Early gastric cancer: diagnosis and less invasive treatments

Comparison of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction and laparoscopic total gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer with stage cT1-2

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and nutritional benefits of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) with double-tract reconstruction (DTR) in comparison with laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG).The demographic, clinical, and pathological data and postoperative nutritional status of patients undergoing LPG with DTR (n = 21) or LTG (n = 26) at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital between January 2016 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed and compared.The operative time in the LPG group was slightly longer than that in the LTG group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Blood loss was not significantly different between groups. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was higher in the LTG group than in the LPG group (P = .02). The time to first flatus, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications were comparable between the groups. During the 3-year postoperative follow-up, a statistically significant decrease in hemoglobin level was observed in the LTG group. There were no differences between the two groups of patients before and after the operation regarding albumin levels. The mean vitamin B12 level was higher in the LPG group than in the LTG group from 12 to 18 months postoperatively.LPG with DTR is an acceptable procedure for patients with upper gastric cancer. LPG with DTR has numerous potential advantages in preserving the physiological and nutritional functions of the remnant stomach and the conservation of the gastric reservoir.

Determination of Additional Surgery after Non-Curative Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in Patients with Early Gastric Cancer: A Practically Modified Application of the eCura System

Simple Summary

Recent treatment guidelines for gastric cancer recommended additional surgery for patients with non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). However, this strategy may be too excessive since few patients have lymph node metastasis (LNM). In this study, we modified the eCura system, a risk-scoring system for LNM after non-curative ESD, by classifying lymphatic invasion and venous invasion as a single entity of lymphovascular invasion. By using the modified eCura system, patients after non-curative ESD were simply categorized into high- and low-risk groups as lymph node metastasis depending on whether the tumor had lymphovascular invasion and other risk factors or not. Moreover, there was no intermediate-risk group, which could not recommend the appropriate treatment modality in the eCura system.

Abstract

Background: Additional surgery after non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) may be excessive as few patients have lymph node metastasis (LNM). It is necessary to develop a risk stratification system for LNM after non-curative ESD, such as the eCura system, which was introduced in the Japanese gastric cancer treatment guidelines. However, the eCura system requires venous and lymphatic invasion to be separately assessed, which is difficult to distinguish without special immunostaining. In this study, we practically modified the eCura system by classifying lymphatic and venous invasion as lymphovascular invasion (LVI). Method: We retrospectively reviewed 543 gastric cancer patients who underwent radical gastrectomy after non-curative ESD between 2006 and 2019. LNM was evaluated according to LVI as well as size >30 mm, submucosal invasion ≥500 µm, and vertical margin involvement, which were used in the eCura system. Results: LNM was present in 8.1% of patients; 3.6%, 2.3%, 7.4%, 18.3%, and 61.5% of patients with no, one, two, three, and four risk factors had LNM, respectively. The LNM rate in the patients with no risk factors (3.6%) was not significantly different from that in patients with one risk factor (2.3%, p = 0.523). Among patients with two risk factors, the LNM rate without LVI was significantly lower than with LVI (2.4% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.027). Among patients with three risk factors, the LNM rate without LVI was lower than with LVI (0% vs. 20.8%, p = 0.195), although not statistically significantly. Based on LNM rates according to risk factors, patients with LVI and other factors were assigned to the high-risk group (LNM, 17.4%) while other patients as a low-risk group (LNM, 2.4%). Conclusions: Modifying the eCura system by classifying lymphatic and venous invasion as LVI successfully stratified LNM risk after non-curative ESD. Moreover, the high-risk group can be simply identified based on LVI and the presence of other risk factors.

Clinical outcomes of radical gastrectomy following trastuzumab-based chemotherapy for stage IV HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer

PURPOSE

Patients who receive trastuzumab (T-mab) plus chemotherapy for stage IV HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer sometimes respond remarkably well and can undergo radical surgery. However, the clinical outcomes of preoperative T-mab combined chemotherapy with radical gastrectomy remain unclear. We conducted this study to investigate the clinical outcomes of this multimodal treatment.

METHODS

From among a total of 199 patients who received T-mab-based chemotherapy for stage IV HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer between 2011 and 2018, the subjects of this retrospective analysis were 20 patients who subsequently underwent radical gastrectomy.

RESULTS

Seven patients had gastroesophageal junction cancer and 13 had gastric cancer. Eleven patients had unresectable stage IV cancer and 9 had resectable metastatic disease. Chemotherapy regimens included capecitabine, cisplatin + T-mab (11 patients), and S-1, oxaliplatin + T-mab (nine patients). The median number of chemotherapy cycles before surgery was three (range, 2-62). During preoperative chemotherapy, grade 3/4 adverse events developed in six patients. None suffered grade ≥ 3b postoperative complications. The 3-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 58.9% and 89.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Combined preoperative T-mab-based chemotherapy and surgery appears to be safe and effective for stage IV HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer, with a clinically meaningful impact on RFS and OS.

