Laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy is better than laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for middle-third early gastric cancer. Ann Surg. 2014;259:485-493. [PMID: 23652333 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0b013e318294d142]

Long-term natural course of patients with lymph node station 6 metastasis after pylorus-preserving gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Meticulous lymph node 6 station (LN#6) dissection is mandatory in pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG), but can increase the risk of complications, such as postoperative delayed gastric emptying. With analyzing lymphatic spread patterns based on cross-sectional tumor location, we planned to predict the surgical burden of LN#6 dissection, balancing oncological safety and risk of postoperative complications.

METHODS

We included consecutive PPG cases at Seoul National University Hospital (2007-2017) to assess the incidence, 5-year survival rate (5YSR), and 3-year recurrence-free survival (3RFS) of LN#6 metastasis. Cox regression analyzed the impact of LN#6 metastasis itself on 5YSR and 3RFS. The effect of tumor location among gastric middle-third tumors on LN#6 metastasis was evaluated. The therapeutic indices (TI) of LN#6 based on tumor location were calculated.

RESULTS

Among 1070 PPG patients, 5YSR and 3RFS were 97.0% and 98.9%. LN#6 metastasis was found in 11 patients (1.03%), with 3 recurrences observed among them (3/11, 0.28%). LN#6 metastasis itself did not significantly affect 5YSR (p = 0.266) or 3RFS (p = 0.075). Tumor location showed a significant association for LN#6 metastasis (p = 0.015), with low body greater curvature (LB-GC) showing the highest prevalence (5/11, 45.45%). TI of LN#6 for LB-GC tumors was 3.76, while TI for low body lesser curvature (LB-LC) and midbody lesser curvature (MB-LC) tumors was 0.0.

CONCLUSIONS

LN#6 metastasis is infrequent and does not affect 5YSR or 3RFS in PPG patients. Tumors in LB-GC demonstrated a higher tendency for lymphatic spread to LN#6, while those in lesser curvature demonstrated a lower spread, suggesting a reduced surgical burden for lesser curvature tumors. This study evaluated LN#6 metastasis in 1070 PPG patients, demonstrating low incidence and favorable oncological outcomes, supporting tailored LN#6 dissection for lesser curvature tumors to minimize complications without compromising safety.

Long-term outcomes and quality of life of laparoscopic-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy compared to laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy with billroth I anastomosis for early gastric cancer(pT1N0M0): A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Clarify the long-term outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG) compared to conventional laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy with billroth I anastomosis (LADGBI) for early gastric cancer(pT1N0M0).

METHODS

Patients with cT1N0M0 cancer located in the middle third of the stomach and not suitable for endoscopic submucosal dissection were randomized to undergo LAPPG or LADGBI.

RESULTS

Between August 2017 and October 2019, a total 88 patients (pT1N0M0) were analyzed. The 5-year overall survival rate and disease-free survival rate were 95.5 ​% and 93.2 ​% for LAPPG and 93.2 ​% (P ​= ​0.46) and 91.0 ​% (P ​= ​0.64) for LADGBI. During postoperative 5-year follow up, LAPPG tended to present better functions and less symptoms scales than LADGBI accompanied by effective gallbladder emptying and pylorus function preserving.

CONCLUSION

Surgical and oncological outcomes was comparable in pT1N0M0 patients undergoing LAPPG and LADGBI. LAPPG had advantages in long-term QOL over LADGBI in terms of C30 and STO22 questionnaire.

Reduced-Ports Robotic Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic gastrectomy has proven to be safe and effective as a first-line treatment for early gastric cancer in terms of oncologic results. The da Vinci robotic system offers stable 3D vision, near-infrared fluorescence imaging, and articulating wrist movements, making it suitable for performing reduced-ports robotic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (RP-RPPG). This study examines the feasibility and safety of RP-RPPG for gastric cancer.

METHODS

Patients who underwent RP-RPPG at a single institution from March 2019 to October 2023 were enrolled. Electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed for operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), retrieved number of lymph nodes, postoperative hospital course, and early complications. Learning curve using operation time was analyzed through cumulative sum (CUSUM) and segmental analysis methods.

RESULTS

Among the 79 patients included, the median operation time was 175.0 (66.0) minutes, and estimated blood loss was 10.0 (25.0) mL. Early complications occurred in 6 patients (7.6%), but all were managed conservatively without needing invasive intervention. Among them, delayed gastric emptying was observed in 3 patients (3.8%). The learning curve analysis indicated a proficiency threshold after the 38th procedure, aligning with a subsequent decrease in operative times as the surgeon's experience progressed.

CONCLUSION

RP-RPPG is feasible and can be performed safely by an experienced surgeon without increasing early postoperative morbidity.

Laparoscopic Pylorus-preserving Gastrectomy Versus Distal Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (KLASS-04)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LPPG) with laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) for early gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy is considered a function-preserving surgery for early gastric cancer. However, there has been no multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing pylorus-preserving gastrectomy with distal gastrectomy until now.

METHODS

A multicenter randomized controlled trial (KLASS-04) with 256 patients with cT1N0M0 gastric cancer located in the mid portion of the stomach was conducted. The primary endpoint was the incidence of dumping syndrome at postoperative 1 year. Secondary endpoints included survival and recurrence, gallstone formation, nutritional parameters, gastroscopic findings, and quality of life for 3 years.

RESULTS

In the intention-to-treat analyses, there was no difference in the incidence of dumping syndrome at 1 year postoperatively (13.2% in LPPG vs 15.8% in LDG, P = 0.622). Gallstone formation after surgery was significantly lower in LPPG than in LDG (2.33% vs 8.66%, P = 0.026). Hemoglobin (+0.01 vs -0.76 gm/dL, P < 0.001) and serum protein (-0.15 vs -0.35 gm/dL, P = 0.002) were significantly preserved after LPPG. However, reflux esophagitis (17.8% vs 6.3%, P = 0.005) and grade IV delayed gastric emptying (16.3% vs 3.9%, P = 0.001) were more common in LPPG. Changes in body weight and postoperative quality of life were not significantly different between groups. Three-year overall survival and disease-free survival were not different (1 case of recurrence in each group, P = 0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

LPPG can be used as an alternative surgical option for cT1N0M0 gastric cancer in the mid portion of the stomach.

Function Preserving Gastrectomy and Quality of Life

Advances in gastric cancer screening have enabled earlier detection, shifting the focus of treatment toward preserving patients' quality of life (QoL). Function-preserving gastrectomy (FPG), including pylorus-preserving gastrectomy, proximal gastrectomy, and sentinel node navigation surgery, represents a paradigm shift in the surgical management of early gastric cancer. These techniques aim to balance oncological safety with the preservation of gastric function, mitigating postgastrectomy syndromes such as dumping syndrome, bile reflux, and nutritional deficiencies. QoL assessment tools, including EORTC QLQ-STO22, KOQUSS-40, and PGSAS-45, have become integral for evaluating patient-reported outcomes, providing insights into physical, emotional, and functional recovery. Although current evidence underscores the benefits of FPG, most studies are limited to East Asia, highlighting the need for multinational trials to validate these findings globally. FPG has demonstrated comparable short- and long-term oncological outcomes to conventional gastrectomy. Enhanced nutritional recovery and reduced gastrointestinal sequelae make FPG increasingly attractive. However, its widespread adoption is challenged by technical complexity, resource intensity, and the need for adequate surgical experience. The integration of advanced technologies, such as robotic surgery and artificial intelligence, coupled with personalized approaches, is expected to further optimize FPG outcomes. This review underscores the critical role of standardized QoL assessments, collaborative research, and technological innovations in advancing FPG as a cornerstone of patient-centered gastric cancer care.

Korean Practice Guidelines for Gastric Cancer 2024: An Evidence-based, Multidisciplinary Approach (Update of 2022 Guideline)

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in both Korea and worldwide. Since 2004, the Korean Practice Guidelines for Gastric Cancer have been regularly updated, with the 4th edition published in 2022. The 4th edition was the result of a collaborative work by an interdisciplinary team, including experts in gastric surgery, gastroenterology, endoscopy, medical oncology, abdominal radiology, pathology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and guideline development methodology. The current guideline is the 5th version, an updated version of the 4th edition. In this guideline, 6 key questions (KQs) were updated or proposed after a collaborative review by the working group, and 7 statements were developed, or revised, or discussed based on a systematic review using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed database. Over the past 2 years, there have been significant changes in systemic treatment, leading to major updates and revisions focused on this area. Additionally, minor modifications have been made in other sections, incorporating recent research findings. The level of evidence and grading of recommendations were categorized according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Key factors for recommendation included the level of evidence, benefit, harm, and clinical applicability. The working group reviewed and discussed the recommendations to reach a consensus. The structure of this guideline remains similar to the 2022 version. Earlier sections cover general considerations, such as screening, diagnosis, and staging of endoscopy, pathology, radiology, and nuclear medicine. In the latter sections, statements are provided for each KQ based on clinical evidence, with flowcharts supporting these statements through meta-analysis and references. This multidisciplinary, evidence-based gastric cancer guideline aims to support clinicians in providing optimal care for gastric cancer patients.

