Laparoscopy-assisted versus open distal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer: evidence from randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials

Analysis of the efficacy of a prophylactic increasing blood pressure before the end of surgery to reduce postoperative bleeding after gastrectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of reducing post-gastrectomy hemorrhage by increasing blood pressure at the end of gastric surgery and to evaluate whether this clinical intervention affects the stability of patients' postoperative circulatory system.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 499 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy under general anesthesia at our center between January 2023 and January 2024. After 1:1 propensity score matching, the experimental group comprised 157 patients whose operation cavities were examined after increasing blood pressure before the end of gastrectomy, while the control group included 157 patients whose operation cavities were examined using routine procedures without increasing blood pressure.

RESULTS

The incidences of total postoperative bleeding (0% vs. 3.82%, P = 0.013) and early postoperative bleeding (0% vs. 2.55%, P = 0.044) were significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in delayed bleeding (0% vs. 1.23%, P = 0.156), systolic blood pressure immediately upon returning to the ward (121.02 ± 18.196 vs. 120.34 ± 21.664, P = 0.795), systolic blood pressure 48 h post-surgery (125.04 ± 16.242 vs. 126.23 ± 17.048, P = 0.529), diastolic blood pressure immediately upon returning to the ward (83.83 ± 11.978 vs. 84.75 ± 12.422, P = 0.506), diastolic blood pressure 48 h post-surgery (74.69 ± 9.773 vs. 75.76 ± 10.605, P = 0.353), heart rate immediately upon returning to the ward (74.31 ± 11.610 vs. 75.15 ± 11.660, P = 0.522), or heart rate 48 h post-surgery (80.49 ± 12.267 vs. 79.11 ± 10.969, P = 0.293). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding anastomotic fistula, intestinal obstruction, postoperative pneumonia, reoperation, mortality, combined organ resection, or postoperative hospital stay (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Increasing blood pressure before the end of gastrectomy can effectively reduce the incidence of primary postoperative hemorrhage without affecting the stability of the perioperative circulatory system.

Effect of Minimally Invasive versus Open Distal Gastrectomy on Long-Term Survival in Patients with Gastric Cancer: Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive distal gastrectomy (MIDG) has been shown to improve short-term outcomes compared with open distal gastrectomy (ODG) in patients with early (EGC) and locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC). The impact of MIDG on patient survival remains debated. This study aimed to compare the effect of MIDG versus ODG on long-term survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Randomized clinical trial (RCTs) individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis with restricted mean survival time difference (RMSTD) estimation. Scopus, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched. Primary outcomes were 5-year overall (OS), disease free survival (DFS), and cancer specific survival (CSS). RMSTD and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as pooled effect size measures. The certainty of evidence was categorized with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework.

RESULTS

Overall, ten RCTs (5297 patients) were included; 50.4% of patients underwent MIDG. At 60-months follow-up, the OS and DFS estimates for ODG versus MIDG were 0.41 months (95% CI - 0.17, 0.99; high level of certainty) and 0.42 months (95% CI - 0.38, 1.23; high level of certainty). CSS was specified in two RCTs, hence quantitative analysis was not practicable. The 60-month OS and DFS estimates for LAGC (five studies) were 0.32 months (95% CI - 0.80, 1.44; high level of certainty) and 0.31 months (95% CI - 2.02, 1.33; high level of certainty), respectively. The 36-month DFS appraisal for stage III patients (three studies) was - 0.41 months (95% CI - 26.1, 38.2; low level of certainty).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis found high-certainty evidence that MIDG and ODG demonstrate similar 5-year OS and DFS in patients with both EGC and LAGC.

Minimally Invasive Versus Open Distal Gastrectomy for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer: Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Trials

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive distal gastrectomy (MIDG) has been shown to be associated with improved short-term outcomes compared to open distal gastrectomy (ODG) in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC). The impact of MIDG on long-term patient survival remains debated. Aim was to compare the MIDG vs. ODG effect on long-term survival.

METHODS

Systematic review and trial sequential analysis (TSA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were queried. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as pooled effect size measures. Five-year overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were primary outcomes.

RESULTS

Five RCTs were included (2835 patients). Overall, 1421 (50.1%) patients underwent MIDG and 1414 (49.9%) ODG. The ages ranged from 48 to 70 years and 63.4% were males. The pooled 5-year OS (HR = 0.86; 95% CI 0.70-1.04; I2 = 0.0%) and 5-year DFS (HR = 1.03; 95% CI 0.87-1.23; I2 = 0.0%) were similar for MIDG vs. ODG. The TSA shows a cumulative z-curve without crossing the monitoring boundaries line (Z = 1.96), thus suggesting not conclusive 5-year OS and DFS results because the total information size was not sufficient.

CONCLUSIONS

MIDG and ODG seem to have equivalent 5-year OS and DFS in patients with LAGC. However, the cumulative evidence derived from the TSA showed that the actual information size is not sufficient to provide conclusive data.

Short-Term Outcomes Analysis Comparing Open, Laparoscopic, Laparoscopic-Assisted, and Robotic Distal Gastrectomy for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Randomized Trials Network Analysis

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer (AGC) is debated. The aim of this study was to execute a comprehensive assessment of principal surgical treatments for resectable distal gastric cancer.

METHODS

Systematic review and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) network meta-analysis. Open (Op-DG), laparoscopic-assisted (LapAs-DG), totally laparoscopic (Lap-DG), and robotic distal gastrectomy (Rob-DG) were compared. Pooled effect-size measures were the risk ratio (RR), the weighted mean difference (WMD), and the 95% credible intervals (CrIs).

RESULTS

Ten RCTs (3823 patients) were included. Overall, 1012 (26.5%) underwent Lap-DG, 902 (23.6%) LapAs-DG, 1768 (46.2%) Op-DG, and 141 (3.7%) Rob-DG. Anastomotic leak, severe complications (Clavien-Dindo > 3), and in-hospital mortality were comparable. No differences were observed for reoperation rate, pulmonary complications, postoperative bleeding requiring transfusion, surgical-site infection, cardiovascular complications, number of harvested lymph nodes, and tumor-free resection margins. Compared to Op-DG, Lap-DG and LapAs-DG showed a significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss with a trend toward shorter time to first flatus and reduced length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

LapAs-DG, Lap-DG, and Rob-DG performed in referral centers by dedicated surgeons have comparable short-term outcomes to Op-DG for locally AGC.

Higher incidence of cholelithiasis with Roux-en-Y reconstruction compared with Billroth-I after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Cholelithiasis occurs often after gastrectomy. However, no consensus has been established regarding the difference in the incidence of postgastrectomy cholelithiasis with different reconstruction methods. In this study, we examined the frequency of cholelithiasis after two major reconstruction methods, namely Billroth-I (B-I) and Roux-en-Y (R-Y) following laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) for gastric cancer.

METHODS

Among 696 gastric cancer patients who underwent LDG between April 2000 and March 2017, after applying the exclusion criteria, 284 patients who underwent B-I and 310 who underwent R-Y were examined retrospectively. The estimated incidence of cholelithiasis was compared between the methods, and factors associated with the development of cholelithiasis in the gallbladder and/or common bile duct were investigated.

RESULTS

During the median follow-up of 61.2 months, 52 patients (8.8%) developed cholelithiasis postgastrectomy; 12 patients (4.2%) after B-I and 40 (12.9%) after R-Y (p = 0.0002). Among them, choledocholithiasis was more frequent in patients who underwent R-Y (n = 11, 27.5%) vs. B-I (n = 1, 8.3%) (p = 0.0056). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that male sex, body mass index > 22.5 kg/m2, and R-Y reconstruction were significant predictors of the development of postLDG cholelithiasis.

CONCLUSION

Regarding cholelithiasis development, B-I reconstruction should be preferred whenever possible during distal gastrectomy.

Edaravone: A Novel Possible Drug for Cancer Treatment?

Despite significant advancements in understanding the causes and progression of tumors, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In light of advances in cancer therapy, there has been a growing interest in drug repurposing, which involves exploring new uses for medications that are already approved for clinical use. One such medication is edaravone, which is currently used to manage patients with cerebral infarction and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, edaravone has also been investigated for its potential activities in treating cancer, notably as an anti-proliferative and cytoprotective drug against side effects induced by traditional cancer therapies. This comprehensive review aims to provide updates on the various applications of edaravone in cancer therapy. It explores its potential as a standalone antitumor drug, either used alone or in combination with other medications, as well as its role as an adjuvant to mitigate the side effects of conventional anticancer treatments.

Effect of magnesium sulfate perioperative infusion on postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort in male patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of gastrointestinal cancer: a prospective, randomized and controlled study

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic radical resection of gastrointestinal cancer is associated with a high incidence of postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD). Studies on the benefits of magnesium sulfate intravenous infusion during the perioperative period post-laparoscopic surgery are yet lacking.

