Proximal Gastrectomy For Gastric Cancer Research Articles

The Long-Term Results of Proximal Gastrectomy for Proximal Gastric Cancer: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis Based on SEER Database.

Proximal gastrectomy (PG) is one of function-preserving gastrectomy (FPG). In this study, we compared the long-term results of proximal gastric cancer (PGC) patients undergoing proximal gastrectomy and total gastrectomy (TG). Patients diagnosed with PGC and receiving PG or TG between 2004 and 2020 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to minimize confounding factors. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test were used to compare overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) between the PG and TG groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors affecting OS. A total of 3916 patients were recruited according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, with 2614 undergoing PG and 1302 undergoing TG. After 1:1 PSM matching, 912 pairs of data were included for analysis. Before PSM matching, PG group tended to have better OS and CSS outcomes. However, after PSM matching, both surgical approaches showed similar long-term results. PG for PGC yields comparable long-term outcomes to TG and demonstrates safety in terms of oncologic outcomes.

Intraoesophageal pressure in patients receiving proximal gastrectomy with hinged double flap method for gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study

Background: Objective functional assessment of esophagogastric anastomosis in patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy with the hinged double flap method for gastric cancer has not been well investigated. This study aimed to perform a functional analysis of reconstruction using high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM). Materials and methods: The authors enroled 25 patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer between May 2015 and April 2020 and subsequently underwent HRIM postoperatively. Eligible questionnaires [Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-37 (PGSAS-37)] were retrieved from 16 patients. The association between HRIM data and PGSAS-37 was analyzed. Results: The amplitudes of distal oesophageal peristaltic waves, contractile front velocity, and distal latency assessed by HRIM were almost normal after surgery. Most patient’s lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) resting pressure created by the hinged double flap was within normal limits. Conversely, LES residual pressure values during swallowing-induced relaxation were abnormally high in most patients, and the lower the values, the more severe the reflux and diarrhoea symptoms (P=0.038, P=0.041, respectively). In addition, even when the integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) was normal, lower values corresponded to more severe reflux symptoms (P=0.020). The required LES pressure may be higher after proximal gastrectomy because of the relatively higher intragastric pressure due to the reduced volume of the remnant stomach. This also suggests that swallowing-induced relaxation of the LES was considered a trigger for oesophageal reflux in post-proximal gastrectomy patients. Conclusion: LES residual pressure and IRP values in HRIM correlated with reflux symptoms in patients after proximal gastrectomy.

Surgical Approach to the Upper Side of the Gastrosplenic Ligament During Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy for Proximal Gastric Cancer: Operative Techniques and Initial Results.

Background: Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer has become widespread as minimally invasive surgical treatment, but use of laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) remains limited because of the technical difficulty and complexity of lymphadenectomy at the splenic hilum. Surgical techniques and initial experiences with the surgical approach to the upper side of the gastrosplenic ligament during LTG are introduced. Materials and Methods: Between January 2019 and December 2022, 57 patients with proximal gastric cancer underwent LTG using this approach. Results: Regarding the extent of lymphadenectomy, D1+, D2, spleen-preserving D2 + 10, and D2 + 10 with splenectomy were performed in 31, 18, 4, and 4 patients, respectively. Operative time was 341 (192-724) minutes, and estimated blood loss was 30 (0-515) g. There were no conversions to laparotomy and no postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III. Conclusions: The present procedure is safe and feasible and provides an excellent operative view at the splenic hilum, making it easier to determine exactly the extent of lymphadenectomy in accordance with cancer progression.

