Symptom evaluation of long-term postoperative outcomes after pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer

The long-term quality of life after distal and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for stage I gastric cancer: A prospective multi-institutional study (CCOG1601)

PURPOSE

While regarded as function-preserving gastrectomy, few prospective longitudinal clinical trials have addressed the postoperative quality of life (QOL) after pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG). We prospectively compared chronological changes in postoperative body weight and the QOL between PPG and distal gastrectomy (DG) for pathological Stage I gastric cancer (GC).

METHODS

We conducted a multi-institutional prospective study (CCOG1601) to evaluate patients who underwent DG and PPG. The QOL was examined using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of life questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the Post-Gastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-37 (PGSAS-37). A total of 295 patients were enrolled from 15 institutions, and propensity score matching was performed to adjust for the essential variables for comparison analyses.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, 25 pairs of patients were identified. In the first postoperative month, DG achieved a superior nausea and vomiting score (EORTC QLQ-C30) and meal-related distress, indigestion, and dumping scores (PGSAS-37). No significant differences were noted between DG and PPG in the long-term QOL. Postoperative body weight loss was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective observational study failed to demonstrate the superiority of PPG over DG in terms of postoperative body weight changes and the QOL.

Significance of resected stomach measurements in postoperative delayed gastric emptying following laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy

PURPOSE

We investigated the relationship between the resected stomach measurements, the incidence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE), and food residue 1 year after surgery in patients who underwent laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The DGE group included 10 patients fasting due to nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, or remnant stomach distension on radiographs; the control group included 36 patients without these symptoms. We compared the size and length of lesser and greater curvatures of the resected stomach and endoscopic findings after 1 year.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of sex, body mass index, gross type, histology, tumor progression, number of dissected lymph nodes, operating time, or blood loss. The DGE group was older, had a longer postoperative stay, and showed a smaller size and shorter greater curvature of the resected stomach than the control group (p < 0.01 for all). No difference was observed in the length of the lesser curvature of the resected stomach. In addition, there were no disparities in residual food, degree and extent of gastritis, or bile reflux 1 year after gastrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Measurements of the resected stomach suggest that preventing DGE may be achievable by removing a larger area of the greater curvature and/or stomach during laparoscopic PPG. This implies potential surgical strategy improvements for better outcomes. Further multicenter trials are needed to validate and refine techniques.

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.

Long-Term Outcomes of Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

In the short term, pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) has been reported to have advantages over distal gastrectomy (DG) with regard to postprandial symptoms and dumping syndrome. We aimed to evaluate the quality of life after PPG for early gastric cancer in the long term in comparison to that after DG.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients who underwent gastrectomy (11 PPG, 15 DG) for early gastric cancer at Osaka University Hospital participated and were followed for more than 4 years. Body weight changes, nutritional status, dual-phase scintigraphy findings, endoscopic survey results, and questionnaire responses after gastrectomy were examined.

RESULTS

There were significantly lower ratios of weight changes in PPG than in DG, 5 years after surgery. There were no differences in the clinicopathological characteristics, nutritional parameters, questionnaire responses, and endoscopic findings between the two groups. Based on gastric scintigraphy, although the gastric emptying of liquids showed similar curves in the two groups, gastric emptying of solids was significantly slower in the PPG group than in the DG group (P = .039).

DISCUSSION

PPG had advantages with regard to long-term outcomes over DG in terms of weight maintenance and the prevention of rapid gastric emptying. PPG might be efficient in patients with early gastric cancer.

Long‑term survival prognosis of function‑preserving curative gastrectomy for early gastric cancer

Segmental gastrectomy, mini-distal gastrectomy and local resection of the stomach are function-preserving curative gastrectomies (FPGs), which are used to treat gastric cancer in specialized centers. These surgical options are less invasive and can alleviate postgastrectomy symptoms more than standard gastrectomy; however, their association with prognosis remains to be fully elucidated. The present study aimed to compare the survival prognosis of patients diagnosed as node-negative by sentinel node biopsy (SNB) treated via FPG with reduced lymph node dissection with that of patients who underwent guideline gastrectomy (GL). This retrospective study was conducted between April 1999 and March 2016. The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of gastric cancer type 0, of ≤5 cm, located in L or M areas, and pT1N0. Patients who underwent distal gastrectomy and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy were included as controls in the GL group. Among the 146 and 300 patients in the FPG and GL groups, respectively, only 1 patient in the GL group experienced recurrence. The overall survival (OS) of the FPG group was 96.6% at 5 years and 92.5% at 10 years, which was significantly higher than that of the GL group (P<0.05). In addition, the cumulative incidence of non-cancer-related deaths, especially pulmonary diseases, was lower in the FPG group than that in the GL group (P<0.05). Notably, the OS and non-cancer death rate in the FPG group remained significantly better after propensity score-matching analysis. In conclusion, for early gastric cancer located in M or L areas, patients treated via FPG guided by SNB have a better prognosis and fewer deaths caused by respiratory disease than those treated via GL. The present clinical trial was registered under the following trial registration numbers: UMIN000010154 (2013/3/4), UMIN000023828 (2016/8/29), jRCTs041180006 (2018/10/9).

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.