Current clinical trials on gastric cancer surgery in China

Gastric cancer (GC) is the leading diagnosed malignancy worldwide, especially in China. Radical surgery is the cornerstone of GC treatment. We reviewed previous clinical trials and aimed to provide an update on the factors related to the surgical treatment of GC. The number of registered clinical trials in the field of GC surgery is rapidly increasing. With the development and popularization of endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques, GC surgery has gradually entered a new era of precise minimally invasive surgery. Postoperative quality of life has become a major issue in addition to surgical oncological safety. Although great progress has been made in clinical research on GC in China, there are still deficiencies. Many studies enrolled large numbers of patients, but the research data were not of high quality. The characteristics of GC in China include a high incidence, large population, and large proportion of patients with advanced GC, which provides sufficient reason for studying this disease. There is still a need for well-designed, large, randomized clinical trials to improve our knowledge of the surgical treatment of GC.

Impact of malnutrition and nutritional support after gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer

Malnutrition, characterized by altered body composition and impaired function, is particularly prevalent among gastric cancer patients, affecting up to 60% of them. Malnutrition in these patients can manifest both before and after surgery, due to factors such as gastric outlet obstruction, cancer cachexia, and anatomical changes. Notably, total gastrectomy (TG) presents the most significant nutritional challenges. However, function-preserving gastrectomy, such as pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG), have shown promise in improving nutritional outcomes. Effective nutritional risk screening and assessment are vital for identifying patients at risk. Nutritional support not only improves nutritional parameters but also reduces complications, enhances quality of life (QoL) and survival rates. Those unable to maintain more than 50% of the recommended intake for over 7 days are recommended for nutritional support. Common methods of nutritional support include oral nutrition supplements (ONS), enteral nutrition (EN), or parenteral nutrition (PN) depending on the patient's status. Effect of perioperative nutritional support remains controversial. Preoperative interventions including ONS and PN have shown mixed results, with selective benefits in patients with sarcopenia or hypoalbuminaemia, while impact of EN in gastric outlet obstruction patients have been positive. In contrast postoperative support appears to be consistent. Tube feeding after TG has shown improvements, and ONS have been effective in reducing weight loss and improving nutritional biomarkers. PN was also associated with benefits such as weight maintenance and QoL. This review explores the mechanisms, assessment, and clinical impact of malnutrition, emphasizing the importance of nutritional support in gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy.

A Comparative Study of Postoperative Complications Associated with Distal Gastrectomy and Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy among Gastric Cancer Patients Based on Nationwide Survey Data and Propensity Score Weighting

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare complication rates between pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) and distal gastrectomy (DG) using Korean nationwide survey data and propensity score weighting (PSW). PPG preserves gastric function but may lead to more postoperative complications than DG.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed 9424 gastric cancer patients who underwent either DG (n = 9183) or PPG (n = 241). PSW balanced variables such as age, sex, TNM stage, comorbidities, ASA score, and surgical approach. Before PSW, 87.8% of DG patients and 87.1% of PPG patients had no complications (p = 0.053). Severe complications (Clavien-Dindo IIIa or higher) were more frequent in PPG (6.6%) than in DG (3.8%) (p = 0.039). After PSW, overall complication rates (p = 0.960) and severe complication rates (p = 0.574) were similar between groups. Incidence rates of anastomotic stricture and leakage were higher in PPG (2.9% and 1.7%) compared to DG (0.6% and 0.5%) (p = 0.001 and 0.036) before PSW, but these differences were not significant after PSW (p = 0.999 and 0.123).

CONCLUSION

The PSW-adjusted analysis indicates no significant difference in overall and severe complication rates between PPG and DG in gastric cancer patients.

Equal short-term outcomes of intracorporeal mechanical gastrogastrostomy in laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for cT1N0 gastric cancer in the middle stomach compared with the extracorporeal hand-sewing method

BACKGROUND

Intracorporeal mechanical gastrogastrostomy (IMG) techniques have recently been developed and their short-term safety was presented in their initial evaluation. However, whether they are comparable to extracorporeal hand-sewing gastrogastrostomy (EHG) remains unclear. The aim of the study is to establish the safety of IMG in totally laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (TLPPG) compared to EHG in laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the short-term outcomes of patients with middle-third early gastric cancer who underwent LAPPG or TLPPG between 2005 and 2022. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the non-inferiority of IMG to EHG in terms of safety, with the primary endpoint being the risk difference in anastomosis-related complications (ARCs). The sample size required to achieve a statistical power of 80% for the non-inferiority test was 971 with a one-sided alpha level of 5% and non-inferiority of 5%.

RESULTS

The analysis included a total of 1,021 patients who underwent LAPPG or TLPPG during the study period. Among them, 488 patients underwent EHG, while 533 underwent IMG. The incidences of ARCs were 11.3% and 11.4% in EHG and IMG, respectively. The observed difference in incidence was 0.0017 (90% confidence interval - 0.0313 to 0.0345), which statistically demonstrated the non-inferiority of IMG to EHG in the incidence of ARCs. Among other complications, the incidence of wound infection in IMG was lower than that in EHG.

CONCLUSION

IMG is safe regarding ARCs compared with EHG. These results will encourage surgeons to introduce IMG for patients with early middle gastric cancer.

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) has been widely accepted as a function-preserving gastrectomy for middle-third early gastric cancer (EGC) with a distal tumor border at least 4 cm proximal to the pylorus. The procedure essentially preserves the function of the pyloric sphincter, which requires to preserve the upper third of the stomach and a pyloric cuff at least 2.5 cm. The suprapyloric and infrapyloric vessels are usually preserved, as are the hepatic and pyloric branches of the vagus nerve. Compared with distal gastrectomy, PPG has significant advantages in preventing dumping syndrome, body weight loss and bile reflux gastritis. The postoperative complications after PPG have reached an acceptable level. PPG can be considered a safe, effective, and superior choice in EGC, and is expected to be extensively performed in the future.

Vagal Sparing Gastrectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Radical gastrectomy is associated with significant functional complications. In appropriate patients may be amenable to less invasive resection aimed at preserving the vagal trunks. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the functional consequences and oncological safety of vagal sparing gastrectomy (VSG) compared to conventional non-vagal sparing gastrectomy (CG).

METHODS

A systematic review of four databases in accordance with PRISMA guidelines was undertaken for studies published between January 1, 1990, and December 15, 2021, comparing patients who underwent VSG to CG. We meta-analysed the following outcomes: operative time, blood loss, nodal yield, days to flatus, body weight changes, as well as the incidence of post-operative cholelithiasis, diarrhoea, delayed gastric emptying, and dumping syndrome.

RESULTS

Thirty studies were included in the meta-analysis with a selection of studies qualitatively analysed. VSG was associated with a lower rate of cholelithiasis (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.15-0.41, p < 0.010) and early dumping syndrome (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.21-0.86; p = 0.02), less blood loss (mean difference [MD]: -51 mL, 95% CI: -89.11 to -12.81 mL, p = 0.009), less long-term weight loss (MD: 2.03%, 95% CI: 0.31-3.76%, p = 0.02) and a faster time to flatus (MD: -0.42 days, 95% CI: -0.48 to 0.36, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in nodal harvest, overall survival, and all other endpoints.

CONCLUSION

VSG significantly reduces the incidence of post-operative cholelithiasis and dumping syndrome, decreases weight loss, and facilitates an earlier return of gut motility. Although technically more challenging, VSG should be considered for prophylactic surgery.

Novel Clean End-to-End Anastomosis Method, Without Opening the Stomach Lumen, in Totally Laparoscopic or Robotic Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy

PURPOSE

Intra-abdominal infection is a common postoperative complication of laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomies (PPGs). Many studies have reported that intra-abdominal infectious complications after gastrectomy adversely affect patient survival outcomes. To prevent gastric fluid leakage into the abdominal cavity, we developed a novel anastomosis method in which the stomach lumen is not opened (termed the non-opened clean end-to-end anastomosis method [NoCEAM]) and evaluated its feasibility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subsequent to lymphadenectomy, the oral and anal resection lines were sutured using an intraoperative endoscope. After closing the stomach circumferentially with clips, the specimen was rolled outward like a "donut." We resected the specimen circumferentially using a linear stapler, and anastomosis was completed simultaneously. We examined the feasibility of this procedure ex vivo, using three porcine stomachs, and in vivo, using one pig. Subsequently, we applied the procedure to 13 consecutive patients with middle-third early gastric cancer utilizing laparotomic, laparoscopic, and robotic PPG.