Adequate gross resection margin length ensuring pathologically complete resection in gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A positive resection margin (RM) is associated with poor survival after gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC). However, the adequate RM length to avoid a positive RM remains controversial. We performed a systematic review to examine the RM length required to avoid a positive RM in gastrectomy for GC. This systematic review involved all relevant articles identified in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov until August 2023. The incidence of a positive RM related to the RM length and the possible incidence of a positive RM estimated from the discrepancy between the gross and pathological RM length were evaluated. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to quantify study quality. Thirteen studies involving 8983 patients were analyzed. Investigation of the incidence of a positive RM in relation to the RM length showed that a proximal RM length of 6 cm guaranteed a negative RM in gastrectomy. Analyses of the possible incidence of a positive RM revealed that a negative RM would be guaranteed if the proximal RM length was 6 cm in distal gastrectomy, if the esophageal resection length was 2 cm in total gastrectomy for GC without esophageal invasion and 2.5 cm in total or proximal gastrectomy for GC with esophageal invasion or esophagogastric junction cancer, and if the distal RM length was 4 cm in proximal gastrectomy for early GC. The adequate RM lengths to ensure a pathologically negative RM in each type of gastrectomy for GC were herein suggested.

Outcomes of Proximal Versus Total Gastrectomy for Proximal Gastric Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of a Western Center Experience

PurposeIn this western study, we aimed to compare perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications, and overall survival in patients who underwent total gastrectomy (TG) or proximal gastrectomy (PG) for proximal gastric cancer (GC). MethodsPatients who underwent GC surgery at Marmara University Hospital between January 2014 and December 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance the baseline characteristics of patients undergoing PG and TG. Data on patients’ demographics, clinicopathological features of tumors, complications, and survival rates were analyzed. Perioperative outcomes and overall survival of the patients were compared between PG and TG groups. ResultsA total of 212 patients were included in this study, with 53 patients in the PG and 159 in the TG group. After 1:1 matching according to PSM, 46 patients in the PG group were matched to 46 in the TG group. After PSM, there were no differences in clinicopathological outcomes except retrieved lymph nodes. In terms of short-term outcomes, overall perioperative morbidity (Clavien Dindo ≥ 3a) was significantly higher in the PG group (p = 0.01). However, there was no significant difference when the complications were considered separately. In the long-term follow-up, reflux esophagitis was associated with the PG group (p=0.04). In multivariate analysis, positive surgical margin and lymphovascular invasion were significant factors related to overall survival. Overall, 5-year survival was 55% in matched patients. The difference in survival was not statistically significant (57 vs. 69 months, p = 0.3) between the two groups. ConclusionsProximal gastrectomy is applicable to patients up to stage 3 disease, with no difference in overall survival, with caution in early complications and reflux esophagitis. Among all demographic and oncological factors, lymphovascular invasion and resection margin were significantly associated with worse survival.

The comparison of long-term oncological outcomes and complications after proximal gastrectomy with double tract reconstruction versus total gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer

BackgroundConventional methods for treating patients with proximal gastric cancer (PGC) include proximal gastrectomy (PG) and total gastrectomy (TG) and such methods have become challenging due to double tract reconstruction (DTR). However, the clinical outcomes remain unclear. This study was performed with the aim of verifying that PG-DTR was beneficial in terms of reducing the incidence of postoperative complications and improving the prognosis.MethodsThe PGC patient cohort was retrospectively grouped into the PG-DTR and TG groups. Clinicopathological features, complications, and survival data were compared between the two groups.ResultsA total of 388 patients were included in the analyses. Patients who were subjected to TG tended to have more severe gastroesophageal reflux (GR) (P = 0.041), anemia (P = 0.007), and hypoalbuminemia (P < 0.001). Overall survival rates, regardless of clinical stage, were significantly different between the PG-DTR and TG groups (all P < 0.05). The multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that surgical procedure, tumor size, infiltration depth, lymph node metastasis, differentiation, and age were independent risk factors. The patients were likely to benefit from PG-DTR (all HR > 1 and P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the risks of GR, anemia, and hypoalbuminemia (all P > 0.05). Moreover, the nomogram derived from significant parameters showed great calibration and discrimination ability and significant clinical benefit.ConclusionsThe patients who underwent PG-DTR had a favorable prognosis. The risk of postoperative complications, such as severe GR, anemia, and hypoalbuminemia, was lower in PG-DTR than in TG. Thus, PG-DTR is more beneficial for patients with PGC and may be a valuable and promising surgical procedure.