METHODS

A total of 88 gastrointestinal cancer male patients scheduled for laparoscopic radical resection were randomly divided into two groups: normal saline (control) and magnesium. In the magnesium group, a 40 mg/kg loading dose of intravenous magnesium sulfate was administered for 10 min just after the induction of anesthesia, followed by continuous intravenous infusion of 15 mg/kg/h magnesium sulfate until the end of the surgery; the control group was administered the same dose of normal saline. Subsequently, 2 μg/kg sufentanil was continuously infused intravenously by a postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) device. The primary outcome was the incidence of CRBD at 0 h after the surgery. The secondary outcomes included incidence of CRBD at 1, 2, and 6 h postsurgery, the severity of CRBD at 0, 1, 2, and 6 h postsurgery. Remifentanil requirement during surgery, sufentanil requirement within 24 h postsurgery, the postoperative numerical rating scale (NRS) score at 48 h after the surgery, magnesium-related side effects and rescue medication (morphine) requirement were also assessed.

RESULTS

The incidence of CRBD at 0, 1, 2, and 6 h postoperatively was lower in the magnesium group than the control group (0 h: P = 0.01; 1 h: P = 0.003; 2 h: P = 0.001; 6 h: P = 0.006). The incidence of moderate to severe CRBD was higher in the control group at postoperative 0 and 1 h (0 h: P = 0.002; 1 h: P = 0.028), remifentanil requirement during surgery were significantly lower in the magnesium group than the control group. Sufentanil requirements during the 24 h postoperative period were significantly lower in the magnesium group than the control group. The NRS score was reduced in the magnesium group compared to the control group in the early postoperative period. Magnesium-related side effects and rescue medication (morphine) did not differ significantly between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous magnesium sulfate administration reduces the incidence and severity of CRBD and remifentanil requirement in male patients undergoing radical resection of gastrointestinal cancer. Also, no significant side effects were observed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2100053073. The study was registered on 10/11/2021.

Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A single cancer center experience

Objectives

Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) was challenging to most surgeons due to the two-dimensional view, difficult manipulations of the instruments, ergonomic discomfort, and the associated muscular spasm and effort. Technological advances with improved surgical experience, have made LG a more feasible and favorable approach for gastric cancer (GC) patients.

Material and Methods

LG was performed in 44 patients with GC between July 2015 to June 2022, in the Department of Surgical Oncology, Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Egypt, and we assessed the surgical outcomes of this approach as an initial experience of a single cancer center.

Results

Twenty-seven patients underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy, and seventeen underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy. Two cases had combined resection. Operative time was 339.2 ± 76.73 min, while blood loss was 153.86 ± 57.51 mL. The patients were ambulant on postoperative day 0, oral intake was started within three days (range 1-5 days) and the hospital stay was six days (range 3-9 days).

Conclusion

LG for GC is a feasible approach for both early and advanced GC patients as it allows for adequate diagnosis of the peritoneal disease, meticulous dissection, and identification of the lymph nodes with minimal blood loss and decrease surgery-related problems and encourage the early patients' discharge from hospital and return to daily life activities.

Impact of Hospital Volume on Utilization of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for gastric cancer is increasingly performed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate trends in utilization of laparoscopic and robotic techniques compared to open surgery as well as utilization based on hospital volume.

METHODS

We used the National Cancer Database to query patients who underwent gastrectomy from 2010 to 2017 for adenocarcinoma. Regression analyses were used to determine associations between MIS and clinical factors, the trend of MIS over time, and survival.

RESULTS

A total of 18,380 patients met inclusion criteria. The annual rates of MIS increased for all hospital volumes, though lower volume centers were less likely to undergo MIS. MIS was associated with a shorter length of stay compared to open, and robotic gastrectomy had a higher rate of obtaining at least 15 lymph nodes and lower rate of having a positive margin.

CONCLUSIONS

MIS utilization for resection of gastric cancer increased over time, with robotic surgery increasing at a higher rate than laparoscopic surgery. Importantly, this occurred without increased in mortality or sacrificing adequate oncologic outcomes.

Comparisons of perioperative and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer after neoadjuvant therapy: an updated pooled analysis of eighteen studies

BACKGROUND

Outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in advanced gastric cancer patients who received neoadjuvant therapy represent a controversial issue. We performed an updated meta-analysis to evaluate the perioperative and long-term survival outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) versus conventional open gastrectomy (OG) in this subset of patients.

METHODS

Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were comprehensively searched up to May 2023. The short-term and long-term outcomes of LG versus OG in advanced gastric cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy were evaluated. Effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals were always assessed using random-effects model. The prospective protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022359126).

RESULTS

Eighteen studies (2 randomized controlled trials and 16 cohort studies) involving 2096 patients were included. In total, 933 patients were treated with LG and 1163 patients were treated with OG. In perioperative outcomes, LG was associated with less estimated blood loss (MD = - 65.15; P < 0.0001), faster time to flatus (MD = - 0.56; P < 0.0001) and liquid intake (MD = - 0.42; P = 0.02), reduced hospital stay (MD = - 2.26; P < 0.0001), lower overall complication rate (OR = 0.70; P = 0.002) and lower minor complication rate (OR = 0.69; P = 0.006), while longer operative time (MD = 25.98; P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of proximal margin, distal margin, R1/R2 resection rate, retrieved lymph nodes, time to remove gastric tube and drainage tube, major complications and other specific complications. In survival outcomes, LG and OG were not significantly different in overall survival, disease-free survival and recurrence-free survival.

CONCLUSION

LG can be a safe and feasible technique for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy. However, more high-quality randomized controlled trials are still needed to further validate the results of our study.

Innovation in gastrointestinal surgery: the evolution of minimally invasive surgery-a narrative review

Background

Minimally invasive (MI) surgery has revolutionised surgery, becoming the standard of care in many countries around the globe. Observed benefits over traditional open surgery include reduced pain, shorter hospital stay, and decreased recovery time. Gastrointestinal surgery in particular was an early adaptor to both laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Within this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery and a critical outlook on the evidence surrounding its effectiveness and safety.

Methods

A literature review was conducted to identify relevant articles for the topic of this review. The literature search was performed using Medical Subject Heading terms on PubMed. The methodology for evidence synthesis was in line with the four steps for narrative reviews outlined in current literature. The key words used were minimally invasive, robotic, laparoscopic colorectal, colon, rectal surgery.

Conclusion

The introduction of minimally surgery has revolutionised patient care. Despite the evidence supporting this technique in gastrointestinal surgery, several controversies remain. Here we discuss some of them; the lack of high level evidence regarding the oncological outcomes of TaTME and lack of supporting evidence for robotic colorectalrectal surgery and upper GI surgery. These controversies open pathways for future research opportunities with RCTs focusing on comparing robotic to laparoscopic with different primary outcomes including ergonomics and surgeon comfort.

Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy demonstrates acceptable outcomes regarding complications compared to open surgery for gastric cancer patients with pylorus outlet obstruction

BACKGROUND

For gastric cancer (GC) patients with pylorus outlet obstruction (POO), whether laparoscopic surgery has advantages over open surgery remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the differences between patients with and without POO in open and laparoscopic groups and to determine the differences between laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) and open distal gastrectomy (ODG) in GC patients with POO.

METHODS

A total of 241 GC patients with POO who underwent distal gastrectomy at the Department of Gastric Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between 2016 and 2021 were included in this study. A total of 1,121 non-POO patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery and 948 non-POO patients who underwent open surgery from 2016 to 2021 were also enrolled in the study. We compared complication rates and hospital stays between open and laparoscopic groups.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference for LDG between GC patients with and without POO regarding the overall complication rates (P = 0.063), the Grade III-V complication rate (P = 0.673), and the anastomotic complication rate (P = 0.497) from 2016 to 2021. The patients with POO had longer preoperative hospital stay (P = 0.001) and postoperative hospital stay (P=0.007) compared to patients without POO. No significant difference was observed for open patients between POO and non-POO patients regarding the overall complication rate (P = 0.357), grade III-V complication rate (P = 1.000), and anastomosis-related complication rate (P = 0.766). Compared with open surgery in GC patients with POO (n = 111), the total complication rate of the LDG group was 16.2%, which was significantly lower than that of the open group (26.1%, P = 0.041). No significant differences in the Grade III-V complication rate (P = 0.574) and anastomotic complication rate (P = 0.587) were observed between laparoscopic and open groups. Patients receiving laparoscopic surgery had shorter postoperative hospital stay than open surgery (P = 0.001). More resected lymph nodes (LNs) were also observed in the laparoscopic group (P = 0.0145).

CONCLUSION

The comorbidity of GC with POO does not increase the complication rate after laparoscopic or open distal gastrectomy. In GC patients with POO, laparoscopic surgery shows advantages over open surgery with a lower overall complication rate, shorter postoperative hospital stay, and more harvested lymph nodes. Laparoscopic surgery is a safe, feasible, and effective treatment for GC with POO.

