A novel method of intracorporeal end-to-end gastrogastrostomy in laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer, including a unique anastomotic technique: piercing the stomach with a linear stapler

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.

Gastric Cancer Surgery: Balancing Oncological Efficacy against Postoperative Morbidity and Function Detriment

Significant progress has been made in the surgical management of gastric cancer over the years, and previous discrepancies in surgical practice between different parts of the world have gradually lessened. A transition from the earlier period of progressively more extensive surgery to the current trend of a more tailored and evidence-based approach is clear. Prophylactic resection of adjacent anatomical structures or neighboring organs and extensive lymph node dissections that were once assumed to increase the chances of long-term survival are now performed selectively. Laparoscopic gastrectomy has been widely adopted and its indications have steadily expanded, from early cancers located in the distal part of the stomach, to locally advanced tumors where total gastrectomy is required. In parallel, function-preserving surgery has also evolved and now constitutes a valid option for early gastric cancer. Pylorus-preserving and proximal gastrectomy have improved the postoperative quality of life of patients, and sentinel node navigation surgery is being explored as the next step in the process of further refining the minimally invasive concept. Moreover, innovative techniques such as indocyanine green fluorescence imaging and robot-assisted gastrectomy are being introduced in clinical practice. These technologies hold promise for enhancing surgical precision, ultimately improving the oncological and functional outcomes.

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.

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.

Reflux Esophagitis After Laparoscopic Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LPPG) is performed for cT1N0 gastric cancer as a function-preserving surgery, but reflux esophagitis can develop as a mid- to long-term complication postoperatively. We aimed to clarify the incidence rate of this complication and the factors correlated with it.

METHODS

Patients with gastric cancer who underwent LPPG between 2005 and 2017 were analyzed. Postoperative reflux esophagitis was evaluated with esophagogastroduodenoscopy; patients were diagnosed as having reflux esophagitis with erosive esophagitis using the modified Los Angeles classification. The incidence rate of postoperative reflux esophagitis was estimated; factors correlated with postoperative reflux esophagitis were analyzed using the logistic regression model.

RESULTS

During the study period, 813 patients underwent LPPG for gastric cancer, and 127 (15.6%) of them developed grade B or more severe postoperative reflux esophagitis. The factors correlated with postoperative reflux esophagitis were male sex (odds ratio, 2.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.77-4.05; P < 0.001), preoperative grade A reflux esophagitis (odds ratio, 3.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-7.27; P = 0.012), body mass index of ≥ 23 kg/m² at 1 year postoperatively (odds ratio, 2.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-3.53; P = 0.002), postoperative hiatal hernia (odds ratio, 4.35; 95% confidence interval, 2.35-8.04; P < 0.001), and long-term stasis (odds ratio, 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-2.47; P = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

Careful attention should be paid in performing LPPG and in postoperative management after LPPG for gastric cancer patients with those risk factors.

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.

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

Objective

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Laparoscopic Gastric Resection for Gastric Cancer: Is Intracorporeal Anastomosis Necessary?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In surgical dissection, laparoscopic approach and open techniques do not differ significantly, but there is still no consensus on how anastomosis should be performed in both cardia and distal gastric tumors. Anastomosis can be performed by laparoscopy-assisted mini-laparotomy or by intracorporeal suture techniques. In this study, we aim to present our four years of clinical experience and short-term surgical results from 133 cases in order to evaluate the necessity of laparoscopic anastomosis.

METHODS

This study was approved by Ethics Committee (No: 1-8-19, date: 14/01/2019). Patients who underwent curative resection with the diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma between January 2014 and January 2018 in the Ankara University Surgical Oncology Department were included in the study.

RESULTS

Of the 133 patients included in the study, 108 (81.2) were male and the mean age was 60.51 ± 12.0 years. The time of anastomosis was significantly longer in patients undergoing intracorporeal anastomosis (p = 0.021). The incidence of anastomotic leakage was significantly higher in the group undergoing intracorporeal anastomosis (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

We think that esophagojejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy anastomoses in patients undergoing total gastrectomy should be performed with intracorporeal techniques in terms of benefit risk assessment. We believe that it is more feasible to continue the case with mini laparotomy when anastomosis is reached in patients who are planned to have gastrojejunostomy. In addition, in terms of intracorporeal anastomoses and advanced laparoscopic techniques, intracorporeal anastomoses performed in gastric cancer surgery for a laparoscopist who has completed the learning curve do not appear to be very different in terms of anastomosis safety.