Esophagogastrostomy with fundoplication versus double-tract reconstruction after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

346 Background: Upper-third gastric cancer has been increasing in incidence worldwide and performance of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy has become increasing common. Various reconstructive procedures after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy have been reported, but the optimal reconstructive procedure is unclear. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 53 consecutive patients with early gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach who received laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy at our hospital between September 2013 and November 2019. Of these 53 patients, 39 underwent esophagogastrostomy with fundoplication. In the 14 patients requiring resection of the abdominal esophagus or where the size of the remnant stomach was 50% or less, we performed double-tract reconstruction. We compared the surgical and nutritional outcomes of patients who underwent esophagogastrostomy or double-tract reconstruction after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding blood loss, incidence of postoperative complications, occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, food intake, reflux symptoms, or usage of proton pump inhibitors. There was no significant difference in the rate of body weight change at 6 or 12 months, or in biochemical markers (hemoglobin, total protein and albumin) at 12 months. However, eight patients (21%) in the esophagogastrostomy group had extreme body weight loss (≥20%) within 12 months. Conversely, in the double-tract reconstruction group, no patients had any extreme body weight loss ( P = 0.013). Conclusions: Double-tract reconstruction is useful after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy, especially in terms of preventing extreme body weight loss.

Clinical outcomes of proximal gastrectomy with gastric tubular reconstruction and total gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer: A matched cohort study.

Proximal gastrectomy with gastric tubular reconstruction is a surgical procedure that can preserve function in patients with proximal gastric cancer. However, whether gastric tubular reconstruction with proximal gastrectomy has certain advantage in some aspects over total gastrectomy is controversial. To evaluate the benefit of gastric tubular reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy, we compared gastric tubular reconstruction with total gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer. A total of 351 patients were enrolled. Concurrent total gastrectomy patients matched with the Proximal gastrectomy group in age, sex, body mass index, clinical stage, and ASA score were selected by propensity score matching. Preoperative basic information, perioperative indicators, histopathological features, postoperative complications and nutritional status, reflux were compared between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of reflux between two groups (14.8% and 6.5% respectively, P = 0.085). There were significant differences between the two groups in bowel function recovery (2.29 ± 1.16 vs. 3.01 ± 1.22; P = 0.039) and start of soft diet (4.06 ± 1.81 vs. 4.76 ± 1.69; P = 0.047). There were no significant differences between the two groups in nutritional status one year after surgery. However, the decrease in serum hemoglobin in the TG group at 3 and 6 months after surgery was significantly higher than that in the PG group (P = 0.032 and 0.046, respectively). One month after surgery, %BW loss in TG group was significantly lower than that in the PG group (P = 0.024). The Proximal gastrectomy group has better clinical outcome and gastric tubular reconstruction is simple, similar complications and reflux rates, gastric tubular reconstruction may be more suitable for proximal gastric cancer.

Effect of Four Main Gastrectomy Procedures for Proximal Gastric Cancer on Patient Quality of Life: A Nationwide Multi-Institutional Study.

This study aimed to examine the effects of 4 main types of gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer on postoperative symptoms, living status, and quality of life (QOL) using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45). We surveyed 1,685 patients with upper one-third gastric cancer who underwent total gastrectomy (TG; n=1,020), proximal gastrectomy (PG; n=518), TG with jejunal pouch reconstruction (TGJP; n=93), or small remnant distal gastrectomy (SRDG; n=54). The 19 main outcome measures (MOMs) of the PGSAS-45 were compared using the analysis of means (ANOM), and the general QOL score was calculated for each gastrectomy type. Patients who underwent TG experienced the lowest postoperative QOL. ANOM showed that 10 MOMs were worse in patients with TG. Four MOMs improved in patients with PG, while 1 worsened. One MOM was improved in patients with TGJP versus 8 MOMs in patients with SRDG. The general QOL scores were as follows: SRDG (+39 points), TGJP (+6 points), PG (+3 points), and TG (-1 point). The TG group experienced the greatest decline in postoperative QOL. SRDG and PG, which preserve part of the stomach without compromising curability, and TGJP, which is used when TG is required, enhance the postoperative QOL of patients with proximal gastric cancer. When selecting the optimal gastrectomy method, it is essential to understand the characteristics of each and actively incorporate guidance to improve postoperative QOL.