RESULTS

NoCEAM was completed in all porcine models and human cases. In the human cases, the mean operation time (±standard deviation) was 279±51 minutes, and mean blood loss volume was 22±45 mL. The mean number of linear staples used was 5.06±0.76. None of the patients had complications, and all were discharged on the eighth postoperative. The serum total protein, serum albumin, and hemoglobin levels did not change significantly after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

NoCEAM is feasible and safe for performing totally laparoscopic or robotic PPG. It may reduce postoperative complications, such as intra-abdominal infections.

Effectiveness of preserved vagal nerve in totally laparoscopy radical distal gastrectomy: a matched-paired cohort analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this retrospective matched-paired cohort study was to clarify the effectiveness of preserving the vagus nerve in totally laparoscopic radical distal gastrectomy (TLDG).

METHODS

One hundred eighty-three patients with gastric cancer who underwent TLDG between February 2020 and March 2022 were included and followed up. Sixty-one patients with preservation of the vagal nerve (VPG) in the same period were matched (1:2) to conventional sacrificed (CG) cases for demographics, tumor characteristics, and tumor node metastasis stage. The evaluated variables included intraoperative and postoperative indices, symptoms, nutritional status, and gallstone formation at 1 year after gastrectomy between the two groups.

RESULTS

Although the operation time was significantly increased in the VPG compared with the CG (198.0 ± 35.2 vs. 176.2 ± 35.2 min, P < 0.001), the mean time of gas passage in the VPG was significantly lower than that in the CG (68.1 ± 21.7 h vs. 75.4 ± 22.6 h, P = 0.038). The overall postoperative complication rate was similar between the two groups (P = 0.794). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups hospital stay, total number of harvested lymph nodes, and mean number of examined lymph nodes at each station. During follow-up, the morbidity of gallstones or cholecystitis (8.2% vs. 20.5%, P = 0.036), chronic diarrhea (3.3% vs. 14.8%, P = 0.022), and constipation (4.9% vs. 16.4%, P = 0.032) were significantly lower in the VPG than in the CG in this study. Moreover, injury to the vagus nerve was found to be an independent risk factor for gallstone formation or cholecystitis and chronic diarrhea in univariate analysis and multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

The vagus nerve plays an imperative role in gastrointestinal motility, and hepatic and celiac branch preservation mainly exerts efficacy and safety in patients who undergo TLDG.

Comparison between laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy and laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for overweight patients with early gastric cancer

Purpose

Laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LPPG) has a nutritional advantage over laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG), however, may be less beneficial in overweight patients in terms of weight loss. The purpose of this study was to compare LPPG and LDG in overweight patients with early gastric cancer.

Methods

Clinicopathologic data of overweight patients (body mass index [BMI], ≥25 kg/m²) who underwent LPPG (n = 63) or LDG (n = 183) in 2016-2018 were retrospectively reviewed. In the LDG group, patients with Billroth-II anastomosis were separately grouped (LDG B-II, n = 66). Changes in BMI, hemoglobin, albumin, and total protein were compared among groups.

Results

Changes in BMI were not significant different among groups. The LPPG group had significantly higher albumin than the LDG group at postoperative 6 months and 1 year. The LPPG group had higher total protein than the LDG group at postoperative 2 years. The LPPG group had a higher complication rate of Clavien-Dindo classification III or higher (20.6%) than the LDG group (8.2%, P = 0.007). However, after excluding pyloric stenosis, there was no significant difference among groups (LPPG vs. LDG, P = 0.290; LPPG vs. LDG B-II, P = 0.921).

Conclusion

LPPG and LDG groups showed similar weight loss. However, the LPPG group had higher albumin and protein levels than the LDG group of overweight patients. Thus, it is not necessary to select LDG only for weight loss. LPPG may be selected as one option due to its potential nutritional benefit when pyloric stenosis is properly managed.

A continuous muscle-sparing advantage of pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for older patients with cT1N0M0 gastric cancer in the middle third of the stomach

In older patients with cT1N0M0 gastric cancer in the middle third of the stomach, LPPG has advantages over LDGB1 in maintaining skeletal muscle mass.

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LPPG) for early gastric cancer in the middle third of the stomach is expected to be an alternative procedure to laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG). However, whether LPPG is safe and more useful than LDG in older patients is unclear because of their comorbidities and organ dysfunctions.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of consecutive patients aged 75 or over who underwent LDG with Billroth I reconstruction (LDGB1) or LPPG for cT1N0M0 gastric cancer in the middle third of the stomach between 2005 and 2019. After propensity score matching was used to improve the comparability between the LDGB1 and LPPG groups, we compared surgical and postoperative nutritional outcomes, including the postoperative trends of bodyweight (%BW) and skeletal muscle index (%SMI).

RESULTS

A total of 132 patients who underwent LDGB1 (n = 88) and LPPG (n = 44) were collected for this study. No significant difference in postoperative complications was observed. The total protein levels after LPPG were significantly higher than those after LDGB1 for 4 postoperative years. Both %BW and %SMI after LPPG were significantly maintained compared with those after LDGB1 during the first year after surgery. For the subsequent years, %BW after LPPG became similar to that after LDGB1, while %SMI after LPPG was significantly larger than LDGB1 continuously.

CONCLUSIONS

LPPG has a great advantage in maintaining the postoperative skeletal muscle mass as well as the nutritional parameters of older patients. LPPG is expected to be an alternative to LDG in older patients.

Feasibility and safety of inserting transient biodegradable stents in the pylorus during pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a preliminary study in a porcine for proof of concept

BACKGROUND

To evaluate whether insertion of self-biodegradable stent into the pylorus to prevent delayed-gastric emptying after pylorus-preserving gastrectomy is feasible and safe through porcine experiment.

METHODS

Self-biodegradable dumbbell-shaped pyloric stents were designed from absorbable suture materials: poly(glycolide-co-caprolactone) (PGCL) or poly-p-dioxanone (PPDO). After gastrotomy on ten pigs, each stent was inserted: two shams, four PGCL stents, and four PPDO stents. Body weight (Bwt), body temperature (BT), complete blood cell (CBC) count, and plain X-ray were evaluated. On postoperative day (POD) 13, euthanasia was performed for histologic evaluation.

RESULTS

Operation was successfully performed in all ten pigs. Without tagging suture, both stents migrated before POD 3. The migration was delayed up to POD 13, when the tagging sutures (-t) were applied between stent and stomach wall. Self-degradation of PGCL started from POD 3, and stents were completely excreted from the abdomen by POD 8. Although PPDO were also weakened as self-degradation progressed, its shape was maintained in gastrointestinal tract for 13 days. Unexpected sudden death occurred in the pig with PPDO-t2 on POD 10, which is more likely due to acute volvulus rather than stent-related complication. There was no significant difference between three groups in terms of Bwt, BT, CBC, and histology (sham vs. PGCL vs. PPDO, all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The concept of biodegradable stents made of absorbent suture material seems feasible in porcine experiment. Among them, PGCL which has shown rapid absorption, appears to be a more suitable material for transient pyloric absorbable stent when considering safety aspect.

Korean Practice Guidelines for Gastric Cancer 2022: An Evidence-based, Multidisciplinary Approach

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in Korea and the world. Since 2004, this is the 4th gastric cancer guideline published in Korea which is the revised version of previous evidence-based approach in 2018. Current guideline is a collaborative work of the interdisciplinary working group including experts in the field of gastric surgery, gastroenterology, endoscopy, medical oncology, abdominal radiology, pathology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology and guideline development methodology. Total of 33 key questions were updated or proposed after a collaborative review by the working group and 40 statements were developed according to the systematic review using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and KoreaMed database. The level of evidence and the grading of recommendations were categorized according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation proposition. Evidence level, benefit, harm, and clinical applicability was considered as the significant factors for recommendation. The working group reviewed recommendations and discussed for consensus. In the earlier part, general consideration discusses screening, diagnosis and staging of endoscopy, pathology, radiology, and nuclear medicine. Flowchart is depicted with statements which is supported by meta-analysis and references. Since clinical trial and systematic review was not suitable for postoperative oncologic and nutritional follow-up, working group agreed to conduct a nationwide survey investigating the clinical practice of all tertiary or general hospitals in Korea. The purpose of this survey was to provide baseline information on follow up. Herein we present a multidisciplinary-evidence based gastric cancer guideline.

Safety of pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for gastric cancer combined with antral high-risk lesions: a comparison with endoscopic submucosal dissection

BACKGROUND

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) is a surgical treatment option for cT1N0M0 gastric cancer located in the middle third of the stomach. However, data for the long-term post-PPG clinical outcomes related to metachronous gastric neoplasms (mGNs) in the residual stomach are currently lacking. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the safety of PPG by focusing on mGNs.

METHODS

In this single-center, retrospective study, we reviewed the data for 362 patients who underwent PPG with a 3-cm antral cuff and 139 who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for middle-third gastric cancer between January 2013 and December 2015. The histopathologic features of the antrum in the ESD group, which could not be determined in the PPG group, were analyzed to investigate the risk factors for mGNs. The estimated and actual incidence of mGNs in the antrum were compared in the PPG group.

