Total Gastrectomy Patients Research Articles

Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open total gastrectomy in patients with advanced gastric cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThis study was conducted to investigate the long-term outcomes of laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) versus open total gastrectomy (OTG) in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).MethodsPatients with AGC who received NACT before surgery were enrolled in either the LTG or OTG group. Propensity score matching (PSM) (1:2) was performed between the two groups based on the propensity score using a 0.15 calliper width. Three-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between these two groups before and after PSM. OS and DFS rates were calculated by the Kaplan‒Meier method, and any differences in survival were evaluated with a log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to estimate the simultaneous effects of prognostic factors on survival and the hazard ratio (HR) between LTG and OTG patients.ResultsA total of 144 patients completed the follow-up, with 24 patients in the LTG group and 120 patients in the OTG group. After a mean follow-up of 64.40 months, there were no significant differences in the 3-year OS or DFS rates between the two groups before (P = 0.453 and P = 0.362, respectively) or after PSM (P = 0.972 and P = 0.884, respectively). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis indicated that ypN stage was an independent risk factor for worse OS (P = 0.013).ConclusionsThis study showed that LTG with D2 lymphadenectomy performed by an experienced surgical team resulted in comparable 3-year OS and DFS compared with OTG in patients with AGC after NACT.Trial registrationThis study is not registered.

Proximal Gastrectomy is Associated with Lower Incidence of Anemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency Compared to Total Gastrectomy in Patients with Upper Gastric Cancer.

Proximal gastrectomy is an alternative to total gastrectomy (TG) for early gastric cancer (EGC) treatment in the upper stomach. However, its benefits in terms of perioperative and long-term outcomes remain controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative, body compositional, nutritional, and survival outcomes of patients undergoing proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction (PG-DTR) and TG for pathological stage I gastric cancer in upper stomach. The study included 506 patients who underwent gastrectomy for pathological stage I gastric cancer in the upper stomach between 2015 and 2019. Clinicopathological, perioperative, body compositional, nutritional, and survival outcomes were compared between the PG-DTR and TG groups. The PG-DTR and TG groups included 197 (38.9%) and 309 (61.1%) patients, respectively. The PG-DTR group had a lower rate of early complications (p=0.041), lower diagnosis rate of anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency (all p<0.001), and lower replacement rate of iron and vitamin B12 compared to TG group (all p<0.001). The PG-DTR group showed reduced incidence of sarcopenia at 6-months postoperatively, preserved higher amount of visceral fat after surgery (p=0.032 and p=0.040, respectively), and showed a higher hemoglobin level (p=0.007). Oncologic outcomes were comparable between the groups. The PG-DTR for EGC located in the upper stomach offered advantages of fewer complications, lower incidence of anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency, less decrease in visceral fat volume, and similar survival compared to TG. Consequently, PG-DTR may be considered a superior alternative treatment option to TG.

Comparison of Postoperative Complications After Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer with Antecolic Versus Retrocolic Reconstruction: A Population-Based Study

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to examine the rates of 90-day anastomotic complications and other postoperative complications after total or partial gastrectomy with antecolic versus retrocolic reconstruction in a population-based setting.MethodsThis population-based nationwide retrospective cohort study included all patients undergoing total or partial gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma in Finland in 2005–2016, with follow-up until 31 December 2019. Logistic regression provided odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 90-day mortality. Results were adjusted for age, sex, year of the surgery, comorbidities, tumor locations, pathological stage, and neoadjuvant therapy.ResultsA total of 2063 patients having gastrectomy with antecolic (n = 814) or retrocolic (n = 1249) reconstruction were identified from the registries. The anastomotic complication rate was 3.8% with antecolic reconstruction and 5.0% with retrocolic reconstruction. Antecolic reconstruction was not associated with a higher risk of anastomotic complications compared with retrocolic reconstruction in the adjusted analysis (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.44–1.09) of the whole cohort or in the predefined subgroups. The reoperation rate was 8.2% with antecolic reconstruction and 7.7% with retrocolic reconstruction, without statistical significance. In subgroup analysis of total gastrectomy patients, the risk of major complications was lower with antecolic reconstruction compared with retrocolic reconstruction (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.45–0.86).ConclusionsThe rate of anastomotic complications did not differ after antecolic versus retrocolic reconstruction after total or partial gastrectomy. In total gastrectomies, the risk of major complications was lower after antecolic compared with retrocolic reconstruction.