Digestive tract reconstruction after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy for Gastric cancer: A systematic review.

The incidence of gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma has gradually increased. Proximal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy is recommended for early gastric cancer of the upper third of the stomach. Because total gastrectomy is often accompanied by body mass loss and nutrient absorption disorders, such as severe hypoproteinemia and anemia, Proximal gastrectomy is more frequently recommended by researchers for early upper gastric cancer (T1N0M0) and Siewert II gastroesophageal junction cancer less than 4 cm in length. Although some functions of the stomach are retained after proximal gastrectomy, the anatomical structure of the gastroesophageal junction can be destroyed, and the anti-reflux effect of the cardia is lost. In recent years, as various reconstruction methods for anti-reflux function have been developed, some functions of the stomach are retained, and serious reflux esophagitis is avoided after proximal gastrectomy. In this article, we summarized the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of various classic reconstruction methods and latest improved reconstruction method including esophageal and residual stomach anastomosis, tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis, muscle flap anastomosis, jejunal interposition, and double-tract reconstruction.

Proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Cardia function-preserving surgery and anti-reflux anastomotic method after proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: Current status and future perspectives.

The incidence and mortality of gastric cancer ranked 5th and 3rd worldwide, respectively, in 2018, and the incidence of gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma increased over the past 40 years. Radical resection and lymph node dissection is the preferred treatment for gastric cancer. Proximal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy is usually performed for gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma and upper gastric cancer. Owing to the resection of the cardia structures, the incidence of reflux esophagitis increases significantly after proximal gastrectomy and total gastrectomy, resulting in poor postoperative quality of life. To reduce the incidence of reflux esophagitis and improve patients' postoperative quality of life, various methods to preserve the function of the cardia or to perform anti-reflux reconstruction have emerged. In this manuscript, we systematically introduced the advantages and problems of various anti-reflux anastomotic method after proximal gastrectomy, and cardia-preserving gastrectomy including endoscopic resection (ER), local gastrectomy by gastroscopy combined with laparoscopy, segmental gastrectomy, subtotal gastrectomy, and cardia-preserving radical gastrectomy. Cardia-preserving radical gastrectomy has the advantage of more thorough lymph node dissection and wider indications than those for subtotal gastrectomy. However, the clinical efficacy of cardia-preserving radical gastrectomy requires verification in prospective and controlled clinical trials. Cardia-preserving radical gastrectomy is a promising approach as one of the more reasonable anti-reflux surgeries.