RESULTS

The incidence of mGNs was 6.5% (9/139) in the ESD group. The presence of a synchronous adenoma (odds ratio [OR], 8.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55-46.34), carcinoma (OR, 15.71; 95% CI, 2.67-92.56) and moderate-to-severe intestinal metaplasia (OR, 9.77; 95% CI, 1.14-83.92) were associated with a higher risk of overall mGNs. However, when confined to the antrum, no significant association was observed between these factors and mGNs. In the ESD group, 2 of 9 mGNs (1.4%) were located at the 3-cm antral cuff. In the PPG group, both mGNs (0.6%) were located in the proximal remnant stomach.

CONCLUSION

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy was a safe therapeutic option with regard to the occurrence of metachronous adenomas or carcinomas in our series. Despite the low mGN incidence in the 3-cm antral cuff after PPG, the presence of synchronous neoplasms or moderate-to-severe intestinal metaplasia was a risk factor for mGNs in the ESD group; thus, further studies on longer antral cuffs with long-term follow-up are needed.

Late complication after gastrectomy for clinical stage I cancer: supplementary analysis of JCOG0912

BACKGROUND

Late complications following gastric cancer surgery, including postgastrectomy syndromes, are complex problems requiring a solution. Reported risk factors for developing late complications include surgery-related factors, such as the surgical approach and the extent of resection and reconstruction. However, this has not been assessed in a prospective study with a large sample size. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate associations between surgery-related factors and the development of late complications. Data from the JCOG0912 trial were used. It compared laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) to open distal gastrectomy (ODG) in clinical stage I gastric cancer patients.

METHODS

This study included 881/921 patients enrolled in the JCOG0912 trial. The incidence of late complications was compared between the ODG and the LADG arms. In addition, associations between surgery-related factors and the development of late complications were assessed by multivariable analyses using the proportional odds model to identify relevant risk factors.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the type or number of patients with late complications between the LADG and the ODG arms. The multivariable analysis for each late complication revealed that the Billroth-I reconstruction (vs. R-en-Y or Billroth-II) had a lower risk of cholecystitis [odds ratio (OR) 0.187, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.039-0.905, P = 0.037] or ileus (OR 0.116, 95%CI 0.033-0.406, P < 0.001), and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (vs. R-en-Y or Billroth-II) had a higher risk of reflux esophagitis (OR 3.348, 95% CI 1.371-8.176, P = 0.008). The surgical approach was not a risk factor for any late complications.

CONCLUSION

Differences in surgical approaches did not constitute a risk for developing late complications after gastrectomy. Billroth-I reconstruction reduced the risk of ileus and cholecystitis, but pylorus-preserving gastrectomy carried a risk for reflux esophagitis.

Pathological and oncological outcomes of pylorus-preserving versus conventional distal gastrectomy in early gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) is a function-preserving surgery for the treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC) in the middle third of the stomach. According to the literature reports, PPG decreases the incidence of dumping syndrome, bile reflux, gallstone formation, and nutritional deficit compared with conventional distal gastrectomy (CDG). However, the debates about PPG have been dominated by the incomplete lymphadenectomy and oncological safety. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the pathological and oncological outcomes of PPG.

Methods

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO under number CRD42022304677. Databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials were searched before February 21, 2022. The outcomes included the pooled odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous variables and weighted mean differences (WMDs) for continuous variables. For all outcomes, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA software (Stata 14, Stata Corporation, Texas) and Review Manager 5.4.

Results

A total of 4500 patients from 16 studies were included. Compared with the CDG group, the PPG group had fewer lymph nodes harvested (WMD= −3.09; 95% CI −4.75 to −1.43; P < 0.001). Differences in the number of resected lymph nodes were observed at stations No. 5, No. 6, No. 9, and No. 11p. There were no differences in lymph node metastasis at each station. Shorter proximal resection margins (WMD = −0.554; 95% CI −0.999 to −0.108; P = 0.015) and distal resection margins (WMD = −1.569; 95% CI −3.132 to −0.007; P = 0.049) were observed in the PPG group. There were no significant differences in pathological T1a stage (OR = 0.99; 95% CI 0.80 to 1.23; P = 0.88), T1b stage (OR = 1.01; 95% CI 0.81 to 1.26; P = 0.88), N0 stage (OR = 0.97; 95% CI 0.63 to 1.48; P = 0.88), tumor size (WMD = −0.10; 95% CI −0.25 to 0.05; P = 0.187), differentiated carcinoma (OR = 1.04; 95% CI 0.74 to 1.47; P = 0.812) or signet ring cell carcinoma (OR = 1.22; 95% CI 0.90 to 1.64; P = 0.198). No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of overall survival (HR = 0.63; 95% CI 0.24 to 1.67; P = 0.852) or recurrence-free survival (HR = 0.29; 95% CI 0.03 to 2.67; P = 0.900).

Conclusions

The meta-analysis of existing evidence demonstrated that the survival outcomes of PPG may be comparable to those of CDG. However, fewer lymph nodes at stations in No. 5, No. 6, No. 9, and No. 11p were harvested with PPG. We also found shorter proximal resection margins and distal resection margins for PPG, meaning more remnant stomachs would be preserved in PPG.

Signature and Prediction of Perigastric Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Gastric Cancer and Total Gastrectomy: Is Total Gastrectomy Always Necessary?

Simple Summary

The signature and prediction of perigastric lymph node metastasis (pLNM) is clinically important, but evidence is still lacking. Here, we aimed to identify an informative signature for the prediction of pLNMs in gastric cancer patients after total gastrectomy, and reassess the current indications for proximal gastrectomy and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG). We found that proximal gastrectomy may be expanded to patients with stage T1–T2 GC and/or tumor diameter < 4 cm in the upper-third stomach, while PPG may be expanded to include T1–T2/N0 and/or tumors < 4 cm in the middle-third stomach. Furthermore, we developed a new predictive factor, the shortest distance from the pylorus ring to the distal edge of the tumor, which showed good predictive performance for pLNMs.

Abstract

Background: A growing number of studies suggest that the current indications for partial gastrectomy, including proximal gastrectomy and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG), may be expanded, but evidence is still lacking. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 300 patients with gastric cancer (GC) who underwent total gastrectomy. We analyzed the incidence of pLNMs in relation to tumor location, tumor size and T stage. We further identified predictive factors for perigastric lymph node metastasis (pLNM) in stations 1, 2, 3, 4sa, 4sb, 4d, 5, and 6. Results: No patients with upper-third T1–T2 stage GC had pLNMs in stations 4sa, 4sb, 4d, 5, or 6, but 3.8% of patients with stage T3 had 4d pLNM. No patients with upper-third GC < 4 cm in diameter had pLNMs in 2, 4sa, 4d, 5, or 6, and 2.3% of patients had pLNMs in 4sb. For middle-third GCs, 2.9% of patients with T1 stage had pLNMs in 4sa and 5, but no patients with T2 stage or tumors < 4 cm had pLNMs in 2, 4sa, or 5. The shortest distance from pylorus ring to distal edge of tumor (sDPD) was a new predictive factor for pLNMs in 2, 4d, 5, and 6. Conclusions: Proximal gastrectomy may be expanded to patients with stage T1–T2 GC and/or tumor diameter < 4 cm in the upper-third stomach, whereas PPG may be expanded to include T1–T2/N0 and/or tumors < 4 cm in the middle-third stomach. A new predictive factor, sDPD, showed good predictive performance for pLNMs, especially in stations 4d, 5, and 6.

Intracorporeal hand-sewn anastomosis following pylorus-preserving gastrectomy: surgical technique and short-term surgical outcome

BACKGROUND

Although several procedures for mechanical anastomosis have recently been reported, intracorporeal manually hand-sewn anastomosis for totally laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (TLPPG) is considered technically difficult. Here, we report a new technique for laparoscopic reconstruction using hand-sewn sutures.

METHODS

Together with a proper lymphadenectomy, the stomach was detached and resected using separate two-layer incisions, similar to the original laparotomy method. An approximately 5-cm antral cuff was left in place. The essential concept of this new method was to align the anastomotic site by rotating each clamped gastric stump. This allowed us to perform a secure, hand-sewn, two-layer anastomosis successfully. The short-term surgical outcome after TLPPG was retrospectively compared with that for patients who underwent a conventional laparoscopy-assisted procedure (LAPPG).

RESULTS

Of the 20 consecutive patients who underwent pylorus-preserving gastrectomy in our department between 2014 and 2021, the first 8 patients and the subsequent 12 patients underwent LAPPG and TLPPG, respectively. The operation time was significantly longer in the TLPPG group (median, 302 vs. 269 min). The morbidity was comparable (8.3% in TLPPG vs. 12.5% in LAPPG). Postoperative delayed gastric emptying was only observed in one patient in the LAPPG group. TLPPG reduced the cost of the operation by reducing the number of linear stapler cartridges required.

