Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy Group Research Articles

Long-term outcome after laparoscopic gastrectomy: a multicenter retrospective study.

Despite its spread and advances, laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncologic outcomes and to identify the potential risk factors for recurrence and survival after LG in AGC patients. The medical records of patients who underwent radical LG for histopathologically diagnosed stage IB or more advanced gastric cancer from 2004 to 2012 were collected. The clinicopathologic factors and outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. LG was performed for 300 patients, with a median operative time of 278min and blood loss of 46ml. Postoperative morbidity was defined as Clavien-Dindo grades III and IV and occurred in 13 patients (6.3%) in the laparoscopic distal gastrectomy group. The pathologic stage was IB in 109 patients (36.3%), IIA in 77 patients (25.7%), IIB in 48 patients (16.0%), IIIA in 31 patients (10.3%), IIIB in 19 patients (6.3%), and IIIC in 16 patients (5.3%). Median follow-up period was 55.2months. The 3-year relapse-free survival (RFS) rate was 92.7% for stage IB, 87.0% for IIA, 68.8% for IIB, 64.5% for IIIA, 47.4% for IIIB, and 43.8% for IIIC. The 5-year actual overall survival rate was 91.1% for stage IB, 72.7% for II, and 62.5% for III. Multivariate analysis revealed postoperative complication as an independent risk factor for RFS. LG for AGC was feasible and provided comparable oncologic outcomes with those previously reported. Postoperative complications correlated with poor prognosis. Randomized control trials should be conducted to confirm these results of LG for AGC in the general population.

Evaluation of oncological adequacy of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with special attention to lymph node dissection: a comparison with conventional open gastrectomy.

Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) with lymphadenectomy has been revealed to be a useful treatment for early gastric cancer but oncological adequacy is controversial. To assess the quality of lymphadenectomy, we evaluated the number of dissected lymph nodes and the non-compliance rate (defined as an absence of nodal tissue at a node station that should have been resected) and compared the data obtained from 102 patients treated by LDG with those from 90 patients treated by open distal gastrectomy (ODG). The numbers of nodes of Categories 1 and 2, which correspond respectively to perigastric and retroperitoneal nodes, did not differ significantly between the LDG group and the ODG group. In the LDG group compared to the ODG group, there were significantly more right paracardial nodes (No. 1) but there were significantly fewer infrapyloric nodes (No. 6). However, the difference in infrapyloric nodes (No. 6) became insignificant when we re-analyzed and compared the ODG group and the patients (n=42) whose LDGs were performed by two experienced laparoscopic surgeons. The curability of gastric cancer on LDG was almost equivalent to that of ODG from the viewpoint of lymph node dissection, if the LDG is performed by two experienced laparoscopic surgeons. These data suggested that LDG with lymphadenectomy could possibly be adopted for advanced gastric cancer treatment under proper quality control, such as that provided by an experienced laparoscopic team.

Totally laparoscopic versus laparoscopy-assisted Billroth-I anastomosis for gastric cancer: a case-control and case-matched study.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety, feasibility and clinical results of the modified delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy (MDSG) in totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) for gastric cancer (GC).MethodsWe performed a case–control and case-matched study enrolling 642 patients with GC undergoing laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I anastomosis from January 2011 to December 2014. TLDG with MDSG was performed in 158 patients (Group TL), and laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy with circular anastomosis was performed in 484 patients (Group LA). One-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to compare the clinicopathological characteristics between the two groups.ResultsPatients with smaller tumors or stage I cancer were more likely to receive TLDG (P < 0.05). In the propensity-matched analysis of 143 pairs, there were no differences in demographic and pathologic characteristics between groups (all P < 0.05). All patients successfully underwent laparoscopic radical distal gastrectomy. Before PSM, Group TL had more dissected lymph nodes (LNs), a longer time to first fluid diet and a longer postoperative length of stay than Group LA (all P < 0.05). After PSM, except for the fact that more dissected LNs were obtained in Group LA (P < 0.05), no difference was found in the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between the groups (all P > 0.05). The postoperative complications were similar in both groups (all P > 0.05). Stratification analysis performed after PSM showed that in early GC, no difference was observed in intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between the groups (all P > 0.05). However, in locally advanced GC, Group TL had more dissected LNs and a higher rate of postoperative complications (both P < 0.05). Univariate analysis carried out in locally advanced cases after PSM showed that the body mass index (BMI), the method of digestive tract reconstruction and Charlson’s score were significant factors that affected postoperative morbidity (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that BMI was an independent risk factor for postoperative morbidity (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe MDSG in TLDG is safe and feasible for early GC; however, it should be chosen with caution in advanced GC, particularly in patients with a high BMI.

Totally laparoscopic D2 radical distal gastrectomy using Billroth II anastomosis: A case report.

