Comparison of short-term surgical outcomes between totally laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a 10-y single-center experience with meta-analysis

Esophagojejunostomy using a circular stapler vs. a linear stapler for gastric cardia cancer patients: impact of upper margin length and tumor size on the survival rate

Background

The incidence of gastric cancer is concomitantly rising with gastric cardia cancer worldwide. While the improvement of gastric cancer surgical techniques is glowing, this study assesses the impact of the upper margin length and tumor size on the survival rate for gastric cardia cancer patients who underwent total laparoscopic total gastrectomy(TLTG) or laparoscopic assisted total gastrectomy(LATG).

Materials and methods

A total of 63 patients with gastric cardia cancer who underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy were retro-prospectively collected from January 2021 to May 2023. While assessing the impact of upper margin length and tumor size on the survival rate, esophagojejunostomy using a linear stapler has been compared to a circular stapler.

Results

The sixty-three patients met inclusion criteria; 32 (51%) underwent LATG and 31 (49%) underwent TLTG. Their mean age was 65 years (range, 45-77). The blood loss means in LATG and TLTG was 74.69 and 50.16 ml, respectively (p = 0.005), and surgery duration was higher in LATG than LATG with respective means of 247 min and 222.42 min. (p = 0.006). However, the tumor size means (p = 0.5), and upper margin length means (p = 0.052) were not significantly different in the LATG and TLTG groups, respectively. The number of resected and assessed lymph node was adequate in the LATG and TLTG groups. The current study still does not find an independent related risk from the upper margin length and tumor size to the survival rate according to the multiple regression analysis (p = 0.080).

Conclusion

The upper margin length and tumor size do not have a relationship with the survival rate of the compared esophagojejunostomy (EJS) methods. The EJS using a linear stapler requires a shorter surgery duration and less blood loss than EJS using a circular stapler.

Perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted versus laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of propensity score matching studies

The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of robot distal gastrectomy (RDG) versus laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) for gastric cancer. Studies included only those that utilized propensity score matching (PSM). A systematic literature search was conducted in several major global databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, up to June 2024. Articles were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline data and primary and secondary outcome measures (e.g., operative time, estimated blood loss, lymph-node yield dissection, length of hospital stay, and time to first flatus) were extracted. The quality of PSM studies was assessed using the ROBINS-I, and data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4.1 software. A total of 12 propensity score-matched studies involving 3688 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Robot-assisted surgery resulted in a longer operative time (WMD 30.64 min, 95% CI 15.63 - 45.66; p < 0.0001), less estimated blood loss (WMD 29.54 mL, 95% CI - 47.14 - 11.94; p = 0.001), more lymph-node yield (WMD 5.14, 95% CI 2.39 - 7.88; p = 0.0002), and a shorter hospital stay (WMD - 0.36, 95% CI - 0.60 - 0.12; p = 0.004) compared with laparoscopic surgery. There were no significant differences between the two surgical methods in terms of time to first flatus, overall complications, and major complications. Robot distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer reduces intraoperative blood loss, increases lymph-node yield, and shortens hospital stay compared with laparoscopic surgery, despite a longer operative time. There are no significant differences in time to first flatus and complication rates between the two groups.

Robotic vs. laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A propensity score-matched retrospective comparative study at a single institution

BACKGROUND

Although robotic surgery is becoming more widespread worldwide, it is still in its infancy. This study aimed to confirm the safety and feasibility of the induction of robotic-assisted gastric surgery at a local hospital.

METHODS

For five years, between 2016 and 2020, 42 laparoscopic and 71 robotic distal gastrectomies were performed at the same institution. Patients diagnosed with gastric cancer were retrieved from the database. Propensity score matching was performed based on covariates such as Age, Sex, BMI, the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status, Tumor Location, pT, and pN. Clinicopathological characteristics, surgical performance, postoperative outcomes, and pathological data were retrospectively collected and compared by the Chi-square test, the Fisher's exact test, the Student's t-test, and the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Billroth II reconstruction was often selected for the robotic group more than the laparoscopic group (59.4% and 15.6%, respectively). In addition, the number of lymph nodes harvested after D2 dissection tended to be more significant in the robotic group than in the laparoscopic group (52.1 ± 7.6 and 29.1 ± 3.7, respectively; p = 0.00934). The mean operative time was 271.4 ± 10.5 min for the robotic group and 220.8 ± 12.3 min for the laparoscopic group (p = 0.00005). There were no differences in short-term clinical outcomes between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a single-center, small comparative study, the results showed that the robotic surgery group was not inferior to the laparoscopic group in feasibility and safety. Moreover, robotic surgery enables harvesting a higher number of lymph nodes, which may be more advantageous than laparoscopic surgery. This study also showed that as the surgeon gains experience with robotic surgery, its operative time becomes significantly shorter.

Positive lymph node ratio as a prognostic factor for gastric cancer patients: Is it going to supersede positive lymph node number in guidelines?

Gastric malignancies constitute the sixth most common cancer with regards to incidence and have the fifth most mortality rates. Extended lymph-node dissection is the surgical modality of choice while treating advanced stage gastric cancer. It is yet a topic of debate, whether or not the amount of positive lymph nodes after a pathological examination following the surgical intervention is of prognostic value. In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of positive lymph nodes following the surgery. A total of 193 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy between January 2011 and December 2015 have been considered for a retrospective data collection. The cases with R1-R2 resections, palliative or emergent surgeries are excluded. Metastatic to total number of lymph nodes, corresponded a ratio which was analyzed in this survey and practiced as a predictive parameter of disease outcome. This survey includes 138 male (71.5%) and 55 female (28.5%) patients treated between 2011 and 2015 in our clinic. The survey follow-up duration of the cases range between 0, 2, and 72 months, corresponding an average of 23.24 ± 16.99 months. We calculated cutoff value of 0.09 with, sensitivity is 76.32% for positive to total number of lymph nodes ratio, whereas specivity applies for 64.10%, positive predictive value for 58% and negative predictive value for 80.6%. Positive lymph node ratio has a prognostic value in terms of predicting the prognosis of the patients with gastric adenocarcinoma following a curative gastrectomy. This might in long term contribute to the prognostic analysis of patients if integrated in the current staging system.