CONCLUSION

A purely hand-sewn gastrogastrostomy is safe, feasible, and cost-effective, and it omits the need for a mini-laparotomy in the upper abdomen.

Minimally invasive surgery in advanced gastric cancer

Since Dr. Kitano introduced laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer in 1994, there have been remarkable advances in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for gastric cancer, including robotic surgery. With the efforts of many clinical researchers and consenting patients, medical knowledge and evidence for laparoscopic surgery in gastric cancer have accumulated. Although many gastric surgeons are comfortable with the clinical application of laparoscopic surgery for early gastric cancer, the adoption of MISs for advanced gastric cancer remains controversial. In this review article, we describe the current status and evidence of MIS from an evidence‐based medicine viewpoint and explore the feasibility and effectiveness of MIS for advanced gastric cancer in the real world.

Important risk factors for gallstones after laparoscopic gastrectomy: a retrospective study

Background

The frequency of gallstones is higher in patients who have undergone gastrectomy than in the general population. While there have been some studies of gallstone formation after open gastrectomy, there are few reports of gallstones after laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the incidence of gallstones after LG.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 184 patients who underwent LG between January 2011 and May 2016 at Saiseikai Utsunomiya Hospital. After gastrectomy, abdominal ultrasonography was generally performed every 6 months for 5 years. Patients who underwent cholecystectomy before LG, underwent simultaneous cholecystectomy, and did not undergo abdominal ultrasonography, with an observation period of < 24 months, were excluded from the study. Finally, 90 patients were analyzed. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed whenever biliary complications occurred. Patient characteristics were compared using the two-tailed Fisher’s exact test or Chi-square test. In addition, the risk factors for postoperative gallstones were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among the 90 patients included in this study, 60 were men (78%), and the mean age was 65.5 years. Laparoscopic total gastrectomy was performed for 15 patients and laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for 75 patients. D2 lymph node dissection was performed for 8 patients (9%), whereas 68 patients underwent LG with Roux-en-Y reconstruction (76%). Gallstones were detected after LG in 27 of the 90 (30%) patients. Multivariate analysis identified Roux-en-Y reconstruction and male sex as significant risk factors of gallstones after gastrectomy. The incidence of gallstones was significantly higher (53%) in male patients who underwent Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Symptomatic gallstones after laparoscopic cholecystectomy were found in 6 cases (6/27, 22%), and all patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Conclusion

Roux-en-Y reconstruction and male sex were identified as significant risk factors for gallstones after LG.

Short-term Outcomes of Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer: Comparison Between Extracorporeal and Intracorporeal Gastrogastrostomy

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the surgical and oncological outcomes between totally laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (TLPPG) with intracorporeal anastomosis and laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG) with extracorporeal anastomosis.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in 258 patients with cT1N0 gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy using two different anastomosis methods: TLPPG with intracorporeal anastomosis (n=88) and LAPPG with extracorporeal anastomosis (n=170). The following variables were compared between the two groups to assess the postoperative surgical and oncological outcomes: proximal and distal margins, number of resected lymph nodes (LNs) in total and in LN station 6, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative morbidity including delayed gastric emptying (DGE).

Results

The average length of the proximal margin was similar between the TLPPG and LAPPG groups (2.35 vs. 2.73 cm, P=0.070). Although the distal margin was significantly shorter in the TLPPG group than in the LAPPG group (3.15 vs. 4.08 cm, P=0.001), no proximal or distal resection margin-positive cases were reported in either group. The average number of resected LN was similar in both groups (36.0 vs. 33.98, P=0.229; LN station 6, 5.72 vs. 5.33, P=0.399). The operation time was shorter in the TLPPG group than in the LAPPG (200.17 vs. 220.80 minutes, P=0.001). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of postoperative hospital stay (9.38 vs. 10.10 days, P=0.426) and surgical complication rate (19.3% vs. 22.9%), including DGE (8.0% vs. 11.8%, P=0.343).

Conclusions

The oncological safety and postoperative complications of TLPPG with intracorporeal anastomosis are similar to those of LAPPG with extracorporeal anastomosis.

Postoperative quality of life after gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients: a prospective longitudinal observation study

Purpose

The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life (QOL) questionnaires (QLQ-C30, QLQ-OG25, and QLQ-STO22) are widely used for the assessment of gastric cancer patients. This study aimed to use these questionnaires to evaluate QOL in postgastrectomy patients.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated 106 patients with distal gastrectomy (DG), 57 with pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG), and 117 with total gastrectomy (TG). Body weight and QOL questionnaires were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively (at 3 weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months).

Results

TG patients had significantly more weight loss than DG/PPG patients. Compared with DG, patients after PPG had less dyspnea (P = 0.008) and trouble with coughing (P = 0.049), but more severe symptoms of insomnia (P = 0.037) and reflux (P = 0.030) at postoperative 12 months. Compared with DG/PPG, TG was associated with worse body image, dysphagia, eating, and taste in both OG25 and STO22. Moreover, OG25 revealed worse QOL in the TG group with respect to odynophagia, eating with others, choked when swallowing, trouble talking, and weight loss. The QOL of patients who received chemotherapy was worse than those in the chemo-free group in both physical functioning and symptoms such as nausea/vomiting, appetite loss, and trouble with taste; however, these side effects would soon disappear after finishing chemotherapy.

Conclusion

PPG was similar to DG in terms of postoperative QOL and maintaining body weight, while TG was always inferior to both DG and PPG. Adjuvant chemotherapy can affect both body weight and QOL despite being reversible.

A Comprehensive and Comparative Review of Global Gastric Cancer Treatment Guidelines

Countries differ in their treatment expertise and research results regarding gastric cancer; hence, treatment guidelines are diverse based on evidence and medical situations. A comprehensive and comparative review of each country’s guidelines is imperative to understand the similarities and differences among countries. We reviewed and compared five gastric cancer treatment guidelines in terms of endoscopic, surgical, perioperative, and palliative systemic treatment based on evidence levels and recommendation grades, as well as the postoperative follow-up strategies for each guideline. The Korean, Chinese, and European guidelines provided evidence and grading of the recommendations. The United States guidelines suggested categories for evidence and consensus. The Japanese guidelines suggested evidence and recommendations only for systemic treatment. The Korean and Japanese guidelines described endoscopic treatment, surgery, and lymphadenectomy in detail. The Chinese, United States, and European guidelines more intensively considered perioperative chemotherapy. In particular, the indications for chemotherapy and the regimens recommended by each guideline differed slightly. Considering their medical situations, each guideline had some diversity in terms of adopting evidence, which resulted in heterogeneous recommendations. This review will help medical personnel to comprehensively understand the diversity in gastric cancer treatment guidelines for each country in terms of evidence and recommendations.

Function-Preserving Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer

Recently, minimally invasive (endoscopic or laparoscopic) treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC) has been widely accepted. However, a standard gastrectomy with radical lymphadenectomy is generally performed in patients with EGC who have no indications for endoscopic resection, and postgastrectomy dysfunction is one of the problems of standard gastrectomy. Function-preserving gastrectomy, such as proximal gastrectomy and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy, can be considered when attempting to preserve the patient's quality of life (QOL) postoperatively. In addition, sentinel node navigation surgery for EGC has been applied in clinical practice in several prospective studies on function-preserving personalized minimized gastrectomy. In the near future, the sentinel lymph node concept is expected to form the basis for establishing an ideal, personalized, minimally invasive function-preserving treatment for patients with EGC, which will improve their postoperative QOL without compromising their long-term survival. In this review article, we summarize the current status, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes of function-preserving gastrectomy for EGC.

Short-term outcomes of a multicentre randomized clinical trial comparing laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy with laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer (the KLASS-04 trial)

BACKGROUND

There remain concerns about the safety and functional benefit of laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LPPG) compared with laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG). This study evaluated short-term outcomes of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing LPPG with LDG for gastric cancer.

METHODS

The Korean Laparoendoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery Study (KLASS)-04 trial was an investigator-initiated, open-label, parallel-assigned, superiority, multicentre RCT in Korea. Patients with cT1N0M0 cancer located in the middle third of the stomach at least 5 cm from the pylorus were randomized to undergo LPPG or LDG. Participants, care givers and those assessing the outcomes were not blinded to group assignment. Outcomes were 30-day postoperative morbidity rate and death at 90 days.

