Subtotal Gastrectomy For Gastric Cancer Research Articles

Vitamin D add on the standard treatment for myasthenia gravis symptoms following total gastrectomy: a case report

BackgroundMyasthenia gravis (MG) is a long-term autoimmune disorder that affects the neuromuscular junction, causing muscle weakness and fatigue as its primary clinical features. Vitamin D is crucial for both the autoimmune response and skeletal muscle function.Case presentationHere, we presented a case report documenting the substantial improvement in symptoms experienced by a patient who underwent subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer following high-dose Vitamin D supplementation. The patient developed generalized MG two months after the surgery and did not respond adequately to pyridostigmine therapy, experiencing a progressive deterioration of the condition. A significant reduction in vitamin D concentration was observed following subtotal gastrectomy. In response, high-dose vitamin D supplementation was administered to the patient. Within one week of treatment, swallowing symptoms improved, enabling the consumption of a small amount of liquid food. By the second week, substantial swallowing and neck function improvements were evident. After one month, the patient regained the ability to straighten the neck while walking and consumed a regular diet despite persistent difficulties chewing hard food.ConclusionsThis case underscores the therapeutic potential of vitamin D in alleviating MG symptoms, particularly in individuals with compromised vitamin D levels following gastrectomy. The observed improvements present a new perspective on the possible involvement of vitamin D supplementation in the management of postoperative MG cases.

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

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

Association Between Gut Regulatory Hormones and Post-operative Weight Loss Following Gastrectomy in Patients With Gastric Cancer.

Background/AimsPost-operative weight loss in patients with gastric cancer lead to a poor quality of life and long-term survival. This study aims to evaluate the effects of gut regulatory hormones on post-operative weight loss in patients with subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted for 12 months post-surgery in 14 controls and 13 gastrectomy patients who underwent subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Serum plasma ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1, gastric inhibitory peptide-1, peptide YY, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance responses to a standardized test meal were recorded at multiple time points before and after gastrectomy at 4 and 12 months.ResultsThe mean weight difference between the pre-operative state and the 4-month period was significantly reduced to 6.6 kg (P = 0.032), but significant weight reduction was not observed from 4 months to 12 months. The plasma levels of glucagon-like peptide-1, gastric inhibitory peptide-1, and peptide YY were significantly increased 4 months postoperatively compared to the pre-operative state (all P = 0.035); however, pre-operative levels and relative changes over a period of 0-4 months of hormones were not correlated with body weight changes. Only the pre-operative ghrelin at peak had a negative correlation with changes in weight reduction in the 4 months after surgery (ρ = −0.8, P = 0.024).ConclusionsSignificant weight reduction was common after subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer with a negative correlation pre-operative plasma ghrelin levels. Incretin hormones are modestly but significantly increased after subtotal gastrectomy; however, these changes did not affect the weight changes.

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

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

Reduced-port totally robotic distal subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: 100 consecutive cases in comparison with conventional robotic and laparoscopic distal subtotal gastrectomy

By overcoming technical difficulties with limited access faced when performing reduced-port surgery for gastric cancer, reduced-port totally robotic gastrectomy (RPRDG) could be a safe alternative to conventional minimally invasive gastrectomy. An initial 100 consecutive cases of RPRDG for gastric cancer were performed from February 2016 to September 2018. Short-term outcomes for RPRDG with those for 261 conventional laparoscopic (CLDG) and for 241 robotic procedures (CRDG) over the same period were compared. Learning curve analysis for RPRDG was conducted to determine whether this procedure could be readily performed despite fewer access. During the first 100 cases of RPRDG, no surgeries were converted to open or laparoscopic surgery, and no additional ports were required. RPRDG showed longer operation time than CLDG (188.4 min vs. 166.2 min, p < 0.001) and similar operation time with CRDG (183.1 min, p = 0.315). The blood loss was 35.4 ml for RPRDG, 85.2 ml for CLDG (p < 0.001), and 41.2 ml for CRDG (p = 0.33). The numbers of retrieved lymph nodes were 50.5 for RPRDG, 43.9 for CLDG (p = 0.003), and 55.0 for CRDG (p = 0.055). Postoperative maximum C-reactive protein levels were 96.8 mg/L for RPRDG, 87.8 mg/L for CLDG (p = 0.454), and 81.9 mg/L for CRDG (p = 0.027). Learning curve analysis indicated that the overall operation time of RPRDG stabilized at 180 min after 21 cases. The incidence of major postoperative complications did not differ among groups. RPRDG for gastric cancer is a feasible and safe alternative to conventional minimally invasive surgery. Notwithstanding, this procedure failed to reduce postoperative inflammatory responses.