Effects of perioperative low-dose naloxone on the immune system in patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLow immune function after laparoscopic total gastrectomy puts patients at risk of infection-related complications. Low-dose naloxone (LDN) can improve the prognosis of patients suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases or autoimmune diseases. The use of LDN during perioperative procedures may reduce perioperative complications. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of LDN on endogenous immune function in gastric cancer patients and its specific mechanisms through a randomized controlled trial.MethodsFifty-five patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy were randomly assigned to either a naloxone group (n = 23) or a nonnaloxone group (n = 22). Patients in the naloxone group received 0.05 µg/kg-1.h− 1naloxone from 3 days before surgery to 5 days after surgery via a patient-controlled intravenous injection (PCIA) pump, and patients in the nonnaloxone group did not receive special treatment. The primary outcomes were the rates of postoperative complications and immune function assessed by NK cell, CD3+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, CD8+ T cell, WBC count, neutrophil percentage, and IL-6 and calcitonin levels. The secondary outcomes were the expression levels of TLR4 (Toll-like receptor), IL-6 and TNF-α in gastric cancer tissue.ResultsCompared with the nonnaloxone group, the naloxone group exhibited a lower incidence of infection (in the incision, abdomen, and lungs) (P < 0.05). The numbers of NK cells and CD8+ T cells in the naloxone group were significantly greater than those in the nonnaloxone group at 24 h after surgery (P < 0.05) and at 96 h after surgery (P < 0.05). Compared with those in the nonnaloxone group, the CD3 + T-cell (P < 0.05) and CD4 + T-cell (P < 0.01) counts were significantly lower in the naloxone group 24 h after surgery. At 24 h and 96 h after surgery, the WBC count (P < 0.05) and neutrophil percentage (P < 0.05) were significantly greater in the nonnaloxone group. The levels of IL-6 (P < 0.05) and calcitonin in the nonnaloxone group were significantly greater at 24 h after surgery. At 24 h following surgery, the nonnaloxone group had significantly greater levels of IL-6 (P < 0.05) and calcitonin than did the naloxone group. Compared with those in the naloxone group, the expression levels of TLR4 (P < 0.05) in gastric cancer tissue in the naloxone group were greater; however, the expression levels of IL-6 (P < 0.01) and TNF-α (P < 0.01) in the naloxone group were greater than those in the nonnaloxone group.ConclusionLaparoscopic total gastrectomy patients can benefit from 0.05 ug/kg− 1. h− 1 naloxone by reducing their risk of infection. It is possible that LDN alters the number of cells in lymphocyte subpopulations, such as NK cells, CD3 + T cells, and CD4 + T cells, and the CD4+/CD8 + T-cell ratio or alters TLR4 receptor expression in immune cells, thereby altering immune cell activity.Trial registrationThe trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 24/11/2023 (ChiCTR2300077948).

Impact of Preoperative Skeletal Muscle Mass on the Outcomes and Recurrence After Total Gastrectomy in Patients With Gastric Cancer

Low muscle mass is a predictor of poor outcome in patients with gastric cancer after surgery. Seventy patients who underwent gastric cancer resection with curative intent were included in the study. A cross-sectional area of muscle at the third lumbar vertebra was measured and patients with skeletal muscle index below 48.6 kg/m2 were described as having low muscle mass. Surgical and oncologic outcomes were recorded. Of 70 patients, 19 (27%) were diagnosed as having low muscle mass. The postoperative recurrence was significantly higher in patients with low muscle mass (31.6 %) than in those with no low muscle mass (11.8%). Preoperative low skeletal muscle is related to poor survival and recurrence in patients with gastric cancer after total radical gastrectomy.

