Book-Binding Technique for Billroth I Anastomosis During Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy

Book-Binding Technique in Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy with Billroth I Reconstruction: Clinical Results and Outcomes in 188 Patients with Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic gastrectomy is widely used as a curative treatment for gastric cancer. Although delta-shaped anastomosis is commonly used for Billroth I anastomosis after totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG), it has some drawbacks. The book-binding technique (BBT) was developed as an alternative, and this study aimed to examine its short-term results in 188 consecutive cases.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective study included patients who underwent BBT reconstruction after TLDG for gastric malignancy between 2011 and 2020. BBT is a technique for intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy, which is a triangular anastomosis with a linear stapler that does not require additional dissection or rotation of the duodenum. The short-term outcomes of BBT reconstruction and postoperative endoscopic findings were analyzed.

RESULTS

This study evaluated 188 patients who underwent TLDG and BBT reconstruction. Anastomotic stenosis and leakage occurred in 1.1% and 0.5% of the patients, respectively. The median time to the first diet was 3.1 days, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 11.9 days. BBT anastomoses were performed by 19 surgeons and took an average of 32.8 minutes to complete, with completion times decreasing as the surgical team became more proficient. On endoscopy performed 1 year postoperatively, 5.2% had reflux esophagitis (grade A or higher), 67.8% had gastritis (grade 1 or higher), 37.4% had residual food (grade 1 or higher), and 37.4% had bile reflux (grade 1).

CONCLUSIONS

BBT is a safe and feasible method for intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy in TLDG for patients with gastric malignancy and demonstrates good surgical outcomes.

Intracorporeal linear‑stapled gastroduodenostomy in totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: Consideration of the intraoperative management of the duodenal wall between the transecting staple line and anastomotic staple line (Review)

The first part of the duodenum consists of the intraperitoneal segment, called the duodenal bulb, and the retroperitoneal segment. Regarding the blood supplying the duodenal bulb, which is the portion utilized in anastomosing the duodenum and remnant stomach following distal gastrectomy, the arterial pedicles branching off from the gastroduodenal artery are reported to reach the posterior wall first and then spread over the anterior wall, where they anastomose. When performing intracorporeal linear-stapled gastroduodenostomy following totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy, the blood supply of the duodenal wall between the transecting staple line and anastomotic staple line needs to be considered because both transection of the duodenal bulb and the gastroduodenostomy are performed using an endoscopic linear stapler and the duodenal wall between the staple lines can be ischemic after the anastomosis. Since it needs to be decided intraoperatively whether this duodenal site is preserved or removed, the present review discusses the technical differences among several procedures for intracorporeal linear-stapled gastroduodenostomy, classifying them into two groups on the basis of the intraoperative management of this duodenal site. When this site is preserved, the blood supply of the duodenal wall needs to be retained with certainty. On the other hand, when this site is removed, the ischemic portion of the duodenal wall needs to be identified and removed. Furthermore, in both groups, an adequate anastomotic area needs to be secured. In conclusion, surgeons need to be familiar with the anatomical features of the duodenal bulb, including its blood perfusion and shape, when carrying out intracorporeal linear-stapled gastroduodenostomy.

Modification of book-binding technique during totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with Billroth I reconstruction

The book-binding technique (BBT) has been developed to minimise extra detachment and mobilisation of the duodenum for totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) with Billroth I reconstruction. Because of the cost-effectiveness and maximisation of the anastomotic lumen, we have modified the BBT in collaboration with the laparoscopic hand-sewing technique. Herein, we introduce a modified BBT (MBBT) and discuss its outcomes. The MBBT was performed using laparoscopic hand-sewing techniques with an absorbable barbed suture instead of using linear staples to close the defect of the anterior wall of the anastomosis site. The data of 163 patients with gastric cancer who underwent TLDG with Billroth I reconstruction performed with MBBT were retrospectively collected between April 2014 and December 2019. The mean anastomosis time was 25 min (interquartile range, 21 − 30). Postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo grade II or greater occurred in 20 of the 163 patients (12.3%). Anastomotic leakage occurred in three patients (1.8%), whereas anastomotic stenosis occurred in one patient (0.6%). The cumulative incidence rate of anastomotic stenosis that required endoscopic dilation at 1 year was 1.2%. The MBBT method may be safe, practical, cost-effective and results in reduced staple use and anastomotic time.