Laparoscopic vs. open distal gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) with those of open distal gastrectomy (ODG) for patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) who exclusively underwent distal gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Background

Data in published meta-analyses that included different gastrectomy types and mixed tumor stages prevented an accurate comparison between LDG and ODG. Recently, several RCTs that compared LDG with ODG included AGC patients specifically for distal gastrectomy, with D2 lymphadenectomy being reported and updated with the long-term outcomes.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched to identify RCTs for comparing LDG with ODG for advanced distal gastric cancer. Short-term surgical outcomes and mortality, morbidity, and long-term survival were compared. The Cochrane tool and GRADE approach were used for evaluating the quality of evidence (Prospero registration ID: CRD42022301155).

Results

Five RCTs consisting of a total of 2,746 patients were included. Meta-analyses showed no significant differences in terms of intraoperative complications, overall morbidity, severe postoperative complications, R0 resection, D2 lymphadenectomy, recurrence, 3-year disease-free survival, intraoperative blood transfusion, time to first liquid diet, time to first ambulation, distal margin, reoperation, mortality, or readmission between LDG and ODG. Operative times were significantly longer for LDG [weighted mean difference (WMD) 49.2 min, p < 0.05], whereas harvested lymph nodes, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, time to first flatus, and proximal margin were lower for LDG (WMD -1.3, p < 0.05; WMD -33.6 mL, p < 0.05; WMD -0.7 day, p < 0.05; WMD -0.2 day, p < 0.05; WMD -0.4 mm, p < 0.05). Intra-abdominal fluid collection and bleeding were found to be less after LDG. Certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to very low.

Conclusions

Data from five RCTs suggest that LDG with D2 lymphadenectomy for AGC has similar short-term surgical outcomes and long-term survival to ODG when performed by experienced surgeons in hospitals contending with high patient volumes. It can be concluded that RCTs should highlight the potential advantages of LDG for AGC.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, registration number CRD42022301155.

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.

Application of Overlap Gastroduodenostomy in Billroth I Anastomosis after Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

Delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy (DSGD) and overlap gastroduodenostomy (OGD) are the two most widely used intracorporeal Billroth I anastomosis methods after distal gastrectomy. In this study, we compared the short-term outcomes of DSGD and OGD in total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG). In a retrospective cohort study, we examined 92 gastric cancer patients who underwent TLDG performed by the same surgeon between January 2014 and June 2018. All patients underwent Billroth I reconstruction (OGD, n = 45; DSGD, n = 47) and D2 lymph node dissection. We retrospectively reviewed the surgical outcomes, clinical pathological results, and endoscopy results. Laparoscopic surgery was successfully performed in both groups without conversion to open surgery. The demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in operation time (158.9 ± 13.6 min vs. 158.8 ± 14.8 min, P=0.955), anastomotic time (19.4 ± 3.0 min vs. 18.8 ± 2.9 min, P=0.354), intraoperative blood loss (88.9 ± 25.4 mL vs. 83.7 ± 24.3 mL, P=0.321), number of lymph node dissections (31.0 ± 7.1 vs. 29.2 ± 7.5, P=0.229), length of hospital stay (8.8 ± 2.7 days vs. 9.1 ± 3.0 days, P=0.636), fluid intake time (3.1 ± 0.7 days vs. 3.2 ± 0.7 days, P=0.914), and morbidity of postoperative complications (6.7% [3/45] vs. 10.6% [5/47], P=0.499). Endoscopy performed 6 months postoperatively showed that the residual food (P=0.033), gastritis (P=0.029), and bile (P=0.022) classification score significantly decreased in the OGD group, and there were no significant differences 12 months postoperatively. OGD is a safe and effective reconstruction technique with comparable postoperative surgical outcomes and endoscopy results when compared with those of DSGD.

Highly feasible procedure for laparoscopic transplantation of cell sheets under pneumoperitoneum in porcine model

INTRODUCTION

Cell sheet technology is one of the most successful methodologies in regenerative medicine. Various applications of cell sheets have been introduced in first-in-human studies in several clinical fields. When transplanting a cell sheet into internal organs, a relatively large incision is required for delivery due to difficulty handling the sheet. We developed a laparoscopic delivery procedure for safe and easy transplantation of cell sheets in a porcine model.

METHODS

Pneumoperitoneum was established by inflation with CO2. First, to increase the strength during handling, fibrin was sprayed onto the surface of the cell sheet, and then a myoblast sheet was placed onto the newly developed carrier. The sheets were pinched with laparoscopic forceps to insert into the abdominal cavity through the laparoscopic port. Myoblast sheets were then applied to the surface of the liver, colon, small intestine, and stomach, and procedure times were measured. At three days post transplantation, a histopathological examination was performed to confirm engraftment of the sheet. The function and engraftment were also analyzed in a duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) model.

RESULTS

The fibrin-processed myoblast sheet was able to be managed with conventional laparoscopic forceps without breaking. Despite the drastic change in air pressure by passing through the laparoscopic port, the sheets suffered no apparent damage. The transplantation procedure times did not markedly differ among transplant sites. A histopathological examination revealed thin-layered, desmin-positive cells at each transplant site. With transplantation following ESD, the engrafted myoblast sheets effectively prevented delayed perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our procedure is simple, and the system involves a carrier made of medically fit silicon, commercially available fibrin glue and conventional laparoscopic forceps. Our procedure is a powerful tool for laparoscopical cell sheet transplantation.

Prognostic Nomogram for Early Gastric Cancer After Surgery to Assist Decision-Making for Treatment With Adjuvant Chemotherapy

Background: Most patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) can achieve a better 5-year survival rate after endoscopic resection or surgery. However, indications for adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) after surgery have not yet been determined.

Methods: A total of 4,108 patients with EGC diagnosed in 2004–2016 were retrospectively analyzed using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Of these, 3,521 patients received postoperative ACT and 587 patients did not. Propensity score matching was used to balance the two groups’ confounding factors. Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to perform survival analysis. Log-rank test was used to compare the differences between survival curves. Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used to screen independent risk factors and build a nomogram for the non-ACT group. The X-tile software was employed to artificially divide all patients into low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups according to the overall survival score prediction based on the nomogram. A total of 493 patients with EGC diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 in our hospital were included for external validation.

Results: Multivariate analysis found that age, sex, race, marital status, primary site, surgical extent, and metastatic lymph node ratio in the non-ACT group were independent prognostic factors for EGC and were included in the construction of the nomogram. The model C-index was 0.730 (95% confidence interval: 0.677–0.783). The patients were divided into three different risk groups based on the nomogram prediction score. Patients in the low-risk group did not benefit from ACT, while patients in the moderate- and high-risk groups did. External validation also demonstrated that moderate- and high-risk patients benefited from ACT.

Conclusion: The study nomogram can effectively evaluate postoperative prognosis of patients with EGC. Postoperative ACT is therefore recommended for moderate- and high-risk patients, but not for low-risk patients.

Laparoscopic vs. Open Gastrectomy for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Retrospective Case-Control Study

Introduction: Minimally invasive surgery has been increasingly used in the treatment of gastric cancer. While laparoscopic gastrectomy has become standard therapy for early-stage gastric cancer, especially in Asian countries, the use of minimally invasive techniques has not attained the same widespread acceptance for the treatment of more advanced tumours, principally due to existing concerns about its feasibility and oncological adequacy. We aimed to examine the safety and oncological effectiveness of laparoscopic technique with radical intent for the treatment of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer by comparing short-term surgical and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy at two Western regional institutions. Methods: The trial was designed as a retrospective comparative matched case-control study for postoperative pathological diagnoses of locally advanced gastric carcinoma. Between January 2015 and September 2021, 120 consecutive patients who underwent curative-intent laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection were retrospectively recruited and compared with 120 patients who received open gastrectomy. In order to obtain a comparison that was as homogeneous as possible, the equal control group of pairing (1:1) patients submitted to open gastrectomy who matched those of the laparoscopic group was statistically generated by using a propensity matched score method. The following potential confounder factors were aligned: age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), comorbidity, ASA, adjuvant therapy, tumour location, type of gastrectomy, and pT stage. Patient demographics, operative findings, pathologic characteristics, and short-term outcomes were analyzed. Results: In the case-control study, the two groups were clearly comparable with respect to matched variables, as was expected given the intentional primary selective criteria. No statistically significant differences were revealed in overall complications (16.7% vs. 20.8%, p = 0.489), rate of reoperation (3.3% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.714), and mortality (4.2% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.987) within 30 days. Pulmonary infection and wound complications were observed more frequently in the OG group (0.8% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.01, for each of these two categories). Anastomotic and duodenal stump leakage occurred in 5.8% of the patients after laparoscopic gastrectomy and in 3.3% after open procedure (p = 0.072). The laparoscopic approach was associated with a significantly longer operative time (212 vs. 192 min, p < 0.05) but shorter postoperative length of stay (9.1 vs. 11.6 days, p < 0.001). The mean number of resected lymph nodes after D2 dissection (31.4 vs. 33.3, p = 0.134) and clearance of surgical margins (97.5% vs. 95.8%, p = 0.432) were equivalent between the groups. Conclusion: Laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 nodal dissection appears to be safe and feasible in terms of perioperative morbidity for locally advanced gastric cancer, with comparable oncological equivalency with respect to traditional open surgery.

Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: has the time come for considered it a standard procedure?

Radical gastrectomy with an adequate lymphadenectomy is the main procedure which makes it possible to cure patients with resectable gastric cancer. A number of randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis provide phase III evidence that laparoscopic gastrectomy is technically safe and that it yields better short-term outcomes than conventional open gastrectomy for early-stage gastric cancer. At present, laparoscopic gastrectomy is considered a standard procedure for early-stage gastric cancer, especially in Asian countries. On the other hand, the use of minimally invasive techniques is still controversial for the treatment of more advanced tumours, principally due to existing concerns about its oncological adequacy and capacity to carry out an adequately extended lymphadenectomy. Additional high-quality studies comparing laparoscopic gastrectomy versus open gastrectomy for gastric cancer have been recently published, in particular concerning the latest results obtained by laparoscopic approach to advanced gastric cancer. It seems very useful to update the review of literature in light of these new evidences for this subject and draw some considerations.

Successful laparoscopic conversion surgery for gastric cancer with para-aortic lymph node metastasis after third-line chemotherapy: a case report

We herein reported a case of advanced gastric cancer (GC) with para-aortic lymph node (PALN) metastases who successful achieved downstaging following systemic chemotherapy and underwent curative laparoscopic conversion surgery. A 74-year-old male patient diagnosed with advanced GC and PALN metastases [cT4N3M1(LYM), stage IVA] was administered chemotherapy and immunotherapy for 28 months. After 27 courses of nivolumab as third-line chemotherapy, PALN enlargement was resolved, for which conversion surgery was planned. Subsequently, laparoscopic distal D2 gastrectomy with sampling para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed, after which a pathological diagnosis of type V moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma with mucinous adenocarcinoma, stage ypT3 (SS), ly1c, and v0, was established. The pathological proximal and distal tumor margins were negative. One lymph node metastasis was observed (No. 6; 1/25). The sampled lymph nodes were negative (No. 16a1: 0/2). The therapeutic effect was categorized as Grade 1a. The postoperative course was uneventful, with the patient receiving nivolumab to control for potential PALN metastases. Postoperatively, no recurrence was observed over 11 months. Laparoscopic conversion gastrectomy was successfully performed in a patient with advanced GC that was originally unresectable, suggesting that minimally invasive surgery may be a good option for originally unresectable advanced GC that becomes resectable.

Impact of Laparoscopic Converted to Open Gastrectomy on Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether laparoscopic conversation to open gastrectomy causes higher morbidity and has an adverse effect on the long-term survival outcomes of patients with gastric cancer. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of the conversion on short and long-term outcomes of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (AGC).

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated 871 patients who initially underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for pathologically confirmed diagnosis of AGC between February 2009 and April 2018. The patients were grouped as the conversion (CONV) group and completed laparoscopic (LAP) group. The 1:2 propensity score matching was performed to reduce the effect of bias due to the imbalanced baseline features between the two groups. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for conversion and poor survival.

RESULTS

After propensity-score matching, 168 patients (56 in the CONV group and 112 in the LAP group) were studied. The CONV group was associated with significantly longer operation time (252.4 vs. 216.7 min, P < 0.001) and greater estimated blood loss (234.8 vs. 171.2 ml, P < 0.001) as compared with the LAP group. The time to first flatus (3.8 vs. 3.3 days, P = 0.043), time to start a liquid diet (4.1 vs. 3.5 days, P = 0.021), and postoperative hospital stay (8.7 vs. 7.6 days, P = 0.020) were significantly longer in the CONV group than that in the LAP group. The overall complication rate did not differ significantly between the CONV group and the LAP group (16.1% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.692). Both 5-year overall survival (OS) and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) did not differ significantly between the CONV group and the LAP group (P = 0.805, P = 0.945, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that lymphovascular invasion and stage III were independent prognostic factors for poor OS and DFS, whereas conversion was not.

CONCLUSIONS

The conversion from laparoscopic to open gastrectomy had no negative impact on morbidity and long-term survival outcomes for patients with locally AGC.

Safety and Efficacy of Laparoscopic Versus Open Gastrectomy in Patients With Advanced Gastric Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Given the expanding clinical applications of laparoscopic surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer treatment, there is an emerging need to summarize the few evidences that evaluated the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

METHODS

From January 1 to 2, 2021, we searched Ovid Embase, PubMed, Cochrane central register Trials (Ovid), and web of science to find relevant studies published in English, and two authors independently performed literature screening, quality assessment of the included studies, data extraction, and data analysis. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021228845).

RESULTS

The initial search retrieved 1567 articles, and 6 studies were finally included in the meta-analysis review, which comprised 2 randomized control trials and 4 observational studies involving 288 laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) and 416 open gastrectomy (OG) AGC patients treated with NAC. For intraoperative conditions, R0 resection rate, blood transfusion, intraoperative blood loss, number of lymph nodes dissected, proximal margin, and distal margin were comparable between LG group and open OG group. For postoperative short-term clinical outcomes, LG has significantly less postoperative complications (OR = 0.65, 95%CI: 0.42-1.00, p = 0.05) and shorter postoperative time to first aerofluxus (WMD = -0.57d, 95%CI: -0.89-0.25, p = 0.0004) than OG, and anastomotic leakage, pulmonary infection, pleural effusion, surgical site infection, thrombosis, intestinal obstruction, peritoneal effusion or abscess formation, postoperative time to first defecation, postoperative time to first liquid diet, and postoperative length of stay were comparable between the two groups. For postoperative survival outcomes, there were no significant differences in disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The available evidences indicated that LG is an effective and feasible technology for the treatment of AGC patients treated with NAC, and LG patients have much less postoperative complications and faster bowel function recovery than OG patients.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO database (identifier, CRD42021228845).

Surgical and oncological efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy versus open total gastrectomy for gastric cancer by propensity score matching: a retrospective comparative study

PURPOSE

The application of laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) for resectable gastric cancer (GC) remains controversial compared with open total gastrectomy (OTG), especially for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients according to the inconsistent results demonstrated in the previous studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term and long-term outcomes between LATG and OTG in a population with more than 80% AGC patients by applying propensity score matching (PSM) method.

METHODS

The data of 365 clinical stage I-III GC cases who underwent total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy were retrospectively collected from January 2011 to April 2018 in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery IV of Peking University Cancer Hospital. Propensity scores were generated through taking all covariates into consideration and 131 pairs of patients receiving either LATG or OTG were matched. Intraoperative, postoperative, and survival parameters were compared in the matched groups accordingly. Risk factors for postoperative complications and overall survival were further analyzed.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics in the LATG and OTG groups were well balanced after PSM. LATG showed advantages with respect to shorter time to ambulation, first flatus, and first whole liquid diet intake. No significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to postoperative complications as well as overall survival in terms of different pathological stage. Older age was found as an independent risk factor for postoperative complications, and pathological stage for overall survival as well.

CONCLUSION

LATG appears to have comparable surgical and oncological safety with OTG by experienced surgeons.

Risk factors for postoperative pneumonia after laparoscopic gastrectomy in patients aged 75 years and over with gastric cancer

INTRODUCTION

The proportion of patients aged 75 years and over who undergo minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer is increasing. However, the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) in this age group is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate whether LG is safe and effective in patients aged 75 years and over.

METHODS

The study included 728 patients with early and advanced gastric cancer who underwent curative LG between 2009 and 2017; 166 of these patients (22.8%) were aged 75 or over. All surgeries were performed laparoscopically. Selected clinical factors were compared between the 166 patients aged 75 years and over and the 562 patients aged under 75 years.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in presence of comorbidity, respiratory function and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status scores between the older and younger groups. The older patients more frequently developed complications than the younger ones, particularly postoperative pneumonia. According to multivariate analyses of all participants, age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and D2 lymphadenectomy were independent risk factors for postoperative pneumonia. Advanced stage and D2 lymphadenectomy were independent risk factors in the older group, whereas only COPD was an independent risk factor in the younger group.

CONCLUSIONS

LG for gastric cancer can be safely performed in patients aged over 75 years with an acceptable complication rate. However, the present data suggest that care should be taken in selecting LG with D2 lymphadenectomy to treat advanced cancer in these patients because the risk of postoperative complications, especially postoperative pneumonia, increases.

Systematic review and updated network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing open, laparoscopic-assisted, and robotic distal gastrectomy for early and locally advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The role of minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of early and locally advanced gastric cancer remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of major surgical approaches for operable distal gastric cancer.

METHODS

Systematic review and network meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials were performed to compare open distal gastrectomy, laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy, and robotic distal gastrectomy. Risk ratio, weighted mean difference, and 95% credible intervals were used as pooled effect size measures.