The "quadrant-sandwich" method in clockwise modular D2 lymph node dissection in laparoscopic total gastrectomy: a retrospective cohort study.

For patients who need laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, lymph node dissection (LND) and optimization of surgical procedures are particularly important. This study introduces the "quadrant-sandwich" method in clockwise modular D2 LND and evaluates the advantages and safety of this method. The clinical data of 108 laparoscopic total gastrectomy patients admitted to the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2019 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the different LND processes, 55 patients were allocated to the observation group, which underwent clockwise modular LND using the "quadrant-sandwich method", and 53 patients were allocated to the control group, which underwent traditional LND. The effectiveness and safety of the approach in terms of operation time, blood loss, lymph node yield, postoperative recovery and postoperative complications were observed in the two groups. There was no statistical difference between the baseline data of the two groups. In relation to the surgery, the observation group had an operation time of 227.0±48.5 minutes, and intraoperative bleeding of 100.0 mL [inter-quartile range (IQR), 30.0-200.0 mL], while the control group had an operation time of 247±41.5 minutes, and intraoperative bleeding of 180.0 mL (IQR, 130.0-245.0 mL). There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the operation time and intraoperative bleeding (P=0.001, P=0.020). In relation to the LND, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the total number of lymph nodes in each division, and the number of positive lymph nodes. In relation to the post-operative results, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the post-operative pathological stage, first postoperative oral feeding, post-operative hospitalization time, and post-operative complications. Clockwise modular D2 LND using the "quadrant-sandwich method" is potentially safe and feasible in laparoscopic total gastrectomy. It not only ensures the thoroughness of the LND, but also ensures and efficient and fast surgical process, shortens the operation time, and reduces the amount of intraoperative bleeding.

A Systematic Review on Clinical and Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes following Total Gastrectomy in Patients with Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer

Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) is an autosomal-dominant syndrome associated with early onset diffuse gastric cancer. Definitive treatment is prophylactic total gastrectomy (PTG) associated with significant morbidity. Studies published from January 2000 to December 2022 reporting clinical, histopathological or health-related quality of life outcomes in HDGC patients undergoing PTG were identified. The study quality was assessed by the “Newcastle–Ottawa scale”. Of the 257 articles screened, 21 were selected. A total of 353 patients were examined in 15 studies that reported surgical outcomes. The median age was 42 years old. The median major complication and mortality rates were 19.2% and 0.3%, respectively. The most common complications were wound infection at 4.8% followed by anastomotic leak and pulmonary complications at 4.5% each. Following PTG, 88.6% of patients had early lesions amongst 414 patients. The mean/median number of signet ring cell carcinoma foci in the gastrectomy specimens was from 2 to 78. All cases were stage 1 with no lymph node involvement. There was a wide range of psychosocial effects following PTG closely related to the physical symptoms. It is imperative for patients to receive comprehensive preoperative counselling to make an informed decision and be followed up under the care of a multidisciplinary team.

Predictors of anastomotic leak after total gastrectomy in patients with adenocarcinoma

Predictors of anastomotic leak after total gastrectomy in patients with adenocarcinoma

The minimum number of examined lymph nodes was 24 for optimal survival of pathological T2-4 gastric cancer: a multi-center, hospital-based study covering 20 years of data