Here, we present our first case of totally laparoscopic D2 radical distal gastrectomy using Billroth II anastomosis and evaluate its effectiveness in terms of minimal invasiveness, technical feasibility and safety for the resection of early gastric cancer. In the present case, only laparoscopic linear staplers were used for intracorporeal anastomosis. The time taken was 180 min, the anastomotic time was 15 min, the number of staples used was five, and the estimated blood loss was 30 ml. The first flatus was observed at 3 days, and a liquid diet was started at 6 days. The postoperative hospital stay was 8 days. No postoperative complications were noted with our case. In conclusion, totally laparoscopic Billroth II anastomosis using laparoscopic linear staplers for early gastric cancer is considered to be safe and feasible.

Can Robotic Gastrectomy Surpass Laparoscopic Gastrectomy by Acquiring Long-Term Experience? A Propensity Score Analysis of a 7-Year Experience at a Single Institution.

PurposeIt is hypothesized that robotic gastrectomy may surpass laparoscopic gastrectomy after the operators acquire long-term experience and skills in the manipulation of robotic arms. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term learning curve of robotic distal gastrectomy (RDG) for gastric cancer compared with laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG).Materials and MethodsFrom October 2008 to December 2015, patients who underwent LDG (n=809) were matched to patients who underwent RDG (n=232) at a 1:1 ratio, by using a propensity score matching method after stratification for the operative year. The surgical outcomes, such as trends of operative time, blood loss, and complication rate, were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe RDG group showed a longer operative time (171.3 minutes vs. 147.6 minutes, P<0.001) but less estimated blood loss (77.6 ml vs. 116.6 ml, P<0.001). The complication rate and postoperative recovery did not differ between the two groups. The RDG group showed a longer operative time and similar estimated blood loss compared with the LDG group after 5 years of experience (operative time: 159.2 minutes vs. 136.0 minutes in 2015, P=0.003; estimated blood loss: 72.9 ml vs. 78.1 ml in 2015, P=0.793).ConclusionsIn terms of short-term surgical outcomes, RDG may not surpass LDG after a long-term experience with the technique.

Critical factors that influence the early outcome of laparoscopic total gastrectomy.

Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) is a routinely performed procedure. However, clinical expertise in laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) is insufficient, and it is only performed at specialized institutions. This study aimed to identify critical factors associated with complications after laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG), particularly LTG. A large-scale database was used to identify critical factors influencing the early outcomes of LTG. Of 1248 patients with resectable gastric cancer who underwent LG, 259 underwent LTG. Predictive risk factors were determined by analyzing relationships between clinical characteristics and postoperative complications. Major complications after LTG were analyzed in detail. Multivariate analysis of all LG procedures revealed LTG as a risk factor for complications. Morbidity in the LDG and LTG groups was 6.2% (52 of 835 patients) and 22.4% (58 of 259 patients), respectively. Major post-LTG complications included anastomotic leakages and pancreatic fistulae. The rate of anastomotic leakage was significantly higher in the LTG group (5.0%) than in the LDG group (1.2%); however, it showed a tendency to decrease in more recent cases. Pancreatic fistulae occurred frequently after LTG with D2 lymphadenectomy (LTG-D2), particularly in cases of concomitant pancreatosplenectomy. Obesity was also associated with pancreatic fistula formation after LTG with pancreatosplenectomy. Compared with LDG, LTG is a developing procedure. Advances in the surgical techniques associated with the LTG procedure will improve the short-term outcomes of esophagojejunostomy. With regard to LTG-D2, establishing optimal and safe #10 node dissection is one of the most urgent issues. Pancreatic fistula after LTG with pancreatosplenectomy must be investigated in the future.

Comparison of Hand-assisted Laparoscopic and Open Radical Distal Gastrectomy for Obese Patients

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer in obese patients, we compare the operative outcomes in obese patients who underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (HALDG) and open distal gastrectomy (ODG). One hundred sixty-two obese patients with gastric cancer operated on in our department from January 2009 to December 2011 were divided into two groups: the open distal gastrectomy group (the ODG group) and the hand-assisted laparoscopic distal gastrectomy group (the HALDG group). Operative time, estimated blood loss, number of lymph node retrieval, wound length, times of analgesic injection, time to the first flatus, and postoperative hospital stay were compared between the two groups. Estimated blood loss, wound length, times of analgesic injection, time to the first flatus, and postoperative hospital stay were significantly less or shorter in the HALDG group than in the ODG group. There were no significant differences in tumor size, retrieved lymph nodes, American Joint Cancer Committee /Union Internationale Contre le Cancer staging, and resection margins between the two groups. Obesity should not be seen as a contraindication for HALDG. HALDG for obese patients is a safe, feasible, and oncologically sound procedure and has advantages over ODG.

Delta-shaped anastomosis in totally laparoscopic D2 radical distal gastrectomy.

With less injury and faster postoperative recovery, laparoscopic techniques have been widely applied in D2 radical gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer. Billroth I anastomosis is a common reconstruction procedure in D2 radical gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer. The delta-shaped anastomosis, an intra-abdominal Billroth I reconstruction, has been increasingly applied by gastrointestinal surgeons. This surgical video demonstrates the delta-shaped anastomosis in laparoscopic-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer.