Kết quả sớm của phẫu thuật nội soi hoàn toàn cắt gần toa dạ dày điều trị ung thư dạ dày

Tóm tắt Đặt vấn đề: PTNS cắt bán phần dưới dạ dày điều trị ung thư biểu mô dạ dày đã dần được chấp nhận và áp dụng rộng rãi. Tuy nhiên, ngay cả với những phẫu thuật viên nhiều kinh nghiệm, PTNS cắt gần toàn bộ dạ dày điều trị ung thư biểu mô dạ dày, với phần dạ dày còn lại sau cắt rất nhỏ (10 – 20%), vẫn còn nhiều thử thách và nhiều tranh cãi, đặc biệt là khả năng nạo hạch hệ thống cũng như tái lập lưu thông sau cắt gần toàn bộ dạ dày. Tại Việt Nam, chưa có bất cứ nghiên cứu nào về phẫu thuật nội soi hoàn toàn cắt gần toàn bộ dạ dày nạo hạch tiêu chuẩn D2 điều trị ung thư biểu mô dạ dày, đặc biệt là cho nhóm ung thư biểu mô dạ dày vị trí 1/3 giữa. Phương pháp nghiên cứu: nghiên cứu tiến cứu, tại bệnh viện Đại học Y Dược TP HCM có 40 người bệnh (NB) ung thư biểu mô dạ dày được PTNS cắt gần toàn bộ dạ dày và nạo hạch tiêu chuẩn D2 trong khoảng thời gian từ tháng 1 năm 2018 đến tháng 5 năm 2019. Các dữ liệu lâm sàng và kết quả phẫu thuật được lượng giá. Kết quả: Thời gian phẫu thuật trung bình là 224,5 phút (từ 150 phút đến 360 phút), lượng máu mất trung bình là 25,6 ml (từ 10ml đến 200ml). Thời gian tái lập lưu thông trung bình là 32 phút (từ 15 phút đến 50 phút). Không có biến chứng trong mổ. Không có tử vong sau mổ. Biến chứng sau mổ gặp 2 trường hợp (5%): 1 tràn dịch màng phổi trái, và 1 nhiễm trùng vết mổ. Thời gian nằm viện trung bình là 7,8 ngày (từ 5 đến 14 ngày). Không có trường hợp nào xì miệng nối dạ dày hỗng tràng hoặc mỏm tá tràng. Kết luận: PTNS cắt gần toàn bộ dạ dày điều trị ung thư dạ dày nạo hạch tiêu chuẩn là an toàn, khả thi. Hơn nữa kỹ thuật này có thể thực hiện đối với ung thư dạ dày 1/3 giữa, thậm chí 1/3 trên, và có thể áp dụng thường qui. Abstract Background: Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma has been accepted and worldwide applied. However, even experienced surgeons, laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma, remaining small part of stomach (10 – 20%) are still challenges and discussable issue among surgeons around the world, especially in lymph node dissection and reconstruction of intestinal tract. Nowadays in Viet Nam, no research about laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy with standard D2 lymph node dissection for adenocarcinoma is available, especially the lesion is located in one third part of stomach. Materials and Method: This is a prospective study, conducted at the Pharmacy and Medicine University in Ho Chi Minh city. 40 patients underwent the laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy associated with the standard lymph node dissection from Jan 2018 to May 2019 enrolled. The clinical database and surgical outcomes were assessed and quantified. Results: The average operation time was 224,5 minutes ( from 150 to 360 minutes), average blood loss is 25,6 ml (range, 10 to 90ml), average anastomosis time is 32 minutes (range, 15 to 50 minutes). No complications were observed during surgery. There were no deaths, and post-operative morbidity were two cases, accounted for 5%: one pleural effusion, and one surgical site infection. The average hospital length stay was 7,8 days ( from 5 to 14 days). No leakage of gastrojejunostomy or duodenal stump fistula. Conclusions: Laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy with standard D2 lymph node dissection for gastric cancer is safe, feasible. Additionally, it is also reliable gastric cancers located in middle third, and even upper third of stomach, and could be routinely applied. Key words: Gastric cancer, laparoscopic surgery, subtotal gastrectomy.