IntroductionThe current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend that at least 16 lymph nodes should be examined for gastric cancer patients to reduce staging migration. However, there is still debate regarding the optimal management of examined lymph nodes (ELNs) for gastric cancer patients. In this study, we aimed to develop and test the minimum number of ELNs that should be retrieved during gastrectomy for optimal survival in patients with gastric cancer.MethodsWe used the restricted cubic spline (RCS) to identify the optimal threshold of ELNs that should be retrieved during gastrectomy based on the China National Cancer Center Gastric Cancer (NCCGC) database. Northwest cohort, which sourced from the highest gastric cancer incidence areas in China, was used to verify the optimal cutoff value. Survival analysis was performed via Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsIn this study, 12,670 gastrectomy patients were included in the NCCGC cohort and 4941 patients in the Northwest cohort. During 1999–2019, the average number of ELNs increased from 17.88 to 34.45 nodes in the NCCGC cohort, while the number of positive lymph nodes remained stable (5–6 nodes). The RCS model showed a U-curved association between ELNs and the risk of all-cause mortality, and the optimal threshold of ELNs was 24 [Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.00]. The ELN ≥ 24 group had a better overall survival (OS) than the ELN < 24 group clearly (P = 0.003), however, with respect to the threshold of 16 ELNs, there was no significantly difference between the two groups (P = 0.101). In the multivariate analysis, ELN ≥ 24 group was associated with improved survival outcomes in total gastrectomy patients [HR = 0.787, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.711–0.870, P < 0.001], as well as the subgroup analysis of T2 patients (HR = 0.621, 95%CI: 0.399–0.966, P = 0.035), T3 patients (HR = 0.787, 95%CI: 0.659–0.940, P = 0.008) and T4 patients (HR = 0.775, 95%CI: 0.675–0.888, P < 0.001).ConclusionIn conclusion, the minimum number of ELNs for optimal survival of gastric cancer with pathological T2-4 was 24.

Splenic hilar lymph node dissection enhances survival in Bormann type 4 gastric cancer

Splenic hilar (no.10) lymph node dissection during total gastrectomy is no longer recommended for advanced proximal gastric cancer. However, the treatment efficacy of no.10 lymph node dissection in Borrmann type 4 tumors remains unclear. We enrolled 539 patients who underwent total gastrectomy for Borrmann type 4 tumors between 2006 and 2016 in four major institutions in Korea. We compared the long-term survival of the no.10 lymph node dissection (n = 309) and no-dissection groups (n = 230) using the propensity score (inverse probability of treatment weighting). The treatment effects of no.10 lymph node dissection were estimated in the weighted sample using the Cox proportional hazards regression model with a robust sandwich-type variance estimator. After inverse probability of treatment weighting, there were 540.4 patients in the no.10 lymph node dissection group and 532.7 in the no-dissection group. The two groups showed well-balanced baseline characteristics, including tumor node metastasis stage. The 5-year survival rates in the no.10 lymph node dissection and no-dissection groups were 45.7% and 38.6%, respectively (log-rank p = 0.036, hazard ratio 0.786, 95% confidence interval 0.630–0.982). Multivariate analysis revealed that no.10 lymph node dissection was an independent favorable prognostic factor (adjusted hazard ratio 0.747, 95% confidence interval 0.593–0.940) after adjusting for other prognostic factors. Sensitivity analyses in other inverse probability of treatment weighting models and the propensity score matching model showed similar results. Patients undergoing no.10 lymph node dissection showed improved survival compared to those without. No.10 lymph node dissection is recommended during total gastrectomy for patients with Borrmann type 4 gastric cancer.

