Intracorporeal Esophagojejunostomy Research Articles

The safety of esophagojejunostomy via a transorally inserted-anvil method vs extracorporeal anastomosis using a circular stapler during total gastrectomy for Siewert type 2 adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction.

BackgroundIntracorporeal esophagojejunostomy via a transorally inserted-anvil method during laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) for upper gastric cancer has been demonstrated to be feasible, but the use of this assessment exclusively for Siewert type 2 adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) has not been reported.MethodsA total of 428 consecutive gastric-cancer patients who underwent LTG in Nanfang Hospital from January 2008 to December 2016 were reviewed. Among these patients, 98 were classified as Siewert type 2 AEG. The patients underwent intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy through either a transorally inserted-anvil method (n = 27) or extracorporeal anastomosis usinga circular stapler (n = 71). After generating propensity scores with covariates that were associated with developing anastomotic leakage, 26 patients who underwent esophagojejunostomy via the transorally inserted-anvil method (transoral group) were 1:1 matched with 26 patients who underwent the procedure via extracorporeal anastomosis using a circular stapler (extracorporeal group). The safety after 30 days post-operatively was compared between the two groups.ResultsThe transoral group and extracorporeal group were balanced regarding the baseline variables. The operative time, reconstruction duration, number of dissected lymph nodes, length of the proximal resection margins, estimated blood loss, intra-operative complication rate, and post-operative recovery course were not significantly different between the two groups. The mean anvil-insertion completion time (9.7 ± 3.0 vs 13.4 ± 2.0 minutes, P < 0.001) and the median incision length (5.5 vs 7.0 cm, P < 0.001) in the transoral group were shorter than those in the extracorporeal group. The incidence of post-operative complications (26.9% vs 23.1%, P = 0.749) and the classification of complication severity (P = 0.939) were similar between the two groups.ConclusionsIntracorporeal esophagojejunostomy through a transorally inserted-anvil method may be a potentially safe approach to simplify and optimize the procedure during LTG for Siewert type 2 AEG.

Four stay-sutures method: a simplified hand-sewn purse-string suture in laparoscopic circular-stapled esophagojejunostomy.

Laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy is a challenging procedure because of its technical difficulty. We herein report a new method involving circular-stapled anastomosis using a hand-sewn suture with four stay-sutures and evaluate its outcomes. Esophagojejunostomy using this method was performed in 36 consecutive patients with clinical stage I gastric cancer at the authors' institutions. The key feature of our procedure was the placement of four full-thickness stay-sutures to anchor the esophageal stump prior to the hand-sewn purse-string suture. The median operation time and mean anvil fixation time were 315.5 and 21.9min, respectively. The mortality rate was 0%, although anastomotic leakage following esophagojejunostomy was observed in 1 patient (2.8%), and anastomotic stenosis was observed in another patient (2.8%). Intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy using the four stay-sutures method appears to be safe and feasible. We believe that this method enables hand-sewn purse-string suturing to be performed more easily.

Intracorporeal Esophagojejunostomy Using a Circular or a Linear Stapler in Totally Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy: a Propensity-Matched Analysis.

PurposeThere is no consensus on the optimal method for intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (EJ) in laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG). This study aims to compare 2 established methods of EJ anastomosis in LTG.Materials and MethodsA total of 314 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer that underwent LTG in the period from January 2013 to October 2016 were enrolled in the study. In 254 patients, the circular stapler with purse-string “Lap-Jack” method was used, and in the other 60 patients the linear stapling method was used for EJ anastomosis. After propensity score matching, 58 were matched 1:1, and retrospective data for patient characteristics, surgical outcome, and post-operative complications was reviewed.ResultsThe 2 groups showed no significant difference in age, body mass index, or other clinicopathological characteristics. After propensity score matching analysis, the linear group had shorter operating time than the circular group (200.3±62.0 vs. 244.0±65.5, P≤0.001). Early postoperative complications in the circular and linear groups occurred in 12 (20.7%) and 15 (25.9%, P=0.660) patients, respectively. EJ leakage occurred in 3 (5.2%) patients from each group, with 1 patient from each group needing intervention of Clavien-Dindo grade III or more. Late complications were observed in 3 (5.1%) patients from the linear group only, including 1 EJ anastomosis stricture, but there was no statistical significance.ConclusionsBoth circular and linear stapling techniques are feasible and safe in performing intracorporeal EJ anastomosis during LTG. The linear group had shorter operative time, but there was no difference in anastomosis complications.