Proximal Anterior-Antrum Posterior (PAAP) Overlapping Anastomosis in Minimally Invasive Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer Located in the High Body and Posterior Wall of the Stomach

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of intracorporeal overlapping gastrogastrostomy between the proximal anterior wall and antrum posterior wall (PAAP; PAAP anastomosis) of the stomach in minimally invasive pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) for early gastric cancer (EGC).

Materials and Methods

From December 2016 to December 2019, 17 patients underwent minimally invasive PPG with PAAP anastomosis for EGC in the high body and posterior wall of the stomach. Intraoperative gastroscopy was performed with the rotation maneuver during proximal transection. A longer antral cuff (>4-5 cm) was created for PAAP than for conventional PPG (≤3 cm) at the point where a safe distal margin and good vascular perfusion were secured. Because the posterior wall of the proximal remnant stomach was insufficient for intracorporeal anastomosis, the anterior wall was used to create an overlapping anastomosis with the posterior wall of the remnant antrum. The surgical and oncological outcomes were analyzed, and the stomach volume was measured in patients who completed the 6-month follow-up. The results were compared to those after conventional PPG (n=11 each).

Results

PAAP anastomosis was successfully performed in 17 patients. The proximal and distal resection margins were 2.4±1.9 cm and 4.0±2.6 cm, respectively. No postoperative complications were observed during the 1-year follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy (n=10). The postoperative remnant stomach (n=11) was significantly larger with PAAP than with conventional PPG (225.6±118.3 vs. 99.1±63.2 mL; P=0.001). The stomach length from the anastomosis to the pylorus was 4.9±2.4 cm after PAAP.

Conclusions

PAAP anastomosis is a feasible alternative for intracorporeal anastomosis in minimally invasive PPG for highly posteriorly located EGC.

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.

Comparison of Clinical Effects between Modified and Conventional Delta-Shaped Anastomosis in Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy: A Retrospective Study

Background: This study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and clinical results of the self-pulling and latter transected delta-shaped anastomosis (Delta SPLT) in totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) for gastric cancer. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 66 patients with gastric cancer undergoing laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I anastomosis from May 2017 to December 2018 in Zhoushan Hospital. TLDG with Delta SPLT was carried out in 26 patients (Group 1), and TLDG with conventional delta-shaped anastomosis (DA) was performed in 40 patients (Group 2). Statistical analysis was conducted to compare clinical data between the two groups. Results: All patients successfully underwent TLDG. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of demographic indicators, operation time, anastomosis time, intraoperative blood loss, number of lymph nodes harvested, and resection margin (all P > .05). The gastrointestinal functional evaluation index (first flatus, first liquid/semigeneral diet foods, and out-of-bed mobilization) and hospital stay did not differ between the two groups, but the mean hospital charges were significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P < .05). No difference was observed in the overall postoperative complication rate (P > .05). However, Group 1 had a lower incidence of complications associated with anastomosis (3.8%, versus 7.5% in Group 2; P = .016). Conclusions: Delta SPLT is potentially a safe, feasible, and reproducible reconstruction option for TLDG, and was superior to conventional DA in terms of hospital charges and complications related to anastomosis.

Risk factors and prognosis of gastric stasis, a crucial problem after laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for early middle-third gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) is a function-preserving procedure for cT1N0 gastric cancer located in the middle-third of stomach, which is currently performed through a laparoscopic approach (LPPG). PPG is sometimes associated with a crucial problem during the early postoperative course, designated gastric stasis. However, information regarding gastric stasis remains to be fully elucidated.