Effect of intracorporeal anastomosis on postoperative ileus after laparoscopic right colectomy

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC) with extracorporeal anastomosis (ECA) remains the most widely adopted technique despite mounting evidence that intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA) offers several advantages. This study aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes of ICA and ECA and to investigate the effect of ICA on postoperative ileus after LRC.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 45 patients who underwent ICA and 63 who underwent ECA in LRC for right-sided colonic diseases between January 2015 and December 2019.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in total operation time, blood loss, total length of incisions, tolerance of diet, postoperative pain score on postoperative days 1 and 2, or length of hospital stays between the 2 groups. However, the ICA group had a significantly shorter time to first flatus passage (3.0 ± 0.9 days vs. 3.8 ± 1.9 days, P = 0.013). The rate of postoperative ileus was significantly higher in the ECA group (2.2% vs. 14.3%, P = 0.033); however, there was no significant difference in the overall morbidity within 30 days after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the ECA technique (odds ratio [OR], 0.098; 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.011-0.883, P = 0.038) and previous abdominal operation (OR, 5.269; 95% CI, 1.193-23.262; P = 0.028) were independent risk factors for postoperative ileus.

CONCLUSION

The postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent LRC with ICA or ECA were comparable, and ICA could reduce the incidence of postoperative ileus after LRC compared with ECA.

Enterotomy Closure after Minimally Invasive Distal Gastrectomy with Intracorporeal Anastomosis: A Multicentric Study

INTRODUCTION

Despite progressive improvements in technical skills and instruments that have facilitated surgeons performing intracorporeal gastro-jejunal and jejuno-jejunal anastomoses, one of the big challenging tasks is handsewn knot tying. We analysed the better way to fashion a handsewn intracorporeal enterotomy closure after a stapled anastomosis.

METHODS

All 579 consecutive patients from January 2009 to December 2019 who underwent minimally invasive partial gastrectomy for gastric cancer were retrospectively analysed. Different ways to fashion intracorporeal anastomoses were investigated: robotic versus laparoscopic approach; laparoscopic high definition versus three-dimensional versus 4K technology; single-layer versus double-layer enterotomies. Double-layer enterotomies were analysed layer by layer, comparing running versus interrupted suture; the presence versus absence of deep corner suture; and type of suture thread.

RESULTS

Significantly lower rates of bleeding (p = 0.011) and leakage (p = 0.048) from gastro-jejunal anastomosis were recorded in the double-layer group. Barbed suture thread was significantly associated with reduced intraluminal bleeding and leakage rates both in the first (p = 0.042 and p = 0.010) and second layer (p = 0.002 and p = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

Double-layer sutures using barbed suture thread both in first and second layer to fashion enterotomy closure result in lower intraluminal bleeding and anastomotic leak rates.

Modified -shaped esophagojejunostomy in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy: a report of 40 consecutive cases from a single center

Objective

Intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy remains a challenging technique in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) because of the lack of an established standard anastomosis method. However, π-shaped esophagojejunostomy in TLTG is reportedly safe and feasible. Therefore, we evaluated the short-term surgical outcomes of our modified π-shaped esophagojejunostomy in TLTG.

Methods

This study involved patients without neoadjuvant therapy diagnosed with gastric cancer who underwent TLTG by the same surgeon with modified π-shaped esophagojejunostomy from April 2018 to October 2019. Clinicopathologic data were collected and retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Forty patients diagnosed with gastric cancer were included. The mean operative time and estimated blood loss were 264.6 ± 56.9 minutes and 68.5 ± 53.3 mL, respectively. Postoperative flatus occurred at 4.6 ± 1.7 days. The mean time to resumption of diet was 7.4 ± 1.7 days postoperatively. One patient was diagnosed with anastomotic leakage and managed with conservative therapy. Pleural effusion was the most common complication, occurring in four (10%) patients. One patient developed intra-abdominal bleeding that required reoperation. Other complications were atrial fibrillation and wound infection. No mortality occurred during the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions

Modified π-shaped esophagojejunostomy is safe and feasible for intracorporeal anastomosis in TLTG and showed favorable surgical outcomes in this study.

Superior outcomes with double-balloon enteroscopy for small bowel lesion marking followed by intracorporeal as opposed to extracorporeal resection and reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is used for the diagnosis and therapy of small bowel disease. Endoscopic sampling and marking small bowel lesions destined for surgery permit intracorporeal resection and reconstruction (IRR), thereby facilitating a complete minimally invasive technique. There are limited data that compare outcomes of IRR to conventional extracorporeal resection and reconstruction (ERR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of patients undergoing pre-operative DBE for lesion marking followed by laparoscopic IRR compared to those undergoing ERR.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent DBE followed by small bowel resection from 2006 to 2017 at a single tertiary care medical center. IRR was defined as laparoscopic inspection to identify the lesion (previously marked by DBE or by laparoscopic-assisted DBE) followed by intra-abdominal bowel resection and anastomosis with specimen extraction via minimal extension of a laparoscopic port site. ERR was defined as extracorporeal resection and/or reconstruction performed via a conventional or mini-laparotomy abdominal incision.

RESULTS

A total of 82 patients met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Thirty-two patients (39%) had ERR and 50 patients (61%) had IRR. The most common indications for DBE were small bowel bleeding (76%) and small bowel mass or thickening on prior imaging studies (16%). Successful DBE was higher in the IRR group when compared to the ERR group, but not significantly different (90% vs 75%, p-value 0.07). Patients who underwent IRR had faster bowel function recovery (2 vs 4 days, p < 0.01), shorter time to discharge (3 vs 7 days, p < 0.01), and fewer post-operative complications (10 vs 18; p < 0.01), when compared to the ERR group.