Optimal reconstruction methods after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis update

BACKGROUND

Distal gastrectomy (DG) is a commonly used surgical procedure for gastric cancer (GC), with three reconstruction methods available: Billroth I, Billroth II, and Roux-en-Y. In 2018, our team published a systematic review to provide guidance for clinical practice on the optimal reconstruction method after DG for GC. However, since then, new evidence from several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has emerged, prompting us to conduct an updated systematic review and network meta-analysis to provide the latest comparative estimates of the efficacy and safety of the three reconstruction methods after DG for GC.

METHOD

This systematic review and network meta-analysis update followed the PRISMA-P guidelines and will include a search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for RCTs comparing the outcomes of Billroth I, Billroth II, or Roux-en-Y reconstruction after DG for patients with GC. Two independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts based on predefined eligibility criteria, and two reviewers will assess the full texts of relevant studies. The Bayesian network meta-analysis will evaluate various outcomes, including quality of life after surgery, anastomotic leakage within 30 days after surgery, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, major postoperative complications within 30 days after surgery, incidence and severity of bile reflux, and loss of body weight from baseline.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The review does not require ethical approval. The findings of the review will be disseminated through publication in an academic journal, presentations at conferences, and various media outlets.

INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER

INPLASY2021100060.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Quality of life after laparoscopic sentinel node navigation surgery in early gastric cancer: a single-center cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the quality of life (QOL) of patients after laparoscopic sentinel node navigation surgery (SNNS) compared to conventional laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) in early gastric cancer patients.

METHODS

Patients recruited for laparoscopic SNNS surgery between July 2010 and April 2013 were assessed for their QOL. A historical control group was established, consisting of patients who underwent conventional LADG with radical lymphadenectomy from the same institution. QOL questionnaire was taken serially from preoperative week 1 until 12 months postoperatively (1, 3, 6, and 12 months) using the Korean version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QOL questionnaire-core (QLQ-C30) and gastric cancer-specific questionnaire (STO22).

RESULTS

A total of 80 prospectively gathered patients who received SNNS were categorized into the comparison group (SNNS group). The QOL was compared with 78 patients identified to have received LADG from the gastric cancer database of our institution and were sorted into the control group (LADG group). In QLQ-C30, SNNS group showed better functioning scales in all except role functioning and better scores from the symptom scales in fatigue, insomnia, and diarrhea compared to the LADG group. In QLQ-STO22, scores on dysphagia, eating restriction, anxiety, and body image disturbance were better in SNNS group.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative QOL in laparoscopic gastrectomy combined with SNNS is superior compared to conventional laparoscopic distal gastrectomy in patients with stage I gastric cancer.

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.

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.

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.

Gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer death globally. Risk factors for the condition include Helicobacter pylori infection, age, high salt intake, and diets low in fruit and vegetables. Gastric cancer is diagnosed histologically after endoscopic biopsy and staged using CT, endoscopic ultrasound, PET, and laparoscopy. It is a molecularly and phenotypically highly heterogeneous disease. The main treatment for early gastric cancer is endoscopic resection. Non-early operable gastric cancer is treated with surgery, which should include D2 lymphadenectomy (including lymph node stations in the perigastric mesentery and along the celiac arterial branches). Perioperative or adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival in patients with stage 1B or higher cancers. Advanced gastric cancer is treated with sequential lines of chemotherapy, starting with a platinum and fluoropyrimidine doublet in the first line; median survival is less than 1 year. Targeted therapies licensed to treat gastric cancer include trastuzumab (HER2-positive patients first line), ramucirumab (anti-angiogenic second line), and nivolumab or pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1 third line).

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.

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 21‑gene Support Vector Machine classifier and a 10‑gene risk score system constructed for patients with gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks fifth in terms of incidence and third in terms of tumor mortality worldwide. The present study was designed to construct a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier and risk score system for GC. The GSE62254 (training set) and GSE26253 (validation set 2) datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Furthermore, the gene expression profile of GC (validation set 1) was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between recurrent and non‑recurrent samples were determined using the limma package. The feature genes were selected using the Caret package, and an SVM classifier was built using the e1071 package. Using the penalized package, the optimal predictive genes for constructing a risk score system were screened. Finally, stratification analysis of clinical factors and pathway enrichment analysis were performed using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. A total of 239 DEGs were identified in GSE62254, among which 114 DEGs were significantly associated with both recurrence‑free survival and overall survival. Subsequently, 21 feature genes were screened from the 114 DEGs, and an SVM classifier was built. A risk score system for survival prediction was constructed, following the selection of 10 optimal genes, including A‑kinase anchoring protein 12, angiopoietin‑like protein 1, cysteine‑rich sequence 1, myeloid/lymphoid or mixed‑lineage leukemia, translocated to chromosome 11, neuron navigator 3, neurobeachin, nephroblastoma overexpressed, pleiotrophin, tumor suppressor candidate 3 and zinc finger and SCAN domain containing 18. The stratification analysis revealed that pathological stage was an independent prognostic clinical factor in the high‑risk group. Additionally, eight significant pathways were associated with the 10‑gene signature. The SVM classifier and risk score system may be applied for classifying and predicting the prognosis of patients with GC, respectively.

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.

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for early cancer involving the upper third: can we go higher?