493. IRON DEFICIENCY AFTER ONCOLOGICAL ESOPHAGECTOMY AND GASTRECTOMY

Abstract Removal of the entire stomach or parts of it may affect iron absorption and storage. These conditions mainly caused by altering the acid environment, bypassing the duodenal passage during reconstruction or by chronic inflammatory processes. In addition, patients with esophageal or gastric cancer often have an iron deficiency preoperatively due to malnutrition, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, or inflammatory processes. Sometimes these iron deficiencies lead to microcytic hypochromic deficiency anemia. Between January 2015 and December 2019, 103 (=66%) esophagectomy patients and 54 (=34%) (sub)total gastrectomy patients were included. Fe, transferrin and ferritin were collected prospectively to be used for retrospective descriptive analysis: preoperatively and three, six, twelve, 18 and 24 months after the operations. The exclusion criteria were: Age below 18, primary bone marrow disease, hereditary forms of anemia, postoperative tumor recurrence, R1/R2 situation. Iron supplementation was not used in the first postoperative year, and thereafter only in cases of a severe iron deficiency. The severity of iron deficiency was classified by ferritin, according to iron deficiency stages I—III. 18% of patients with oncological esophagectomy and 45% of patients with oncological (sub)total gastrectomy have an iron deficiency two years after the operations. This is manifested mainly by pathologically decreased ferritin levels. There is only a significant difference between the groups, with respect to ferritin (p = 0.021) and transferrin levels (p = 0.028), after 2 postoperative years. 75% of esophagectomy patients with iron deficiency were in stage I, 12.5% in stage II and 12.5% in stage III of iron deficiency. 56% of iron deficiency patients with (sub)total gastrectomy were in stage I, 22% in stage II and 22% in stage III. Patients with (sub)total gastrectomy are more likely to have iron deficiency than patients with esophagectomy during the 24-month postoperative follow-up period. Due to the duodenal bypassing in the (sub)total gastrectomy group a higher prevalence of iron deficiency could have been expected. Most patients have storage iron deficiency (= stage I). Only few patients with iron deficiency have the more severe and decompensated form of iron deficiency, iron deficiency anemia (= stage III).

Gastrectomy reduces pancreatic secretory function via pancreatic atrophy

PurposeAlthough reports suggest that the pancreatic volume decreases after gastrectomy for gastric cancer, the relationship between the pancreatic volume and secretory function after gastrectomy remains unclear. In this study, we examined the relationship between the pancreatic volume and exocrine and endocrine functions after total gastrectomy.MethodsThe pancreatic volumes of 18 distal gastrectomy and 15 total gastrectomy patients were retrospectively measured using computed tomography volumetry up to 5 years postoperatively. Ten low anterior resection patients were selected as controls. In addition, the pancreatic volume and exocrine function evaluated by fecal elastase and the insulin secretory function evaluated by glucagon tolerance testing were prospectively examined before and one year after surgery in nine cases of total gastrectomy.ResultsAfter low anterior resection, the pancreatic volume did not change, but after distal and total gastrectomy, the pancreatic volume decreased continuously until the fifth year. After total gastrectomy, fecal elastase decreased significantly from 865.8 μg/g to 603.2 μg/g in the first year (p = 0.0316), and the insulin secretion capacity also decreased significantly from 3.83 ng/mL to 2.26 ng/mL (p = 0.0019).ConclusionsThe pancreatic volume decreases continuously after gastrectomy for gastric cancer, and the pancreatic exocrine and endocrine functions decrease along with pancreatic atrophy after total gastrectomy.

Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing proximal gastrectomy with double-tract-reconstruction and total gastrectomy in gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer patients: Still no sufficient evidence for clinical decision-making.