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.

Indocyanine green fluorescence lymphography during gastrectomy after initial endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence lymphography can be used to visualize the lymphatic drainage of gastric cancer. Few studies have been performed to identify lymphatic drainage patterns after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). ESD results in changes to lymphatics owing to fibrosis of the submucosal layer. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ICG fluorescence lymphography for visualization of lymphatic drainage after ESD, and to assess its clinical application in additional gastrectomy after ESD for early gastric cancer.

METHODS

All patients who underwent gastrectomy after ESD between 2014 and 2017 in a single centre were reviewed. ICG was injected endoscopically into the submucosal layer around the ESD scar the day before surgery. At the time of surgery, lymph nodes (LNs) were visualized and lymphadenectomy was performed with near-infrared imaging. Ex vivo, all LNs were examined for the presence of fluorescence. Number of LNs resected and number of tumour-positive LNs were compared between patients who underwent near-infrared imaging and those who had conventional lymphadenectomy without intraoperative imaging.

RESULTS

Some 290 patients underwent gastrectomy after ESD, 98 with fluorescence lymphography-guided lymphadenectomy and 192 with conventional lymphadenectomy. Fluorescence lymphography visualized lymphatic drainage in all patients, without complications related to ICG injection or near-infrared imaging. Fluorescence lymphography visualized all stations containing metastatic LNs. The sensitivity for detecting LN metastasis in fluorescent stations was 100 per cent (9 of 9 stations), and the negative predictive value was 100 per cent (209 of 209). One patient with LN metastasis had one non-fluorescent metastatic LN within a fluorescent station.

CONCLUSION

Fluorescence lymphography successfully visualized all draining LNs after ESD, with high sensitivity and negative predictive value for detecting LN metastasis. Fluorescence lymphography-guided lymphadenectomy could be an alternative to systematic lymphadenectomy during additional surgery after ESD.

Clinical significance of skip lymph-node metastasis in pN1 gastric-cancer patients after curative surgery

BACKGROUND

In addition to the stepwise manner of lymph-node metastasis from the primary tumour, the skip lymph-node metastasis (SLNM) was identified as a low-incidence metastasis of gastric cancer (GC). So far, both the mechanism and outcome of SLNM have not been elucidated completely. The purpose of this study was to analyse the clinical significance and the potential mechanism of SLNM in GC patients who had lymph-node metastasis.

METHODS

Clinicopathological data and follow-up information of 505 GC patients who had lymph-node metastasis were analysed to demonstrate the significance of SLNM in evaluating the prognostic outcome. According to the pathological results, all GC patients who had lymph-node metastasis were categorized into three groups: patients with the perigastric lymph-node metastasis, patients with the perigastric and extragastric lymph-node metastasis and patients with SLNM.Results: Among the 505 GC patients who had lymph-node metastasis, 24 (4.8%) had pathologically identified SLNM. The location of lymph-node metastasis was not significantly associated with 5-year survival rate and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.194). The stratified survival analysis results showed that the status of SLNM was significantly associated with the OS in patients with pN1 GC (P = 0.001). The median OS was significantly shorter in 19 pN1 GC patients with SLNM than in 100 patients with perigastric lymph-node metastasis (P < 0.001). The case-control matched logistic regression analysis results showed that tumour size (P = 0.002) was the only clinicopathological factor that may predict SLNM in pN1 GC patients undergoing curative surgery. Among the 19 pN1 GC patients with SLNM, 17 (89.5%) had metastatic lymph nodes along the common hepatic artery, around the celiac artery or in the hepatoduodenal ligament.

CONCLUSIONS

SLNM may be considered a potentially practicable indicator for prognosis among various subgroups of pN1 GC patients.

Safety and location analysis of transumbilical endoscopic submucosal dissection with single-basin lymph node dissection in the upper gastric body: a porcine model

Background

In our previous study, transumbilical endoscopic submucosal dissection (TU-ESD) was revealed to be feasible, but delayed gastric perforation was observed in 30% of ESD sites. In this study, we aimed to verify locations at which it is feasible to perform TU-ESD in the upper gastric body and to demonstrate the safety of TU-ESD in single-basin lymph node dissection (SBLND).

Methods

In vitro, TU-ESD was performed at three lesion sites (anterior wall, AW; posterior wall, PW; and lesser curvature, LC) in each porcine stomach using an EASIE-R tray (cases = 10). In vivo, TU-ESD was performed with SBLND in 9 pigs. Seven days after the operation, the pigs were sacrificed and examined.

Results

In the in vitro feasibility study, the TU-ESD time was significantly faster in the PW group (5.9 ± 2.0 min) than in the LC group (8.5 ± 1.5 min) (p < 0.05) in all 10 cases. In the in vivo survival study, TU-ESD with SBLND was successfully performed without any complications (N = 9). There were no cases of delayed perforation, and healing ulcers were found in all pigs 7 days after the operation. Ulcer size (5.2 ± 3.5 cm²) was approximately 36% smaller than that observed at the ESD operation site (8.1 ± 1.9 cm²) (p = 0.05). Epithelialization in the margin and healing of the gastric ulcers were confirmed by microscopy.