Factors associated with metastasis in superior mesenteric vein lymph node in subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: Retrospective case control study.

ObjectiveThe revised Japanese treatment guideline for gastric cancer recommends dissection of the superior mesenteric vein lymph node (No. 14v LN) if there is metastasis in infrapyloric lymph node (No. 6 LN). However, it is still controversial whether LN dissection is necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with metastasis in No. 14v LN.MethodsPatients who underwent D2 lymphadenectomy between 2003 and 2010 were included. We excluded patients who underwent total gastrectomy, had multiple lesions, or had missing data about the status of metastasis in the LNs that were included in D2 lymphadenectomy. Clinicopathologic characteristics and the metastasis in regional LNs were compared between patients with No. 14v LN metastasis (14v+) and those without (14v−).ResultsFive hundred sixty patients were included in this study. Univariate analysis showed that old age, larger tumor size, tumor location, differentiation, lymphatic invasion, venous invasion, perineural invasion, T classification, and N classification were related to metastasis in No. 14v LN. Multivariate analysis showed differentiation (P=0.027) and N classification (P<0.001) were independent related factors. Metastasis in infrapyloric lymph node (No. 6 LN) and proxiaml splenic lymph node (No. 11p LN) was independently associated with metastasis in No. 14v LN.ConclusionsDifferentiation and N classification were independent factors associated with No. 14v LN metastasis, and No. 6 and No. 11p LN metastasis were independent risk factors for No. 14v LN metastasis.

30. Subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer with situs inversus totalis: A case report and literature review

30. Subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer with situs inversus totalis: A case report and literature review