CONCLUSION

DBE successfully facilitated laparoscopic small bowel IRR and this approach was associated with faster return of bowel function, shorter recovery time, and decreased morbidity when compared to ERR.

Effect of different oesophagojejunostomy methods on the quality of life of gastric cancer patients after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy with self-pulling and latter transected technique: study protocol for a randomised trial

INTRODUCTION

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the detection rate of proximal gastric cancer has been increasing. Currently, surgical resection using gastrectomy and proper perigastric lymphadenectomy is the only treatment option to enhance the survival rate of patients with gastric cancer. Laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) is increasingly performed for adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction. However, totally LTG (TLTG) is only performed by a few surgeons due to difficulty associated with oesophagojejunostomy (OJ), in which there is no consensus on a standardised anastomosis technique. We propose a randomised trial to compare functional end-to-end anastomosis (FETE) and side-to-side anastomosis (Overlap) for OJ.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A prospective, randomised, open-label, single-centre, interventional trial has been designed to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) outcomes and safety of FETE and Overlap, with a 1-year follow-up as the primary endpoint. The trial began in 2020 and is scheduled to enrol 96 patients according to a previous sample size calculation. Patients were randomly allocated to the FETE or Overlap groups with a follow-up of 1 year to assess QoL after the procedure. All relevant clinical data including biological markers were collected. The primary indicator is the D-value between the postoperative and preoperative QoL. Student's t-tests will be used to compare continuous variables, while χ² tests or Fisher's exact tests will be used to compare categorical variables. Statistical analysis will be performed with SPSS V.23.0 statistical software. A p<0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study has been approved by the Hospital Institutional Review Board of Huashan Hospital, Fudan University (2020-1055). The results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2000035583.

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

ABSTRACT

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

Oncological outcomes of laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced gastric cancer: a retrospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The oncological outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) and open gastrectomy (OG) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy have been investigated in a few studies. Our purpose was to evaluate the oncological outcomes of LG and OG after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (GC) and to determine the advantages, preferences, and ease of use of the two techniques after chemotherapy.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent either OG (n = 43) or LG (n = 41). The neoadjuvant treatment regimen consisted of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin for three cycles, which was then repeated 6 to 12 weeks after the operation for four cycles.

RESULTS

The hospital stay time and intraoperative blood loss in the LG group were significantly lower than those in the OG group. The mortality rate and the 3-year survival rate for patients in the LG group were comparable to those of patients in the OG group (4.6% vs. 9.7% and 68.3% vs. 58.1%, respectively). Similar trends were observed regarding the 3-year recurrence rate and metastasis. The mean survival time was 52.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 44.2-61.6) in the OG group compared with 43.3 (95% CI, 36.6-49.8) in the LG group. Likewise, the mean disease-free survival was 56.1 months (95% CI, 46.36-65.8) in the LG group compared with 50.9 months (95% CI, 44.6-57.2) in the OG group.

CONCLUSION

LG is a feasible and safe alternative to OG for patients with locally advanced GC receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Totally Laparoscopic Gastrectomy Versus Laparoscopic-Assisted Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Totally laparoscopic gastrectomy (TLG) has recently been accepted as a treatment strategy for gastric cancer (GC). Aim: In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and feasibility of TLG compared with laparoscopic-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) in GC. Methods: Feasible studies comparing the TLG and LAG published up to March 2019 were searched online. The data showing short-term and complication outcomes were extracted to be pooled and analyzed. Results: Thirty-four studies, including 7974 patients were eventually eligible. There was no statistically significant difference on operation time between the two groups (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 2.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -4.16 to 9.02, P = .47). The time of anvil insertion time was shorter in the TLG group compared with the LAG group (WMD = -1.87, 95% CI: -2.60 to -1.15, P < .01). The TLG was significantly superior to LAG in the comparison of less trauma. In terms of radical resection, the number of lymph nodes obtained by TLG was significantly more than that obtained by LAG (WMD = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.54-3.76, P < .01). The pooled meta-analysis suggested that the patients undergoing TLG had a quicker recovery and less pain. In the advanced gastric cancer gastrectomy, the TLG could receive a longer proximal margin compared with the LAG (WMD = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.48-0.95, P < .01). Regardless of the reconstruction method, the TLG was superior to the LAG in terms of surgical parameters and postoperative recovery. Like the LAG, the TLG was safe and advantageous. A lower risk trend of conversion to open laparotomy was observed in the TLG (relative risk [RR] = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.12-4.38, P = .72). The body mass index >25 kg/m² patients undergoing totally laparoscopic gastrectomy (TLGA) had a lower risk of overall complications (RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.48-1.63, P = .69). The patients with early gastric cancer or Billroth-I anastomosis were suitable to undergo the TLG (a lower risk of anastomotic leakage [RR = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.00-0.23, P < .01] and gastralgia [RR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08-0.88, P = .03], respectively). Conclusions: The TLG was a safe and reliable procedure compared with the LAG with reduced trauma, faster recovery, and not more complications.

Esophageal Suspension Method for Hand-Sewn Esophagojejunostomy After Totally Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy: A Simple, Safe, and Feasible Suturing Technique

Background: Totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) not only is difficult to operate but also has high technical requirements and a long learning curve. Therefore, it has not been widely carried out yet, and esophagojejunostomy is one of its difficulties. Relevant studies have shown that intracorporeal hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy is safe, feasible and low-cost, but it is complicated and time-consuming and requires a high-suture technique. This study introduces a simple, safe and feasible hand-sewn technique. Methods: The clinical data of 32 patients with the esophageal suspension method for hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy (suspension group) after TLTG were collected from February 2018 to June 2019. During the same period, 32 patients with traditional hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy (traditional group) after TLTG were used as the control group. Results: The operative time, anastomosis time, exhaust time and hospitalization time of the suspension group were shorter than those of the traditional group. The intraoperative blood loss in the suspension group was less than that in the traditional group. There were no postoperative complications associated with the suspension group. Conclusion: For those who have some experience in laparoscopic suture technique, the esophageal suspension method for hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy after TLTG is a simple, safe, and feasible suture technique.