To compare proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction and total gastrectomy in patients with gastroesophageal junction (AEG II-III) and gastric cancer. We conducted systematic searches in Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until December 20, 2021 (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021291500). Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool and the ROBINS-I tool, as applicable. Evidence was rated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. One randomized controlled trial (RCT) and 13 non-RCTs with 1,317 patients (715 patients with total gastrectomy and 602 patients with proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction) were included. Patients treated by total gastrectomy had a significantly higher proportion of advanced cancer stages International Union Against Cancer IB-III (odds ratio: 0.68, 95% confidence interval: 0.51-0.91, P= .01). This heterogeneity biases the observed improved overall survival of patients after proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction (odds ratio: 0.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.44-1.01, P= .05). Both procedures were comparably efficient regarding perioperative parameters. Postoperative/preoperative bodyweight ratio (mean difference: 3.56, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-5.79, P= .002), postoperative/preoperative serum-hemoglobin ratio (mean difference 3.73, 95% confidence interval: 1.59-5.88, P < .001), and postoperative serum vitamin B12 levels (mean difference 42.46, 95% confidence interval: 6.37-78.55, P= .02) were superior after proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction, while postoperative/preoperative serum-albumin ratio (mean difference 1.24, 95% confidence interval: -4.76 to 7.24, P= .69) and postoperative/preoperative serum total protein ratio (mean difference 1.12, 95% confidence interval: -2.77 to 5.00, P= .57) were not different. Health-related quality of life data were reported in only 2 studies, which found no significant advantages for proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction. Proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction offers advantages in postoperative nutritional parameters compared to total gastrectomy (GRADE: moderate quality of evidence). Oncological effectiveness of proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction cannot be assessed (GRADE: very low quality of evidence). Further thoroughly planned randomized controlled trials in Western patient cohorts are necessary to improve treatment for gastric cancer patients.

Micronutrient Supplementation and Bone Health After Prophylactic Total Gastrectomy in Patients With CDH1 Variants.

Patients with germline variants in CDH1 who undergo prophylactic total gastrectomy (TG) are at risk of altered nutrient and drug absorption due to modified gastrointestinal anatomy. Bone mineral density loss and micronutrient deficiencies have not been described previously in this patient population. In this study we included 94 patients with germline CDH1 variants who underwent prophylactic TG between October 2017 and February 2022. We examined pre- and post-gastrectomy bone mineral density (BMD); serum biomarkers including calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and 25 (OH)-vitamin D; and postoperative adherence to calcium and multivitamin supplementation. Almost all patients (92/94, 98%) lost a substantial amount of weight post-TG, with an average weight loss of 26.5% at 12 months post-surgery. Serum biomarkers of mineral metabolism, namely calcium and phosphorus, did not change significantly after TG. However, average BMD was decreased in all patients at 12 months post-TG. Nonadherence to calcium supplementation was associated with a decrease in BMD. Nonadherence to multivitamin supplementation was associated with greater percent BMD loss in the femoral neck and total hip. Appropriate micronutrient supplementation and nutritional counseling pre- and postoperatively in patients undergoing prophylactic TG are important to mitigate the long-term effects of gastrectomy on bone health.

Endoscopic Histoacryl injection for esophagojejunostomy leakage after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer

Esophagojejunostomy leakage after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer is one of the most serious and sometimes life-threatening adverse events. The purpose of this study was to evaluate complications after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer during the period when Histoacryl (B. Braun) injection was performed. Therapeutic outcome of endoscopic Histoacryl injection for esophagojejunostomy leakage was also determined. This was a single-center retrospective study. Between January 2016 and December 2021, clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes of 205 patients who underwent total gastrectomy were investigated. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of 10 patients with esophagojejunostomy leakage were also investigated. Postoperative complication and mortality rates of total gastrectomy in 205 patients were 25.4% and 0.9%, respectively. Serious complications more than Clavien-Dindo IIIb accounted for 6.3%. Ten (4.9%) esophagojejunostomy leakages occurred in 205 patients. Among 10 esophagojejunostomy leakage patients, endoscopic Histoacryl injection was performed on eight patients and leakage was successfully managed with endoscopic Histoacryl injection in seven patients (87.5%). Mean postinjection hospital stay of seven successfully managed patients was 13.8 days. They were able to drink water at 1-6 days after injection. Among eight patients with endoscopic Histoacryl injection, six patients were injected once and two patients were injected three times. Endoscopic Histoacryl injection for esophagojejunostomy leakage after total gastrectomy can be considered as a useful treatment for some selected cases.

Comparisons of nutritional status and complications between patients with and without postoperative feeding jejunostomy tube in gastric cancer: a retrospective study.