A Novel Technique of Hand-Sewn Purse-String Suturing by Double Ligation Method (DLM) for Intracorporeal Circular Esophagojejunostomy.

PurposeThe optimal method for intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy remains unclear because a purse-string suture for fixing the anvil into the esophagus is difficult to perform with a laparoscopic approach. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate our novel technique to fix the anvil into the esophagus.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study included 202 patients who were treated at our institution with an intracorporeal circular esophagojejunostomy in a laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction (166 cases) or a laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy with jejunal interposition (36 cases). After incising 3/4 of the esophageal wall, a hand-sewn purse-string suture was placed on the esophagus. Next, the anvil head of a circular stapler was introduced into the esophagus. Finally, the circular esophagojejunostomy was performed laparoscopically. The clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes were evaluated and compared with those of other methods.ResultsThe average operation time was 200.3 minutes. The average hand-sewn purse-string suturing time was 6.4 minutes. The overall incidence of postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo classification grade ≥II) was 26%. The number of patients with an anastomotic leakage and stenosis at the esophagojejunostomy site were 4 (2.0%) and 12 (6.0%), respectively. All patients with stenosis were successfully treated by endoscopic balloon dilatation. There was no mortality. Regarding the materials and devices for anvil fixation, only 1 absorbable thread was needed.ConclusionsOur procedure for hand-sewn purse-string suturing with the double ligation method is simple and safe.

Stenosis after esophagojejunostomy with the hemi-double-stapling technique using the transorally inserted anvil (OrVil™) in Roux-en-Y reconstruction with its efferent loop located on the patient's left side following laparoscopic total gastrectomy.

The drawback of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy with the double-stapling technique (DST) using a transorally inserted anvil (OrVil™, Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) following laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) is not only the high incidence of stenosis but also the presence of intractable stenosis that is refractory to endoscopic treatments. From November 2013 to December 2016, 24 patients with gastric cancer underwent intracorporeal circular-stapled esophagojejunostomy with the hemi-double-stapling technique (hemi-DST) using the OrVil™ in antecolic Roux-en-Y reconstruction with its efferent loop located on the left side of the patient following LTG to prevent twisting of the esophagojejunostomy and lifted jejunum, which might cause intractable stenosis of the esophagojejunostomy. In this patient series, no twisting of the esophagojejunostomy and lifted jejunum was encountered intraoperatively or postoperatively. Two stenoses of the esophagojejunostomy occurred. Because neither was involved with twisting and both were localized at the anastomotic plane, endoscopic treatments including balloon dilation and electrocautery incisional therapy were successful in both cases. There were no patients with intractable stenosis in this series. Intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy with the hemi-DST using the OrVil™ in antecolic Roux-en-Y reconstruction with its efferent loop located on the left side of the patient can be one option for a circular stapling technique in LTG due to its prevention of intractable stenosis of the esophagojejunostomy that is refractory to endoscopic treatments.

The crossover technique for intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy following laparoscopic total gastrectomy: a simple and safe technique using a linear stapler and two barbed sutures.

Totally laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) is preferred over open gastrectomy because it allows safe anastomosis, a small wound, and early bowel recovery. However, esophagojejunostomy (EJS) following laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) remains technically challenging. To popularize LTG, a secure method of reconstruction must be developed. We present a simple and safe technique for intracorporeal EJS following LTG. Our modified technique for intracorporeal EJS as a part of Roux-en-Y reconstruction following LTG incorporates an isoperistaltic stapled EJS with closure of the entry hole using two unidirectional barbed sutures. First, a side-to-side isoperistaltic EJS is created between the dorsal and left side of the esophagus and the jejunal arm. Second, the opening for the stapler is closed with a two-layer continuous suture using two 15-cm 3-0V-Loc suture devices. The full-thickness inner layer closure commences from the sides of the staple lines and progresses toward the center of the enterotomy. During suturing, the remaining thread is utilized to apply tension and lift the enterotomy. Once the full-thickness layer closure is complete at the center of the enterotomy, suturing of the second seromuscular layer is started in the forward direction toward each corner to give a crossover-shaped suturing line. From February 2012 to October 2017, 27 patients with gastric cancer underwent LTG with intracorporeal stapled EJS as a part of Roux-en-Y reconstruction. All procedures were successfully performed without any intra- or postoperative anastomosis-related complications. No conversion to other procedures was required. The mean suturing time was 19.1 ± 9.5min. The mean postoperative time to tolerating a liquid diet was 3.3days, and the mean hospital stay was 12.1days. We herein report our procedure for intracorporeal EJS using a linear stapler and barbed sutures. This technique is simple and feasible and has acceptable morbidity.