RESULTS

Some 256 patients from nine institutions were randomized (LPPG 129 patients, LDG 127 patients) between July 2015 and July 2017 and outcomes for 253 patients were analysed. Postoperative complications within 30 days were seen in 19.3 and 15.5 per cent in the LPPG and LDG groups respectively (P = 0·419). Postoperative pyloric stenosis was observed in nine (7.2 per cent) and two (1·5 per cent) patients in the LPPG and LDG groups (P = 0·026) respectively. In multivariable analysis higher BMI was a risk factor for postoperative complications (odds ratio 1·17, 95 per cent c.i. 1·04 to 1·32; P = 0·011). Death at 90 days was zero in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative complications and mortality was comparable in patients undergoing LPPG and LDG. Registration number: NCT02595086 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

The Incidence and Risk Factors for Metachronous Gastric Cancer in the Remnant Stomach after Gastric Cancer Surgery

Background/Aims

Less invasive surgical treatment is performed in East Asia to preserve postoperative digestive function and reduce complications such as postgastrectomy syndromes, but there is an issue of metachronous gastric cancer (GC) in the remaining stomach. This study aimed to analyze the incidence of metachronous GC and its risk factors in patients who had undergone partial gastrectomy.

Methods

A total of 3,045 GC patients who had undergone curative gastric partial resection at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital were enrolled and analyzed retrospectively for risk factors, including age, sex, smoking, alcohol, Helicobacterpylori status, family history of GC, histological type, and surgical method.

Results

Metachronous GC in the remaining stomach occurred in 35 of the 3,045 patients (1.1%) 23 in the distal gastrectomy group (18 with Billroth-I anastomosis, five with Billroth-II anastomosis), seven in the proximal gastrectomy (PG) group, and five in the pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) group. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that age ≥60 years (p=0.005) and surgical method used (PG or PPG, p<0.001) were related risk factors for metachronous GC, while male sex and intestinal type histology were potential risk factors.

Conclusions

Metachronous GC was shown to be related to older age and the surgical method used (PG or PPG). Regular and careful follow-up with endoscopy should be performed in the case of gastric partial resection, especially in patients with male sex and intestinal type histology as well as those aged ≥60 years undergoing the PG or PPG surgical method.

Gastrocolic ligament lymph-node dissection may increase the incidence of delayed gastric emptying after colon cancer surgery with D3 lymphadenectomy

PURPOSE

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is associated with prolonged hospital stay and higher healthcare costs. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for DGE after D3 radical resection for colon cancer and to build a nomogram for this complication.

METHODS

We analyzed, retrospectively, 1160 consecutive patients who underwent surgery with D3 lymphadenectomy for colon cancer between January, 2012 and June, 2018. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for DGE and to build a DGE nomogram model.

RESULTS

There were ten, six and four patients with DGE classified as grades A, B and C, respectively, representing a DGE rate of 1.7%. Multivariate analysis revealed that age (P = 0.001), dissection of the gastrocolic ligament lymph nodes (GCLNs) (P = 0.001), surgical duration (P = 0.017) and preoperative hemoglobin level (P = 0.016) were independent risk factors, and were included to build a predictive model for DGE. The therapeutic index of GCLN dissection was approximately half that of D3 lymphadenectomy (2.9 vs. 5.6).

CONCLUSIONS

DGE is more likely to develop in patients aged > 75 years, those with a preoperative hemoglobin < 90 g/L, those with a surgical duration > 210 min, and those who undergo GCLN dissection. The nomogram may facilitate the stratification of patients at risk for DGE following D3 lymphadenectomy for colon cancer. Assessing long-term outcomes will help to evaluate the survival benefit of GCLN dissection in the future, to avoid unnecessary dissection and reduce the incidence of DGE.

Current status of function-preserving gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Early gastric cancer (EGC) has excellent postoperative survival outcomes; thus, one of the recent keywords in the treatment of EGC is "function-preserving gastrectomy (FPG)." FPG reduces the extent of lymphadenectomy and gastric resection without compromising the long-term prognosis. Proximal gastrectomy (PG) is an alternative to total gastrectomy (TG) for EGC in the upper-third of the stomach, in which the gastric reservoir, gastric acid secretion, and intrinsic factors are maintained. Distal gastrectomy (DG) with a small remnant stomach, namely subtotal gastrectomy (STG), is another option for upper EGC, where the function of the cardia and fundus is preserved. Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) is a good alternative to DG for EGC in the middle-third of the stomach, where pyloric function is preserved. Following elucidation of the markedly low incidences of possible metastasis to lymph node stations where dissection is omitted, the oncological safety of these FPG procedures was clarified. Nutritional advantages of PG or STG over TG have been reported; however, the standardized reconstruction methods after PG are yet to be established, and it is important to devise methods to prevent postoperative gastroesophageal reflux and anastomotic complications regardless of the reconstruction method. Nutritional benefits of PPG compared with DG have also been clarified, in which reducing postoperative gastric stasis is important. For the further spread of these FPG procedures, several issues, such as precise evaluation of preserved function, confirmation of oncological safety, and standardization of the technique, should be addressed in future prospective randomized controlled trials.

Incidence of Multiple Metachronous Gastric Cancers After Pyloric-Preserving Gastrectomy

AIM

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) is widely used for early gastric cancer located in the middle third of the stomach. The minimization of the extent of gastrectomy may increase the risk of metachronous multiple gastric cancer (MGC). We report the findings of a study that was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of MGC after PPG.

METHODS

The clinical data of 533 patients who underwent PPG for gastric cancer between 1993 and 2018 were reviewed. The clinicopathological characteristics at the time of the primary treatment that were predictive of the development of MGC were explored. The median (range) observation period was 112.4 (8.1-290.7) months.

RESULTS

Metachronous MGC was diagnosed in 33 of the 533 patients. The cumulative 5-year and 10-year event rates were 3.3% and 6.2%, respectively. The patient gender, presence/absence of synchronous MGC and the macroscopic type of the primary gastric cancer were significantly associated with the risk of development of metachronous MGC. Multivariate analysis identified the presence of synchronous MGC (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.828, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.611-12.30, p = 0.004) and Type 0-IIa primary gastric cancer (HR 2.810, 95% CI; 1.113-7.090, p = 0.029) as independent factors associated with the risk of development of MGC. All the patients could be treated by surgical or endoscopic resection for the metachronous MGC. Recurrence was observed in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

There was quite a few incidence of development of metachronous MGC after PPG. Nevertheless, PPG remains reasonable treatment option, if adequate postoperative surveillance can be ensured.

Preservation of hepatic branch of the vagus nerve reduces the risk of gallstone formation after gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Injury to the vagus nerve has been proposed to be associated with occurrence of gallstones after gastrectomy. We investigated the effect of preservation of hepatic branch of the vagus nerve on prevention of gallstones during laparoscopic distal (LDG) and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LPPG).

METHODS

Preservation of the vagus nerve was reviewed of cT1N0M0 gastric cancer patients underwent LDG (n = 323) and LPPG (n = 144) during 2016-2017. Presence of gallstones was evaluated by ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT). Incidences of gallstones were compared between the nerve preserved (h-DG, h-PPG) group and sacrificed (s-DG, s-PPG) group. Clinicopathological features were also compared.

RESULTS

The 3-year cumulative incidence of gallstones was lower in the h-DG (2.7%, n = 85) than the s-DG (14.6%, n = 238) (p = 0.017) and lower in the h-PPG (1.6%, n = 123) than the s-PPG (12.9%, n = 21) (p = 0.004). Overall postoperative complication rate was similar between the h-DG and s-DG (p = 0.861) as well as between the h-PPG and s-PPG (p = 0.768). The number of retrieved lymph nodes station #1 and 3-year recurrence-free survival were not significantly different between the preserved group and sacrificed group. Injury to the vagus nerve (p = 0.001) and high body mass index (BMI) (≥ 27.5 kg/m²) (p = 0.040) were found to be independent risk factors of gallstone formation in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Preservation of hepatic branch of the vagus nerve can be recommended for LDG as well as LPPG of early gastric cancer patients to reduce postoperative gallstone formation.

Laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer: Current status and future direction

Gastric cancer is still a major cause of death worldwide. While laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) has gained evidence as a standard treatment for early gastric cancer in the distal stomach, there are still concerns regarding its application for gastric cancer in the upper stomach and advanced gastric cancer. Nevertheless, LG has shown to have faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, less pain, and less blood loss in many retrospective and prospective studies. The application of LG has now extended from conventional radical gastrectomy to novel approaches such as function-preserving gastrectomy and sentinel-node navigated surgery. Studies on the use of laparoscopy in treatment for stage IV gastric cancer are rare, but show that there may be some roles of LG in selected cases. With the development of new laparoscopic tools that augment human ability, the future of LG should move on from proving non-inferiority to demonstrating superiority compared to the traditional open gastrectomy.

Radiologic intervention due to delayed gastric emptying after pylorus preserving gastrectomy for gastric cancer does not affect pyloric function

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether radiologic intervention in the pylorus decreases its function for delayed gastric emptying (DGE) patients after pylorus preserving gastrectomy (PPG) for gastric cancers and to determine the optimal interventional algorithm.