A propensity score–matched case–control comparative study of laparoscopic and open extended (D2) lymph node dissection for distal gastric carcinoma

Technical proficiency at laparoscopic D2 lymph node dissection (LND) is essential for extending the use of laparoscopic surgery beyond the treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical and oncological feasibility of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) with D2 LND for distal gastric cancer. Of 922 patients who underwent open or LDG with D2 LND for gastric carcinoma, 133 treated by LDG and 133 treated by open distal gastrectomy (ODG) were selected using the propensity score matching method. The short-term surgical outcomes and long-term survivals of these matched groups were compared. The two study groups were well matched with respect to age, sex, body mass index, comorbidity, ASA score, abdominal operation history, and tumor stage. The LDG group had a significantly longer mean operating time (227 vs. 161 min, p < 0.001) but showed significantly less intraoperative blood loss (149 vs. 189 ml, p = 0.007). Total numbers of collected lymph nodes were similar in the two groups. Postoperatively, no significant intergroup differences were found for hospital stay, morbidity, or mortality. Furthermore, overall survivals were similar in the two groups (p = 0.621). Multivariate analysis showed that male gender, age ≥70 years, and intraoperative blood loss of ≥200 ml were independent risk factors of postoperative morbidity. Laparoscopic D2 LND for distal gastric cancer is technically safe and feasible compared with ODG. A prospective randomized trial is warranted to evaluate long-term oncological outcomes in advanced gastric carcinoma.

Short-term surgical outcomes and operative risks of laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) for gastric carcinoma: experience at a large-volume center

Despite the popularity of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG), laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) remains a challenging procedure because of its technical difficulties and possible complications. In this study, the authors evaluated the short-term surgical outcomes and operative risks of LTG. The records of 118 patients who underwent LTG for middle or upper gastric cancer were retrieved from a prospectively constructed database of 1,064 patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy between 2007 and 2011. Surgical outcomes of LTG, such as operative results, postoperative courses, morbidities, and mortality, were investigated and compared with those of LDG patients. Of the 118 LTG patients, one underwent open conversion and three experienced an intraoperative complication. Mean operating time was 292 ± 88 min, and the mean total number of harvested lymph nodes was 41 ± 16. As compared with the LDG group, the LTG group had a significantly longer operation time (292 vs. 220 min, p < 0.001), and significantly more intraoperative blood loss (256 vs. 191 ml, p = 0.002). The overall morbidity rate after LTG was 22.9%, which was significantly higher than after LDG (12.7%, p = 0.002). There were two postoperative mortalities in the LTG group. The most common complications after LTG were anastomosis leakage (n = 9) and luminal bleeding (n = 9), which were followed by anastomosis stricture (n = 4) and abdominal infection (n = 3). Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that old age [≥60 years, odds ratio (OR) = 2.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.95-6.84], intraoperative blood loss >200 ml (OR = 3.33, 95% CI = 1.14-9.70), and D2 lymphadenectomy (OR = 3.87, 95% CI = 1.30-11.55) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications after LTG. LTG is a feasible and acceptable procedure for treatment of middle or upper early gastric cancer. Further refinement of anastomosis techniques and considerable experience of laparoscopic gastrectomy are required for proper application of LTG in gastric carcinoma.

Comparison of Single-Incision Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy and Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer in a Porcine Model

The single-incision laparoscopic approach may be suitable for several intra-abdominal surgical interventions, but its usefulness for treating gastric cancer has not been established. The aim of this study is to compare the perioperative outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (SIDG) and conventional laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) by using a porcine model. Ten pigs were used to compare the perioperative outcomes of SIDG and LDG. All were subjected to the same distal gastrectomy with D1+β lymph node dissection method. Specimens retrieved during the operation were subjected to manual lymph node picking and counting. To evaluate the inflammatory reactions, white blood cell (WBC) counts and C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were measured before and 1 hour, 1 day, and 5 days after surgery. The pigs were sacrificed 1 week after surgery. The procedures were successfully performed in all pigs. The SIDG group lost more weight than the LDG group, but this was not statistically significant (3.34±2.36 kg versus 1.94±1.61 kg, P=.305). The SIDG group was associated with a significantly longer operation time (140±14.14 minutes versus 93±4.47 minutes, P<.001), but it had a similar mean number of resected lymph nodes (25±2.45 versus 22±4.87, P=.393). Variance analysis failed to detect significant WBC, CRP, IL-6, or TNF-α differences. At sacrifice, one pig from each group exhibited anastomosis narrowing. This animal study shows that SIDG can be applicable for treating gastric cancer with similar inflammatory reaction and complication rates when compared with LDG. Comparative human study is necessary to demonstrate the benefits of SIDG compared with standard laparoscopic surgery.