RESULTS

Seventeen randomized controlled trials (5,909 patients) were included. Overall, 2,776 (46.8%) underwent open distal gastrectomy, 2,964 (50.1%) laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy, and 141 (3.1%) robotic distal gastrectomy. Among these 3 groups, there were no significant differences in 30-day mortality, anastomotic leak, and overall complications. Compared to open distal gastrectomy, laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy was associated with significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss, early postoperative pain, time to first flatus, and hospital length of stay. Similarly, robotic distal gastrectomy was associated with significantly reduced blood loss and time to first flatus compared to open distal gastrectomy. No differences were found in the total number of harvested lymph nodes, tumor-free resection margins, 5-year overall, and disease-free survival. The subgroup analysis in locally advanced gastric cancer showed trends toward reduced blood loss, time to first flatus, and hospital length of stay with minimally invasive approaches but similar overall and disease-free survival.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy and robotic distal gastrectomy performed by well-trained experienced surgeons, even in the setting of locally advanced gastric cancer, seem associated with improved short-term outcomes with similar overall and disease-free survival compared with open distal gastrectomy.

Totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy using the modified overlap method and conventional open total gastrectomy: A comparative study

BACKGROUND

Although several methods of totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) have been reported. The best anastomosis technique for LTG has not been established.

AIM

To investigate the effectiveness and surgical outcomes of TLTG using the modified overlap method compared with open total gastrectomy (OTG) using the circular stapled method.

METHODS

We performed 151 and 131 surgeries using TLTG with the modified overlap method and OTG for gastric cancer between March 2012 and December 2018. Surgical and oncological outcomes were compared between groups using propensity score matching. In addition, we analyzed the risk factors associated with postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent TLTG were discharged earlier than those who underwent OTG [TLTG (9.62 ± 5.32) vs OTG (13.51 ± 10.67), P < 0.05]. Time to first flatus and soft diet were significantly shorter in TLTG group. The pain scores at all postoperative periods and administration of opioids were significantly lower in the TLTG group than in the OTG group. No significant difference in early, late and esophagojejunostomy (EJ)-related complications or 5-year recurrence free and overall survival between groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that body mass index [odds ratio (OR), 1.824; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.029-3.234, P = 0.040] and American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score (OR, 3.154; 95%CI: 1.084-9.174, P = 0.035) were independent risk factors of early complications. Additionally, age was associated with ≥ 3 Clavien-Dindo classification and EJ-related complications.

CONCLUSION

Although TLTG with the modified overlap method showed similar complication rate and oncological outcome with OTG, it yields lower pain score, earlier bowel recovery, and discharge. Surgeons should perform total gastrectomy cautiously and delicately in patients with obesity, high ASA scores, and older ages.

[Evidence in minimally invasive oncological gastric surgery]

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to systematically review the current evidence on laparoscopic and robotic distal and total gastrectomy in comparison to open surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic search of EMBASE and PubMed was conducted and 197 randomized (RCT) and non-randomized (non-RCT) studies were identified. An evaluation of early gastric cancer (EGC) and advanced (AGC) gastric cancer was carried out.

RESULTS

For EGC and laparoscopic distal resection (LDG) and total gastrectomy (LTG) a total of 10 RCT and 6 non-RCT, including 4329 patients (laparoscopic 2010 vs. open 2319) were identified. At a high evidence level (1+, 1++) there was no significant difference in terms of feasibility, intraoperative outcome and oncological quality, mortality and long-term oncological outcome compared to open gastrectomy (OG). After LDG and LTG patients showed a significantly faster early postoperative recovery and lower total morbidity. In contrast, the operation times were significant longer compared to ODG and OTG. For distal AGC and LDG in 6 RCT, including 2806 patients (LDG 1410 vs. ODG 1369) comparable results could be found also with a high evidence level (1++). The evidence for LTG in cases of AGC was lower (2-, 2+). Currently ,only 6 non-RCT with a total of 1090 patients (LTG 539 vs. OTG 551) are available, which showed comparable results to LDG but further high-quality RCTs are necessary. Robotic gastrectomy (RG) is currently being evaluated. According to the first studies RG for EGC seems to be equivalent to LDG; however, the evidence is currently low (3 to 2-).

Robotic gastric surgery: a monocentric case series and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

The technical complexity of D2 lymphadenectomy and esophago-jejunal anastomosis are the main factors that limit the application of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of gastric cancer. Robotic assisted gastric surgery provides potential technical advantages over conventional laparoscopy but an improvement in clinical outcomes after robotic surgery has not been demonstrated yet.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Data from 128 consecutive patients who had undergone robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer at our center institution from April 2017 to June 2020 where retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively updated database. A narrative review was then carried out on PubMed, Embase and Scopus using the following keywords: "gastric cancer," "robotic surgery," "robotic gastrectomy" and "robotic gastric surgery".

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Ninety-eight patients underwent robotic distal gastrectomy and 30 underwent robotic total gastrectomy. The mean value of estimated blood loss was 99.5 ml. No patients required conversion to laparoscopy or open surgery. The median number of retrieved lymph nodes was 42. No tumor involvement of the proximal or distal margin was found in any patient. The median time to first flatus and first oral feeding was on postoperative day 3 and 5, respectively. We registered 6 leakages (4.6%), namely, 1 duodenal stump leakage and 5 anastomotic leakages. No 30-day surgical related mortality was recorded. The median length of hospital stay was 10.5 days (range 4-37).

CONCLUSIONS

Published data and our experience suggest that the robotic approach for gastric cancer is safe and feasible with potential advantages over conventional laparoscopy.

Surgery by a minimally invasive approach is associated with improved textbook outcomes in oesophageal and gastric cancer

INTRODUCTION

Textbook outcome (TBO) is a composite measure of a number of peri-operative and clinical outcomes in oesophagogastric malignancy. It has previously been shown that TBOs are associated with improved overall survival in both oesophageal and gastric cancer. The influence of a minimally invasive approach (MIA) on TBO is not well defined. The purpose of this study is to validate TBO in our population, examine the influence of a MIA on achieving a TBO, and the impact of TBO on long-term survival.

METHODS

269 patients undergoing oesophagectomy and 258 patients undergoing subtotal or total gastrectomy were included in this study. Demographic, clinical and pathological differences between patients with and without a TBO were compared using univariable and multivariable analysis. Overall survival for those with and without a TBO was examined. The influence of MIA on overall survival and TBO was determined using Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing oesophagectomy and gastrectomy were significantly more likely to achieve a TBO when MIA was used (p = 0.01 and 0.001 respectively). When MIA is included as an outcome measure patients achieving a TBO show improved overall survival in both oesophageal and gastric cancer. MIA, clear resection margins and no unplanned admission to critical care are the strongest predictors of overall survival from the putative bundle of TBO parameters.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive surgery is associated with improved TBO. Completion of a minimally invasive approach should be considered for inclusion as a textbook parameter.

Effect of Surgical Approach on Node Harvest in Gastrectomy: Analysis of the National Cancer Database

BACKGROUND

Gastrectomy is the cornerstone of treatment for gastric cancer. Recent studies demonstrated significant surgical outcome advantages for patients undergoing minimally invasive versus open gastrectomy. Lymph node harvest is an indicator of adequate surgical resection, and greater harvest is associated with improved staging and patient outcomes. This study evaluated lymph node harvest based on surgical approach.

METHODS

Gastric adenocarcinoma patients were identified from NCDB who underwent gastrectomy between 2010 and 2016. Patients were classified by surgical approach into three cohorts: robotic, laparoscopic, or open gastrectomy. Clinical and demographic data were collected. Lymph node harvest was compared with univariate analysis and multivariable generalized linear mixed model. Univariate analysis with propensity matching was also performed to control for differences in patient population across cohorts.

RESULTS

We identified 10,690 patients that underwent gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma, with 68% males and median age of 66 (IQR 5774) years. 7161 (67%) underwent open, 2841 (26.6%) laparoscopic, and 688 (6.4%) robotic gastrectomy. Multivariable analysis revealed robotic was associated with a significantly higher median node harvest (18, IQR 1326) compared to laparoscopic (17, IQR 1125) and open gastrectomy (16, IQR 1023). Laparoscopic was also associated with significantly higher node harvest then open gastrectomy. Propensity-matched analysis (6950 patients) showed robotic gastrectomy was still associated with significantly higher node harvest (18, IQR 1226) compared to laparoscopic (17, IQR 1125) and open (17, IQR 1124); however, laparoscopic and open were not significantly different.

CONCLUSION

Robotic approach is associated with increased node harvest compared to laparoscopic and open approach in gastrectomy patients.