Conclusions

TU-ESD with SBLND is a feasible and safe method. The upper posterior gastric body could be the most feasible location for performing TU-ESD, perhaps because of the difference in the subcutaneous dissection time.

Laparoscopic Proximal Gastrectomy Maintains Body Weight and Skeletal Muscle Better Than Total Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) is performed as a function-preserving surgery for patients with early proximal gastric malignant tumors; however, whether LPG has advantages postoperatively compared with laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) is debatable, especially with regard to nutritional outcomes.

METHODS

We evaluated 20 patients who underwent LTG and 10 patients who underwent LPG with double tract reconstruction (LPG-DT) who were diagnosed preoperatively with T1a or T1b N0 Stage IA gastric cancer in our department in the same time period. The statistical relevance of complications, surgical maneuvers, clinical factors and changes in weight, skeletal muscle index (SMI) and serum albumin levels after surgery was compared between the LPG-DT group and the LTG group.

RESULTS

No differences between groups were observed in patient demographics, operation time, blood loss, complications, number of dissected lymph nodes and pathological stage. The body weight reduction rate was significantly lower in the LPG-DT group compared with the LTG group at 6 months (5.7 vs. 14.9%, respectively; p = 0.0045) and 1 year after surgery (9.6 vs. 17.9%, respectively; p = 0.0042). The SMI reduction rate of the LPG-DT group in the first postoperative year was significantly lower than that of the LTG group (9.3 vs. 18.3%, respectively; p = 0.0057).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with early gastric cancer who underwent LPG-DT had acceptable morbidity and mortality, similar to those who underwent LTG. Body weight and SMI reduction rates were lower in the LPG-DT group than in the LTG group. Thus, LPG-DT is an appropriate procedure for patients with clinical Stage IA proximal gastric cancer.

Similar hematologic and nutritional outcomes after proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction in comparison to total gastrectomy for early upper gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Proximal gastrectomy offers theoretical benefits over total gastrectomy in terms of hematologic and nutritional outcomes. However, little evidence confirming these benefits has been reported. The aim of this study was to assess the hematologic and nutritional outcomes of proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction in comparison to those of total gastrectomy.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 80 patients with stage I gastric cancer who underwent proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction (n = 38) or total gastrectomy (n = 42) from September 2014 to December 2015. We compared hematologic (including hemoglobin, ferritin, vitamin B₁₂, etc.) and nutritional outcomes [including body mass index (BMI), serum total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, and total lymphocyte count] between the two groups.

RESULTS

We found no significant differences in changes in hemoglobin (P = 0.250) or cumulative incidence of iron deficiency anemia (P = 0.971) during a median follow-up period of 24 months (range 18-30 months) after surgery. Cumulative incidence of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency also did not differ significantly between the proximal and total gastrectomy groups (P = 0.087). BMI changes from baseline were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.591). Likewise, there were no statistically significant differences in nutritional outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction exhibited similar outcomes in terms of hematologic and nutritional features in comparison to total gastrectomy.

Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with oblique jejunogastrostomy

BACKGROUND

Proximal early gastric cancer is a good indication for totally laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (TLPG) with double-tract reconstruction (DTR). However, when most of the dietary intake passes through the escape route of the jejunum, the functional benefits of proximal gastrectomy might be similar to those after total gastrectomy. Our DTR procedure was improved for easy passage through the remnant stomach. The purposes of this study were to present a novel technique for intracorporeal DTR using linear staplers after TLPG and to investigate surgical outcomes.

METHODS

DTR was performed using linear staplers only. A side-to-side jejunogastrostomy with twisting of both the remnant stomach and the anal jejunum was performed for the purpose of passing meals through the remnant stomach (an oblique jejunogastrostomy technique). The ten patients who underwent TLPG with DTR from January 2011 to August 2016 in Hokkaido University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Their clinicopathological characteristics and surgical and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The median duration of operation was 285 (range 146-440) min. No patients required blood transfusions. The number of dissected lymph nodes was 32 (range 22-56). There were no intraoperative complications, and no cases were converted to open surgery. All the patients were pT1N0M0 stage IA. No anastomotic leakage or complications were detected. Postoperative gastrography after reconstruction showed that contrast medium flowed mainly to the remnant stomach. The average percentage body weight loss was 14.0 ± 7.1% at 10 months. The average percentage decrease in serum hemoglobin was 5.4 ± 10.4% at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel technique for intracorporeal DTR provided a considerable advantage by the passage of dietary intake to the remnant stomach after LPG.