Methods

PPG patients who underwent intervention for DGE from January 2013 to December 2017 and a control group using propensity score matching were identified. Pyloric function was compared by subjective symptoms, postoperative upper gastrointestinal series at 3 months (short-term function), and esophagogastroduodenoscopy findings at 12 months (long-term function). Serum albumin levels and body weight change, 6 months and 12 months postoperatively, were compared to evaluate nutritional status. Interventional success rate, mean hospital stay, and recurrence of DGE were analyzed to determine the optimal intervention plan.

Results

Fifty-one out of 677 patients (7.53%) received intervention. There was no difference in pyloric function and nutritional status between the intervention and control groups. The interventional success rate for first-time balloon dilatation was 41.7% (20/48). If a second intervention was required and balloon dilatation was done, the success rate was 45.5% (5/11). However, if stent insertion was done, the success rate was 100% (17/17). Subsequent stent insertion after balloon dilatation resulted in a shorter mean hospital stay. Intervention including stent insertion had a lower recurrence of DGE than balloon only intervention (1.96% vs. 5.88%, P=0.041).

Conclusion

Radiologic intervention did not decrease long-term pyloric function. For treating DGE, if at first balloon dilatation fails, retrievable stent insertion can be considered as a second choice.

Prognostic Impact of Frozen Section Investigation and Extent of Proximal Safety Margin in Gastric Cancer Resection

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Guidelines propose different extents of macroscopic proximal margin for gastric cancer and frozen margin investigation in selected cases, but data is lacking. This study was to evaluate the necessary extent of macroscopic proximal margin, accuracy of frozen margin investigation, and prognostic impact of tumor-free proximal margin length in pT2-pT4 gastric cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

Proximal and distal frozen margins were routinely investigated intraoperatively in all pT2-pT4 gastric cancers resected between 2011 and 2017. Macroscopic and microscopic proximal margin lengths were correlated. For R0-resections, survival analysis was performed for distal gastrectomy (DG) with microscopic proximal margin length ≤3 cm versus >3 cm.

RESULTS

Overall, 1484 patients were included. Microscopic proximal margin lengths were macroscopically more often misestimated in diffuse histology (P = 0.0004), but extent of underestimation in centimeter was similar to intestinal and mixed/undetermined type (P = 0.134). Fifteen cases (1.0%) resulted in R1-resection, 10 at distal, and 5 at proximal margin but none with macroscopic proximal margin ≥3 cm and negative frozen section. Overall agreement of frozen margin and final pathology was 2951/2968 (99.4%). Proximal margin length in DG did not correlate with survival or recurrence in R0-resected patients.

DISCUSSION

Diffuse histology is at higher risk for underestimation of proximal margin length, but extent of underestimation is similar in other Laurén subtypes. If ≥3 cm macroscopic proximal margin length is applied with intraoperative frozen margin confirmation, R1-resection can be avoided.

CONCLUSION

In pT2-T4a gastric cancer, proximal margin of ≥3 cm plus frozen margin confirmation provides high oncological safety. In DG patients with R0-resection, proximal margin length does not correlate with survival or recurrence.

Postoperative quality of life after laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy compared with laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIM

This study aimed to investigate the postoperative quality of life (QOL) between laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG) and laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy with Billroth I anastomosis (LADGBI) in patients with middle-third early gastric cancers (EGC).

METHODS

From January 2015 to August 2017, a total 91 patients with EGC underwent LAPPG or LADGBI procedure with complete QLQ-C30 and QLQ-STO22 in Ren Ji Hospital. Not only do surgical and oncological safety as well as clinicopathologic characteristics analyze, but also chronological changes of QOL and nutritional status were compared for the evaluation of functional advantages.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in clinicopathologic characteristics and perioperative recovery between LAPPG and LADGBI. During postoperative 2-year follow up, LAPPG showed significant advantages over LADGBI in emotional functioning, insomnia, appetite loss, reflux, and taste problem and presented larger area in global and functional scales and less area in symptom scales, which means that LAPPG tended to present better improvement and less symptoms than LADGBI for QOL 2 years after surgery. Furthermore, LAPPG could bring about significant improvement in total protein and hemoglobin compared to LADGBI at postoperative 2 years.

CONCLUSION

LAPPG obtains QOL as well as total protein and hemoglobin superiority and could be recommended to patients with EGC whose tumor located in the middle third of the stomach.

Feasibility of totally laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy with intracorporeal gastro-gastrostomy for early gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) has been accepted as a function-preserving surgery for the treatment of early gastric cancer in East Asian countries. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of totally laparoscopic PPG (TLPPG) with intracorporeal anastomosis.

Methods

A total of 43 patients with early gastric cancer underwent laparoscopy-assisted PPG (LAPPG) with extracorporeal anastomosis between May 2006 and November 2012. The operative outcomes of 22 patients who underwent TLPPG between November 2012 and February 2019 were evaluated, and data were compared with that of the LAPPG group.

Results

No significant difference in the operative time was observed between the two groups. Blood loss was lower in the TLPPG group (18.5 mL) than in the LAPPG group (30.7 mL, p = 0.008), and the length of abdominal incision was shorter in the TLPPG group (3.8 cm) than in the LAPPG group (4.7 cm, p < 0.001). No significant difference in the complication rate was observed between the two groups (13.6% in the TLPPG vs. 9.3% in the LAPPG group, p = 0.594). No anastomosis-related complications occurred in either group. No significant between-group difference was observed in the delayed gastric emptying (TLPPG, 9.1 vs. LAPPG, 7%, p = 0.762). The initiation of postoperative fluid (TLPPG, 1.0 day vs. LAPPG, 3.0 days, p < 0.001) and meal (TLPPG, 3.0 days vs. LAPPG, 4.0 days, p < 0.001) intake was earlier in the TLPPG group than in the LAPPG group. No significant between-group difference was observed in the postoperative hospital stay.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that TLPPG with intracorporeal reconstruction not only is as feasible and safe as LAPPG for the treatment of patients with early gastric cancer but also provides certain advantages such as reduced blood loss and wound size.

A comparison between pylorus-preserving and distal gastrectomy in surgical safety and functional benefit with gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Due to better functional outcomes, pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) has been widely applied for early gastric cancer (EGC) patients as an alternative to distal gastrectomy (DG). However, controversies still persist regarding the surgical efficacy and oncological safety of PPG.

METHODS

Original studies comparing PPG and DG for EGC were searched in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials up to December 2019. The weight mean difference, standardized mean difference, or odds risk was used to calculate the short-term and long-term outcomes between the two groups.

RESULTS

Twenty-one comparative studies comprising 4871 patients (1955 in the PPG group and 2916 in the DG group) were enrolled in this systematic review and meta-analysis. PPG showed longer hospital day, decreased harvested lymph nodes, and more delayed gastric emptying. However, PPG had the benefits of lower incidence of anastomosis leakage, early dumping syndrome, gastritis and bile reflux, and better recovery of total protein, albumin, hemoglobin, and weight. No difference was found in operative time, blood loss, and overall complications. Moreover, the long-term survival and recurrence rate were similar in two groups.

CONCLUSION

Owing to the non-inferiority of surgery and oncology outcomes and the superiority of function outcomes in PPG, we revealed that PPG can be clinically applicable instead of DG in EGC. However, more high-quality comparative studies and randomized clinical trials would be required for further confirmation.

Normal and Abnormal Postoperative Imaging Findings after Gastric Oncologic and Bariatric Surgery

Surgical resection remains the primary choice of treatment and the only potentially curative option for gastric carcinoma, and is increasingly performed laparoscopically. Gastric resection represents a challenging procedure, with a significant morbidity and non-negligible postoperative mortality. The interpretation of imaging after gastric surgery can be challenging due to significant modifications of the normal anatomy. After the surgery, the familiarity with expected imaging appearances is crucial for diagnosis and appropriate management of potentially life-threatening complications in patients who underwent gastric surgery. We review various surgical techniques used in gastric surgery and describe fluoroscopic and cross-sectional imaging appearances of normal postoperative anatomic changes as well as early and late complications after gastric surgery.

Eroded adjustable gastric band migration causing gastric obstruction and perforation in a pregnant lady

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Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) was considered as one of the most effective management for morbid obesity, with outstanding long-term results on weight loss, comorbidities, and quality of life.

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Reported complications of LAGB include erosion, infection, migration, obstruction, and rarely ischemia.

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We report a case of pregnant woman who underwent LAGB 12 years ago diagnosed as gastric obstruction and perforation that was managed by central gastrectomy with gastro-gastrostomy.

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We encourage the bariatric surgeons to be attentive LAGB complications among women planning for pregnancy.

Background

The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band is the least invasive bariatric surgery, which has the advantage of preserving the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract. In the last two decades, the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) has largely been replaced by other surgical techniques for weight loss because of its high inseparable complications. Although a popular surgical technique at the time of its introduction in 1993, LAGB nowadays reports for not more than 5.5% of all bariatric procedures. The estimated overall long term complication rates of LAGB are ranging from 0.1% to 28%.