Resultados tempranos en pacientes con cáncer gástrico sometidos a gastrectomía laparoscópica con intención curativa

Introducción. El manejo de pacientes con cáncer gástrico está determinado por el estadio preoperatorio y requiere de una estrategia multidisciplinaria. La cirugía radical, especialmente en pacientes con estadios tempranos, es potencialmente curativa. El abordaje por vía laparoscópica ofrece ventajas sobre la vía abierta, sin embargo, en nuestro medio no hay información en cuanto a resultados oncológicos y posoperatorios tempranos. Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, de tipo transversal, en pacientes con cáncer gástrico llevados a gastrectomía laparoscópica con intención curativa, entre el 2014 y el 2019, en tres instituciones de la ciudad de Medellín. Se analizaron los datos demográficos, los resultados posoperatorios y oncológicos a corto plazo.  Resultados. Se incluyeron 75 pacientes sometidos a gastrectomía laparoscópica. La mediana de edad fue de 64 años y el estadio más frecuente fue el III. La gastrectomía fue subtotal en 50 pacientes (66,7 %) y total en 25 pacientes (33,3 %). Se hizo disección linfática D2 en 73 pacientes (97,3 %) con una mediana en el recuento ganglionar de 27. La tasa de resección R0 fue de 97,3 %. La mediana de estancia hospitalaria fue de seis días. La tasa de complicaciones mayores fue del 20 % y la mortalidad a 90 días fue del 4 %. Discusión. La calidad oncológica de la gastrectomía laparoscópica fue adecuada y cumple con las recomendaciones de las guías internacionales. Si bien la morbilidad sigue siendo alta, tiene una tasa de sobrevida del 96 % a 90 días.

Total Amylase Value in Drains After Gastrectomy for Predicting Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula

Objective

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is defined using the ratio of the amylase concentration in abdominal drainage fluid to the upper normal range of serum amylase level. However, we hypothesized that the total amylase value in discharge (AVD) on postoperative day (POD) 3 may be more sensitive for predicting grade II or higher severe POPF (sPOPF) and compared the predictive power of the conventional definition of POPF and AVD for sPOPF.

Methods

One hundred fifty-one patients who underwent gastrectomy between October 2011 and February 2013 were analyzed. A drainage tube was placed in all the cases through the stump of the right gastroepiploic vein and the front of the pancreas to the back of the anastomotic site. The drainage volume and amylase concentration in the discharge were examined on POD 1, 3, and 5. AVD was calculated by multiplying the volume by the amylase concentration.

Results

Eight patients (5.3%) developed sPOPF. In univariate analysis, both AVD and the amylase concentration ratio was significantly correlated with sPOPF (P = 0.002 and 0.007, respectively). AVD on POD 3 showed the best predictive performance compared with the amylase concentration ratio on POD 3 (area under the curve 0.876 versus 0.844). Based on the cutoff values calculated from the receiver operating characteristic curves, AVD was more specific than amylase concentration ratio in predicting sPOPF (specificity: 97.6% versus 86.0%; positive predictive value: 62.5% vs. 23.1%).

Conclusion

AVD on POD 3 is a more specific parameter than conventional amylase concentration ratio in predicting sPOPF.

D2 Lymph Node Dissections during Reduced-port Robotic Distal Subtotal Gastrectomy and Conventional Laparoscopic Surgery Performed by a Single Surgeon in a High-volume Center: a Propensity Score-matched Analysis

Purpose

Various studies have indicated that reduced-port robotic gastrectomies are safe and feasible for treating patients with early gastric cancer. However, there have not been any comparative studies conducted that have evaluated patients with clinically advanced gastric cancer. Therefore, we aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes of D2 lymph node dissections during reduced-port robotic distal subtotal gastrectomies (RRDGs) and conventional 5-port laparoscopic distal subtotal gastrectomies (CLDGs).

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 118 patients with clinically advanced gastric cancer who underwent minimally invasive distal subtotal gastrectomies with D2 lymph node dissections between February 2016 and November 2019. To evaluate the patient data, we performed a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) according to age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification score, and clinical T status. The short-term surgical outcomes were also compared between the two groups.

Results

The PSM identified 40 pairs of patients who underwent RRDG or CLDG. The RRDG group experienced a significantly longer operation time than the CLDG group (P<0.001), although the RRDG group had significantly less estimated blood loss (P=0.034). The number of retrieved extraperigastric lymph nodes in the RRDG group was significantly higher than that of the CLDG group (P=0.008). The rate of postoperative complications was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.115).

Conclusions

D2 lymph node dissections can be safely performed during RRDGs and the perioperative outcomes appear to be comparable to those of conventional laparoscopic surgeries. Further studies are needed to compare long-term survival outcomes.

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

Background

To date, robotic surgery has been widely used worldwide. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate short-term and long-term outcomes of robotic gastrectomy (RG) in gastric cancer patients to determine whether RG can replace laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG).

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was applied to perform the study. Pubmed, Cochrane Library, WanFang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and VIP databases were comprehensively searched for studies published before May 2020 that compared RG with LG. Next, two independent reviewers conducted literature screening and data extraction. The quality of the literature was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), and the data analyzed using the Review Manager 5.3 software. Random effects or fixed effects models were applied according to heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 19 studies including 7275 patients were included in the meta-analyses, of which 4598 patients were in the LG group and 2677 in the RG group. Compared with LG, RG was associated with longer operative time (WMD = −32.96, 95% CI −42.08 ~ −23.84, P < 0.001), less blood loss (WMD = 28.66, 95% CI 18.59 ~ 38.73, P < 0.001), and shorter time to first flatus (WMD = 0.16 95% CI 0.06 ~ 0.27, P = 0.003). There was no significant difference between RG and LG in terms of the hospital stay (WMD = 0.23, 95% CI −0.53 ~ 0.98, P = 0.560), overall postoperative complication (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 0.91 ~ 1.25, P = 0.430), mortality (OR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.24 ~ 1.90, P = 0.450), the number of harvested lymph nodes (WMD = −0.96, 95% CI −2.12 ~ 0.20, P = 0.100), proximal resection margin (WMD = −0.10, 95% CI −0.29 ~ 0.09, P = 0.300), and distal resection margin (WMD = 0.15, 95% CI −0.21 ~ 0.52, P = 0.410). No significant differences were found between the two treatments in overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.76 ~ 1.18, P = 0.640), recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.69 ~ 1.21, P = 0.530), and recurrence rate (OR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.67 ~ 1.21, P = 0.500).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggested that RG is as acceptable as LG in terms of short-term and long-term outcomes. RG can be performed as effectively and safely as LG. Moreover, more randomized controlled trials comparing the two techniques with rigorous study designs are still essential to evaluate the value of the robotic surgery for gastric cancer.

Supplementary Information

Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12957-020-02080-7.

Laparoscopic versus open distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and high-quality nonrandomized comparative studies

BACKGROUND

Controversy persists about the effects of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) versus open distal gastrectomy (ODG) on short-term surgical outcomes and long-term survival within the field of advanced gastric cancer (AGC).

METHODS

Studies published from January 1994 to February 2020 that compare LDG and ODG for AGC were identified. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The selection of high-quality nonrandomized comparative studies (NRCTs) was based on a validated tool (Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies, MINORS). The short- and long-term outcomes of both procedures were compared.

RESULTS

Overall, 30 studies were included in this meta-analysis, which comprised of 8 RCTs and 22 NRCTs involving 16,029 patients (7864 LDGs, 8165 ODGs). The recurrence, 3-year disease-free survival (DFS), 3-year overall survival (OS), and 5-year OS rates for LDG and ODG were comparable. LDG was associated with a lower postoperative complication rate (OR 0.79; P < 0.00001), lower estimated volume of blood loss (WMD -102.21 mL; P < 0.00001), shorter postoperative hospital stay (WMD -1.96 days; P < 0.0001), shorter time to first flatus (WMD -0.54 day; P = 0.0007) and shorter time to first liquid diet (WMD -0.66 day; P = 0.001). The number of lymph nodes retrieved, mortality, intraoperative complications, intraoperative blood transfusion, and time to ambulation were similar. However, LDG was associated with a longer surgical time (WMD 33.57 min; P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

LDG with D2 lymphadenectomy is a safe and effective technique for patients with AGC when performed by experienced surgeons at high-volume specialized centers.

Minimally invasive surgery is feasible after preoperative chemotherapy for stage IV gastric cancer

AIM

To elucidate the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) as conversion surgery after chemotherapy for stage IV gastric cancer, we compared the background characteristics and clinical courses of patients who underwent open conversion surgery (open group) versus MIS (MIS group).

METHODS

We included 94 consecutive patients with stage IV gastric cancer who received chemotherapy followed by conversion surgery gastric resection from January 2011 to October 2019 at the Osaka International Cancer Institute in this analysis.

RESULTS

The open group included more patients who had macroscopic peritoneal metastasis and required splenectomy. However, other background characteristics, including preoperative chemotherapy duration, were comparable. The MIS group had significantly longer operative time (266 vs 339 minutes, P = .0039) and less operative blood loss (520 vs 10 mL, P < .0001). The incidence of postoperative complication of Clavien-Dindo grade II or higher was non-significantly lower (24.5% vs 9.8%, P = .058) and length of postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the MIS group (12 vs 8 days, P < .0001). Even though the open group included more patients with more advanced (ypT4a or higher, or N3) disease, the MIS group had better recurrence free survival and overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis revealed that N status (hazard ratio [HR], 4.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.18-12.26; P < .0001) and T status (2.11; 1.05-4.36; P = .036) were independent prognostic factors for OS. MIS was not a negative prognostic factor for OS (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.15-1.10; P = .081).