Laparoscopic Proximal Gastrectomy With Gastric Tube Reconstruction

Background and Objectives:

There is no standardized method of reconstruction in laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG). We present a novel technique of reconstruction with a long, narrow gastric tube in LPG for early gastric cancer (EGC).

Methods:

During the laparoscopic procedure, the upper part of the stomach is fully mobilized with perigastric and suprapancreatic lymphadenectomy, and then the abdominal esophagus is transected. After a minilaparotomy is created, the entire stomach is pulled outside. A long, narrow gastric tube (20 cm long, 3 cm wide) is created with a linear stapler. The proximal part of the gastric tube is formed into a cobra head shape for esophagogastric tube anastomosis, which is then performed with a 45-mm linear stapler under laparoscopic view. The end of the esophagus is fixed on the gastric tube to prevent postoperative esophageal reflux.

Results:

Thirteen patients with early proximal gastric cancer underwent the procedure. The mean operative time was 283 min, and median blood loss was 63 ml. There were no conversions to open surgery, and no intraoperative complications.

Conclusion:

This new technique of reconstruction after LPG is simple and feasible. The procedure has the potential of becoming a standard reconstruction technique after LPG for proximal EGC.

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.

Histomorphologic features of early gastric carcinoma treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection: relation to efficiency of endoscopic resection

OBJECTIVE

Early gastric cancer (EGC) is defined as cancer invasion confined to the mucosa or submucosa, irrespective of lymph node metastasis. Recently endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been widely accepted for the treatment for dysplasia and EGC without lymph node metastases. While the method has been advanced in Far East countries, ESD is still being developed in Europe and has not gained enough popularity although it has been recommended as the treatment of choice for superficial gastric neoplastic lesions by European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) in 2015.

METHODS

The aim of the study was to perform a retrospective analysis of clinical and histomorphologic features of 58 cases of EGCs removed by ESD in a university hospital in Western Pomerania in Poland and to evaluate factors related to the efficiency of ESD resection.

RESULTS

With univariate analysis, indications for ESD with the highest R0 rate were found in EGCs limited to mucosa (T1a, small mucosal, M), without muscularis mucosa invasion, localised in the middle/lower part of stomach and intestinal type in histological examination. The R0 complete resection rate was significantly (p < 0.0001) lower for T1b than that for T1a tumours (21.4% vs. 100%). Tumours with submucosal involvement were associated with lower efficiency of ESD procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed that in EGCs with favourable histomorphologic characteristics, ESD seemed to be a totally efficient and safe method of treatment in a European small-volume centre. R0 resection rate reached 81.1% of cases and median time of the ESD procedure was 61.5 min.

Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer

The incidence of proximal early gastric cancer (EGC) is increasing, and while laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) has been performed as a surgical option, it is not yet the standard treatment, because there is no established common reconstruction method following proximal gastrectomy (PG). We reviewed the English-language literature to clarify the current status and problems associated with LPG in treating proximal EGC. This procedure is considered indicated for EGC located in the upper third of the stomach with clinical T1N0, but not when it can be treated endoscopically. No operative mortality or conversion to open surgery was reported in our review, suggesting that this procedure is technically feasible. The most frequent postoperative complication involved problems with anastomoses, possibly caused by the technical complexity of the reconstruction. Although various reconstruction methods following open PG (OPG) and LPG have been reported, there is no standard reconstruction method. Well-designed multicenter, randomized, controlled, prospective trials to evaluate the various reconstruction methods are necessary.

A novel method of delta-shaped intracorporeal double-tract reconstruction in totally laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to depict a novel delta-shaped intracorporeal double-tract reconstruction (DT) for totally laparoscopic (TL) proximal gastrectomy (PG), and to evaluate its safety and feasibility by analyzing its surgical and postoperative outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 21 patients who underwent TLPG and TLDT (TLPG-DT) from January to December 2014 in our hospital. The data of clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical and postoperative outcomes, and follow-up findings were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean duration of the operation was 173.8 ± 21.8 min, including 27.8 ± 5.3 min of reconstruction. The blood loss was 109.2 ± 96.3 mL. The mean number of LNs dissected was 25.7 ± 4.7. The mean time of the first flatus was at postoperative day 2.3 ± 1.0, and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.8 ± 2.5 days. The early complications rate was 9.5 %, including one intraperitoneal hemorrhage and one pulmonary infection (both were managed through conservative methods and no re-operation occurred). The rate of complications in late stage was also 9.5 %, including one diarrhea and one reflux symptom claim. Among the total 21 cases, 17 patients were followed up more than 6 months, showing no signs of reflux esophagitis or anastomotic stenosis. The mean weight loss in 3 and 6 months after the operation was 4.3 and 5.7 %, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Totally laparoscopic delta-shaped intracorporeal double-tract reconstruction is a safe, feasible and minimally invasive reconstruction method with excellent postoperative outcomes in terms of preventing reflux esophagitis and anastomotic stenosis. TLPG-DT might serve as a promising treatment for proximal gastric cancer of early stage.