BACKGROUND

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) is commonly performed for early gastric cancer (EGC) located in middle third of the stomach. We investigated the surgical, oncological, and functional outcomes of PPG involving the upper third of stomach.

METHODS

We included all patients of the period 2013-2016 who underwent PPG, distal subtotal gastrectomy (DSG), and total gastrectomy (TG) for EGC involving the upper third by carefully defining the localization. Surgical, oncological, and functional outcome analyses included postoperative morbidity, lymph-node metastasis, tumor recurrence, postoperative body weight, body mass index, hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, quantification of intraabdominal fat, and gallstone development.

RESULTS

Overall, 288 cases were analyzed: 145 PPG, 61 DSG, and 82 TG. In the study period, patients potentially underwent PPG for EGC involving the upper third, if enough proximal remnant stomach was found whilst achieving a sufficient proximal margin. PPG resulted in less operation time (p < 0.001), less blood loss (p = 0.002) and lower postoperative morbidity compared to TG. For lymph-node (LN) stations being resected in all groups, no difference was found in number of resected LN. Recurrence-free survival was similar for all groups. PPG showed advantages regarding postoperative body weight, hemoglobin, total protein, albumin in postoperative 6 and 12 month follow-up. Lowest decrease of abdominal fat area after 12 months was seen for PPG. Gallstone incidence was significantly lower after PPG compared to TG (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

For EGC involving the upper third, PPG can be another good option with lower postoperative morbidity, better functional outcomes, and same oncological safety.

Gastric lymphatic flows may change before and after endoscopic submucosal dissection: in vivo porcine survival models

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

Standard gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy is recommended following endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) due to the risk of lymph-node metastasis for resected cancers. However, when lymphatic flows remain unchanged after ESD, a minimally invasive function-preserving surgery based on the sentinel node (SN) concept may be applicable. In this study, using porcine survival models, we aimed to investigate whether gastric lymphatic flows were modified following ESD.

METHODS

Twelve pigs, each with one simulating lesion 3 cm in size, were used. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluid was endoscopically injected into the submucosa in four quadrants surrounding the lesion. Following laparoscopic observation of lymphatic flows, the lesions were resected by ESD. After 4 weeks, ICG fluid was injected in four quadrants surrounding the scar and lymphatic flows were observed in the same manner as the initial procedure. The distribution of lymphatic flows, including stained SNs, was compared.

RESULTS

In ten lesions (83.3%), the distribution of flows remained unchanged. However, in one lesion, the flow along the right gastric epiploic artery (R-GEA) disappeared on the lesser curvature of the middle stomach. In addition, in one lesion, the flow along R-GEA emerged on the lesser curvature of the lower stomach.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that, despite ESD, lymphatic flows remained unchanged in most parts of the stomach. The SN concept may be applied after ESD, except for lesions on the lesser curvature. However, in the case of the lesser curvature, special care must be given to the SN concept.

Objective evaluation of clinical outcomes of laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for middle-third early gastric cancer

Background

Laparoscopic-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG) is a minimally invasive function-preserving surgery for early gastric cancer. This study was designed to investigate the clinical outcomes between LAPPG and laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) by objective evaluation.

Methods

A total 167 pT1N0M0 gastric cancer patients underwent LAPPG(n = 70) and LADG(n = 97) were retrospectively analyzed. By evaluating the functional advantages, objective short-term and one year follow-up outcomes were compared.

Results

There is no significant difference in perioperative clinical characteristics as well as pathologic results between LAPPG and LADG group while the cost is higher in latter(p = 0.004). The Clavien–Dindo grade II or higher complications were 15.7 and 13.4% in LAPPG and LADG group respectively(p = 0.824). In one year follow-up, nutritional status was significantly better in LAPPG group accompanied by better pylorus function preserving.

Conclusion

LAPPG is an acceptable surgical procedure for pT1N0M0 middle portion gastric cancer patients in terms of nutritional and economic advantage.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-PIC-17012358, Date of Registration:2017-08-14).

Precision surgical approach with lymph-node dissection in early gastric cancer

The gravest prognostic factor in early gastric cancer is lymph-node metastasis, with an incidence of about 10% overall. About two-thirds of early gastric cancer patients can be diagnosed as node-negative prior to treatment based on clinic-pathological data. Thus, the tumor can be resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection. In the remaining third, surgical resection is necessary because of the possibility of nodal metastasis. Nevertheless, almost all patients can be cured by gastrectomy with D1+ lymph-node dissection. Laparoscopic or robotic gastrectomy has become widespread in East Asia because perioperative and oncological safety are similar to open surgery. However, after D1+ gastrectomy, functional symptoms may still result. Physicians must strive to minimize post-gastrectomy symptoms and optimize long-term quality of life after this operation. Depending on the location and size of the primary lesion, preservation of the pylorus or cardia should be considered. In addition, the extent of lymph-node dissection can be individualized, and significant gastric-volume preservation can be achieved if sentinel node biopsy is used to distinguish node-negative patients. Though the surgical treatment for early gastric cancer may be less radical than in the past, the operative method itself seems to be still in transition.