Comparison of Intracorporeal and Extracorporeal Esophagojejunostomy after Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis Based on Short-Term Outcomes.

Background:Laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) is increasingly performed in patients with gastric cancer. However, the usage of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (IEJ) following LTG is limited, as the safety and efficacy remain unclear. The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of IEJ following LTG.Methods:Studies published from January 1994 to January 2017 comparing the outcomes of IEJ and extracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (EEJ) following LTG were reviewed and collected from the PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, Embase, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI). Operative results, postoperative recovery, and postoperative complications were compared and analyzed. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the Review Manager 5.3.Results:Seven nonrandomized studies with 785 patients were included. Compared with EEJ, IEJ has less blood loss (WMD: −13.52 ml; 95% CI: −24.82–−2.22; P = 0.02), earlier time to first oral intake (WMD: −0.49 day; 95% CI: −0.83–−0.14; P < 0.01), and shorter length of hospitalization (WMD: −0.62 day; 95% CI: −1.08–−0.16; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between IEJ and EEJ regarding the operation time, anastomotic time, number of retrieved lymph nodes, time to first flatus, anastomosis leakage rate, anastomosis stenosis rate, and proximal resections (all P > 0.05).Conclusions:Compared with EEJ, IEJ has better cosmesis, milder surgical trauma, and a faster postoperative recovery. IEJ can be performed as safely as EEJ. IEJ should be encouraged to surgeons with sufficient expertise.

Safety evaluation on initial 100 consecutive procedures of self-pulling and latter transected esophagojejunostomy

To evaluate the feasibility and the short-term safety of self-pulling and latter transected esophagojejunostomy(SPLT) in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG). One hundred patients with gastric cancer received TLTG-SPLT at General Surgery Department of Huashan Hospital (Fudan University) from June 2014 to January 2017(SPLT group). The clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical and postoperative outcomes were collected retrospectively and compared with the conventional group undergoing TLTG plus overlap or functional end-to-end anastomosis from October 2013 to December 2015. D2 lymph node dissection was regularly performed for all the patients. In SPLT group, a sterile hemp rope was held to ligate and drag down the esophagus to maintain "self-pulling" after the duodenum was transected by the first stapler, allowing the detachment of the posterior mediastinum. Then a hole 2-3 cm above the ligature rope was made on the right-posterior wall of the esophagus. When the mesenteric tension was checked, another hole was made at the anti-mesenteric border of the jejunum 20 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. A side-to-side esophagojejunostomy (E-J) was then performed between the right-posterior wall of esophagus and the anti-mesenteric wall of the jejunum with the second linear stapler, forming an entry hole. The "latter transection" was applied with the third stapler inserted from the assistant's Trocar, which facilitated the esophagus and the afferent loop jejunum to be simultaneously transected above the level of the entry hole. After that, a side-to-side jejunojejunostomy(J-J) with another 2 staplers was carried out between the afferent loop stump and the Roux limb 40 cm below E-J, in which the E-J entry hole could also work as the entrance for the stapler. The TLTG-SPLT was therefore completed and the specimen was removed through the incision from the umbilical Trocar site. There were 66 male and 34 female patients in the SPLT group with median age of 64 years. The clinicopathologic baseline data of two groups were comparable(all P>0.05). All the patients underwent operations successfully, and none was converted to open surgery. No positive margin was found in either group. Mean operation duration was (178.2±35.9) minute in SPLT group, including (22.9±7.1) minute of reconstruction, which both were significantly shorter than those in conventional group [(204.4±55.8) minute, P=0.003; (30.5±7.2) minute, P=0.000]. Less blood loss [(74.3±72.5) ml vs. (104.2±71.6) ml, P=0.017] and earlier time to the first flatus [(1.9±1.6) days vs. (2.7±1.3) days, P=0.001] were observed in SPLT group. There were no significant differences in postoperative hospital stay and pathological findings between the two groups(all P>0.05). Postoperative operation-associated complications were found in 7 cases of SPLT group. Of these 7 patients, 1 case developed gastrointestinal bleeding, 3 pancreatic leakage, 2 chyle leakage, who all were discovered within postoperative 1 week and were cured by conservative treatment, while the other 1 case developed anastomotic fistula complicated with peritoneal infection who received laparoscopic exploration and peritoneal scavenge and drainage, then discharged 34 days later. Six patients in conventional group developed postoperative operation-associated complications, including 1 case of anastomotic bleeding, 3 cases of pancreatic leakage, 1 case of chyle leakage and 1 case of peritoneal infection. Morbidity of postoperative operation-associated complication was not significantly different between two groups [7.0%(7/100) vs. 11.5%(6/52), χ2=0.414, P=0.520]. Fifty patients from two groups underwent endoscopic examination at postoperative 6-month and 12-month, and no obvious anastomotic stenosis and esophageal reflux were observed. SPLT is a safe procedure with feasibibility in intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy.

Laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer with adult intestinal malrotation: a case report

We herein report a rare case of gastric cancer with adult intestinal malrotation successfully treated by laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) considering an adequate design of Roux-en-Y reconstruction. A 67-year-old man with cStage IV advanced gastric cancer had been treated with platinum-fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy and was eventually down-staged to ycStage I; thus, radical resection was planned. During the exploration in staging laparoscopy, non-rotation type intestinal malrotation was incidentally found. LTG with D2 dissection was employed followed by Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Because of the abnormal orientation of the intestines, the Roux limb was brought up in reverse C-shape to assume natural contours. Intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy was done using a linear stapler, unusually introduced from a left lower abdominal port to adjust its axis to the intestine. When gastric surgery is required for such patients it is important to design an adequate Roux limb in consideration of the anatomical relevance of the intestines.

Intra-corporeal hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy is a safe and feasible procedure for totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy: short-term outcomes in 100 consecutive patients.

An optimal method for intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy has not yet been standardized. This study sought to introduce intracorporeal hand-sewn end-to-side esophagojejunostomy after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy. The author conducted a consecutive series of 100 intracorporeal hand-sewn esophagojejunostomies after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy for upper third gastric cancer from September 2012 to December 2016. All patients were successfully operated on without conversion to open- or laparoscope-assisted surgery. The mean reconstruction time was 45min, and the time until first flatus was 4days. The time to start a soft diet was 7days. The length of postoperative hospital stay was 8days. The overall postoperative morbidity was 8%, including one anastomotic leak, and the mortality was zero. The median follow-up duration was 13months; no anastomotic strictures were encountered. Intracorporeal hand-sewn end-to-side esophagojejunostomy after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy is a safe and feasible procedure. This method can identify negative margins with intraoperative frozen sections before reconstruction and could be a good option for performing intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy with an advanced endoscopic suture technique.

A modified efficient purse-string stapling technique (mEST) that uses a new metal rod for intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy in laparoscopic total gastrectomy.

Intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy after laparoscopic total gastrectomy is technically difficult because this procedure should be performed in a narrow surgical field in the upper abdomen even when completely laparoscopic approaches are used. The placement of the anvil of a circular stapling device into the esophagus and connection the instrument to the anvil are extremely difficult steps in this surgery. Therefore, we developed a simple technique for intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy using hemi-double stapling technique; we named this technique the efficient purse-string stapling technique (EST). More recently, we have developed a modified EST (mEST) that utilizes a new stainless steel anvil rod instead of a plastic rod. Relative to the plastic rod, the steel rod is reusable and shorter; thus, it was easier to perform anvil placement into the esophagus with the steel rod. Anvil preparation for mEST: a stainless steel rod is attached to the shaft of the anvil, and the needle and thread are sutured to the tip of the rod. After complete insertion of the anvil into the esophageal cavity, the needle and thread are used to penetrate the anterior esophageal wall, and the esophagus is then clamped using a linear stapler just distal to the site penetrated by the thread. The linear stapler is fired, and anvil placement in the esophagus is simultaneously accomplished. After the rod is removed from the anvil, the instrument is intracorporeally connected to the anvil and then fired to complete the gastrojejunostomy. This technique is simple and facilitates intracorporeal reconstruction procedures in laparoscopic total gastrectomy.