Laparoscopic gastrectomy using intracorporeally hand-sewn anastomosis of esophagojejunostomy, gastroduodenostomy, or gastrojejunostomy for gastric cancer

Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) using intracorporeal anastomosis has recently become more prevalent due to the advancements of laparoscopic surgical instruments. However, intracorporeally hand-sewn anastomosis (IHSA) is still uncommon because of technical difficulties. In this study, we evaluated various types of IHSA following LG with respect to the technical aspects and postoperative outcomes.Seventy-six patients who underwent LG using IHSA for treatment of gastric cancer between September 2014 and June 2018 were enrolled in this study. We described the details of IHSA in step-by-step manner, evaluated the clinicopathological data and surgical outcomes, and summarized the clinical experiences.Four types of IHSA have been described: one for total gastrectomy (Roux-en-Y) and 3 for distal gastrectomy (Roux-en-Y, Billroth I, and Billroth II). The mean operation time and anastomotic time was 288.7 minutes and 54.3 minutes, respectively. Postoperative complications were observed in 13 patients. All of the patients recovered well with conservative surgical management. There was no case of conversion to open surgery, anastomotic leakage, or mortality.LG using IHSA was safe and feasible and had several advantages compared to mechanical anastomosis. The technique lengthened operating time, but this could be mitigated by increased surgical training and experience.

Barbed Suture and Gastrointestinal Surgery. A Retrospective Analysis

Although minimally invasive surgery is recognized as the gold standard of many surgical procedures, laparoscopic suturing is still considered as the most difficult skill in laparoscopic surgery. The introduction of barbed sutures facilitates laparoscopic suturing because it is not necessary to tie a knot. The efficacy of this method has been evaluated in different types of surgery; however, less is known about general surgery. We retrospectively analysed data from 378 patients who had undergone bariatric or surgical treatment for colic or gastric malignancy requiring a closure of gastroentero, entero-entero or enterocolotomy from January 2014 to January 2019, admitted to the General Surgery Unit and Operative Unit of Surgical Endoscopy of the University Federico II (Naples, Italy). We registered 12 anastomotic leaks (3.1%), 16 anastomotic intraluminal bleedings (4.2%) and 7 extraluminal bleedings. Other complications included 23 cases of postoperative nausea and vomit (6%), 14 cases of postoperative ileus (3.7%) and 3 cases of intra-abdominal abscess (0.8%). Overall complications rate was 19.8% (75/378). No postoperative death was registered. Thus, by pooling together 378 patients, we can assess that barbed suture could be considered safe and effective for closure of holes used for the introduction of a branch of mechanical stapler to perform intracorporeal anastomosis.

Risk Factors for the Development of Incisional Hernia in Mini-laparotomy Wounds Following Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy in Patients with Gastric Cancer

Purpose

To determine the incidence of incisional hernia (IH) in mini-laparotomy wounds and analyze the risk factors of IH following laparoscopic distal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer.

Materials and Methods

A total of 565 patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer at Dong-A University Hospital, Busan, South Korea, between June 2010 and December 2015, were enrolled. IH was diagnosed through physical examination or computed tomography imaging. Incidence rate and risk factors of IH were evaluated through a long-term follow-up.

Results

Of those enrolled, 16 patients (2.8%) developed IH. The median duration of follow-up was 58 months (range, 25–90 months). Of the 16 patients with IH, 15 (93.7%) were diagnosed within 12 months postoperatively. Multivariate analysis showed that female sex (odds ratio [OR], 3.869; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.325–11.296), higher body mass index (BMI; OR, 1.229; 95% CI, 1.048–1.422), and presence of comorbidity (OR, 3.806; 95% CI, 1.212–11.948) were significant risk factors of IH. The vast majority of IH cases (15/16 patients, 93.7%) developed in the totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) group. However, the type of surgery (i.e., TLDG or laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy) did not significantly affect the development of IH (P=0.060).

Conclusions

A median follow-up of 58 months showed that the overall incidence of IH in mini-laparotomy wounds was 2.8%. Multivariate analysis showed that female sex, higher BMI, and presence of comorbidity were significant risk factors of IH. Thus, surgeons should monitor the closure of mini-laparotomy wounds in patients with risk factors of IH undergoing laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.

Laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer: where are we now and where are we going?

INTRODUCTION

Minimally-invasive surgery is gaining increasing popularity for the management of gastric cancer (GC). Areas covered: The authors hereby comprehensively and systematically reviewed the randomized and/or prospective evidence on laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for GC. For early GC located in the distal stomach, various randomized trials have demonstrated the superiority/non-inferiority of LG especially in reducing surgical trauma and enhancing postoperative recovery without compromising surgical safety and oncologic efficacy. For advanced GC, while multicenter large-scale randomized evidence has demonstrated the safety and feasibility of LG by experienced hands, the long-term survival which is to be clarified by several ongoing trials are crucial to determine whether a more widespread application is acceptable. Randomized evidence regarding the application of laparoscopic total or proximal gastrectomy, which is technically challenging, is scarce. Various attempts in modification of the traditional laparoscopic approach to further reduce the trauma have been evaluated, such as single-incision and totally LG. LG is becoming increasingly individualized and precise. Expert commentary: The current randomized and/or prospective evidence supports the non-inferiority of laparoscopic surgery especially for the management of early GC located in the distal stomach, while the definitive efficacy of the laparoscopic approach for more surgically challenging situations remains largely explorative and investigative.

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

Background:

Laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) is increasingly performed in patients with gastric cancer. However, the usage of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (IEJ) following LTG is limited, as the safety and efficacy remain unclear. The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of IEJ following LTG.