Meta-analysis of gastric stump cancer after gastrectomy for gastric cancer

To study the clinicopathological features and prognosis of gastric stump cancer (GSC) following subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer, to compare the clinicopathologic differences between narrow GSC and generalized GSC, and to compare the prognosis between GSC and primary proximal gastric cancer (PPGC) after radical resection. Literatures of GSC-associated clinical study were searched by computer from the Cochrane Library, Medline, PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP databases, and the retrieval period was from the establishment of database to December 31, 2017. (1) GSC was defined as a carcinoma arising in the gastric remnant after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer, and confirmed by the pathological or histological examination, the elapsed time from the initial operation was not considered in the definition. (2) Retrospective or prospective clinical cohort study. (3) Study included at least one of below items: gender, anastomotic type in gastric cancer surgery, the interval between the initial surgery and diagnosis of GSC, the location, treatment, pathological differentiation, pathologic stage, lymph node metastasis rate and prognosis of GSC. (4) When similar studies were reported by the same institution or author, either the better quality study or the newest publication was chosen. (1) Abstracts, reviews, case reports, meeting record, editorials and repeated research. (2) Studies including patients with initial non-gastric cancer. In this study, gastric stump cancer(GSC) after gastric cancer was divided into two groups: the incidence without limit interval time (generalized GSC group) and above 10 years (narrow GSC group). Selective trials were Meta-analyzed by the Stata13.0 software and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 software. A total of 27 literatures were finally enrolled, which comprised 1463 GSC patients, including 1146 males and 317 females. The generalized group and narrow GSC group had 921 and 542 patients respectively. The generalized GSC group and the narrow GSC group did not significantly differ in terms of previous reconstruction mode, types of differentiation, pathologic T staging, postoperative pathology tumor-node-metastases staging, and distant metastasis rate (χ2=2.341, 0.926, 0.350, 0.965, 2.311 respectively, all P>0.05). As compared to generalized GSC group, narrow GSC group had higher ratio of male patients (82.8% vs. 75.7%, χ2=9.909, P=0.002), more lesions locating in anastomotic stoma (37.8% vs. 26.1%, χ2=18.091, P=0.000), higher ratio of patients undergoing radical resection (84.2% vs. 70.3%, χ2=11.738, P=0.001), higher positive rate of postoperative lymph node (45.8% vs. 34.5%, χ2=6.319, P=0.012), and larger size of tumor [(5.9±2.2) cm vs. (4.5±1.9) cm, t=9.151, P=0.000]. The overall 5-year survival rate and postoperative pathology stage III(-IIII( survival ratio in narrow GSC group were higher compared to general GSC group (42.7% vs. 30.6% and 27.5% vs. 18.1%, respectively), which were significantly different (χ2=10.938, P=0.000; χ2=4.128, P=0.042), while the postoperative pathology stage I(-II( survival ratio was not significantly different between two groups (67.3% vs. 67.0% respectively, χ2=0.015, P=0.92). There was no significant difference in the 5-year survival rate between GSC with radical resection and PPGC(RR=1.04, 95%CI:0.79-1.36, P=0.805) and the 5-year survival rate of same postoperative pathology stage was not significantly different between two groups (I(-II( stage: RR=1.08, 95%CI:0.93-1.26, P=0.328; III(-IIII( stage: RR=0.59, 95%CI:0.33-1.04, P=0.111). There are some different clinicopathological features between the generalized and the narrow GSC after gastric cancer surgery. The prognosis of GSC after radical resection is similar to primary proximal gastric cancer.

Combined acupuncture and general anesthesia on immune and cognitive function in elderly patients following subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

This study investigated the effects of acupuncture combined with general anesthesia on postoperative immune and cognitive functions in elderly patients undergoing subtotal gastrectomy. We recruited 96 elderly patients who received anesthesia for subtotal gastrectomy and randomly divided them into control (n=48) and experimental (n=48) groups. The control group received general anesthesia and the experimental group received combined acupuncture and general anesthesia. We measured hemodynamic immediately before and after anesthesia induction, and immune observations before and after surgery. We found no significant differences in mean heart rate (HR), mean oxygen saturation (SpO2), and partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2) in the perioperative period between the two groups. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was lower in the experimental group than that in the control group (P<0.05). The levels of cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3+), CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in both groups were significantly lower after surgery in both groups (P<0.05). We also found some time-points in which the immune markers where significantly higher in the experimental group. In terms of adverse reactions, there were no differences in nausea, vomiting, and hypoxemia between the two groups (P>0.05), but the incidence of delayed recovery and postoperative agitation were significantly lower in the experimental group compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). One day after surgery, the experimental group showed better protection of cognitive function than the control group (P<0.05). Overall, combined acupuncture and general anesthesia in elderly gastric cancer patients receiving subtotal gastrectomy showed more stable hemodynamics and fewer stress responses during surgery. Thus, combined acupuncture and general anesthesia can shorten the recovery time from anesthesia, have less negative effects on immune function and decrease the incidence of postoperative cognitive impairment.

Letter to the Editor: Is There an Obesity Paradox in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Subtotal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer?

Letter to the Editor: Is There an Obesity Paradox in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Subtotal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer?

A Novel Roux-en-Y Reconstruction Involving the Use of Two Circular Staplers after Distal Subtotal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer.

PurposeAlthough Roux-en-Y (R-Y) reconstruction after distal gastrectomy has several advantages, such as prevention of bile reflux into the remnant stomach, it is rarely used because of the technical difficulty. This prospective randomized clinical trial aimed to show the efficacy of a novel method of R-Y reconstruction involving the use of 2 circular staplers by comparing this novel method to Billroth-I (B-I) reconstruction.Materials and MethodsA total of 118 patients were randomly allocated into the R-Y (59 patients) and B-I reconstruction (59 patients) groups. R-Y anastomosis was performed using two circular staplers and no hand sewing. The primary end-point of this clinical trial was the reflux of bile into the remnant stomach evaluated using endoscopic and histological findings at 6 months after surgery.ResultsNo significant differences in clinicopathological findings were observed between the 2 groups. Although anastomosis time was significantly longer for the patients of the R-Y group (P<0.001), no difference was detected between the 2 groups in terms of the total surgery duration (P=0.112). Endoscopic findings showed a significant reduction of bile reflux in the remnant stomach in the R-Y group (P<0.001), and the histological findings showed that reflux gastritis was more significant in the B-I group than in the R-Y group (P=0.026).ConclusionsThe results of this randomized controlled clinical trial showed that compared with B-I reconstruction, R-Y reconstruction using circular staplers is a safe and feasible procedure. This clinical trial study was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov (registration No. NCT01142271).

Feasibility and Safety of Laparoscopy-Assisted Subtotal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer Invading the Upper Stomach

This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of laparoscopy-assisted subtotal gastrectomy preserving a minimal remnant stomach for clinical T1 gastric cancer invading the upper stomach. Forty-three consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopy-assisted subtotal gastrectomy preserving a minimal remnant stomach were examined. In addition to the conventional laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy, some short and posterior gastric arteries were resected. A minimal remnant stomach-jejunum anastomosis was made by using a circular stapler with regular anvil or transoral anvil. Transoral anvil was selected in 19 patients, and regular anvil was used in 24 patients. The median operation time was 288 minutes, and the median blood loss was 50 mL. Conversion to open surgery was required in 2 patients due to bleeding. No patient required conversion to open surgery due to the difficulty of the anastomosis. Nine patients developed postoperative complications, including grade 3 duodenal stump leakage in 1 patient and grade 2 anastomotic bleeding in another patient. No mortality was observed. Laparoscopy-assisted subtotal gastrectomy preserving a minimal remnant stomach is safe and feasible for early gastric cancer invading the upper stomach.

Robotic D2 Lymph Node Dissection During Distal Subtotal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: Toward Procedural Standardization

This study was undertaken to outline, in detail, the procedures for robotic D2 lymph node dissection during distal gastrectomy for middle- or lower-third gastric cancer, and to present data that may suggest the safety and feasibility of robotic D2 lymph node dissection.1 (-) 4 METHODS: From July 2005 to December 2009, a total of 316 robotic gastrectomies were performed at the Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Korea. Of these, 95 distal subtotal gastrectomies with D2 lymph node dissection with partial omentectomy for gastric cancer were robotically performed. The operative procedures for robotic distal subtotal gastrectomy using the da Vinci (®) Si system are demonstrated in a step-by-step manner, with technical tips for each step, in the video clip. Short- and long-term follow-up results are also presented. The mean age of patients was 53.3years (range 26-80) and the average body mass index was 23.2kg/m(2) (range 16.9-33.3). All surgeries were successfully performed without open or laparoscopy conversion. The overall mean operation time was 215.7min (range 131-296min, and the mean estimated blood loss was 56.1mL (range 4-396). No immediate postoperative mortality was observed, and 11 patients (11.6%) experienced a complication after surgery. The operation-related complications consisted of six wound complications, one intra-abdominal fluid collection and abscess, one anastomosis leakage, one anastomosis stenosis, one intraluminal bleeding, and one postoperative pancreatitis. The TNM stages according to the 7th American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) classifications were distributed as follows: 58 stage Ia, 13 stage Ib, four stage IIa, four stage IIb, six stage IIIa, six stage IIIb, and four stage IIIc cases. No microscopic tumor involvement of the resection line was noted. A mean of 41.8 lymph nodes (range 11-89) was retrieved. Less than 15 lymph nodes were retrieved in two patients and less than 25 lymph nodes were harvested in 4 of 95 patients. The mean follow-up period was 60.5months (range 5-97months, median 59.5months), with the last follow-up date being 31 December 2014. The overall survival was 92.8% and relapse-free survival was 91.8%. Our large case series demonstrates the feasibility and safety of robotic D2 lymph node dissection during distal subtotal gastrectomy. The adoption of robotic surgery could improve the quality of surgery and facilitate D2 lymph node dissection for gastric cancer.