Esophagojejunostomy Using the Purse-String Suturing Device After Laparoscopic Total or Proximal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer.

Performing a safe esophagojejunostomy is important for the standardization of laparoscopic total gastrectomy. We have performed intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy by a circular stapler using the purse-string suturing device that we co-developed. The advantage of this device is that it makes use of the same surgical procedure as open surgery, but it does not depend on the surgeon's technical skills since this device does not require the laparoscopic hand-sewn technique. Furthermore, we have also adapted this device for double-tract reconstruction after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy. In this study, we present the surgical procedures and postoperative short-term outcomes that were obtained using this novel technique. We enrolled 94 patients that underwent intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy by circular stapler using our device after laparoscopic total or proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer between November 2009 and October 2016. Postoperative complications related to esophagojejunostomy were due to anastomotic stenosis in two cases (2.1%) and leakage of the jejunum stump in one case (1.1%). Intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy by circular stapler using the purse-string suturing device is safe and feasible. This method can be one of the standard procedures for performing intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy.

Technical Feasibility of Enterotomy Closure with Knotless Barbed Suture Material (V-Loc 180) in Esophagojejunostomy Using Linear Stapler during Totally Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

ABSTRACTPurpose: Intra-corporeal esophagojejunostomy (EJ) using a linear stapler creates a stapler entry hole that requires secure closure during the totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) procedure for gastric cancer. Since a standard method has not been established yet, the feasibility of using V-loc 180 (Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) suture material was evaluated in this study. Materials and methods: During January 2012 to March 2015, 25 patients who underwent linear stapling EJ and V-loc 180 closure of remaining enterotomy were included in this study. Basic clinico-pathological characteristics, surgical outcomes, and short-term complications were analyzed. Results: The mean patient age was 60.4 ± 8.5 years. Nineteen males and six females were included in this study. The mean body mass index was 25.3 ± 2.3 kg/m2. There were 22 stage-I, 2 stage-II, and 1 stage-III gastric cancer patients. The mean operation time was 240.5 ± 44.6 min, and the time for anastomosis was 38.8 ± 11.2 min. The procedures were successfully performed in all cases without any intra-operative complications. There was one case of EJ leakage that occurred at the corner of EJ staple line and not at the enterotomy closure site. Conclusions: The closure of the remaining enterotomy site using V-loc 180 suture following linear stapler EJ is technically feasible and safe during the TLTG procedure. However, further experience and results from other surgeons are necessary to generalize this procedure.

Modified overlap method using knotless barbed sutures (MOBS) for intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy after totally laparoscopic gastrectomy.

Compared to end-to-side anastomosis with a circular stapler, the overlap method is favored for intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy because it facilitates handling of the stapler, even in narrow spaces, and wider anastomosis. However, it associates with technical difficulties during anastomosis, including difficult traction on the esophageal stump that necessitates stay sutures. Here, we introduce a new modified overlap method that employs knotless barbed sutures (MOBS) and report the outcomes of our case series. All consecutive patients who underwent intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy in 2015-2016 were included. All patients underwent surgery as follows: After esophageal transection with a linear stapler, two V-loc 90 sutures (Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) were sutured in the center of the stapled line. The opening was made between the two threads, and the intraluminal space was identified. The jejunum was ascended toward the esophageal stump by inserting a 45-mm-long linear staple. The anastomosis was made at the space between the right and left crura. After firing the linear stapler, the entry hole was closed bidirectionally using the pre-sutured threads. Forty patients underwent MOBS (27 by laparoscopy; 13 by robot). Mean total operative and MOBS procedural times were 180.6 and 22.4min, respectively. Mean hospital stay was 6.9days. Two patients had major complications (5.0%). There were no anastomosis-related complications. Laparoscopy and robot subgroups did not differ in mean MOBS procedural times (22.2 vs. 22.7min, p=0.787). MOBS is a safe and feasible method that is a good option for intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy after laparoscopic gastrectomy.

Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric stump cancer: analysis of 7 cases

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric stump cancer. Clinical and follow-up data of 7 patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric stump cancer in our department from January 2008 to July 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 5 male and 2 female patients, with a mean age of (62.1±10.7) years. Initial gastrectomy was performed for gastric cancer in 3 patients and peptic ulceration in 4. The initial surgery was B-II( gastrojejunostomy in 6 patients and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy in 1. Duration between primary gastrectomy and occurrence of gastric stump cancer was ranged from 6-30 years for peptic ulceration, and from 11-15 years for gastric cancer. During the operation, adhesiolysis and exploration to locate the tumor were performed. Following total remnant gastrectomy and lymphadenectomy, intracorporeal anastomosis was accomplished by Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The methods of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy were end-to-side approach using a circular stapler in 1 patient, side-to-side approach using an endoscopic linear staple in 2 patients, and hand-sewn technique in 4 patients. The operation time was (247.1±17.5) minutes and the intraoperative blood loss was (100.0±30.8) ml without transfusion. The number of retrieved lymph node was 19.1±4.8. The first flatus time, diet resumption time, postoperative hospital stay were (3.3±1.5) days, (3.7±0.8) days, (9.4±2.6) days, respectively. One patient experienced gastrointestinal bleeding that was managed conservatively and ultimately cured. Seven patients were followed up till January 2016. After follow-up from 6 to 38 months, 1 patient died of peritoneal metastasis 17 months after surgery, and 1 patient died of Alzheimer's disease 19 months after surgery. The other 5 patients were still alive without metastasis or recurrence. Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric stump cancer is feasible and safe.

Totally Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer at a Single Institutional Experience and Changes in Technique of Esophagojejunostomy.

The totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) for gastric cancer has not gained widespread acceptance due to its technical difficulties, especially with the intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (IEJS). Various modified procedures for the IEJS have been devised, but an optimal method has not yet been standardized. A total of 32 consecutive patients (23 men and 9 women) underwent TLTGs for gastric cancer, between December of 2009 and December of 2014 at the Iwate Medical University Hospital, and were enrolled in this study. Here, we report our institution's experience with TLTGs, with changes in the IEJS. The study participants had a mean age of 66.8years and a body mass index of 22.8kg/m2. The mean operation time and blood loss were 356.1min and 61.2mL, respectively. According to the IEJS, there were 6 circular stapler (CS) (single and double stapling techniques) and 26 linear stapler (LS) (overlap technique and functional end-to-end anastomosis) procedures performed. Two patients, who had undergone IEJS by double stapling technique, developed anastomotic stenosis and required endoscopic balloon dilatations of the anastomotic sites. Therefore, we changed to LS to secure the abundant anastomotic diameter. In our institute, some problematic complications in the IEJS procedure occurred at the introduction of the TLTG. We have overcome these complications by changing and standardizing the IEJS techniques, and by cultivating the laparoscopic techniques.

Comparison of single-stapling and hemi-double-stapling methods for intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy using a circular stapler after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy

Laparoscopic total gastrectomy is not widely performed because of the difficulty of esophagojejunal reconstruction. This study analyzed complication rates of two different methods for reconstruction by a circular stapler after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG). Between 2010 and 2014, clinical data of 19 patients who underwent TLTG for gastric adenocarcinoma were collected retrospectively. There were two methods to fix the anvil of a circular stapler into the distal esophagus: In the single-stapling technique (SST) group, Endo-PSI(II) was used for purse-suturing on the distal esophagus for reconstruction, and in the hemi-double-stapling technique (hemi-DST) group, the esophagus was cut by linear stapler with the entry hole of the anvil shaft opened after inserting the anvil tail. In both groups, surgical procedures were the same, except for the reconstruction. All TLTGs were performed securely without mortality. Intracorporeal laparoscopic esophagojejunal anastomosis was performed successfully for all the patients. In the hemi-DST group, four patients experienced anastomotic stenosis, three of whom required endoscopic balloon dilation. In contrast, no stenosis was seen in the SST group (p=0.033). Anastomosis with SST is preferred to that with hemi-DST to minimize postoperative complications.