Methods:

Studies published from January 1994 to January 2017 comparing the outcomes of IEJ and extracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (EEJ) following LTG were reviewed and collected from the PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, Embase, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI). Operative results, postoperative recovery, and postoperative complications were compared and analyzed. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the Review Manager 5.3.

Results:

Seven nonrandomized studies with 785 patients were included. Compared with EEJ, IEJ has less blood loss (WMD: −13.52 ml; 95% CI: −24.82–−2.22; P = 0.02), earlier time to first oral intake (WMD: −0.49 day; 95% CI: −0.83–−0.14; P < 0.01), and shorter length of hospitalization (WMD: −0.62 day; 95% CI: −1.08–−0.16; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between IEJ and EEJ regarding the operation time, anastomotic time, number of retrieved lymph nodes, time to first flatus, anastomosis leakage rate, anastomosis stenosis rate, and proximal resections (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Compared with EEJ, IEJ has better cosmesis, milder surgical trauma, and a faster postoperative recovery. IEJ can be performed as safely as EEJ. IEJ should be encouraged to surgeons with sufficient expertise.

Effectiveness and safety of total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy versus laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A retrospective cohort study

AIM

To compare the results of total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) and laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) and explore the safety and feasibility of TLDG.

METHODS

Data were collected and analyzed from patients underwent TLDG and LADG from January 2009 to December 2011 at our institution.

RESULTS

127 LADG cases and 104 TLDG cases were included and balanced for age, sex, BMI, ASA scores, and CEA level in this study. A decrease in postoperative pain (P < 0.001), wound infection rate (P = 0.013), and hospitalization time after surgery (P < 0.001) was found in the TLDG group. Compared with the LADG group, there was no increase in operative time (P = 0.084), intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.061), or anastomotic fistula rate (P = 0.473). Statistical differences did not exist in recurrence and (or) metastasis (P = 0.204), 5-years disease-free survival (DFS) rate and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.570 and 0.560, respectively).

CONCLUSION

As long as it follows the surgical principles of malignant tumor, TLDG can achieve the same therapeutic effect as LADG does. TLDG is safe and feasible for gastric cancer patients though further studies are needed.

Case report about a successful full robotic radical gastric cancer surgery with intracorporeal robot-sewn anastomosis in a patient with situs inversus totalis and a two-and-a-half-year follow-up study

Background

During the last decade, total laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients has been developed as alternatives to open resection. In recent years, this minimally invasive surgery has been extended using robotic-assisted surgery.

Case presentation

Here, we report a surgical intervention using a Da Vinci surgical robot in which a lower two-third stomach resection with subsequent Billroth II gastrojejunostomy was performed. The patient was a 53-year-old male with complete situs inversus gastric cancer who had received 2 cycles of neo-adjuvant oxaliplatin combined with S-1 medication. The operation took 3 h in total without complications. The amount of bleeding was about 50 mL, and on day 5 after the operation, the patient was discharged.

Conclusions

This is the first report of a successful robot-assisted gastric cancer resection of advanced gastric cancer in a patient with the anatomical abnormality of situs inversus totalis.

A comparative study of totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy versus laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients: Short-term operative outcomes at a high-volume center

Objective

Laparoscopic gastrectomy has been established as a standard treatment for early gastric cancer, and its use is increasing recently. Compared with the conventional laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG), totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) involves intracorporeal reconstruction, which can avoid the additional incision, resulting in pain reduction and early recovery. This study aimed to compare the short-term postoperative outcomes of TLDG vs. LADG in gastric cancer in a high-volume center.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 1,322 patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy from June 2012 to June 2017 at the National Cancer Center, Korea. LADG was performed in the early period before July 2015, and TLDG was applied in the later period. Postoperative short-term outcomes were compared in terms of complication and clinical course between the two groups. Pain score was measured by rating the pain intensity from 0 to 10 points on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 3.

Results

A total of 667 patients underwent LADG and 655 patients underwent TLDG. Clinicopathologic characteristics were not different in both groups. Intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL) was significantly lower in the TLDG group (P<0.001). Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the TLDG group than in the LADG group on POD 1 (5.1±1.5vs. 4.8±1.4, P=0.015). First flatus passage after operation was significantly earlier in the TLDG group (3.4±0.8 d vs. 3.2±0.6 d, P<0.001). There were no differences in postoperative complications and hospital stay between the two groups.

Conclusions

Based on the reported short-term postoperative outcomes, TLDG is safe and feasible as well as LADG. Moreover, compared with LADG, TLDG can reduce intraoperative EBL and postoperative pain and enhance the bowel motility in gastric cancer surgery.

Application of Laparoscopic Gastrectomy in Obese Patients (BMI≥30 kg/m2) with Gastric Cancer: A Comparison With Open Gastrectomy Regarding Short-term Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Few studies have compared the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic (LG) and open (OG) gastrectomy in obese patients (BMI≥30 kg/m) with gastric cancer. The current study aimed to investigate the short-term outcomes of LG in this group of patients.

METHODS

A total of 33 LG cases and 23 OG cases (BMI≥30 kg/m) were identified from our gastric cancer database. Clinicopathologic features, operative details, laboratory examination, and postoperative outcomes were compared between both groups. Regression analysis was used to determine the effects of BMI on intraoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

The 2 groups had comparable clinicopathologic characteristics. LG was associated with significantly lesser blood loss, whereas both also groups had a similar operative time, and number of harvested lymph nodes. However, regression analysis indicated that increased BMI affected the operative time and blood loss in patients that underwent OG but had little effect on patients who received LG. The elevation of inflammatory factors (WBC, CRP) was lower in LG than in OG, postoperatively. Postoperative hepatic (alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, albumin) and renal (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen) functions in the LG group were not worse than in the OG group. The time to first flatus, initiation of diet, hospitalization, and postoperative complications seemed superior in LG than in OG, but these differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

LG can be safely performed in obese gastric cancer patients. Compared with conventional OG, LG is less invasive and is characterized by less blood loss and milder surgical trauma. LG is also less adversely affected by increased BMI.

Totally laparoscopic versus open total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A case-matched study about short-term outcomes

Although surgical outcomes of totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) have been reported from several centers, the effectiveness of this technique has not been conclusively established. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of TLTG for gastric cancer.A prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed data were used by comparing the short-term surgical outcomes of 124 patients who underwent TLTG with those of 124 patients who underwent open total gastrectomy (OTG) between March 2007 and March 2016.The 2 groups were well matched with respect to age, sex, body mass index, ASA score, and tumor stage. There was no significant difference with regard to the operation time but TLTG showed significantly less intraoperative blood loss (115.5 ± 70.2 vs 210.5 ± 146.7 mL, P < .01). Total numbers of retrieved lymph nodes were similar in the 2 groups. Postoperatively, no significant differences were found for morbidity or mortality. The time to first flatus, initiate oral intake, and postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter in the TLTG group than in the OTG group (3.2 ± 1.0 vs 4.1 ± 1.2 days; 4.4 ± 1.2 vs 5.6 ± 2.0 days; and 8.9 ± 3.1 vs 11.3 ± 4.5 days, respectively; P < .01).TLTG for gastric cancer is technically safe, feasible, and minimally invasive compared with OTG. A prospective randomized trial is needed to establish the value of TLTG.

Robotic versus laparoscopic Gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a systematic review and updated meta-analysis

Background

Advanced minimally invasive techniques including robotic surgery are being employed with increasing frequency around the world, primarily in order to improve the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of robotic gastrectomy (RG).

Methods

Studies, which compared surgical outcomes between LG and RG, were retrieved from medical databases before May 2017. Outcomes of interest were estimated as weighted mean difference (WMD) or risk ratio (RR) using the random-effects model. The software Review Manage version 5.1 was used for all calculations.

Results

Nineteen comparative studies with 5953 patients were included in this analysis. Compared with LG, RG was associated with longer operation time (WMD = −49.05 min; 95% CI: -58.18 ~ −39.91, P < 0.01), less intraoperative blood loss (WMD = 24.38 ml; 95% CI: 12.32 ~ 36.43, P < 0.01), earlier time to oral intake (WMD = 0.23 days; 95% CI: 0.13 ~ 0.34, P < 0.01), and a higher expense (WMD = −3944.8 USD; 95% CI: -4943.5 ~ −2946.2, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between RG and LG regarding time to flatus, hospitalization, morbidity, mortality, harvested lymph nodes, and cancer recurrence.

Conclusions

RG can be performed as safely as LG. However, it will take more effort to decrease operation time and expense.

Three-Port Versus Five-Port Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer Patients: A Propensity Score Matched Case-Control Study

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of three-port laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TP-LDG) as a reduced port laparoscopic gastrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively identified 146 patients preoperatively diagnosed with early gastric cancer who underwent five-port laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (FP-LDG) or TP-LDG between May 2013 and July 2016. A propensity score matching analysis was used to create patient groups (48 patients in each group) matched for sex, age, body mass index, previous abdominal surgery history, and American Society of Anesthesiologist score. The short-term surgical outcomes between TP-LDG and FP-LDG were compared.

RESULTS

The TP-LDG group had a statistically shorter umbilical wound length [3.4 (range, 3.0-4.0) cm vs. 3.9 (range, 3.7-4.0) cm, p = .000], shorter operative time [230 (range, 190-310) min vs. 250 (range, 180-320) min, p = .036], and lower estimated blood loss [68 (range, 20-180) mL vs. 80 (range, 40-150) mL, p = .005] compared to that in the FP-LDG group. However, there was no specific superiority regarding inflammatory profiles. Complication rates were also similar (8.4% TP-LDG vs. 12.6% FP-LDG, p = .504).

CONCLUSIONS

TP-LDG is a feasible and safe surgical procedure for the patients with early gastric cancer and provides the benefit of better cosmesis.

Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a comparative study with laparoscopic distal gastrectomy at a high-volume center

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) for gastric cancer has gradually gained popularity. However, laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) has been reported rarely when compared with LDG. This study was designed to evaluate the surgical outcomes as well as the morbidity and mortality of LTG compared with LDG to confirm the feasibility and safety of LTG.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed the data of patients at our institution undergoing LTG (n = 448) or LDG (n = 956) for gastric cancer between January 2008 and July 2016. Then the clinical characteristics and perioperative clinical outcomes of the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

Except for tumor size and stage, there were no statistically significant differences in the clinicopathological parameters between the groups. LTG was associated with significantly longer operation time, late time to postoperative diet, and longer hospital stay compared with the LDG group. Overall complications developed in 60 patients (13.4%) and surgical complications in 48 patients (10.7%) after LTG. Postoperative complications were less frequent in the LDG group than in the LTG group (8.4% versus 13.4%, p < .01), and fewer surgical complications were observed with LDG than with LTG (7.5% versus 10.7%, p = .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of LTG were favorable even though are not inferior to those of LDG. LTG for gastric cancer is technically feasible and safe. However, because of the limits of this study, other high-quality studies are needed for further evaluation.

Laparoscopic gastrectomy in obese gastric cancer patients: a comparative study with non-obese patients and evaluation of difference in laparoscopic methods

Background

Obesity is a growing epidemic around the world, and obese patients are generally regarded as high risk for surgery compared with normal weight patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of obesity on the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for gastric cancer.

Methods

We reviewed data for all patients undergoing LG for gastric cancer at our institute between October 2004 and December 2016. Patients were divided into non-obese and obese groups and the perioperative outcomes were compared. Furthermore, a subgroup analysis was conducted to evaluate which of the two commonly used methods of LG, laparoscopic-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) and totally laparoscopic gastrectomy (TLG), is more suitable for obese patients.