A multicenter retrospective study on the efficacy of different anti-reflux reconstruction methods after proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Objective: To examine the clinical efficacy of 3 anti-reflux methods of digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Methods: The clinical data and follow-up data of gastric cancer patients who underwent anti-reflux reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy in 11 medical centers of China from September 2016 to August 2021 were retrospectively collected, including 273 males and 65 females, aging of (63±10) years (range: 28 to 91 years). Among them, 159 cases were performed with gastric tube anastomosis (GTA), 107 cases with double tract reconstruction (DTR), and 72 cases with double-flap technique (DFT), respectively. The duration of operation, length of postoperative hospital stay and early postoperative complications (referring to Clavien-Dindo classification) of different anti-reflux reconstruction methods were assessed. Body mass index, hemoglobin and albumin were used to reflect postoperative nutritional status. Reflux esophagitis was graded according to Los Angeles criteria based on the routinely gastroscopy within 12 months after surgery. The postoperative quality of life (QoL) was evaluated by Visick score system. The ANOVA analysis, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, χ2 test and Fisher's exact test were used for comparison between multiple groups, and further comparison among groups were performed with LSD, Tamhane's test or Bonferroni corrected χ2 test. The mixed effect model was used to compare the trends of Body mass index, hemoglobin and albumin over time among different groups. Results: The operation time of DFT was significantly longer than that of GTA and DTR ((352±63) minutes vs. (221±66) minutes, (352±63) minutes vs. (234±61) minutes, both P<0.01). The incidence of early complications with Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅱ to Ⅴ in GTA, DFT and DTR groups was 17.0% (27/159), 9.7% (7/72) and 10.3% (11/107), respectively, without significant difference among these three groups (χ2=3.51, P=0.173). Body mass index decreased more significantly in GTA than DFT group at 6 and 12 months after surgery (mean difference=1.721 kg/m2, P<0.01; mean difference=2.429 kg/m2, P<0.01). body mass index decreased significantly in DTR compared with DFT at 12 months after surgery (mean difference=1.319 kg/m2, P=0.027). There was no significant difference in hemoglobin or albumin fluctuation between different reconstruction methods perioperative. The incidence of reflux esophagitis one year after surgery in DTR group was 12.9% (4/31), which was lower than that in DFT (45.9% (17/37), χ2=8.63, P=0.003). Follow-up of postoperative quality of life showed the incidence of Visick grade 2 to 4 in DFT group was lower than that in GTA group (10.4% (7/67) vs. 34.6% (27/78), χ2=11.70, P=0.018), while there was no significant difference between DFT and DTR group (10.4% (7/67) vs. 22.2% (8/36, P>0.05). Conclusions: Compared with GTA and DTR, DFT is more time-consuming, but there is no significant difference in early complications among three methods. DFT reconstruction is more conducive to maintain postoperative nutritional status and improve QoL, especially compared with GTA. The risk of reflux esophagitis after DTR reconstruction is lower than that of DFT.

Effects of Proximal Gastrectomy and Various Clinical Factors on Postoperative Quality of Life for Upper-third Gastric Cancer Assessed using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45): A PGSAS NEXT Study

It is important to determine the effect of clinical factors on several domains (symptoms, living status, and quality of life [QOL]) after gastrectomy to establish individualized therapeutic strategies. This study was designed to determine the factors-particularly surgical method-that influence certain domains after gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer by using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45) questionnaire. We conducted a nationwide study of PGSAS-45 questionnaire responses retrieved from 1950 (82.5%) patients from 70 institutions who had undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Of these, 1,538 responses for proximal gastric cancer (1020 total gastrectomies and 518 proximal gastrectomies [PGs]) were examined. PG significantly and favorably affected four main outcome measures (MOMs): elderly affected 10 MOMs, male sex affected 4 MOMs, longer postoperative period affected 8 MOMs, preservation of the vagus nerve affected 1 MOM, adjuvant chemotherapy affected 1 MOM, clinical stage affected 2 MOMs, and more extensive lymph node dissection affected 2 MOMs. However, the laparoscopic approach had an adverse effect on MOMs and combined resection of other organs had no favorable effect on any MOMs. This PGSAS NEXT study showed that it is better to perform PG for proximal gastric cancer, even for patients with advanced cancer, to obtain favorable postoperative QOL if oncological safety is guaranteed. Because the MOMs of PGSAS-45 are positively and negatively influenced by various background factors, it also is necessary to provide personalized care for each patient to prevent deterioration and further improve symptoms, living status, and QOL postoperatively.

Comparison of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction and laparoscopic total gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer with stage cT1-2.

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and nutritional benefits of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) with double-tract reconstruction (DTR) in comparison with laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG).The demographic, clinical, and pathological data and postoperative nutritional status of patients undergoing LPG with DTR (n = 21) or LTG (n = 26) at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital between January 2016 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed and compared.The operative time in the LPG group was slightly longer than that in the LTG group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Blood loss was not significantly different between groups. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was higher in the LTG group than in the LPG group (P = .02). The time to first flatus, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications were comparable between the groups. During the 3-year postoperative follow-up, a statistically significant decrease in hemoglobin level was observed in the LTG group. There were no differences between the two groups of patients before and after the operation regarding albumin levels. The mean vitamin B12 level was higher in the LPG group than in the LTG group from 12 to 18 months postoperatively.LPG with DTR is an acceptable procedure for patients with upper gastric cancer. LPG with DTR has numerous potential advantages in preserving the physiological and nutritional functions of the remnant stomach and the conservation of the gastric reservoir.