Feeding jejunostomy tube (FJT) enables early postoperative nutritional supply for gastric cancer patients undergoing surgery. However, the nutritional benefit of FJT may be accompanied by potential risk of increased complications, so both the nutritional improvement and the complication rates associated with FJT should be assessed. From January 2009 to December 2014, 715 consecutive patients underwent gastric cancer resection at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital in China. The perioperative nutritional index and incidence of complications in patients with FJT placement were retrospectively compared to those in patients without FJT placement. Nutritional data including albumin, prealbumin, hemoglobin, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and Onodera's prognostic nutrition index (OPNI) were recorded at the following 3 timepoints: preoperatively, 1-week postoperatively, and 1-month postoperatively. Postoperative complications including surgical site infection, intra-abdominal infections, anastomotic leaks and gastroparesis were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to study the association between FJT and complications. A total of 715 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 60.4 years and 72.2% were male. The overall characteristics between FJT and no-FJT groups were comparable. Of the 247 total gastrectomy cases, 98 (39.7%) had a FJT placed. Compared to the total gastrectomy patients without a FJT, the 98 patients with a FJT had a lower hemoglobin level (P=0.048) and NLR (P=0.030) preoperatively, and higher albumin (P=0.005), prealbumin (P<0.001), and hemoglobin (P=0.014) levels, a higher OPNI (P=0.027), and a lower NLR (P=0.005) 1-month postoperatively. Of the 468 subtotal gastrectomy cases, 87 (18.6%) had a FJT placed. Compared to the subtotal gastrectomy patients without a FJT, these 87 patients had a lower NLR (P=0.006) 1-week postoperatively, and a higher albumin level (P=0.009) 1-month postoperatively. In the multivariate analysis, FJT placement was not associated with postoperative adverse outcomes, including surgical site infection [odds ratio (OR) =1.21, P=0.79], intra-abdominal infection (OR =0.38, P=0.11), anastomotic leak (OR =0.58, P=0.53), reoperation (OR =0.22, P=0.23), gastroparesis (OR =6.35, P=0.08), or hospitalization for more than 30 days (OR =0.58, P=0.32). Early enteral nutritional support by FJT after gastrectomy tended to improve the nutritional status of patients, while it did not appear to increase the incidence rate of postoperative complications.

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.

OGC P44 Endoscopy-guided Laparoscopic Trans-gastric Resection (ELTGR) of bleeding gastric submucosal lesion, adjacent to the gastro-oesophageal junction

Abstract Background Leiomyomas are rare, benign submucosal tumours originating from smooth muscle cells. Ulcerated lesions could present with Upper Gastrointestinal(UGI) bleeding. Treatment of these lesion could be challenging especially if they are close to the Oesophagogastric Junction(OGJ). In this abstract, we present a novel surgical technique for resection of symptomatic gastric submucosal lesion located near the gastro-oesophageal junction on the lesser curve of the stomach. The Endoscopy guided laparoscopic trans-gastric resection technique is minimally invasive and avoids partial or total gastrectomy. Methods We present a case of 74-year-old male with a body mass index of 32.3 requiring resection of a bleeding gastric submucosal lesion. The patient presented with melaena, and an upper GI endoscopy diagnosed a single 30mm sub mucosal tumour immediately distal to the gastro-oesophageal junction. Stable clinical condition allowed complete preoperative work out including staging CT that showed small lesion at OGJ with no evidence of metastasis. UGI MDT discussion advised surgery without Endoscopic Ultrasound as it was a bleeding lesion. The patient was consulted on the management options and decided on surgical resection for prevention of re-bleeding. Surgical options discussed included local resection, partial and or total gastrectomy. Endoscopy was performed under general anaesthetic at the time of surgery and the tumour was found to be on the upper part of lesser curvature, thus not suitable for wedge or sleeve gastrectomy. A decision was made to try the trans-gastric approach. Results The endoscope was left in the stomach to demonstrate and protect the gastro-oesophageal junction. A gastrotomy was made longitudinally on the anterior surface of the stomach. Careful assessment of the lesion suggested that it could be resected using the trans-gastric approach. The endoscope was used to protect the junction and an endoscopic stapler (Echelon flex 60mm, Gold) was used to resect the tumour. A nasogastric drainage tube (NGT) was placed under vision and the gastrostomy was closed with the Echelon flex stapler 60 mm gold and blue . The NGT left for 72 hours with restricted and controlled fluid intake started the day after surgery and gradually increased to soft diet over three days. Patient was discharged on day 4. Follow up on day 7; WBC 10, CRP 19 and patient was very satisfied that he is at home and eating now normal diet. Using this minimally invasive approach we achieved macroscopic complete resection of the tumour whilst avoiding a total gastrectomy. Pathology report concluded features are of a smooth muscle tumour favouring a benign leiomyoma that is fully excised. Repeat scope after 3 month showed good healing and no recurrence or stricture and patient remains asymptomatic. Conclusions In this abstract we present endoscopic guided laparoscopic trans gastric resection (ELTGR) approach as a novel technique to avoid laparoscopic or open proximal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy in patients with tumours adjacent to the gastro-oesophageal junction and on the lesser curve that do not require radical oncological resection.