Results

A total of 1691 patients, 1255 non-obese and 436 obese or overweight patients, underwent LG during the study period. The mean operation time was significantly longer in the obese group than in the non-obese group (209.9 ± 29.7 vs. 227.2 ± 25.7 min, P < 0.01), and intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the non-obese group (113.4 ± 34.1 vs. 136.9 ± 36.7 ml, P < 0.01). Time to first flatus, time to oral intake, and postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter in the non-obese group than in the obese group (3.3 ± 0.8 vs. 3.6 ± 0.9 days; 4.3 ± 1.0 vs. 4.6 ± 1.0 days; and 9.0 ± 2.2 vs. 9.6 ± 2.2 days, respectively; P < 0.01). 119 (9.5%) of the non-obese patients had postoperative complications as compared to 44 (10.1%) of the obese patients (P = 0.71). In the subgroup analysis of all patients, TLG showed improved results for early surgical outcomes compared to LAG, mainly due to its advantages in obese patients.

Conclusions

Obesity is associated with long operation time, increased blood loss, and slow recovery after laparoscopic gastric resection but does not affect intraoperative security or effectiveness. TLG may have less negative results in obese patients than LAG due to a variety of reasons. Our analysis shows that TLG is more advantageous, with regard to early surgical outcomes, for obese patients.

Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic local resection for gastric submucosal tumors: a single-center experience of 266 patients

Background

Laparoscopic resections for submucosal tumors (SMTs) of the stomach have been developed rapidly over the past decade. Several types of laparoscopic methods for gastric SMTs have been created. We assessed the short-term outcomes of two commonly used types of laparoscopic local resection (LLR) for gastric SMTs and reported our findings.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological results of 266 patients with gastric SMTs whom underwent LLR between January 2006 and September 2016. 228 of these underwent laparoscopic exogastric wedge resection (LEWR), the remaining 38 patients with the tumors near the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) or antrum underwent laparoscopic transgastric resection (LTR).

Results

All the patients underwent laparoscopic resections successfully. The mean operation times of LEWR and LTR were 90.2 ± 37.2 min and 101.7 ± 38.5 min respectively. The postoperative length of hospital stays for LEWR and LTR were 5.1 ± 2.1 days and 5.3 ± 1.7 days respectively. There was a low complication rate (4.4%) and zero mortality in our series.

Conclusion

ELWR is technically feasible therapy of gastric SMTs. LTR is secure and effective for gastric intraluminal SMTs located near the EGJ or antrum.

Comparison of Delta-Shape Anastomosis and Extracorporeal Billroth I Anastomosis after Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Short-Term Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the safety and relative benefits of delta-shape anastomosis (DA) by comparing to conventional laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy with Billroth I gastroduodenostomy (LADG BI).

METHODS

Studies and relevant literature regarding DA versus LADG BI were searched in the electronic databases. Operation time, postoperative complications, estimated blood loss, number of retrieved lymph nodes, time to first flatus, time to oral intake, length of postoperative hospitalization in DA and LADG BI were pooled and compared using meta-analysis. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the effect of DA.

RESULTS

Eight studies of 1739 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with LADG BI, DA had shorter postoperative hospitalization (WMD = -0.47, 95%CI: -0.69 to -0.25, P<0.01), less blood loss (WMD = - 25.90, 95%CI: -43.11 to -8.70, P<0.01), shorter time to oral intake (WMD = -0.25, 95%CI: -0.49 to -0.01, P = 0.04), and more retrieved lymph nodes (WMD = 1.36, 95%CI: 0.30 to 2.43, P = 0.01). Operation time (WMD = -0.07, 95%CI -15.58 to 15.43, P = 0.99), overall postoperative complication rate (OR = 1.05, 95%CI: 0.74 to 1.49, P = 0.63), surgical complication rate (OR = 1.02, 95%CI: 0.70 to 1.49, P = 0.90), nonsurgical complication rate (OR = 1.21, 95%CI: 0.54 to 2.72, P = 0.64), leakage rate (OR = 2.54, 95%CI: 0.92 to 7.01, P = 0.07), stricture rate (OR = 0.36, 95%CI: 0.09 to 1.44, P = 0.15), wound complication rate (OR = 0.71, 95%CI: 0.33 to 1.55, P = 0.39), time to first flatus (WMD = -0.10, 95%CI: -0.27 to 0.07, P = 0.26), and proximal surgical margin (WMD = -0.25, 95%CI: -1.14 to 0.65, P = 0.59) was not statistically different.

CONCLUSION

Compared with LADG BI, DA is a safe and feasible procedure, with significantly reduced blood loss, time to oral intake, and postoperative hospitalization.

Totally laparoscopic gastrectomy using intracorporeally stapler or hand-sewn anastomosis for gastric cancer: a single-center experience of 478 consecutive cases and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Totally laparoscopic gastrectomy (TLG) using intracorporeal anastomosis has gradually become mature thanks to the advancements of laparoscopic surgical instruments and the accumulation of operative experience. The goal of this study is to review our institution's experience with TLG for the treatment of gastric cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted to examine the short-term outcomes of TLG using intracorporeally stapler or hand-sewn anastomosis performed at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital between March 2007 and June 2015. The details of intracorporeal anastomosis were described, and the clinicopathological data, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Four hundred seventy-eight patients were included in the study. Generally speaking, the patients could be divided into stapler or hand-sewn groups according to whether intracorporeal anastomosis was performed by only hand-sewn technique (n = 97) or only stapling devices (n = 381). For overall patients, the mean operation time and anastomotic time were 225.7 and 30.0 min, respectively. Postoperative complications were observed in 65 patients. All of the patients recovered well without perioperative death by conservative or surgical management.

CONCLUSIONS

TLG using intracorporeally stapler or hand-sewn anastomosis is a reasonable option for the treatment of gastric cancer, with early data showing acceptable perioperative outcomes.