Intracorporeal semi-hand-sewn Billroth I reconstruction in total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy

INTRODUCTION

Intracorporeal Billroth I (B-I) reconstruction using an endoscopic linear stapler (ELS) is widely performed in total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. However, conventional procedures require many ELSs for anastomosis. Here, we introduce the novel intracorporeal semi-hand-sewn (SHS) B-I reconstruction.

MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

After the transection of stomach and duodenum using ELS following adequate lymph node dissection, small entry holes were made on the anterior wall in the greater curvature of the stomach and the duodenal stump. The posterior walls of both the remnant stomach and the duodenum were attached with the ELS and fired to create the posterior wall of the B-I anastomosis. All the transection line of the duodenum and one-third of the transection line of the stomach were dissected; finally the anterior wall suturing at the anastomotic site was performed by the laparoscopic hand-sewn technique.

DISCUSSION

SHS procedure was performed for 17 gastric cancer patients. There were no intraoperative complications or conversions to open surgery. One intra-abdominal abscess was observed although there was no anastomotic leakage. The median reconstruction time was 48 minutes (32-63). The SHS procedure was safe, feasible, and economical, although it requires sufficient laparoscopic suturing and ligation skill.

Accreditation as a qualified surgeon improves surgical outcomes in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy

PURPOSE

The Endoscopic Surgical Skill Quantification System for qualified surgeons (QSs) was introduced in Japan to improve surgical outcomes. This study reviewed the surgical outcomes after initial experience performing laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) and evaluated the improvement in surgical outcomes following accreditation as a QS.

METHODS

Eighty-seven consecutive patients who underwent LDG for gastric cancer by a single surgeon were enrolled in this study. The cumulative sum method was used to analyze the learning curve for LDG. The surgical outcomes were evaluated according to the two phases of the learning curve (learning period vs. mastery period) and accreditation (non-QS period vs. QS period).

RESULTS

The learning period for LDG was 48 cases. Accreditation was approved at the 67th case. The operation time and estimated blood loss were significantly reduced in the QS period compared to the non-QS period (230 vs. 270 min, p < 0.001; 20.5 vs. 59.8 ml, p = 0.024, respectively). Furthermore, the major complication rate was significantly lower in the QS period than in the non-QS period (0 vs. 10.6%, p = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

Experience performing approximately 50 cases is required to reach proficiency in LDG. After receiving accreditation as a QS, the surgical outcomes, including the complication rate, were improved.

Billroth-I Reconstruction with Overlap Anastomosis Using an EndoWrist Linear Stapler After Robotic Distal Gastrectomy

Introduction: Robotic distal gastrectomy (RDG) is now thought to be less invasive than conventional laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) for gastric cancer. Although the delta-shaped anastomosis is an established, widely performed procedure for intracorporeal Billroth-I (B-I) gastroduodenostomy after LDG, it has some difficulties and is performed in the ischemic region of the duodenum. We therefore developed a novel overlap B-I gastroduodenostomy after RDG. Materials and Methods: We started using the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) for RDG in May 2017. The robotic overlap B-I reconstruction was performed via side-to-side anastomosis, as follows: Two small incisions were made, one on the greater curvature of the remnant stomach, 5 cm from the edge of the remnant gastric stump, and one on the superior edge of the anterior wall of the duodenal stump. A 45-mm EndoWrist linear stapler device (EWLS) loaded with a blue cartridge was inserted through the incision. After the remnant stomach and duodenum were attached to the V-shaped form by the EWLS, the incisions were closed by the EWLS. Results: Seven patients underwent RDG followed by a robotic overlap B-I procedure up to March 2019. Short-term outcomes were determined from medical records and operative videos. No intraoperative complications or conversions to open or conventional laparoscopic surgery occurred. The mean time for the anastomosis was 37 (range 29-45 minutes) minutes. No postoperative complications occurred following the robotic overlap B-I procedure. Discussion: RDG followed by an overlap B-I gastroduodenostomy might be feasible and safe. However, long-term follow-up is required to identify additional benefits.