Short-term outcomes of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy using the transorally inserted anvil versus extracorporeal circular anastomosis during laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a propensity score matching analysis

BackgroundTo assess the short-term outcomes of intracorporeal Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy using the transorally inserted anvil (OrVil) compared with extracorporeal circular Roux-en-Y anastomosis during laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) for gastric cancer. MethodsFrom January 2011–April 2014, a total of 165 consecutive patients with gastric cancer underwent either intracorporeal Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy (n = 25) using the Orvil or extracorporeal circular anastomosis (n = 140) during LTG. After generating propensity scores with six covariates, including gender, age, body mass index (BMI), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, tumor location, and tumor size, 25 patients undergoing the OrVil method (intracorporeal group) were one-to-one matched with 25 patients undergoing the extracorporeal method (extracorporeal group). The short-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. ResultsBoth groups were balanced regarding baseline variables. The total operative time was not significantly different between the two groups (216.5 ± 24.9 min versus 224.0 ± 30.5 min, P = 0.344), whereas either the duration of anvil insertion (9.9 ± 2.4 min versus 12.9 ± 2.0 min, P < 0.001) or reconstruction completion (44.4 ± 9.4 min versus 50.1 ± 5.4 min, P = 0.012) in the intracorporeal group was less. The mean length of minilaparotomy in the intracorporeal group was shorter (5.6 ± 0.4 cm versus 7.2 ± 1.7 cm, P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in intraoperative complication rate, estimated blood loss, length of proximal margin, or postoperative recovery course (including the time to first flatus, liquid resumption, liquid, and soft diet) between the two groups. No patients suffered from anastomosis-related complications. The overall morbidity rates of 28.0% in the intracorporeal group and 32.0% in the extracorporeal group were comparable (P = 0.758). ConclusionsIntracorporeal Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy using the transorally inserted anvil system may be a safe procedure during LTG for gastric cancer. However, a longer follow-up in a well-designed randomized controlled trial is necessary to more thoroughly evaluate this technique.

A Simple and Reliable Method for Intracorporeal Circular-Stapled Esophagojejunostomy Using a Hand-Sewn Over-and-Over Suture Technique in Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy.

The controversy regarding laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) is mainly due to the difficulty associated with esophagojejunostomy during this procedure. Although several techniques have so far been reported to overcome this issue,1 (-) 4 a reliable technique has not yet been established. We developed intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy using a circular stapler in LTG with a hand-sewn over-and-over suture technique, and have shown its favorable outcomes compared with those of conventional open surgery.5 This technique is presented in the video. After transection of the esophagus, an over-and-over suture with a 2-0 monofilament is placed counterclockwise from the right to the left side of the cut end in an outside-to-inside direction, and then from the left to the right side in an inside-to-outside direction. After insertion of the anvil head into the esophagus, it was fixed by ligation of the thread. Finally, intracorporeal esophagojejunal anastomosis was performed using a circular stapler. In LTG, reconstruction using this method was performed for 23 consecutive patients with gastric cancer. There were no serious intraoperative complications or need for conversion to open surgery. Anastomotic leakage and stenosis occurred in one case each, respectively. The mean time for fixation of the anvil to the esophagus was 15 min for the last 12 consecutive patients. This method is simple and feasible, and the advantage of this technique is the elimination of the backhand stroke throughout the suturing procedure.

A systematic review of laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) has been performed since 1999. Although surgical outcomes have been reported from Japan, Korea, China, and many Western countries, the effectiveness of this technique has not been conclusively established. This study therefore aimed to review the literature systematically. Our search of the research literature identified 150 studies, which were mostly retrospective and from single institutions. There has recently been a remarkable increase in the number of studies from Korea, and the number of patients included in studies has increased since 2009. In most studies, the surgical procedures were longer, blood loss was reduced, and the number of retrieved lymph nodes was the same in the LTG group as in the open total gastrectomy group. The incidence of postoperative complications and that of inflammation during postoperative recovery were the same in these two groups. During LTG, the method used for esophagojejunostomy is important for surgical reliability and to reduce postoperative complications. There has been rapid development of new techniques from the level of esophagojejunostomy through a small skin incision to the high level of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy using various techniques. A nationwide prospective phase II study is urgently needed to establish the value of LTG.