Totally laparoscopic versus laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy for upper and middle gastric cancer: a single-unit experience of 253 cases with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) is the most commonly used methods of laparoscopic gastrectomy for upper and middle gastric cancer. However, totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) is unpopular because reconstruction is difficult, especially for the intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy. We adopted TLTG with various types of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy. In this study, we compared LATG and TLTG to evaluate their outcomes.

METHODS

From March 2006 to September 2015, 253 patients with upper and middle gastric cancer underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG), 145 patients underwent LATG, and 108 patients underwent TLTG. The clinicopathological characteristics and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively compared between the two groups. Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

The operation time and estimated blood loss were similar between the groups. There were no significant differences in first flatus, diet initiation, and postoperative hospital stay. The surgical complication rates were 17.2% (25/145) and 13.9% (15/108) in the LATG and TLTG groups, respectively. The meta-analysis also revealed no significant differences in the operation time, estimated blood loss, time to first flatus, length of hospital stay, overall, and anastomosis-related complications among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

TLTG is a feasible choice for gastric cancer patients, with comparable results to the LATG approach.

Laparoscopic gastrectomy versus open gastrectomy for elderly patients with gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and potential benefits of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) comparing with open gastrectomy (OG) in elderly population.

Methods

Studies comparing LG with OG for elderly population with gastric cancer, published between January 1994 and July 2015, were identified in the PubMed, Embase, and ISI Web of Science databases. Operative outcomes (intraoperative blood loss, operative time, and the number of lymph nodes harvested) and postoperative outcomes (time to first ambulation, time to first flatus, time to first oral intake, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative morbidity) were included and analyzed. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the pooled study. A funnel plot was used to evaluate the publication bias.

Results

Seven studies totaling 845 patients were included in the meta-analysis. LG in comparison to OG showed less intraoperative blood loss (weighted mean difference (WMD) −127.47; 95 % confidence interval (CI) −202.79 to −52.16; P < 0.01), earlier time to first ambulation (WMD −2.07; 95 % CI −2.84 to −1.30; P < 0.01), first flatus (WMD −1.04; 95 % CI −1.45 to −0.63; P < 0.01), and oral intake (WMD −0.94; 95 % CI −1.11 to −0.77; P < 0.01), postoperative hospital stay (WMD −5.26; 95 % CI −7.58 to −2.93; P < 0.01), lower overall postoperative complication rate (odd ratio (OR) 0.39; 95 % CI 0.28 to 0.55; P < 0.01), less surgical complications (OR 0.47; 95 % CI 0.32 to 0.69; P < 0.01), medical complication (OR 0.35; 95 % CI 0.22 to 0.56; P < 0.01), incisional complication (OR 0.40; 95 % CI 0.19 to 0.85; P = 0.02), and pulmonary infection (OR 0.49; 95 % CI 0.26 to 0.93; P = 0.03). No significant differences were observed between LG and OG for the number of harvested lymph nodes. However, LG had longer operative times (WMD 15.73; 95 % CI 6.23 to 25.23; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

LG is a feasible and safe approach for elderly patients with gastric cancer. Compared with OG, LG has less blood loss, faster postoperative recovery, and reduced postoperative morbidity.

Comparing the short-term outcomes of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy with extracorporeal esophagojejunostomy after laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Background

Totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) using intracorporeal anastomosis has gradually developed due to advancements in laparoscopic surgical instruments. However, totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) with intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (IE) is still uncommon because of technical difficulties. Herein, we evaluated various types of IE after TLTG in terms of the technical aspects. We compared the short-term operative outcomes between TLTG with IE and laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) with extracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (EE).

Methods

Between March 2006 and December 2014, a total of 213 patients with gastric cancer underwent TLTG and LATG. Overall, 92 patients underwent TLTG with IE, and 121 patients underwent LATG with EE. Generally, there are two methods of IE: mechanical staplers (circular or linear staplers) and hand-sewn sutures. Surgical efficiencies and outcomes were compared between two groups. We also described various types of IE using a subgroup analysis.

Results

The mean operation times were similar in the two groups, as was the number of retrieved lymph nodes. However, the mean estimated blood loss of TLTG was statistically lower than LATG. There were no significant differences in time to first flatus, the time to restart oral intake, the length of the hospital stay after operation, and postoperative complications. Four types of IE have been applied after TLTG, including 42 cases of hand-sewn IE. The overall mean operation time and the mean anastomotic time in TLTG were 279.5 ± 38.4 min and 52.6 ± 18.9 min respectively. There was no case of conversion to open procedure. Postoperative complication occurred in 16 patients (17.4 %) and no postoperative mortality occurred.

Conclusions

IE is a feasible procedure and can be safely performed for TLTG with the proper laparoscopic expertise. It is technically feasible to perform hand-sewn IE after TLTG, which can reduce the cost of the laparoscopic procedure.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of totally laparoscopic versus laparoscopic assisted distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) has been developed in the hope of improving surgical quality and overcoming the limitations of conventional laparoscopic assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) for gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of evidence in support of these ideals.

METHODS

A systematic review of the two operation types (LADG and TLDG) was carried out to evaluate short-term outcomes including duration of operation, retrieved lymph nodes, estimated blood loss, resection margin status, technical postoperative complications, and hospital stay.

RESULTS

Twelve non-randomized observational clinical studies involving 2,255 patients satisfied the eligibility criteria. Operative time was not statistically different between groups (P > 0.05). The number of retrieved lymph nodes and the resection margin length in TLDG were comparable with those in LADG. Estimated blood loss was significantly less in TLDG than that in LAG (P < 0.01). Compared to LADG, TLDG also involved lesser postoperative hospital stay (P < 0.01) and earlier time to soft diet intake (P < 0.05). Time to flatus and postoperative complications were similar for those two operative approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

TLDG may be a technically safe, feasible, and favorable approach in terms of better cosmesis, less blood loss, and faster recovery compared with LADG.