CONCLUSION

MIS can be safely performed as conversion surgery following chemotherapy for stage IV gastric cancer.

Effect of Surgical Approach on Node Harvest in Robotic Gastrectomy

There has been increasing utilization of minimally invasive surgical approaches. This study evaluates the effect of surgical approach on total lymph node harvest in gastrectomy. Patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma between 2007 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Data collected included age, gender, race, BMI, neoadjuvant therapy, tumor stage, surgical approach, and total number of lymph nodes harvested. The total number of harvested lymph nodes for open, laparoscopic, and robotic gastrectomy was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test for univariate analysis and a Poisson regression model for multivariable analysis. One hundred four patients were identified. Median node harvest for open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches were 16, 17, and 36, respectively. Multivariable analysis controlling for gender, BMI, pathological T stage, and year of operation demonstrates that surgical approach is statistically significantly associated with lymph node harvest ( F = 83.4, P < 0.0001). In multivariable analysis, robotic approach was associated with greater lymph node harvest than both open ( P < 0.0001) and laparoscopic ( P < 0.0001) approaches, whereas laparoscopic approach was associated with greater lymph node harvest than open ( P < 0.0001) approach. These data demonstrate that for patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma at our institution, robotic approach is associated with greater lymph node harvest than both laparoscopic and open approaches.

A Novel Technique to Predict Liver Damage After Laparoscopic Gastrectomy From the Stomach Volume Overlapping the Liver by Preoperative Computed Tomography

BACKGROUND

During laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG), it is necessary to manipulate the lateral segment of the liver to secure the surgical field. Liver retraction during surgery often causes liver dysfunction after LG. However, no previous studies have used preoperative image evaluations to predict postoperative liver damage associated with surgical retraction. We aimed to predict postoperative liver damage after LG.

METHODS

In all, 117 consecutive patients with gastric cancer who underwent LG were included in this study. Using preoperative computed tomography (CT), the volume of the stomach overlapping the liver was integrated and calculated as the liver projecting stomach volume (LPSV). The liver projection ratio (LPR) was calculated by dividing the LPSV by the volume of the whole stomach. The relationships among liver damage, the LPSV and LPR were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 112 patients were divided into two groups as follows: 33 patients in the liver dysfunction group (D group) and 79 patients in the non-dysfunction group (N group). The LPSV was significantly larger in the D group than in the N group (median 77.1 vs 50.1 cm³; p = 0.0061). Similarly, LPR values in the D group were significantly higher than those in the N group (median 33.6 vs 26.2%; p = 0.003). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated a statistically significant ability of the LPSV and LPR to predict postoperative liver damage (area under the curve; 0.705 and 0.735, respectively). Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the increase in the LPR was an independent predictor of postoperative liver damage (odds ratio: 1.042; 95% confidence interval: 1.009-1.078; p = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

We have developed a novel technique for predicting postoperative liver damage associated with surgical liver retraction following LG. This method confirms the degree of the LPSV and LPR of the stomach via preoperative CT.

Influence of endoscopic resection on additional laparoscopic distal gastrectomy: a propensity score-matching analysis

PURPOSE

There is no definite evidence of the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) for patients who have undergone incomplete endoscopic resection (ER). We investigated the influence of ER prior to LDG by a propensity score matching analysis.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of gastric cancer patients who underwent LDG with or without prior ER from 2000 to 2014. Propensity score matching was performed to compare the two groups of patients.

RESULTS

After matching, 47 patients in the ER group and 94 patients in the non-ER group were selected from a total of 365 patients. A residual tumor was observed in 10 of 47 patients (21.3%). The mean number of dissected lymph nodes in the non-ER group (39.4 ± 14.5) was higher than that in the ER group (31.7 ± 13.5) (P = 0.003). However, other perioperative data, such as the operation time and blood loss volume were similar. The complication rate of the ER group (17.0%) and the non-ER group (9.6%) did not differ to a statistically significant extent (P = 0.2). Among these patients, 6 died during the 5-year follow-up period, but no patients showed signs of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

ER prior to surgical resection showed no significant influence on postoperative complications or mortality. LDG can be safely performed to achieve radical resection after incomplete ER.

Comparison of surgical outcomes among different methods of esophagojejunostomy in laparoscopic total gastrectomy for clinical stage I proximal gastric cancer: results of a single-arm multicenter phase II clinical trial in Korea, KLASS 03

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer has been widely accepted, but laparoscopic total gastrectomy has still not gained popularity because of technical difficulty and unsolved safety issue. We conducted a single-arm multicenter phase II clinical trial to evaluate the safety and the feasibility of laparoscopic total gastrectomy for clinical stage I proximal gastric cancer in terms of postoperative morbidity and mortality in Korea. The secondary endpoint of this trial was comparison of surgical outcomes among the groups that received different methods of esophagojejunostomy (EJ).

METHODS

The 160 patients of the full analysis set group were divided into three groups according to the method of EJ, the extracorporeal circular stapling group (EC; n = 45), the intracorporeal circular stapling group (IC; n = 64), and the intracorporeal linear stapling group (IL; n = 51). The clinicopathologic characteristics and the surgical outcomes were compared among these three groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the early complication rates among the three groups (26.7% vs. 18.8% vs. 17.6%, EC vs. IC vs. IL; p = 0.516). The length of mini-laparotomy incision was significantly longer in the EC group than in the IC or IL group. The anastomosis time was significantly shorter in the EC group than in the IL group. The time to first flatus was significantly shorter in the IL group than in the EC group. The long-term complication rate was not significantly different among the three groups (4.4% vs. 12.7% vs. 7.8%; EC vs. IC vs. IL; p = 0.359), however, the long-term incidence of EJ stenosis in IC group (10.9%) was significantly higher than in EC (0%) and IL (2.0%) groups (p = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

The extracorporeal circular stapling and the intracorporeal linear stapling were safe and feasible in laparoscopic total gastrectomy, however, intracorporeal circular stapling increased EJ stenosis.

Factors Affecting the Accuracy of Endoscopic Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Early Gastric Cancer Invasion Depth: A Meta-analysis

Background

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is the first imaging modality for investigating the depth of invasion in early gastric cancer (EGC). However, there is presently no consensus on the accuracy of EUS in diagnosing the invasion depth of EGC.

Aim

This study is aimed at systematically evaluating the accuracy of EUS in diagnosing the invasion depth of EGC and its affecting factors.

Methods

The literatures were identified by searching PubMed, SpringerLink, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Nature, and Karger knowledge databases. Two researchers extracted the data from the literature and reconstructed these in 2 × 2 tables. The Meta-DiSc software was used to evaluate the overall sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic advantage ratio, and 95% confidence interval (CI). The SROC was drawn, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the diagnostic value.

Results

A total of 17 articles were selected, which included 4525 cases of lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic dominance ratio, and 95% CI of EUS for diagnosing EGC was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.86-0.88), 0.67 (95% CI: 0.65-0.70), 2.90 (95% CI: 2.25-3.75), 0.17 (95% CI: 0.13-0.23), and 18.25 (95% CI: 12.61-26.39), respectively. The overall overstaging rate of mucosa/submucosa 1 (M/SM1) and SM by EUS was 13.31% and 32.8%, respectively, while the overall understaging rate of SM was 29.7%. The total misdiagnosis rates for EUS were as follows: 30.4% for lesions ≥ 2 cm and 20.9% for lesions < 2 cm, 27.7% for ulcerative lesions and 21.4% for nonulcerative lesions, and 22% for differentiated lesions and 26.9% for undifferentiated lesions.

Conclusion

EUS has a moderate diagnostic value for the depth of invasion of EGC. The shape, size, and differentiation of lesions might be the main factors that affect the accuracy of EUS in diagnosing EGC.

A Review on Curability of Cancers: More Efforts for Novel Therapeutic Options Are Needed

Cancer remains a major cause of death globally. Given its relapsing and fatal features, curing cancer seems to be something hardly possible for the majority of patients. In view of the development in cancer therapies, this article summarizes currently available cancer therapeutics and cure potential by cancer type and stage at diagnosis, based on literature and database reviews. Currently common cancer therapeutics include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, treatment with curative intent by these methods are mainly eligible for patients with localized disease or treatment-sensitive cancers and therefore their contributions to cancer curability are relatively limited. The prognosis for cancer patients varies among different cancer types with a five-year relative survival rate (RSR) of more than 80% in thyroid cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, and Hodgkin's lymphoma. The most dismal prognosis is observed in patients with small-cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, oesophagal cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, non-small cell lung cancer, and gastric cancer with a five-year RSR ranging between 7% and 28%. The current review is intended to provide a general view about how much we have achieved in curing cancer as regards to different therapies and cancer types. Finally, we propose a small molecule dual-targeting broad-spectrum anticancer strategy called OncoCiDia, in combination with emerging highly sensitive liquid biopsy, with theoretical curative potential for the management of solid malignancies, especially at the micro-cancer stage.