The evolution of surgical treatment for gastrointestinal cancers

INTRODUCTION

According to the latest Japanese nationwide estimates, over a million Japanese people are newly diagnosed with cancer each year. Since gastrointestinal cancers account for more than 40% of all cancer-related deaths, it is imperative to formulate effective strategies to control them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS, AND RESULTS

Basic drug discovery research Our research has revealed that the abnormal expression of regulators of chromosomal stability is a cause of cancers and identified an effective compound against cancers with chromosomal instability. We revealed the molecular mechanism of peritoneal dissemination of cancer cells via the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis to CAR-like cells and identified an MEK inhibitor effective against these tumors. Residual tumor cells after chemotherapy in colorectal cancer are LGR5-positive cancer stem cells and their ability to eliminate reactive oxygen species is elevated. The development of surgical procedures and devices In cases of gastric tube reconstruction for esophageal cancer, we determined the anastomotic line for evaluating the blood flow using ICG angiography and measuring the tissue O2 metabolism. We established a novel gastric reconstruction method (book-binding technique) for gastric cancer and a new rectal reconstruction method focusing on the intra-intestinal pressure resistance for rectal cancer. We established a novel tissue fusion method, which allows contact-free local heating and retains tissue viability with very little damage, and developed an understanding of the collagen-related processes that underpin laser-induced tissue fusion. Strategy to prevent carcinogenesis We succeeded in cleaving hepatitis B virus DNA integrated into the nucleus of hepatocytes using genome editing tools. The development of HCC from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may be prevented by metabolic surgery.

CONCLUSION

We believe that these efforts will help to significantly improve the gastrointestinal cancer treatment and survival.

Functional Outcomes of Billroth I Gastroduodenostomy Using Linear Staplers in Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study examined whether functional outcomes of linear-stapled Billroth I (LS-BI) in totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) are comparable to those of circular-stapled Billroth I (CS-BI) in laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients with gastric cancer undergoing TLDG with LS-BI (n=50) or LADG with CS-BI (n=50). Postoperative endoscopic findings of the remnant stomach and nutritional status were evaluated.

RESULTS

The occurrence of grade 2 or more severe remnant gastritis in the LS-BI group (46.0%) was significantly higher than that in the CS-BI group (18.0%) (p=0.005), whereas there was no significant difference in the incidence of residual food and bile reflux between the two groups. Postoperative changes in body weight, and serum albumin and total protein levels were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

TLDG with LS-BI may be a good alternative to LADG with CS-BI because of its comparable nutritional outcomes, but with a higher occurrence of remnant gastritis.

Modified Book Binding Technique (MBBT) for Intracorporeal Gastroduodenostomy in Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy: Initial Experience

Totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) frequently involves the use of delta shaped gastroduodenostomy (DSG) for intracorporeal anastomosis. However, DSG has some drawbacks, and the book binding technique (BBT) was developed as a new technique to overcome these drawbacks. Subsequently, this technique was further improved with the development of modified book binding technique (MBBT). This study evaluated the safety and feasibility of MBBT in patients undergoing TLDG. Thirty-three patients who underwent TLDG with MBBT were retrospectively evaluated. The mean operation time was 277.6±37.1 minutes, including 51.9±15.7 minutes for reconstruction. Two patients had anastomosis-related complications, one patient with stricture after leakage and 1 patient with stenosis. The former patient was treated with endoscopic balloon dilatation, and the latter was managed conservatively; neither required re-operation. MBBT is a safe and feasible technique, with acceptable surgical outcomes. It may be a good alternative option for the treatment of intracorporeal anastomosis in patients undergoing TLDG.

Clinical Significance of Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy: A Comparison of Short-term Outcomes Relative to Open and Laparoscopic-assisted Distal Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy has become an established minimally invasive treatment for gastric cancer since it was first reported in 1994.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively assessed the clinical outcomes of 248 patients who had undergone open distal gastrectomy (ODG), laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG), and totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) for gastric cancer.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

TLDG showed superiority in terms of blood loss, reconstruction options, and postoperative recovery compared with ODG and LADG. Especially, the mean operating time in the TLDG group was significantly shorter than that of the LADG group (P=0.003). Book-binding technique used in TLDG was one of the reasons of this result. The only inferior aspect of TLDG was the longer operating time compared with ODG; TLDG had no disadvantages compared with LADG. Although the operating time and long-term outcome remain problems, we suggest that TLDG has the potential to serve as an optimal operative method.