Objective

In this report, we review one of the cases that are considered as an anecdotic event that might follow one of the bariatric procedures.

Methods

We reported a pregnant lady who undergoes gastric banding 12 years ago. presented with progressively increasing colicky epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. The investigations show gastric obstruction and perforation secondary to eroded gastric band and migration.

Results

The management was completed by the elimination of the gastric band proceed with central gastrectomy plus gastro-gastrostomy with an excellent outcome for the patient and her baby.

Conclusion

This case highlights an absolutely rare serial complication, that may happen even when the patient presents with a vague complaint. Intraoperative findings can determine the way of management to achieve suitable results. Lastly; we encourage the young Women who underwent or planning for bariatric surgery to do a careful follow-up.

Effect of Standardizing the Incision Line on Delayed Gastric Emptying After Laparoscopic Gastrectomy: A Retrospective Preliminary Analysis

Background

The use of totally laparoscopic surgery with Billroth-I reconstruction (delta-shaped anastomosis) has rapidly become widespread in recent years. However, we experienced delayed gastric emptying (DGE) in the early period after introduction of this technique. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports that mention the incision line when discussion prevention of DGE in distal gastrectomy. In the present study, we standardized the surgical techniques, including the gastric incision line, and compared the short-term results before and after standardization.

Methods

A total of 86 patients were enrolled in this study. Twenty-eight procedures were performed in the early period, 58 procedures were performed in the late period, and the 2 groups were compared retrospectively.

Results

The operation time decreased significantly after standardization from 288 to 224 minutes (P &lt; 0.001). The median value of perioperative bleeding volume decreased from 22.5 to 12.5 mL (P = 0.060). There were no postoperative complications related to the site of anastomosis in either group. Five cases of DGE (17.8%) were noted in the early period, but only 2 cases (3.4%) were noted in the late period (P = 0.022).

Conclusions

Standardization of the incision line after laparoscopic gastrectomy resulted in a decrease in the incidence of DGE.

Functional and nutritional outcomes after gastric cancer surgery

Recent improvements in diagnostic techniques and national screening programs have resulted in increasing number of patients diagnosed with early gastric cancer (EGC). The low incidence rate of lymph node metastasis and excellent survival rates after surgical treatment for EGC enabled the reduction in the extent of lymphadenectomy and the range of gastric resection for function-preserving gastrectomy. Thus, the quality of life (QOL) of patients with gastric cancer (GC) in the curative stage can be maintained. Moreover, these function-preserving procedures have been widely performed by less invasive procedures, such as laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) represent the two main function-preserving surgical procedures for GC. PPG is an alternative to distal gastrectomy (DG) for cT1 N0 EGC located in the middle part of the stomach. Preservation of the pyloric function is expected to prevent post-gastrectomy syndromes such as dumping syndrome. PG is an alternative to total gastrectomy (TG) and can thus be performed for cT1 N0 EGC located in the upper part of the stomach. Preservation of the residual stomach is expected to work as a reservoir for ingested food. The optimal reconstruction method after PG among the three most commonly performed procedures (esophagogastrostomy, jejunal interposition, and double-tract reconstruction) remains controversial. In addition to these three reconstruction methods, the novel double-flap technique (DFT) of esophagogastrostomy has gained attention recently because of its potential usefulness to prevent postoperative esophageal reflux. In this review article, we summarize the current evidence of PPG and PG with esophagogastrostomy by the DFT, focusing on postoperative nutrition and QOL.

Near-infrared image-guided laparoscopic omental flap for breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Near-infrared (NIR) imaging with indocyanine green (ICG)-enhanced fluorescence is widely used in laparoscopic surgery. This study aimed to evaluate this technique's feasibility and usefulness in intraoperatively assessing vascular perfusion in a laparoscopically harvested omental flap.

MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUES

From March 2015 to February 2016, we prospectively evaluated patients undergoing breast cancer surgery followed by immediate breast reconstruction using a laparoscopically harvested omental flap. After laparoscopic preparation of the pedicled graft, the perfusion area of the omental graft was evaluated by using intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography and NIR imaging with intravenous ICG injection. Graft viability was evaluated by using Doppler ultrasonography 2 days postoperatively; for cosmetic outcome, Breast Cancer Conservative Treatment Cosmetic Results software was used 1 month postoperatively.

DISCUSSION

The laparoscopic harvesting of an omental flap was successfully performed in eight patients without conversion to open surgery. The mean time to the initial detection of ICG-enhanced fluorescence uptake was 3.25 ± 1.16 minutes. On intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography, a pulseless area ≥10% was detected in five patients (62.5%). However, NIR imaging revealed no patients had an ischemic portion ≥10%. There were no ICG-related intraoperative or postoperative complications. All patients showed patent vessels on Doppler ultrasonography 2 days postoperatively. Cosmetic outcomes were mostly favorable 1 month postoperatively. The Breast Cancer Conservative Treatment Cosmetic Results evaluation 1 month postoperatively showed excellent, good, and fair results, with no poor scores. With regard to vascular perfusion, ICG-enhanced NIR imaging is a feasible and useful tool for harvesting a laparoscopic omental flap in breast cancer patients.

Should pylorus-preserving gastrectomy be performed for overweight/obese patients with gastric cancer?

BACKGROUND

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy is an alternative to distal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer, and is expected to have postoperative advantages including maintenance of body weight. Overweight/obesity is a risk factor for chronic disorders, including hypertension and diabetes mellitus; in these conditions, body weight control is frequently required as part of treatment. It remains unknown whether pylorus-preserving gastrectomy should be performed in overweight/obese patients because excess body weight may be maintained postoperatively.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated body weight changes and postoperative nutritional status of overweight/obese patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) or laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LPPG) between 2006 and 2015. Among 349 overweight patients (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²), 101 LDG and 101 LPPG cases were compared after propensity score matching to adjust for patient characteristics.

RESULTS

The mean relative body weight ratios (postoperative/preoperative ratios) were 87.5 ± 8.0% after LDG and 89.6 ± 6.7% after LPPG (difference not significant, p = 0.088). The prealbumin level at 2 years and hemoglobin levels at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years were significantly well maintained after LPPG than after LDG. Prealbumin and hemoglobin levels at 2 years had almost returned to baseline levels in the LPPG group. The superiority of LPPG in the hemoglobin level was confirmed regardless of reconstruction methods after LDG.

CONCLUSIONS

For overweight/obese patients, LDG and LPPG resulted in similar degrees of postoperative weight loss, with patients achieving near-ideal body weight. The postoperative nutritional advantages of LPPG were confirmed. LPPG seemed to be better even for overweight/obese patients who meet indication criteria.

Laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer: A retrospective study of long-term functional outcomes and quality of life

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG) was known to have benefits of function-preserving surgery compared to laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG). However, in clinical settings, delayed gastric emptying and esophageal reflux following LAPPG can be serious issues, making surgeons reluctant to perform LAPPG. It is unclear that LAPPG had better long-term functional outcomes and quality of life compared to LADG.

AIM

To evaluate the long-term functional outcomes and patient-reported quality of life of LAPPG compared to those of LADG.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinicopathological data of 195 patients who underwent LADG with Billroth II anastomosis and 101 patients who underwent LAPPG for cT1N0 gastric cancer in the middle third of the stomach between 2012 and 2015. Postoperative complications, nutritional parameters, and survey results of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Questionnaire C30 and STO22 questionnaire were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The serum hemoglobin level was significantly higher in the LAPPG group than in the LADG group (P < 0.001). In the endoscopic findings, incidence of bile reflux was lower (P < 0.001); however, the incidence of residual food was higher in the LAPPG group than in the LADG group (P < 0.001). Regarding the quality of life score, the LAPPG group had a better physical functioning score (86.7 vs 90.0, P = 0.032) but also greater pain and reflux when compared to the LADG group [8.3 vs 16.7 in pain, 11.1 (interquartile range, 0, 22.2) vs 11.1 (interquartile range, 11.1, 33.3) in reflux, P = 0.034 and 0.001, respectively].

CONCLUSION

LAPPG is beneficial to recovery of anemia and to bile reflux, however, it might be unfavorable in terms of pain and reflux symptoms compared to LADG with Billroth II anastomosis.

[Staged endoscopic balloon dilatation for cicatricial pyloric stenosis in children]

Secondary pyloric stenosis quickly leads to homeostatic and nutritional disorders that determines the importance of early diagnosis and surgical treatment. In two clinical cases, we have shown that staged endoscopic balloon dilatation of the pylorus is devoid of the most of the known problems and shortcomings of conventional surgery and makes it possible to restore effectively gastrointestinal passage and to improve child's quality of life. This procedure has a high diagnostic and curative value and is followed by positive dynamics of condition of the child with pyloric stenosis.