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.

Effectiveness of a Novel Covered Stent without External Thread Fixation for Anastomotic Leakage after Total or Proximal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer.

Simple SummaryA covered self-expandable metal stent using external fixation using silk thread (thread-fix stent) is an effective treatment for anastomotic leakage after esophago-gastric surgery. However, a thread-fix stent also entails long hospitalization and patient discomfort. This study found that the Niti-S Beta stent which does not need thread-fix was an effective treatment for anastomotic leakage after total or proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Because patients who received the Nitis-S Beta stent had minimal discomfort, the stent maintenance was possible without hospitalization.A thread-fix stent entails long hospitalization and patient discomfort. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel stent with silicone-covered outer double layers without external fixation (Beta stent) for anastomotic leakage after total or proximal gastrectomy. The outcomes were compared between gastric cancer patients who underwent stent placement using a thread-fix stent between 2014 and 2015 (Thread-Fix Group) and those who received a Beta stent in the succeeding period until October 2018 (Beta Stent Group). The Beta Stent Group (n = 14) had a significantly higher leakage healing rate by the first stent placement (92.9% vs. 53.8%; p = 0.021) and had a shorter hospitalization period (median: 16 days vs. 28 days; p = 0.037) than the Thread-Fix Group (n = 13). Further, 50% of the Beta stent patients received outpatient management until stent removal. Stent maintenance duration was significantly longer in the Beta Stent Group (median, 28 days vs. 18 days; p = 0.006). There was no significant between-group difference in stent-related complications except for stent migration (7.1% (Beta Stent Group) vs. 0% (Thread-Fix Group), p = 0.326). In conclusion, the Niti-S Beta stent is an effective treatment for anastomotic leakage from total or proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Stent maintenance is possible without hospitalization.

Intracorporeal Esophagojejunostomy during Reduced-port Totally Robotic Gastrectomy for Proximal Gastric Cancer: a Novel Application of the Single-Site® Plus 2-port System

PurposeIntracorporeal esophagojejunostomy during reduced-port gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer is a technically challenging technique. No study has yet reported a robotic technique for anastomosis. Therefore, to address this gap, we describe our reduced-port technique and the short-term outcomes of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent a totally robotic reduced-port total or proximal gastrectomy between August 2016 and March 2020. We used an infra-umbilical Single-Site® port with two additional ports on both sides of the abdomen. To transect the esophagus, a 45-mm endolinear stapler was inserted via the right abdominal port. The common channel of the esophagojejunostomy was created between the apertures in the esophagus and proximal jejunum using a 45-mm linear stapler. The entry hole was closed with a 45-mm linear stapler or robot-sewn continuous suture. All anastomoses were performed without the aid of an assistant or placement of stay sutures.ResultsAmong the 40 patients, there were no conversions to open, laparoscopic, or conventional 5-port robotic surgery. The median operation time and blood loss were 254 min and 50 mL, respectively. The median number of retrieved lymph nodes was 40.5. The median time to first flatus, soft diet intake, and length of hospital stay were 3, 5, and 7 days, respectively. Three (7.5%) major complications, including two anastomosis-related complications and a case of small bowel obstruction, were treated with an endoscopic procedure and re-operation, respectively. No mortality occurred during the study period.ConclusionsIntracorporeal esophagojejunostomy during reduced-port gastrectomy can be safely performed and is feasible with acceptable surgical outcomes.

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.

Robotic Double Tract Reconstruction After Proximal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer.

Robotic Double Tract Reconstruction After Proximal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer.