. In this study, we examine the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent this double flap reconstruction technique after the resection of sinonasal malignancies with significant intracranial extension at Cho Ray hospital, Vietnam. Methods: Case series study was conducted at Cho Ray hospital from 09/2010 to 09/2020. All patients with large sinonasal malignancies with intracranial invasion underwent combined transbasal - EEA approach. Reconstruction of large skull base defect ( &gt; 2 cm ) was followed by using the pedicled double flap technique. Results: There were 75 patients who underwent the modified multi-layer with double flap reconstruction technique after the resection of ASB tumor from 09/2010 to 09/2020. The skull base defects were commonly seen at the horizontal plate of the ethmoid and the roof of the ethmoid ( 98.6%). The large skull base defects ( &gt; 2cm) accounted for 81.3%. The risk of postoperative CSF leakage after double flap repair was very low. In this study, we had 1 patient with postoperative CSF leakage and 1 patient had postoperative meningitis. Conclusion: The use of two vascularize pedicled flap may decrease the incidence of postoperative cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leakage and meningitis. This technique is an effective method for the reconstruction of the ASB with large defect.

Giant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Stomach Treated by Proximal Gastrectomy with Esophagogastrostomy Using the Double-Flap Technique after: A Case Report

Giant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Stomach Treated by Proximal Gastrectomy with Esophagogastrostomy Using the Double-Flap Technique after: A Case Report

Robotic-assisted proximal gastrectomy using the double-flap technique for early gastric cancer with situs inversus totalis: a case report

BackgroundThe robotic system has been applied in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC), and the procedure has been found to be safe and feasible. Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a relatively rare autosomal recessive congenital anomaly. We successfully performed robot-assisted proximal gastrectomy (RAPG) and handsewn double-flap esophagogastrostomy for GC in a patient with SIT.Case presentationA 71-year-old woman was referred to us with an asymptomatic ulcerative lesion in the upper body of the stomach. Computed tomography revealed that she had SIT. She was diagnosed with cT1bN0M0, cStageIA gastric cancer. RAPG with lymph node dissection and handsewn double-flap esophagogastrostomy was performed. Robotic surgery enabled the surgeon to perform the surgery without changing his position and experiencing any confusion resulting from the patient’s reversed anatomy. It took 448 min, and no intraoperative complications occurred. Her postoperative course was uneventful; she was discharged on postoperative day 10. The final pathologic report showed pT1b1N0M0, pStage IA.ConclusionsThis is the first case describing RAPG with handsewn double-flap esophagogastrostomy for a SIT patient with early GC.

Safety and feasibility of laparoscopic double-flap technique in digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction tumors larger than 5 cm

Objective: To investigate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic double-flap technique (Kamikawa) in digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction (EGJ) leiomyoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) with the maximum diameter >5 cm. Methods: A descriptive case-series study was used to retrospectively analyze the data of patients with EGJ leiomyoma and GIST undergoing laparoscopic-assisted proximal gastrectomy and double-flap technique (Kamikawa) at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from September 2017 to March 2019. All the tumors invaded the cardia dentate line, and the maximum diameter was >5 cm. After the exclusion of patients requiring emergency surgery and complicating with severe cardiopulmonary diseases, a total of 4 patients, including 3 males and 1 female with age of 29-49 years, were included in this study. After laparoscopic-assisted proximal gastrectomy, the residual stomach was pulled out of the abdominal cavity and marked with methylene blue at the proximal end 3~4 cm from the anterior wall of the residual stomach in the shape of "H". The gastric wall plasma muscular layer was cut along the "H" shape, and the space between the submucosa and the muscular layer was separated to both sides along the longitudinal incision line to make the seromuscular flap. The residual stomach was put back into the abdominal cavity. Under laparoscopy, 4 stitches were intermittently sutured at the upside of "H" shape and 4-5 cm from the posterior wall of the esophageal stump. The stump of the esophagus was cut open, and the submucosa and mucosa were cut under the "H" shape to enter the gastric cavity. The posterior wall of the esophageal stump was sutured continuously with the gastric stump mucosa and submucosa under laparoscopy. The anterior wall of the esophageal stump was sutured continuously with the whole layer of the residual stomach. The anterior wall of the stomach was sutured to cover the esophagus. The anterior gastric muscle flap was sutured and embedded in the esophagus to complete the reconstruction of digestive tract. The morbidity of intraoperative complications and postoperative reflux esophagitis and anastomosis-related complications were observed. Results: All the 4 patients completed the operation successfully, and there was no conversion to laparotomy. The median operative time was 239 (192-261) minutes, the median Kamikawa anastomosis time was 149 (102-163) minutes, and the median intraoperative blood loss was 35 (20-200) ml. The abdominal drainage tube and gastric tube were removed, and the fluid diet was resumed on the first day after surgery in all the 4 patients. The median postoperative hospitalization time was 6 (6-8) days. Postoperative pathology revealed 3 leiomyomas and 1 GIST. There were no postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage or stenosis, and no reflux symptoms were observed. The median follow-up time was 22 (11-29) months after the operation, and no reflux esophagitis occurred in any of the 4 patients by gastroscopy. Conclusion: For >5 cm EGJ leiomyoma or GIST, double-flap technique (Kamikawa) used for digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy is safe and feasible.

Key Factors for Maintaining Postoperative Skeletal Muscle Mass After Laparoscopic Proximal Gastrectomy with Double-Flap Technique Reconstruction for Early Gastric Cancer

Key Factors for Maintaining Postoperative Skeletal Muscle Mass After Laparoscopic Proximal Gastrectomy with Double-Flap Technique Reconstruction for Early Gastric Cancer

Repair of Anomalous Aortic Origin of Pulmonary Artery: Technique Matters

The anomalous aortic origin of a pulmonary artery (PA) is uncommon, usually occurring on the right. Less commonly, the left PA is involved, often with a right-sided arch. Although referred to by some as “hemitruncus,” two semilunar valves are present. 1 Jacobs M.L. Congenital heart surgery nomenclature and database project: truncus arteriosus. Ann Thorac Surg. 2000; 69: S50-S55 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Google Scholar Because the right lung is exposed to systemic pressures, and the left receives the entire (and increased) cardiac output, there is high risk for developing pulmonary vascular disease (PVD). Typically, patients present with heart failure in infancy and undergo repair on diagnosis. The crux of the repair is translocation of the anomalous vessel to the main PA using various techniques. 2 Prifti E. Bonacchi M. Vanini V. Bartolozzi F. Double-flap technique for repair of anomalous origin of right pulmonary artery from ascending aorta. Ann Thorac Surg. 2004; 78: 1883-1884 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (7) Google Scholar Whereas all report excellent short-term outcomes, varied rates of postoperative PA stenosis have been demonstrated. 3 Nathan M. Rimmer D. Piercey G. et al. Early repair of hemitruncus: excellent early and late outcomes. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2007; 133: 1329-1335 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (47) Google Scholar Outcomes of Surgical Reimplantation for Anomalous Origin of One Pulmonary Artery From the AortaThe Annals of Thoracic SurgeryVol. 111Issue 4PreviewAnomalous origin of one pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta (AOPA) is a rare and potentially deadly anomaly. Little research, aside from case reports on APOA, has been published, especially for patients with late referrals. Full-Text PDF

Short-term and long-term comparisons of laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy with esophagogastrostomy by the double-flap technique and laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer.

BackgroundAlthough proximal gastrectomy (PG) is a recognized surgical procedure for early proximal gastric cancer, total gastrectomy (TG) is sometimes selected due to concern about severe gastroesophageal reflux. Esophagogastrostomy by the double-flap technique (DFT) is an anti-reflux reconstruction after PG, and its short-term effectiveness has been reported. However, little is known about the long-term effects on nutritional status and quality of life (QOL).MethodsGastric cancer patients who underwent laparoscopy-assisted PG (LAPG) with DFT or laparoscopy-assisted TG (LATG) between April 2011 and March 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) were reviewed to assess nutritional status, and the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale (PGSAS)-45 was used to assess QOL.ResultsA total of 36 patients (LATG: 17, LAPG: 19) were enrolled. Four of 17 LATG patients (24%) were diagnosed with Stage ≥II after surgery, and half received S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy. BW and PNI were better maintained in LAPG than in LATG patients until 1-year follow-up. Seven of 16 LATG patients (44%) were categorized as “underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m2)” at 1-year follow-up, compared to three of 18 LAPG patients (17%; p = 0.0836). The PGSAS-45 showed no significant difference in all QOL categories except for decreased BW (p = 0.0132). Multivariate analysis showed that LATG was the only potential risk factor for severe BW loss (odds ratio: 3.03, p = 0.0722).ConclusionsLAPG with DFT was superior to LATG in postoperative nutritional maintenance, and can be the first option for early proximal gastric cancer.

Endoscopic single versus double flap tympanoplasty: a randomized clinical trial.

This study aims to compare the results of endoscopic over-underlay tympanoplasty, single flap technique, with endoscopic over-underlay tympanoplasty combined with an anterior tab, double flap technique, in repair of the challenging total and subtotal tympanic membrane perforations with inadequate anterior remnant. This is to determine whether highly adequate visualization at the anterior meatal angle area offered by endoscopy can eliminate the need for anterior tab reinforcement. A prospective randomized single-blinded study involving 104 patients with total or subtotal tympanic membrane perforations was conducted. Patients were randomized into two groups: 52 with endoscopic single flap tympanoplasty, first group, and 52 with endoscopic double flap tympanoplasty, second group, between August 2017 and February 2019. The main outcome is graft take rate. Secondary outcomes include hearing results, pain score assessment, operative time and postoperative complications. Graft take rates were 94% and 98% for the first and second groups, respectively (P value = 0.307). Significant improvement was achieved in total air-bone gap from 21.45 ± 5.37 and 23.1 ± 4.47 preoperatively to 6.4 ± 5.46 and 6.15 ± 3.57 postoperatively for the first and second groups, respectively. Pain scores were not significantly different between the two groups. Mean operative time was significantly longer in the second group (P value = 0.010). There was no reported lateralization or anterior blunting in both groups. In repair of total and subtotal tympanic membrane perforations with inadequate anterior remnant, endoscopic enrollment provides excellent visualization and good manipulation at the anterior meatal angle area with favorable results, eliminating the need for adding an anterior tab and alleviating the burden of longer operative time. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03922295) "retrospectively registered" at 18/4/2019.

Current status of proximal gastrectomy for gastric and esophagogastric junctional cancer: A review.

Proximal gastrectomy (PG) is one of the function‐preserving surgical methods for the treatment of upper gastric cancer. Favorable postoperative results have been reported in comparison with total gastrectomy. However, because there are challenges, such as postoperative reflux esophagitis, anastomotic stenosis, and residual food, appropriate selection of a reconstruction method is crucial. Some methods include esophagogastric anastomosis, including simple esophagogastrostomy, tube‐like stomach esophagogastrostomy, side overlap with fundoplication by Yamashita, and double‐flap technique, and reconstruction using the small intestine, including double‐tract methods, jejunal interposition, and jejunal pouch interposition. However, standard reconstruction methods are yet to be established. PG has also been employed in early gastric cancer of the upper third of the stomach, and indications have also been extended to esophagogastric junction cancer, which has shown an increase in recent years. Although many retrospective studies have revealed the functional benefits or oncological safety of PG, the characteristics of each surgical procedure should be understood so that an appropriate reconstruction method, with a reflux prevention mechanism and minimal postoperative injury, can be selected.

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: A comparison of double-flap and single-flap techniques.

BackgroundDacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a procedure to restore the flow of tears into the nose from the lacrimal sac when the nasolacrimal duct obstructed. This study aimed to compare the success rates of two different techniques in endonasal endoscopic DCR; namely single and double mucosal flap techniques.Material and methodsA nonequivalent quasi-experiment design was used in this study. Retrospectively, patients underwent endoscopic DCR for primary nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction were included. Patients were divided into the single-flap technique and the double-flap technique groups. Success was defined as the achievement of patency of the NLD throughout the period of follow-up with significant improvement in epiphora.ResultsOverall, 77 cases were included in the final analysis. Mean age was 41 years and 60% were female. Forty-six cases underwent the single-flap technique and 31 cases underwent the double-flap technique. Recurrence of NLD obstruction occurred in 11 (23.9%) cases in the single-flap group and in only one case (3.2%) in the double-flap group.ConclusionThe modified double-flap technique for primary NLD obstruction resulted in less recurrence compared to the single-flap technique. Creating double flaps to cover any exposed lacrimal bone may reduce the rate of postoperative adhesions over the nasolacrimal duct ostium.

Functional and nutritional outcomes after gastric cancer surgery.

Recent improvements in diagnostic techniques and national screening programs have resulted in increasing number of patients diagnosed with early gastric cancer (EGC). The low incidence rate of lymph node metastasis and excellent survival rates after surgical treatment for EGC enabled the reduction in the extent of lymphadenectomy and the range of gastric resection for function-preserving gastrectomy. Thus, the quality of life (QOL) of patients with gastric cancer (GC) in the curative stage can be maintained. Moreover, these function-preserving procedures have been widely performed by less invasive procedures, such as laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) represent the two main function-preserving surgical procedures for GC. PPG is an alternative to distal gastrectomy (DG) for cT1 N0 EGC located in the middle part of the stomach. Preservation of the pyloric function is expected to prevent post-gastrectomy syndromes such as dumping syndrome. PG is an alternative to total gastrectomy (TG) and can thus be performed for cT1 N0 EGC located in the upper part of the stomach. Preservation of the residual stomach is expected to work as a reservoir for ingested food. The optimal reconstruction method after PG among the three most commonly performed procedures (esophagogastrostomy, jejunal interposition, and double-tract reconstruction) remains controversial. In addition to these three reconstruction methods, the novel double-flap technique (DFT) of esophagogastrostomy has gained attention recently because of its potential usefulness to prevent postoperative esophageal reflux. In this review article, we summarize the current evidence of PPG and PG with esophagogastrostomy by the DFT, focusing on postoperative nutrition and QOL.

A Novel Valvuloplastic Esophagogastrostomy Technique for Laparoscopic Transhiatal Lower Esophagectomy and Proximal Gastrectomy for Siewert Type II Esophagogastric Junction Carcinoma—the Tri Double-Flap Hybrid Method

Mini-abstractWe developed a novel technique for valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy, named tri double-flap hybrid method (TDF). TDF is shown to be simple and useful for Siewert type II esophagogastric junction carcinoma. BackgroundResearch has found valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy using the conventional hand-sutured double-flap (CDF) technique to be a useful anti-reflux procedure after proximal gastrectomy. However, no study has focused on this reconstruction procedure after laparoscopic transhiatal lower esophagectomy and proximal gastrectomy (LEPG) for esophagogastric junction carcinoma primarily because of its profound difficulty. Thus, we devised a novel technique for valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy comprising triangular linear-stapled esophagogastrostomy and hand-sutured flap closure, which we term the tri double-flap hybrid (TDF) method. MethodsAfter reviewing our institution’s prospective gastric cancer database, 59 consecutive patients with Siewert type II esophagogastric junction carcinoma who underwent LEPG with valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy from January 2014 to August 2018 were analyzed. Short- and mid-term surgical outcomes were then compared between the LEPG-TDF and LEPG-CDF groups to evaluate the efficacy of the TDF method. ResultsThe median operative time was 316 min (184–613 min) and blood loss was 22.5 ml (0–180 ml). In comparison between the two groups, the LEPG-TDF group had a significantly shorter operative time (298 vs. 336 min, p = 0.041) and significantly lower postoperative anastomotic leak/stenosis rates (0 vs. 14.2%, p = 0.045), compared to the LEPG-CDF group. No patient suffered from severe gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (Visick score ≥ III). ConclusionsThis study showed that double-flap valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy is safe and feasible for reconstruction after LEPG for Siewert type II esophagogastric junction carcinoma. Moreover, the TDF method is a simple and useful technique that offers a shorter operative time and lower morbidity compared to the CDF technique.

Autoaugmentation mastopexy using the double-flap technique

Breast drooping usually results from two concomitant factors: breast parenchymal involution, which leads to volume loss, altogether with a progressive laxity of the skin envelope which becomes inelastic and flabby (means so loose). The authors propose a double-flap technique which includes transposition of inferiorly based dermoglandular tissue underneath a superiorly based flap to achieve a central projection and upper fullness altogether with raising the inframammary crease. From May 2016 to November 2018, 25 patients underwent a double-flap autoaugmentation mammoplasty performed by the authors. Ages ranged from 25 to 45 years. All patients were nonsmokers and had body mass indexes (BMI) of less than 30. The mean follow-up period was 18 months All cases have had grade III breast ptosis with a broad-base, flappy breasts with deficient central projection. All patients aimed at having an augmented, elevated breast without insertion of a silicon implant. A total of 23 cases showed a significant improvement in breast contour and central projection, with overall satisfaction to both patient and surgeon. Two cases progressed to an implant augmentation subsequent to the mastopexy. One patient had postoperative seroma that were managed with frequent aspirations. The nipple areola complex (NAC) wounds passed smoothly in all cases without any complications regarding the vascularity or wound infection. The double-flap autoaugmentation mastopexy is a method of breast reshaping that adopts a concept of glandular rearrangement. In properly selected patients with adequate breast volume and moderate skin elasticity, with mild to moderate ptosis, who refuse a prosthetic implant insertion, this procedure safely and adequately restores the youthful conical breast appearance. Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Gingival Fenestration: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Gingival fenestration is rarely encountered clinical situation causing problems like root sensitivity, root caries and aesthetic problem. Although rare, this situation can be difficult to manage and needs multidisciplinary approach. This case report describes management of gingival fenestration defect with root exposure and endodontic lesion in upper left lateral incisor using multidisciplinary approach. Endodontic treatment followed by double papilla flap technique as coverage of gingival fenestration and finally crown was prosthetically rehabilitated. The result of this case with double papilla graft technique demonstrated satisfactory healing of the gingival fenestration defect with excellent colour and texture match with the surrounding tissues.

The Benefits of a Double-Flap Technique after Proximal Gastrectomy in Upper-Third Gastric Cancer

The Benefits of a Double-Flap Technique after Proximal Gastrectomy in Upper-Third Gastric Cancer

Surgical outcomes and risk assessment for anastomotic complications after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with double-flap technique for upper-third gastric cancer.

Double-flap technique (DFT) has received increased attention as an anastomotic procedure preventing reflux esophagitis after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) for upper-third gastric cancer. However, incidence of anastomotic stricture still remains high. This study was a retrospective review aimed to demonstrate details of surgical outcomes and to assess risk factors for anastomotic complications using pre-operative CT image after LPG with DFT (LPG-DFT). Patient background data, surgical outcomes, post-operative courses, and complications for patients who underwent LPG-DFT from January 2013 to June 2017 were collected. In addition to the details of short-term outcomes, risk factors for anastomotic stricture and gastroesophageal reflux were analyzed. The study sample was 147 patients, including 139 patients with upper-third gastric cancer and 8 patients with submucosal tumor of the upper-third stomach. The overall morbidity rate was 12.2% (18/147), and 97.3% (143/147) of the patients achieved R0 resection. Twelve (8.3%) patients required endoscopic balloon dilatation for anastomotic stenosis, and six (4.2%) suffered regurgitation grade ≥ B in the Los Angeles classification. Multivariate analysis revealed that diameter of the esophagus < 18mm on pre-operative CT image and the presence of short-term complications were found to be independent risk factors for post-operative anastomotic stenosis. No specific risk for gastroesophageal reflux was identified. The incidence rate of anastomotic complications after LPG-DFT was far lower than that reported after conventional esophagogastrostomy. Alternative anastomotic method may be considered for patients with diameter of the esophagus < 18mm on pre-operative CT image. Prevention of short-term complications may lessen post-operative stricture.