Duodenal stump reinforcement might reduce both incidence and severity of duodenal stump leakage after laparoscopic gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Although duodenal stump leakage (DSL) is a relatively rare complication after gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y (R-Y) reconstruction, it is difficult to treat and can be fatal. We investigated the impact of duodenal stump reinforcement on DSL after laparoscopic gastrectomy with R-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective study of 965 patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic distal or total gastrectomy (LDG or LTG) with R-Y reconstruction compared surgical outcomes between two groups, the duodenal stump reinforcement group (reinforcement group) (n = 895) and that without duodenal stump reinforcement (non-reinforcement group) (n = 70).

RESULTS

Mean operative duration was significantly longer in the reinforcement than in the non-reinforcement group (LDG; 291 min versus 258 min, p < 0.001, LTG; 325 min versus 285 min, p < 0.001). DSL occurred less frequently in the reinforcement than in the non-reinforcement group (0.67% vs. 5.71%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, non-reinforcement was an independent risk factor for DSL in multiple logistic regression analysis with adjustment for potential confounding factors. Patients with DSL in the non-reinforcement group all required re-operation, while all but one patient with DSL in the reinforcement group recovered with conservative management.

CONCLUSIONS

Duodenal stump reinforcement in laparoscopic gastrectomy with R-Y reconstruction may reduce the risk of DSL development and minimize its severity.

Laparoscopy Assisted Distal Gastrectomy Versus Open Distal Gastrectomy for Patients with Gastric Cancer in A Middle Resources Country

Background:Laparoscopic surgery with a small laparotomy has several advantages over conventional open surgery, including less invasiveness, less pain, earlier recovery, and better cosmoses. The aim of this study was to compare technical feasibility and early clinical outcomes of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy in comparison with open distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer in a developing country. Patients and methods :In this retrospective study, patients with distal gastric cancer were divided into two groups (a) patients underwent laparoscopy assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) (21 patients) and (b) open distal gastrectomy (ODG) (21 patients). For the postoperative pathologic results, the tumor-nodal-metastasis (TNM) stage, grade of tumor differentiation, distal and proximal margins, the number of harvested lymph nodes were evaluated. Staging was done according to the 7th edition of the UICC tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) classification. D1/D2 lymphadenectomy with curative R0 intention was attempted in all cases. Perioperative mortality and morbidity were assessed. Results:The time to initiate oral intake, and postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter in the LADG group than in the ODG group (P < 0.001). The operative time in the LADG group was significantly less than that of the ODG group (P = 0.05). Blood loss and blood transfusion frequency were significantly lower (P < 0.0001) in the LADG group in comparison to ODG group. Conclusion:Laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer could be safe and feasible technique alternative to open gastrectomy in a middle income country, with at least similar short term surgical and oncological results. However, laparoscopic gastric surgery is in need to adequate training and technical support especially in D2 lymphadenectomy.

Long-Term Outcomes in Laparoscopic D2 Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: a Large Comprehensive Study Proposing Novel Hypotheses

BACKGROUND

The long-term outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) versus open gastrectomy (OG) for gastric cancer (GC) remain obscure, especially for advanced cancer and disease affecting the upper stomach and in older patients. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the long-term efficacy of LG for GC using a large prospective database.

METHODS

Totally, 1877 consecutive patients (1186 receiving LG and 691 OG) operated in 2004-2016 were analyzed, with a median follow-up of 63 months. Association of LG versus OG with disease-specific survival (DSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) overall and in various subgroups were investigated using multivariable Cox regression. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed for sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

Before PSM, overall, there was no significant association of LG versus OG with survival after multivariable adjustment; however, in subgroup analyses, LG was associated with superior DSS in patients aged ≥ 70 years and those with upper GC. No significant associations regarding DFS were observed overall or in stratifications. PSM analyses revealed that LG was associated with better DSS also in patients aged ≥ 70 years (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.15-0.72) and in those with upper GC (HR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.29-0.91), and with better DFS in those with upper GC (HR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.37-0.99). Multivariable analysis showed that age, hepatitis B, performance status, tumor histology, stage, and vascular invasion were significantly associated with post-LG survival. LG-specific nomograms were then constructed with concordance indexes of 0.814 (DSS) and 0.809 (DFS) and excellent calibration.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large institutional analysis, while LG for GC was associated with DSS and DFS similar to those for OG overall, non-inferior LG-associated survival especially DSS was observed in some subgroups rarely investigated in prospective or randomized settings. There could still be biases even after PSM due to confounders not accounted for in this observational study. However, these findings offer novel hypotheses for further validation.

Prospective feasibility study for single-tracer sentinel node mapping by ICG (indocyanine green) fluorescence and OSNA (one-step nucleic acid amplification) assay in laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

The double-tracer method has been established for sentinel node (SN) mapping in gastric cancer surgery. However, there remain several unresolved issues that prevent its widespread use in clinical practice. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of single-tracer SN mapping in laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer, using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging with a one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) assay intraoperatively.

METHODS

Patients with clinical T1N0M0 gastric adenocarcinoma preoperatively were considered for inclusion if they had a single primary lesion 4 cm or less in maximal diameter. Immunohistochemical staining with the anti-cytokeratin 19 antibody was performed on preoperative biopsy specimens, and patients with faint positive reactions were excluded. Intraoperatively, single-tracer SN biopsy with ICG fluorescence imaging was performed, followed by laparoscopic gastrectomy with modified D1+ or D2 lymph node dissection.

RESULTS

Twenty eligible patients underwent SN biopsy and laparoscopic gastrectomy. SNs were identified in 17 cases (85%), with a median number of three SNs per patient. The median times for SN mapping and OSNA assay were 19 and 35 min, respectively. OSNA assay detected one metastatic lymph node, but all other nodes were negative. No adverse effects were observed in relation to SN mapping.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-tracer SN mapping by ICG fluorescence imaging with intraoperative diagnosis by OSNA assay is feasible and safe. SNs can be identified in most patients, without producing false-negative results. Further clinical trial to demonstrate the sensitivity is ongoing.

[Surgical management for early stage gastric cancer]

BACKGROUND

In the last decade the implementation of the new technique of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and the rapid progression of laparoscopic gastric cancer (LAG) resection with an adequate lymphadenectomy (LAD) have played an increasing role in the treatment of patients with early stage gastric cancer (EGC).

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review of the currently available data in the literature was carried out to evaluate the contemporary surgical management for treatment of EGC.

RESULTS

Endoscopic resection (ER) of mucosal T1 gastric cancer (T1m) in accordance with the German guidelines on resection criteria is a widely accepted treatment option, if a definitive R0 resection can be achieved. Excellent en bloc and R0 results in more than 90% of these cases have been shown particularly for ESD. In contrast to T1m gastric carcinomas with a low risk of lymph node metastases (approximately 3%), nodal involvement reaches more than 20% for submucosal infiltrated EGC (T1sm). For this reason, a surgical resection with adequate LAD is further recommended in all cases of non-curative ER or any T1sm gastric cancer. In seven randomized controlled trials and a series of meta-analyses including high-quality non-randomized trials, significant benefits in short-term postoperative outcome have been demonstrated for LAG in comparison to open gastrectomy (OG) in the treatment of EGC. The general morbidity was also significantly lower in LAG than in OG. The 30-day mortality and long-term survival outcome were comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The use of ESD should be the standard treatment for T1m EGC within the guidelines criteria. For non-curative ESD and T1sm gastric cancer, surgical resection with LAD is recommended. The LAG is a technically safe, feasible, and favorable approach in terms of faster recovery compared to OG. The long-term survival outcome is comparable between LAG and OG for EGC.

Equivalent feasibility and safety of perioperative care by ERAS in open and laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a single-institution ancillary study using the patient cohort enrolled in the JCOG0912 phase III trial

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) has an advantage of earlier recovery after surgery due to having lower invasiveness and wound pain than open distal gastrectomy (ODG). However, whether the same enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program for LADG is equally feasible and safe for ODG remains unclear.

METHODS

We retrospectively extracted the clinical data of the patients enrolled in JCOG0912 from the medical record system of our hospital and compared the treatment process and short-term surgical outcomes between LADG and ODG. Our ERAS program consisted of 13 elements (4 preoperative, 4 intraoperative, and 5 postoperative elements). The morbidity was defined as complications of grade 2 or more.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-three patients were entered from our hospital and randomized to undergo ODG (82 patients) or LADG (81 patients). The patient's backgrounds, surgical outcomes, and pathological outcomes were similar between the ODG and LADG groups. The rate of completing the clinical pathway was 95.1% in both groups, and the rates of completing each ERAS element were similar. However, the additional use of acetaminophen was significantly more frequent in the ODG group than in the LADG group (18.3% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.03). The median hospital stay after surgery was 9 days in both groups. Morbidity, defined as Clavien-Dindo classification > grade 2, was observed in 6.1% of the ODG group and 11.1% of the LADG group. No mortality occurred in either group.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the regimen of perioperative care performed by the ERAS program for LADG was equally feasible and safe for ODG with additional pain control. Less pain observed in LADG was not so apparent advantage for completion and safety of ERAS care.