Differences in Clinicopathology of Early Gastric Carcinoma between Proximal and Distal Location in 438 Chinese Patients

Early gastric carcinoma (EGC) in Chinese patients remains poorly understood and endoscopic therapy has not been well established. Here, we compared endoscopic and clinicopathologic features between early proximal gastric carcinoma (PGC, n = 131) and distal gastric carcinoma (DGC, n = 307) in consecutive 438 EGCs diagnosed with the WHO criteria. By endoscopy, PGCs showed protruding and elevated patterns in 61.9%, while depressed and excavated patterns in 33.6%, which were significantly different from those (32.6% and 64.5%) in DGCs. PGCs were significantly smaller (1.9 cm in average, versus 2.2 cm in DGCs), invaded deeper (22.9% into SM2, versus 13% in DGCs), but had fewer (2.9%, versus 16.7% in DGCs) lymph node metastases. Papillary adenocarcinoma was significantly more frequent (32.1%, versus 12.1% in DGCs), as were mucinous and neuroendocrine carcinomas, carcinoma with lymphoid stroma (6.9%, versus 1.6% in DGCs); but poorly cohesive carcinoma was significantly less frequent (5.3%, versus 35.8% in DGCs). The overall 5-year survival rate was 92.9% in EGCs, and PGC patients showed shorter (42.4 months, versus 48.3 in DGCs) survival. Papillary and micropapillary adenocarcinomas and nodal metastasis were independent risk factors for worse survival in EGCs. EGCs in Chinese were heterogeneous with significant differences in endoscopy and clinicopathology between PGC and DGC.

Risk factors of early proximal gastric carcinoma in Chinese diagnosed using WHO criteria

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of proximal gastric carcinoma (PGC) is rising worldwide for unknown reasons. Herein we compare the risk factors of early PGC with distal gastric carcinoma (DGC) in patients treated at a single tertiary hospital in China.

METHODS

Risk factors of 379 consecutive surgically resected early gastric carcinoma (EGC) diagnosed according to the 2010 World Health Organization criteria were studied by reviewing their medical records and esophagogastroduodenoscopy/biopsy findings and interviewing patients and family members for the patients' history of environmental toxin exposure (ETE), dietary habits, family (FCH) and personal cancer history (PCH) and survival. Differences between PGC (n = 115), DGC (n = 264) and age-matched and gender-matched controls (n = 225) were compared.

RESULTS

Proportion of early PGC in all EGC patients was increased significantly (P < 0.05). The independent risk factors for both PGC and DGC identified by multivariate analysis were intake of preserved food and little fruit, and gastric mucosal intestinal metaplasia and atrophy (all P < 0.05). Advanced age (odds ratio [OR] 9.83, P < 0.01), PCH (OR 5.09, P < 0.05), a high body mass index (>24 kg/m(2) ) (OR 2.79, P < 0.01) and ETE (OR 2.31, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for PGC, but not male gender, tobacco or alcohol abuse, hiatus hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease or columnar-lined esophagus. In contrast, FCH (OR 2.34, P < 0.01) and Helicobacter pylori infection (OR 2.81, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for DGC.

CONCLUSION

Independent risk factors for PGC in Chinese patients differ from those of DGC or esophageal adenocarcinoma, supporting the classification of PGC as a separate gastric carcinoma entity in the Chinese populations.

Current status and scope of lymph node micrometastasis in gastric cancer

Recently, lymph node micrometastasis has been evaluated for its prognostic value in gastric cancer. Lymph node micrometastasis cannot be detected via a usual pathologic examination, but it can be detected by using some other techniques including immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay. With the development of such diagnostic techniques, the detection rate of lymph node micrometastasis is constantly increasing. Although the prognostic value of lymph node micrometastasis remains debatable, its clinical impact is apparently remarkable in both early and advanced gastric cancer. At present, studies on the prognostic value of lymph node micrometastasis are evolving to overcome its current limitations and extend the scope of its application.

Minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer treatment: current status and future perspectives

Minimally invasive surgery, which has been extensively used to treat gastric adenocarcinoma, is now regarded as one of the standard treatments for early gastric cancer, and its suitability for advanced gastric cancer is being investigated. The use of cutting-edge techniques for minimally invasive surgery enables surgeons to deliver various treatment options to minimize a patient's distress and to maintain oncologic safety. Ongoing multicenter prospective studies aim to validate the efficacy of these surgical techniques and to expand the indications of minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of gastric cancer. In this review, we summarize the current status and issues regarding minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Clinical significance of skip lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer patients

PURPOSE

Given the recent increase in the incidence of early gastric cancer, there is greater interest in identifying a minimally invasive therapy. The purpose of this study was to analyze the patterns of lymph node metastasis in patients with gastric cancer and to elucidate the clinical significance of skip metastasis.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patterns of lymph node metastasis (LNM) and clinicopathologic factors related to skip metastasis.