Quality of life after subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: Does restoration method matter? - A retrospective cohort study.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact on the quality of life (QoL) status of three gastrointestinal continuity restoration methods following a subtotal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer.MethodsQoL data from 153 patients were obtained and evaluated in this retrospective cross-sectional case series study. A list of patients who responded to questionnaires on QoL was stratified into three arms based on which gastrointestinal continuity restoration method was used – Billroth I (n = 37), Roux-en-Y (n = 15), and Balfour (n = 101).ResultsThe mean global health status scores for the patients following the Billroth I, Roux-en-Y and Balfour reconstructive surgery arms were 62 ± 20.09, 61 ± 24.08 and 56 ± 21.2, respectively, (p = 0.182). The mean scores of the functional scales were not lower than 60 in any of the patient groups. For physical, role, cognitive, social functional scales, the Billroth I method had the best mean QoL score. Comparisons of the global QoL, functional activities, and majority of the postgastrectomy symptom scores at different time points after the surgeries (6–12 months vs > 1 year) did not reveal major significant differences between the groups. However, the results highlighted trends and ranked the gastrointestinal continuity restoration methods over time.ConclusionsThe best QoL scores were obtained from the patients who underwent the Billroth I surgery. The Roux-en-Y method was better than the Balfour method 6–12 months after surgery. However, the Balfour method was better than the Roux-en-Y after one year. Further prospective randomized controlled trials are needed.

Possibility of lanthanum absorption in the stomach.

Lanthanum carbonate (LC) is an orally administered phosphate binder. Its absorption is generally thought to be minimal. We report here the case of an 81-year-old woman who underwent subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer after receiving hemodialysis for 1 year and taking LC for 7 months. Lanthanum phosphate compounds were found histologically in the gastric mucosa and a regional lymph node and confirmed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. These findings suggest that lanthanum is absorbed in the stomach and transported via lymph flow. This observation could prove helpful in future investigation of lanthanum disposition.

Mortality after Gastrectomy: a 10 Year Single Institution Experience

Background : Although the general postoperative mortality rate after gastrectomy is decreasing worldwide, it still varies in individual centers and regions of the world. The objective of our work was to analyze the postoperative mortality rate at the Institute of Oncology, Vilnius University over a period of 10 years.Methods : All patients who underwent total and subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer between 2003–2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Comprehensive evaluation of postoperative mortality was done according to the age, sex, comor-bidities, BMI, tumor stage, extent or resection and lymphadenectomy, splenectomy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and stage of disease. The causes of death were also analyzed.Results : The analysis of postoperative mortality for patients treated for gastric cancer in the period of 2003–2012 revealed that 1676 surgeries were performed with 54 lethal outcomes (3.22%). Complication rate was 20.58%. 1011 subtotal gastrectomies were performed with 24 lethal cases (2.37%). 30 patients died after 665 total gastrectomies (4.51%). The vast majority of deceased patients were older than 60 years (92.6%) and had advanced gastric cancer - stage III and IV (70.4%). 33 of 54 patients died from non-surgical complications (61.1%). Surgical complications accounted for 35.2% of dead patients, which totals 19 of 54 patients. Progression of cancer and cachexia caused the deaths of 3.7% of patients.Conclusion : Elderly age, comorbidities, advanced stage of tumor and disease, and more radical surgery are related with higher postoperative mortality. The most common cause of death was pulmonary arterial thromboembolism. Therefore, risk assessment of venous thrombosis and thromboembolism prophylaxis should be an important component of gastric cancer surgical treatment.

Beginner Surgeon's Initial Experience with Distal Subtotal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer Using a Minimally Invasive Approach.