Clinical outcomes of intraoperative manual dilatation of pylorus in pylorus-preserving gastrectomy: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Delayed gastric emptying is one of the most disturbing complications of pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) and it increases hospital stay. We investigated the clinical outcome of intraoperative manual dilatation of the pylorus as a preventive method of pyloric spasm after PPG.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed gastric cancer patients who underwent PPG between January 2014 and December 2016 at Seoul National University Hospital by a single surgeon. During operation, manual dilatation (MD) was performed after laparoscopic dissection and gastric resection by mini-laparotomy. Pyloric stenosis was diagnosed by the finding of severe narrowing in pylorus on upper gastrointestinal series (UGIS), if patients suffered from postprandial abdominal fullness and discomfort. Patient's characteristics, surgical data and complication data were reviewed and compared between the groups (MD vs non-MD).

RESULTS

232 patients were included in this study. 93 patients underwent manual dilatation (40.1%). The overall complication rate was 12.9% in the MD group and 18.7% in the non-MD group (p = 0.242). Mean postoperative stay was 10.0 ± 5.8 in the MD group versus 10.9 ± 8.4 in the non-MD group (p = 0.304). Only one case suffered pylorus stenosis in the MD group (1.1%) but there were twelve cases seen in the non-MD group (8.6%), which reflects a significant difference (p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

Simple intraoperative manual dilatation of pylorus may provide prevention from pyloric stenosis caused by pyloric spasms for patients who undergo PPG.

Perioperative outcomes of laparoscopy-assisted pylorus and vagus nerve-preserving gastrectomy and distal gastrectomy for middle-third early gastric cancer

AIM

To compare the surgical safety, postoperative compli-cations and hospitalization expenses of laparoscopy-assisted pylorus and vagus nerve-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG) and distal gastrectomy (LADG) in order to evaluate the feasibility of LAPPG in the treatment of middle-third early gastric cancer.

METHODS

The clinical and pathological data, surgical procedure, postoperative outcomes and hospitalization expenses of 112 patients with middle-third early gastric cancer treated from June 2016 to August 2017 at Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of Renji Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Forty-six patients received LAPPG, and 66 cases underwent LADG.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, sex, BMI, tumor differentiation, operative time, estimated blood loss, tumor diameter, resected lymph nodes, or metastatic lymph nodes (P > 0.05). Proximal and distal resection margins were significantly shorter in the LAPPG group than in the LADG group (P < 0.05). For postoperative outcomes, there were no significant differences in hospital stay, time to first flatus, time to gastric tube removal, time to first ambulation, time to first fluid diet, or postoperative complications (≥Dindo grade Ⅱ) (P > 0.05). Hospitalization expense of LAPPG was significantly lower than that of LADG [4.6 ± 0.5 vs 5.3 ± 0.4 (ten thousand yuan), P = 0.004].

CONCLUSION

On the premise of oncologic safety and efficacy, LAPPG is a cost-effective and feasible treatment for middle-third early gastric cancer.

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

BACKGROUND

Delta-shaped anastomosis is usually applied for an intracorporeal gastrogastrostomy in totally laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (TLPPG). However, the remnant stomach is slightly twisted around the anastomosis because it connects in side-to-side fashion. To realize an intracorporeal end-to-end gastrogastrostomy using an endoscopic linear stapler, we invented a novel method including a unique anastomotic technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this new approach, we first made small gastrotomies at the greater and lesser curvatures of the transected antrum and then pierced it using an endoscopic linear stapler. After the pierced antrum and the proximal remnant stomach were mechanically connected, the gastrotomies and stapling lines were transected using an endoscopic linear stapler, creating an intracorporeal end-to-end gastrogastrostomy. We have named this technique the "piercing method" because piercing the stomach is essential to its implementation. Between October 2015 and June 2017, 26 patients who had clinically early gastric cancer at the middle third of the stomach without clinical evidence of lymph node metastasis underwent TLPPG involving the novel method.

RESULTS

The 26 patients successfully underwent an intracorporeal mechanical end-to-end gastrogastrostomy by the piercing method. The median operation time of the 26 patients was 272 min (range 209-357 min). With the exception of one gastric stasis, no problems associated with the piercing method were encountered during and after surgery.

CONCLUSION

The piercing method can safely create an intracorporeal mechanical end-to-end gastrogastrostomy in TLPPG. Piercing the stomach using an endoscopic linear stapler is a new technique for gastrointestinal anastomosis. This method should be considered if the surgical aim is creation of an intracorporeal end-to-end gastrogastrostomy in TLPPG.

Preservation of the celiac branch of the vagal nerve for pylorus-preserving gastrectomy: is it meaningful?

BACKGROUND

Preserving the hepatic and pyloric branches of the vagal nerve in laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LPPG) is considered necessary to maintain the function of the pyloric cuff. However, the clinical benefits of preservation of the celiac branch of the vagal nerve (CBVN) remain unclear.

METHODS

Of 391 patients who underwent LPPG for early gastric cancer, 116 patients in whom the CBVN was preserved (CBP group) and 58 patients in whom it was not preserved (non-CBP group) were selected through the propensity score-matching method. To evaluate the surgical and oncological safety of preserving the CBVN, postoperative morbidity and mortality were analyzed between these matched groups. Postoperative nutritional status, body weight changes, endoscopic findings, and the incidence of gallstones were compared to evaluate any functional advantages.