RESULTS

Among 2963 patients with gastric cancer, 997 patients (33.6%) were detected as having LNM, and 27 patients (2.7%) with skip metastasis were detected among 997 patients with LNM. Skip metastasis were detected more frequently in the elderly. Compared with the N1 group, the skip metastasis group showed lower frequency of vascular invasion, and compared with the stepwise N2 group, the skip metastasis group showed smaller tumor size and a significantly higher incidence of negative lymphatic, vascular, and perineural invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently there is no way to predict N2 station LNM including skip metastasis, D2 LN dissection for gastric cancer is thought to be the appropriate treatment, even during early stage disease. Minimally invasive therapy should be performed cautiously in consideration of possible skip metastasis.

Comprehension of readmission after laparoscopy assisted distal gastrectomy: what are the causes?

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate long-term outcomes regarding readmission for laparoscopy-assisted distal subtotal gastrectomy (LADG) compared to conventional open distal subtotal gastrectomy (CODG) for early gastric cancer (EGC).

Methods

Between January 2003 and December 2006, 223 and 106 patients underwent LADG and CODG, respectively, for EGC by one surgeon. The clinicopathologic characteristics, postoperative outcomes, postoperative complications, overall 5-year survival, recurrence, and readmission were retrospectively compared between the two groups.

Results

Multiple readmission rate in LADG was significantly less than that in CODG (0.4% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.039), although the readmission rate, reoperation rate after discharge, and mean readmission days were not significantly different between the two groups. Readmission rates of the LADG and CODG groups were 12.6% and 14.2%, respectively. First flatus time and postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LADG group. However, there was no significant difference in the complication rates between the two groups. Overall 5-year survival rates of the LADG and CODG group were 100% and 99.1% (P = 0.038), respectively.

Conclusion

Compared to the CODG group, the LADG group has several advantages in surgical short-term outcome and some benefit in terms of readmission in surgical long-term outcome for patients with EGC, even though the oncologic outcome of LADG is similar to that of CODG over 5 years.

VEGF-A clinical significance in gastric cancers: immunohistochemical analysis of a wide Italian cohort

PURPOSE

The clinical significance of VEGF-A expression in gastric cancer (GC) has been reported with contradicting results. We analyzed the expression and clinical significance of VEGF-A in a wide Italian cohort of GC specimens.

METHODS

VEGF-A expression was tested by immunohistochemistry in 507 patients with GC of all clinical stages. The impact of VEGF-A on overall survival (OS) was evaluated in conjunction with clinical and pathological parameters.

RESULTS

In the Italian cohort we studied VEGF-A was not an independent prognostic factor neither at the univariate nor at multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although frequently expressed, in our study VEGF-A was not able to discriminate between groups of patients with different risk.

Sentinel node mapping for gastric cancer: a prospective multicenter trial in Japan

PURPOSE

Complicated gastric lymphatic drainage potentially undermines the utility of sentinel node (SN) biopsy in patients with gastric cancer. Encouraged by several favorable single-institution reports, we conducted a multicenter, single-arm, phase II study of SN mapping that used a standardized dual tracer endoscopic injection technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with previously untreated cT1 or cT2 gastric adenocarcinomas < 4 cm in gross diameter were eligible for inclusion in this study. SN mapping was performed by using a standardized dual tracer endoscopic injection technique. Following biopsy of the identified SNs, mandatory comprehensive D2 or modified D2 gastrectomy was performed according to current Japanese Gastric Cancer Association guidelines.

RESULTS

Among 433 patients who gave preoperative consent, 397 were deemed eligible on the basis of surgical findings. SN biopsy was performed in all patients, and the SN detection rate was 97.5% (387 of 397). Of 57 patients with lymph node metastasis by conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining, 93% (53 of 57) had positive SNs, and the accuracy of nodal evaluation for metastasis was 99% (383 of 387). Only four false-negative SN biopsies were observed, and pathologic analysis revealed that three of those biopsies were pT2 or tumors > 4 cm. We observed no serious adverse effects related to endoscopic tracer injection or the SN mapping procedure.

CONCLUSION

The endoscopic dual tracer method for SN biopsy was confirmed as safe and effective when applied to the superficial, relatively small gastric adenocarcinomas included in this study.

Feasibility of sentinel node navigation surgery after noncurative endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Recently, the use of additional surgery after noncurative endoscopic resection has gradually increased due to the rapid spread of endoscopic treatments in selected patients with early gastric cancer. Sentinel node navigation surgery (SNNS) has also been recognized as a minimally invasive surgery with personalized lymphadenectomy in early gastric cancer. Here, we assessed the feasibility of SNNS after noncurative endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer.