METHODS

The study included 897 patients who underwent LPPG between 2005 and 2017. Early postoperative gastric stasis (E-stasis) was defined when the following conditions were fulfilled: upper abdominal distension, remnant stomach fullness on radiography image, and period of starvation exceeding 72 h within 1 month postoperatively. To evaluate long-term outcomes of E-stasis, late postoperative food residue (L-residue) was defined as grade 2 or higher food residue endoscopically according to the RGB (residue, gastritis, bile) classification at 1 year postoperatively. Risk factors and long-term outcomes of E-stasis were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

E-stasis was the most common complication during the early postoperative course. E-stasis occurred in 68 (7.6%) patients. Multivariate analysis identified age (≥ 61 years), DM, and postoperative intraabdominal infection as risk factors. At 1 year postoperatively, relative body weight ratio and postoperative serum albumin in the patients who experienced E-stasis was significantly lower than those in the other patients (P = 0.042 and 0.011, respectively). Of the patients who suffered from E-stasis, 42.5% experienced L-residue.

CONCLUSIONS

E-stasis after LPPG occurs in 7.6% of patients. Age, DM, and intraabdominal infection are significantly related to E-stasis. E-stasis is associated with poorer nutritional and functional outcomes even at 1 year postoperatively.

Intraoperative conversion from laparoscopic gastrectomy to an open procedure: a decade of experience in a Japanese high-volume center

BACKGROUND

Although laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) is a widely accepted treatment for gastric cancer, conversion to laparotomy is sometimes required. The current study aimed to review the time trends of intraoperative conversions to open procedures during the decade in which the LG procedure was being developed.

METHODS

Cases in which LG was attempted at the Cancer Institute Hospital from 2005 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed, and the details regarding conversions to open surgery were examined.

RESULTS

Twenty-two (0.63%) of 3,498 patients required conversion to open surgery due to technical difficulties. The major reasons for conversions were difficulties in reconstruction (seven patients; 0.20%) and intraoperative bleeding (six patients; 0.17%). All conversions due to difficulties in reconstruction occurred in the introduction period of LG during the performance of esophagojejunostomy or esophagogastrostomy in laparoscopic total gastrectomy or proximal gastrectomy using a circular stapler. Five (71.4%) of the seven patients in whom conversion was performed due to difficulties in reconstruction developed postoperative severe complications. No conversions due to difficulties in reconstruction have been experienced since 2011, possibly due to the decrease in the number of laparoscopic total gastrectomy procedures and the introduction of the use of a linear stapler in esophagojejunostomy. To manage intraoperative bleeding in LG, hemostatic procedures were systematized and conversions were considered if visualization was not maintained following the procedures. None of the six patients who required laparotomy due to intraoperative bleeding required surgical or radiological intervention postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Over a decade of experience and procedural changes have markedly decreased the incidence of conversion to open surgery in LG. The main causes of conversion during the early period of LG introduction were difficulties in reconstruction and intraoperative bleeding; the incidences of these complications have been decreased by employing the appropriate procedures for LG.

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.

A Comparison of Totally Laparoscopic Pylorus Preserving Gastrectomy and Laparoscopy-Assisted Pylorus Preserving Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

A novel biopolymer device fabricated by 3D printing for simplifying procedures of pancreaticojejunostomy

The purpose of our research was to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel three-dimensional printed biopolymer device (3DP-BPD) for duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) in minipigs. Polylactic acid (PLA) was selected as the raw materials for 3DP-BPD. Three components of a 3DP-BPD were designed and manufactured: hollow stent, supporting disk, and nut. A pancreatic duct dilation model was developed in six minipigs. After 4 weeks, minipigs underwent operations with duct-to-mucosa PJ using 3DP-BPD. The operation time and postoperative complications were analyzed. The anastomotic sites were evaluated grossly 4 weeks and 24 weeks after PJ, and the histological evaluation of anastomotic sites was performed 24 weeks after PJ. The operation time of six stitches duct-to-mucosa PJ was 9.1 ± 1.7 min. All minipigs survived without any adverse events like postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Serum C reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were normal, and the anastomotic sites were connected tightly on gross observation and touch at 4 weeks and 24 weeks. Histological examinations indicated that the tissues were continuous between the pancreas and the jejunum. The use of 3DP-BPD did not increase the risk of severe local inflammation and POPF. 3DP-BPD used for duct-to-mucosa PJ is more convenient and clinically feasible for pancreatoenteric reconstruction.