PurposeMinimally invasive gastrectomy (MIG), including laparoscopic distal subtotal gastrectomy (LDG) and robotic distal subtotal gastrectomy (RDG), is performed for gastric cancer, and requires a learning period. However, there are few reports regarding MIG by a beginner surgeon trained in MIG for gastric cancer during surgical residency and fellowship. The aim of this study was to report our initial experience with MIG, LDG, and RDG by a trained beginner surgeon.Materials and MethodsBetween January 2014 and February 2015, a total of 36 patients (20 LDGs and 16 RDGs) underwent MIG by a beginner surgeon during the learning period, and 13 underwent open distal subtotal gastrectomy (ODG) by an experienced surgeon in Bundang CHA Medical Center. Demographic characteristics, operative findings, and short-term outcomes were evaluated for the groups.ResultsMIG was safely performed without open conversion in all patients and there was no mortality in either group. There was no significant difference between the groups in demographic factors except for body mass index. There were significant differences in extent of lymph node dissection (LND) (D2 LND: ODG 8.3% vs. MIG 55.6%, P=0.004) and mean operative time (ODG 178.8 minutes vs. MIG 254.7 minutes, P<0.001). The serial changes in postoperative hemoglobin level (P=0.464) and white blood cell count (P=0.644) did not show significant differences between the groups. There were no significant differences in morbidity.ConclusionsThis study showed that the operative and short-term outcomes of MIG for gastric cancer by a trained beginner surgeon were comparable with those of ODG performed by an experienced surgeon.

Postoperative gastrectomy outcomes in octogenarians with gastric cancer

It is controversial whether the treatment strategy for gastric cancer should be different for elderly patients. We herein evaluated the feasibility of gastrectomy and the risk factors for postoperative complications in octogenarians with gastric cancer. We retrospectively collected data on 441 consecutive patients who underwent total or subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. We divided all of the patients into two groups: the octogenarian group (n = 47), consisting of patients aged 80-89 years, and the younger group (n = 394), consisting of patients under 80 years of age. The postoperative complication rate was 23.1% (91/394) in the younger group and 36.2% (17/47) in the octogenarian group (P = 0.049). Octogenarian patients had significantly lower preoperative serum albumin levels (P < 0.001) and higher ASA scores (P < 0.001). Although the rate of each major complication was similar between the two groups, there was a trend toward a higher rate of other miscellaneous complications, mostly non-surgical complications, in the octogenarian group (P = 0.077). A multivariate analysis of the patients in the octogenarian group revealed that only total gastrectomy was a significant risk factor for postoperative complications (P = 0.035). Octogenarian patients with gastric cancer experienced more complications than younger patients. Therefore, closer monitoring is needed for octogenarian patients who will receive total gastrectomy.

Serial comparisons of quality of life after distal subtotal or total gastrectomy: what are the rational approaches for quality of life management?

PurposeThe aims of this study were to make serial comparisons of the quality of life (QoL) between patients who underwent total gastrectomy and those who underwent distal subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer and to identify the affected scales with consistency.Materials and MethodsQoL data of 275 patients who were admitted for surgery between September 2008 and June 2011 and who underwent subtotal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. The Korean versions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) and the gastric cancer specific module, the EORTC QLQ-STO22, were used to assess QoL.ResultsQoL, as assessed by the global health status/QoL and physical functioning, revealed a brief divergence with worse QoL in the total gastrectomy group 3 months postoperatively, followed by rapid convergence. QoL related to restrictive symptoms (nausea/vomiting, dysphagia, reflux, and eating restrictions) and dry mouth was consistently worse in the total gastrectomy group during the first 2 postoperative years.ConclusionsThe general QoL of patients after gastrectomy is highly congruent with subjective physical functioning, and the differences between patients who undergo total gastrectomy and subtotal gastrectomy are no longer valid several months after surgery. In order to further reduce the differences in QoL between patients who underwent total gastrectomy and subtotal gastrectomy, definitive preoperative informing, followed by postoperative symptomatic management, of restrictive symptoms in total gastrectomy patients is the most rational approach.