METHODS

Sixteen patients with early gastric cancer, in whom additional surgery had been indicated due to noncurative endoscopic resection, were enrolled. They underwent a gastrectomy with standard lymphadenectomy. One day before surgery, (99m) technetium-tin colloid was endoscopically injected into the submucosa around the tumor. After surgery, the uptake of radioisotope in dissected lymph nodes was measured using Navigator GPS. Then, all dissected lymph nodes were investigated by hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry using an antihuman cytokeratin monoclonal antibody.

RESULTS

Hematoxylin-eosin staining demonstrated lymph node metastasis in two (12.5%) of 16 patients and in three (0.8%) of 382 nodes. However, immunohistochemistry showed that none of the patients had lymph node micrometastasis. Sentinel nodes (SNs) were identified in all patients. The mean number of SNs was 3.1 (range, 1-6). Among two patients with lymph node metastasis, the SNs, at least, contained positive nodes. Accordingly, the false-negative and accuracy rates were 0% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that SNNS may have potential as a further minimally invasive surgery in early gastric cancer patients after noncurative endoscopic resection.

Function-preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer

The number of early gastric cancer (EGC) cases has been increasing because of improved diagnostic procedures. Applications of function-preserving gastric cancer surgery may therefore also be increasing because of its low incidence of lymph node metastasis, excellent survival rates, and the possibility of less-invasive procedures such as laparoscopic gastrectomy being used in combination. Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) with radical lymph node dissection is one such function-preserving procedure that has been applied for EGC, with the indications, limitations, and survival benefits of PPG already reported in several retrospective studies. Laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy has also been applied for EGC of the upper third of the stomach, although this procedure can be associated with the 2 major problems of reflux esophagitis and carcinoma arising in the gastric stump. In the patient with EGC in the upper third of the stomach, laparoscopy-assisted subtotal gastrectomy with a preserved very small stomach may provide a better quality of life for the patients and fewer postoperative complications. Finally, the laparoscopy endoscopy cooperative surgery procedure combines endoscopic submucosal dissection with laparoscopic gastric wall resection, which prevents excessive resection and deformation of the stomach after surgery and was recently applied for EGC cases without possibility of lymph node metastasis. Function-preserving laparoscopic gastrectomy is recommended for the treatment of EGC if the indication followed by accurate diagnosis is strictly confirmed. Preservation of remnant stomach sometimes causes severe postoperative dysfunctions such as delayed gastric retention in PPG, esophageal reflux in PG, and gastric stump carcinoma in the remnant stomach. Moreover, these techniques present technical difficulties to the surgeon. Although many retrospective studies showed the functional benefit or oncological safety of function-preserving gastrectomy, further prospective studies using large case series are necessary.

Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with jejunal interposition for gastric cancer in the proximal third of the stomach: a retrospective comparison with open surgery

BACKGROUND

The incidence of cancer in the proximal third of the stomach is increasing. Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) seems an attractive option for the treatment of early-stage proximal gastric cancer but has not gained wide acceptance because of technical difficulties, including the prevention of severe reflux. In this study, we describe our technique for LPG with jejunal interposition (LPG-IP) and evaluate its safety and feasibility.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, we reviewed the data of patients with proximal gastric cancer who underwent LPG-IP (n = 22) or the same procedure with open surgery (OPG-IP; n = 68) between January 2008 and September 2011. Short-term surgical variables and outcomes were compared between the groups. The reconstruction method was the same in both groups, with creation of a 15 cm, single-loop, jejunal interposition for anastomosis.

RESULTS

There were no differences in patient or tumor characteristics between the groups. Operation time was longer in the LGP-IP group (233 vs. 201 min, p = 0.0002) and estimated blood loss was significantly less (20 vs. 242 g, p < 0.0001). The average number of harvested lymph nodes did not differ between the two groups (17 vs. 20). There also were no differences in the incidence of leakage at the esophagojejunostomy anastomosis (9.1 vs. 7.4%) or other postoperative complications (27 vs. 32%). The number of times additional postoperative analgesia was required was significantly less in the LPG-IP group compared with the OPG-IP group (2 vs. 4, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

LPG-IP has equivalent safety and curability compared with OPG-IP. Our results imply that LPG-IP may lead to faster recovery, better cosmesis, and improved quality of life in the short-term compared with OPG-IP. Because of the limitations of retrospective analysis, a further study should be conducted to obtain definitive conclusions.

Laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy with sentinel node mapping for early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy (LAPG) remains a relatively uncommon procedure because of certain technical issues, such as curability, safety, and retention of postoperative patients' quality of life. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of a newly developed LAPG procedure for early-stage proximal gastric cancer.

METHODS

We enrolled 37 consecutive patients who were preoperatively diagnosed with cT1N0M0 primary gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach with the primary tumor diameter less than 4 cm. Laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy with sentinel node (SN) mapping and esophagogastric anastomosis with a circular stapler and transoral placement of the anvil was attempted.