Assessing optimal Roux-en-Y reconstruction technique after total gastrectomy using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45.

BACKGROUNDFollowing a total gastrectomy, patients suffer the most severe form of postgastrectomy syndrome. This is a significant clinical problem as it reduces quality of life (QOL). Roux-en-Y reconstruction, which is regarded as the gold standard for post-total gastrectomy reconstruction, can be performed using various techniques. Although the technique used could affect postoperative QOL, there are no previous reports regarding the same.AIMTo investigate the effect of different techniques on postoperative QOL. The data was collected from the registry of the postgastrectomy syndrome assessment study (PGSAS).METHODSIn the present study, we analyzed 393 total gastrectomy patients from those enrolled in PGSAS. Patients were divided into groups depending on whether antecolic or retrocolic jejunal elevation was performed, whether the Roux limb was “40 cm”, “shorter” (≤ 39 cm), or “longer” (≥ 41 cm), and whether the device used for esophageal and jejunal anastomosis was a circular or linear stapler. Subsequently, we comparatively investigated postoperative QOL of the patients.RESULTSReconstruction route: Esophageal reflux subscale (SS) occurred significantly less frequently in patients who underwent antecolic reconstruction. Roux limb length: “Shorter” Roux limb did not facilitate esophageal reflux SS and somewhat attenuated indigestion SS and abdominal pain SS. Anastomosis technique: In terms of esophagojejunostomy techniques, no differences were observed.CONCLUSIONThe techniques used for total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction significantly affected postoperative symptoms. Our results suggest that elevating the Roux limb, which is not overly long, through an antecolic route may improve patients’ QOL.

Predictors of anastomotic leak after total gastrectomy in patients with adenocarcinoma.

Esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage (EJAL) is among the most feared complications after gastric cancer surgery; they entail an uncertain prognosis and relate with increased morbidity and mortality. Factors associated with their development are not well determined, and their diagnosis and treatment vary between institutions. Retrospective case-control study of patients operated of total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy from January 2002 to December 2018. We divided our sample into two groups based on the presence of EJAL, and compared demographic, clinical, and histologic variables. We performed a logistic regression model to search risk factors associated with EJAL and described the management offered in our center. We included 58 patients of which 8 (13.7%) presented clinically relevant EJAL. On the comparative analysis, albumin levels and diffuse histology presented a statistically significant difference between groups and presented association with EJAL in the logistic regression model. Regarding treatment of EJAL, ten patients (55.5%) required only conservative measures, whereas eight patients (44.4%) warranted an endoscopic or surgical intervention. Our retrospective analysis identified some factors that may be associated with the development of EJAL after gastric cancer surgery. High suspicion and prompt identification of this complication is essential to improve postoperative outcomes in this group.