RESULTS

The short-term surgical outcomes in the CBP group were similar to those in the non-CBP group. The number of dissected lymph nodes did not differ (34 vs. 33.5, P = 0.457), and the 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were also similar between both groups (99.1% vs. 97.1%, P = 0.844). There were no significant differences in postoperative nutritional status, body weight changes, or the incidence of gallstones. By endoscopy, 1 year after surgery residual food was frequently observed in both groups; however, there were no significant differences in the frequency of remnant gastritis and esophageal and bile reflux.

CONCLUSIONS

Preserving CBVN in LPPG for early gastric cancer is a feasible procedure. However, no clinical benefits of the preservation of the CBVN after LPPG are identified.

Function-preserving surgery for gastric cancer: current status and future perspectives

The number of early gastric cancer (EGC) cases has been increasing because of improved diagnostic procedures including endoscopy and screening systems. Therefore, function-preserving gastrectomy (FPG) for EGC with the expectation of better quality of life (QOL) after surgery may be increasingly utilized, due to its association with low rate of lymph node metastasis and excellent survival and the possibility of employing less invasive procedures such as laparoscopic gastrectomy in combination. Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) with curative intent lymph node dissection is a representative FPG that has been used in EGC, and its superiorities, indications, limitations, and survival benefits have already been reported in several retrospective studies. Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LAPG) has also been employed in EGC of the upper third of the stomach; however, LAPG was found to be associated with major issues in achieving a balance between swallowing and reflux prevention. In patients with EGC in the upper third of the stomach, laparoscopy-assisted subtotal gastrectomy with a preserved, albeit very small, stomach may provide a better QOL and fewer postoperative complications. FPG is recommended as a surgical treatment for EGC if the indication is accurately diagnosed and strictly confirmed; however, these techniques in laparoscopic surgery present technical difficulties to surgeons without a certain degree of skills. Although many retrospective studies revealed the functional benefits or oncological safety with FPG, further prospective studies using large case series are necessary to reveal the value of FPG compared with the conventional procedures.

The Advances of Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

Laparoscopic gastrectomy is evolving. With the increasing expertise and experience of oncologic surgeons in the minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer, the indication for laparoscopic gastrectomy is expanding to advanced cases. Many studies have demonstrated the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, including reduced risk of surgery-related injury, reduced blood loss, less pain, and earlier recovery. In order to establish concrete evidence for the suitability of minimal invasive surgery for gastric cancer, many multicenter RCTs, comparing the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open surgery, are in progress. Advances in laparoscopic gastrectomy are moving toward increasingly minimally invasive approaches that enable the improvement of the quality of life of patients, without compromising on oncologic safety.

功能保留手术在早期胃癌治疗中的作用

随着人们健康意识的增加和胃镜等医疗诊断技术的不断进步, 早期胃癌的诊断率逐年上升. 早期胃癌的功能保留胃切除术是在根治原发病灶, 行标准淋巴结清扫前提下, 限制胃切除范围, 同时保留幽门及迷走神经功能, 以达到改善患者术后生活质量的目的, 其手术方式包括: 保留幽门的胃切除术, 近端胃切除术, 胃节段切除以及局部切除. 此外, 内镜下黏膜切除术和黏膜剥离也被认为属于功能保留胃切除术范畴. 对于大部分早期胃癌患者, 根治性手术具有良好的治疗效果, 其5年生存率在90%以上. 因此, 在达到手术根治目的的前提下, 保留部分胃的解剖和生理功能, 提高患者术后的生活质量, 对早期胃癌患者具有重要的意义.

Oncological outcomes of function-preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer: a multicenter propensity score matched cohort analysis comparing pylorus-preserving gastrectomy versus conventional distal gastrectomy

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to clarify the oncological safety of pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) compared with conventional distal gastrectomy (DG).

METHODS

From three institutions specializing in cancer, the medical records for a cohort of 2898 consecutive patients who had undergone DG (n = 2208) or PPG (n = 690) for clinical stage I gastric cancer between January 2006 and December 2012 were analyzed. A propensity score for each patient was estimated on the basis of 38 preoperative clinical and tumor-related factors. After propensity score matching had been done, 1004 patients (502 DG patients, 502 PPG patients) were included in the analysis. The overall survival, relapse-free survival, and occurrence of secondary gastric cancer were then compared. The median observation period was 48.6 months (range 1-109.8 months).

RESULTS

The 5-year overall survival rate was 98.4 % for the PPG group and 96.6 % for the DG group (hazard ratio 0.48, 95 % confidence interval 0.21-1.09, P = 0.07). The 3-year relapse-free survival rate was 99.5 % for the PPG group and 98.0 % for the DG group (hazard ratio 0.39, 95 % confidence interval 0.12-1.33, P = 0.12). Postoperative secondary gastric cancer was encountered in eight patients (1.6 %) in the PPG group and four patients (0.8 %) in the DG group. No significant differences in either overall survival, relapse-free survival, or the occurrence of secondary gastric cancer were observed between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the adequate estimation of the clinical tumor stage, the oncological safety of PPG for clinical T1N0 gastric cancer in the middle portion of the stomach was comparable to that of DG.

Management of early gastric cancer that meet the indication for radical lymph node dissection following endoscopic resection: a retrospective cohort analysis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic resection (ER) has been widely accepted as the standard treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC). However, in patients considered to have undergone non-curative ER due to their potential risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM), additional gastrectomy is recommended. The aim of the present study was to identify EGC patients after non-curative ER at high risk of LNM.

METHODS

A total of 150 patients who had undergone ER for EGC were diagnosed as non-curative ER due to their potential risk of LNM. Clinicopathological data and clinical outcomes were examined retrospectively.

RESULTS

Additional gastrectomy with lymph node dissection was performed in 73 patients, and the remaining 77 patients were followed-up without additional gastrectomy. In patients who underwent additional gastrectomy, 8 patients had local residual tumor, and 8 patients had LNM, which were limited in the peritumoral nodes. Only lymphatic invasion (p = 0.012) was a statistically significant factor for LNM. The 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival were not significantly different between patients with and without additional gastrectomy.

CONCLUSION

Additional gastrectomy with lymph node dissection is recommended for patients who were diagnosed as non-curative ER with lymphatic invasion, and minimizing the extent of lymph node dissection may be allowed for these patients.

Lymphadenectomy along the infrapyloric artery may be dispensable when performing pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for early middle-third gastric cancer

This study investigated the incidence of gastric cancer metastasis to the lymph nodes along the infrapyloric artery (IPA), namely no. 6i, by reviewing our medical records of 348 patients who underwent complete no. 6 dissection. Metastasis to these nodes was observed in 11 (3.2 %) patients. In these patients, one huge tumor was located in the middle third and ten including two early tumors were located in the lower third; the metastasis rate in early lower-third tumors was 2.1 % and reached 19.5 % in advanced tumors. In contrast, no early middle-third gastric cancers had no. 6i metastasis. The median diameter of 6i-positive tumors was 62 (range 18-115) mm, and the distance from the distal tumor border to the pyloric ring was no more than 44 mm. Lymphadenectomy along the IPA is important for treating gastric cancer invading the antrum, but may be dispensable when performing pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for early middle-third cancer.

Excellent Long-Term Prognosis and Favorable Postoperative Nutritional Status After Laparoscopic Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LPPG) has been introduced as a minimally invasive function-preserving operation for early gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to investigate the surgical and prognostic outcomes after LPPG at the authors' institution.

METHODS

This study analyzed 465 patients who underwent LPPG for cT1 N0 GC located in the middle part of the stomach between 2006 and 2012. Short- and long-term surgical outcomes including 5-year survival rates, postoperative nutritional data, and body weight change were retrospectively investigated.

RESULTS

Regarding short-term surgical results, 14 (3%) of the 465 patients had severe complications classified as Clavien-Dindo grade 3a or above, and no mortality occurred (no in-hospital deaths). The median follow-up period was 1829 days (range 226-3197 days), and the 5-year overall survival and relapse-free survival rates were respectively 98% (95% confidence interval [CI] 96.1-99.0%) and 98% (95% CI 96.1-99.0%). Only two cases of postoperative recurrence were confirmed, and their recurrence sites were not in the remnant stomach or regional lymph nodes. The postoperative nutritional status, in terms of serum total protein, albumin, and hemoglobin levels, was well maintained, and the mean relative body weight (postoperative/preoperative) was 93.24 ± 7.29% after LPPG.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, we have clarified the detailed long-term survival outcomes of LPPG for cT1 N0 GC. LPPG is an acceptable and favorable operative method for clinically diagnosed early-stage GC, in terms of long-term survival and postoperative nutrition.

Preserving infrapyloric vein reduces postoperative gastric stasis after laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LPPG) is performed to preserve function in treating early gastric cancer. However, gastric stasis is a potential complication of LPPG that could decrease postoperative quality of life, possibly due to gastric edema of the pyloric cuff caused by venous stasis. We introduced an infrapyloric vein (IPV)-preserving LPPG (iLPPG) procedure to prevent pyloric cuff edema and thus minimize the incidence of gastric stasis and investigated the early clinical outcomes of iLPPG.

METHODS

We reviewed 150 patients with gastric cancer who underwent LPPG between August 2011 and June 2013 at the Cancer Institute Hospital and analyzed postoperative complications, incidence of gastric stasis (requiring starvation longer than 72 h or an invasive treatment), and transient delayed gastric emptying (TDGE).

RESULTS

Of the 150 patients, 56 underwent iLPPG and 94 underwent conventional LPPG without preservation of the IPV (cLPPG). Morbidity rates were 5.4% in the iLPPG group and 23.4% in the cLPPG group (P = 0.003). The incidence of both gastric stasis and TDGE was significantly lower in the iLPPG group than in the cLPPG group (0 vs. 8.5%, P = 0.03 and 0 vs. 7.4%, P = 0.046, respectively). Median postoperative stay was significantly shorter in the iLPPG group compared to the cLPPG group (9 vs. 11 days, P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Preservation of the IPV might prevent the incidence of postoperative gastric stasis after LPPG, resulting in a shorter postoperative stay.

Factors affecting the quality of life of patients after gastrectomy as assessed using the newly developed PGSAS-45 scale: A nationwide multi-institutional study

AIM

To identify certain clinical factors other than the type of gastrectomy which affect the postoperative quality of life (QOL) of patients after gastrectomy.

METHODS

The postgastrectomy syndrome assessment scale (PGSAS)-45 was designed to assess the severity of symptoms, the living status and the QOL of gastrectomized patients. It consists of 45 items, of which 22 are original items while 23 were retrieved from the SF-8 and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale questionnaires with permission. A nationwide surveillance study to validate PGSAS was conducted and 2368 gastric cancer patients who underwent various types of gastrectomy at 52 medical institutions were enrolled. Of these, 1777 patients who underwent total gastrectomy (TG) reconstructed with Roux-Y (n = 393), distal gastrectomy (DG) reconstructed with Billroth-I (n = 909), or DG reconstructed with Roux-Y (n = 475) were evaluated in the current study. The influence of the type of gastrectomy and other clinical factors such as age, sex, duration after surgery, the symptom severity, the degree of weight loss, dietary intake, and the ability for working on the postoperative QOL (i.e., dissatisfaction for daily life subscale, physical component summary and mental component summary of the SF-8) were examined by multiple regression analysis (MRA). In addition, importance of various symptoms such as esophageal reflux, abdominal pain, meal-related distress, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation and dumping on the postoperative living status and QOL were also appraised by MRA.

RESULTS

The postoperative QOL were significantly deteriorated in patients who underwent TG compared to those after DG. However, the extent of gastrectomy was not an influential factor on patients’ QOL when adjusted by the MRA. Among various clinical factors, the symptom severity, ability for working, and necessity for additional meals were the most influential factors to the postoperative QOL. As for the individual symptoms, meal-related distress, dumping, abdominal pain, and esophageal reflux significantly affected the postoperative QOL in that order, while the influence of indigestion, diarrhea and constipation was insignificant.

CONCLUSION

Several clinical factors such as the symptom severity (especially in meal-related distress and dumping), ability for working and necessity for additional meals were the main factors which affected the patients’ well-being after gastrectomy.

Postoperative quality of life after laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy compared With laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy: A cross-sectional postal questionnaire survey

BACKGROUND

Little is known about postgastrectomy syndrome and quality of life (QOL after laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG). The aim of this study was to assess postgastrectomy syndrome and QOL after LAPPG as compared with laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I reconstruction (LADGBI).

METHODS

Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45) questionnaires were sent by mail to 167 patients. To balance the characteristics of the groups, propensity score matching was performed.

RESULTS

Of the 167 patients sent questionnaires, 112 (67%) responded, including 47 who underwent LAPPG and 65 who underwent LADGBI. After propensity score matching, the LAPPG group scored significantly better on the diarrhea and dumping subscales. Multiple regression analysis showed that female sex and LADGBI were independent factors predicting dumping. Evaluation of outcome measures for singular symptom showed that the LAPPG group scored significantly worse on the acid regurgitation subscale, but significantly better on the lower abdominal pain and early dumping abdominal subscales.

CONCLUSION

LAPPG is superior to LADGBI for ameliorating postgastrectomy syndrome and maintaining QOL. LAPPG is recommended for patients with cT1N0 middle third gastric cancer.

Clinical significance of the anterosuperior lymph nodes along the common hepatic artery identified by sentinel node mapping in patients with gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The sentinel node (SN) concept is safely applied and validated in early gastric cancer. Gastric lymph nodes are divided into five basins with the main gastric arteries, and the anterosuperior lymph nodes with the common hepatic artery (No. 8a) are classified in the right gastric artery (r-GA) basin. Although No. 8a are considered to have lymphatic flow from the r-GA basin, there might be additional multiple lymphatic flows into No. 8a. The aim of this study is to analyze the lymphatic flows to No. 8a and to investigate the clinical significance of No. 8a as a sentinel node (SN No. 8a).

METHODS

Four hundred and twenty-nine patients with cT1N0 or cT2N0 gastric cancer underwent SN mapping. We used technetium-99 tin colloid solution and blue dye as a tracer.

RESULTS

We detected SN No. 8a in 35 (8.2 %) patients. In these patients, we detected SN No. 8a with SNs that belonged to the left gastric artery (l-GA) basin (66 %), right gastroepiploic artery (r-GEA) basin (54 %), and right gastric artery (r-GA) basin (46 %). In addition, celiac artery lymph nodes were detected as SNs significantly more frequently. Function-preserving surgery was performed significantly less often in patients with SN No. 8a (p =0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that SN No. 8a seemed to have lymphatic flow not only from the r-GA basin, but also from the l-GA basin or r-GEA basin. When SN No. 8a are detected, we should be careful to perform function-preserving surgery, even in SN-negative cases.

Treatment of biliary tract stones after gastrectomy in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

The incidence of biliary tract stones has widely been reported to be high after gastrectomy. Treatment of biliary tract stones in post-gastrectomy patients was examined retrospectively, particularly minimally invasive therapy with laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder stones and endoscopic bile duct lithotomy for common bile duct stones.

METHODS

Treatment of 122 post-gastrectomy patients with biliary tract stones was examined retrospectively from 1995 to April 2015.

RESULTS

Symptomatic biliary tract stones were found in 3.7% of post-gastrectomy patients. The frequency of bile duct stones was higher in post-gastrectomy patients with gallbladder stones (44%) than in the nongastrectomy patients (11%). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was carried out in 84% of the patients with gallbladder stones. Endoscopic bile duct lithotomy was feasible in 89% of patients with common bile duct stones.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was feasible for removing gallbladder stones after gastrectomy. Endoscopic bile duct lithotomy followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy was a good option for patients in whom endoscopic intervention could be performed. On the other hand, choledochoenterostomy could be a good option for patients in whom endoscopic bile duct lithotomy cannot be performed, particularly considering the risk of recurrent bile duct stones.

Unplanned admission after gastrectomy as a consequence of fast-track surgery: a comparative risk analysis

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the incidence of and the risk factors for readmission after gastrectomy. Our hypothesis was that early discharge may be related to an increase in the incidence of readmission.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, single-center, observational study of 1442 patients who underwent gastrectomy for stage I gastric cancer. The main outcome was the incidence of early readmission after gastrectomy, which was defined as an admission within 6 months after the first discharge day. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors for readmission after gastrectomy.

RESULTS

The surgical procedures performed were total gastrectomy in 217 patients (15.0 %), distal gastrectomy in 845 patients (58.6 %), pylorus-preserving gastrectomy in 342 patients (23.7 %), and proximal gastrectomy in 37 patients (2.6 %). The median hospital stay was 11 days, and there were 63 readmissions for a total of 56 patients (3.8 %). The main reasons for readmission were poor food intake in 14 patients (22.2 %), anastomotic stricture in nine patients (14.3 %), small bowel obstruction in eight patients (12.7 %), and an abdominal distension in seven patients (11.1 %). Endoscopic balloon dilation was performed for the nine patients with anastomotic stricture, drainage was needed for the four patients with an intra-abdominal abscess, and laparotomy was performed for one patient with adhesion-associated bowel obstruction. The long hospitalization during the primary admission and patients who underwent total gastrectomy were risk factors for readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a long hospital stay after gastrectomy are at an increased risk of early readmission, which was likely related to the incidence of severe sequelae specific to gastrectomy.

Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) is a function-preserving surgery for the treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC), aiming to decrease the complication rate and improve postoperative quality of life. According to the Japanese gastric cancer treatment guidelines, PPG can be performed for cT1N0M0 gastric cancer located in the middle-third of the stomach, at least 4.0 cm away from the pylorus. Although the length of the antral cuff gradually increased, from 1.5 cm during the initial use of the procedure to 3.0 cm currently, its optimal length still remains unclear. Standard procedures for the preservation of pyloric function, infra-pyloric vessels, and hepatic branch of the vagus nerve, make PPG technically more difficult and raise concerns about incomplete lymph node dissection. The short- and long-term oncological and survival outcomes of PPG were comparable to those for distal gastrectomy, but with several advantages such as a lower incidence of dumping syndrome, bile reflux, and gallstone formation, and improved nutritional status. Gastric stasis, a typical complication of PPG, can be effectively treated by balloon dilatation and stent insertion. Robot-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy is feasible for EGC in the middle-third of the stomach in terms of the short-term clinical outcome. However, any benefits over laparoscopy-assisted PPG (LAPPG) from the patient's perspective have not yet been proven. An ongoing Korean multicenter randomized controlled trial (KLASS-04), which compares LAPPG and laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for EGC in the middle-third of the stomach, may provide more clear evidence about the advantages and oncologic safety of PPG.

Functional Advantages of Proximal Gastrectomy with Jejunal Interposition Over Total Gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y Esophagojejunostomy for Early Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

The postoperative functional advantages of a proximal gastrectomy over a total gastrectomy remain debatable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of a proximal gastrectomy with jejunal interposition (PG-JI), compared with those for a total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy (TG-RY), in patients with early gastric cancer.

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2012, 65 patients underwent PG-JI and 117 underwent TG-RY for cT1 gastric cancer. Various parameters, including body weight, serum hemoglobin level, and interview-based symptoms, were prospectively evaluated in these patients. In patients who underwent PG-JI, the postoperative endoscopic findings were also assessed.

RESULTS

All the surgeries were performed via a laparotomy alone. During a median postoperative follow-up of 42 months (range, 12-78 months), PG-JI offered significant reductions in body weight loss (12.5 ± 5.8 vs. 17.4 ± 6.4 %, P < 0.001), serum hemoglobin decline (7.0 ± 5.7 vs. 9.7 ± 5.4 %, P = 0.002), and dumping symptoms (11 % [7/65] vs. 30 % [35/117], P = 0.003), while being associated with similar incidences of anastomotic stricture (9 % [6/65] vs. 8 % [9/117], P = 0.781), small bowel obstruction (0 % [0/65] vs. 2 % [2/117], P = 0.538), stasis symptoms (51 % [33/65] vs. 44 % [51/117], P = 0.358), and reflux symptoms (34 % [22/65] vs. 23 % [27/117], P = 0.121), compared with TG-RY. Four cases of gastric remnant cancer and no cases of endoscopic reflux esophagitis were found after PG-JI.

CONCLUSIONS

PG-JI has clear functional advantages over TG-RY, although it requires active surveillance for remnant gastric cancer.