RESULTS

The LAPG procedure was completed in 36 patients. It was converted to laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy in one patient because one SN detected intraoperatively was positive for metastasis by intraoperative pathological diagnosis. There were no severe postoperative complications in any patient. Only one patient (3%) complained of mild reflux symptoms immediately after operation, which were graded endoscopically as B by the Los Angeles Classification of gastroesophageal reflux disease; however, the symptoms were controlled well by a proton-pump inhibitor. Sentinel nodes were detected successfully in 37 (100%) of our patients. The mean number of dissected lymph nodes and identified SNs per case was 29.7 and 5.8, respectively. The sensitivity of prediction of nodal metastasis (including isolated tumor cells) and diagnostic accuracy based on SN status were 100% (3/3) and 100% (37/37), respectively. All patients have been free from recurrence for a median follow-up period of 26 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals that our novel LAPG approach is curative and represents a feasible minimally invasive surgical procedure with minimal morbidity and postoperative reflux esophagitis in patients with upper-third early-stage gastric cancer.

Postoperative outcomes and complications after laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG) was introduced as a function-preserving and minimally invasive operation for early gastric cancer (EGC) in Japan. This study investigated the postoperative outcomes, complications, and associated risk factors of the procedure.

METHODS

From January 2005 to December 2009, 307 patients with EGC diagnosed before surgery underwent LAPPG. The postoperative outcomes and complications were assessed in this study. Postoperative complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications, and risk factors related to complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean operation time for LAPPG was 229.4 ± 47.5 minutes and estimated blood loss was 49.1 ± 62.0 mL. The mean total number of dissected lymph nodes was 31.6 ± 10.4, with nodal involvement observed in 25 patients (8.5%). The preoperative diagnostic accuracy of EGC was 93.2%. Complications developed in 53 patients (17.3%), and major complications, classified as grades greater than Clavien-Dindo classification IIIa, were observed in 4 patients (1.3%). The most frequent complication was gastric stasis, occurring in 19 patients (6.2%). Body mass index (BMI) and surgical experience of LAPPG were identified as significant risk factors of postoperative complications. Body mass index was related to severity of the complications. The patients' serum total protein and albumin did not change significantly after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy is a safe operation with excellent postoperative outcomes in terms of minimized major complications based on the Clavien-Dindo classification in patients with EGC in the middle third of the stomach. To prevent postoperative complications, surgeons need to ensure an extra leaning period for LAPPG, and LAPPG should be performed cautiously in patients with high BMI.

Frequency and predictive factors of lymph node metastasis in mucosal cancer

Purpose

The incidence of lymph node metastasis has been reported to range from 2.6 to 4.8% in early stage gastric cancer with mucosal invasion (T1a cancer). Lymph node metastasis in early stage gastric cancer is known as an important predictive factor. We analyzed the prediction factors of lymph node metastasis in T1a cancer.

Materials and Methods

A total of 9,912 patients underwent radical gastrectomy due to gastric cancer from October 1994 to July 2006 in the Department Of Surgery at Samsung Medical Center. We did a retrospective analysis of 2,524 patients of these patients, ones for whom the cancer was confined within the mucosa.

Results

Among the 2,524 patients, 57 (2.2%) were diagnosed with lymph node metastasis, and of these, cancer staging was as follows: 41 were N1, 8 were N2, and 8 were N3a. Univariate analysis of clinicopathological factors showed that the following factors were significant predictors of metastasis: tumor size larger than 4 cm, the presence of middle and lower stomach cancer, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and signet-ring cell carcinoma, diffuse type cancer (by the Lauren classification), and lymphatic invasion. Multivariate analysis showed that lymphatic invasion and tumor larger than 4 cm were significant factors with P<0.001 and P=0.024, respectively.

Conclusions

The frequency of lymph node metastasis is extremely low in early gastric cancer with mucosal invasion. However, when lymphatic invasion is present or the tumor is larger than 4 cm, there is a greater likelihood of lymph node metastasis. In such cases, surgical treatments should be done to prevent disease recurrence.

Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy in patients with previous endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Some patients undergoing endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer need further surgical treatment to achieve cure. However, the influence of endoscopic resection on subsequent laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) remains unclear.

METHODS

A total of 711 patients who underwent LAG were analysed retrospectively; 111 patients had undergone endoscopic resection previously and the remaining 600 had no history of endoscopic resection. Patient characteristics, operative and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Risk factors associated with postoperative complications were analysed.

RESULTS

Duration of operation and blood loss were comparable between the two groups. Patients who had undergone endoscopic resection had fewer dissected lymph nodes and a lower rate of preservation of the coeliac branch of the vagus nerve, especially those who had LAG within 2 months after endoscopic resection. Early postoperative outcomes, including complications, gastrointestinal recovery and length of postoperative hospital stay, were not significantly different between the two groups. Previous endoscopic resection was not a risk factor for postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

LAG can be performed safely even after endoscopic resection. Endoscopic resection might increase the difficulty of subsequent LAG, including lymph node dissection and preservation of the coeliac branch of the vagus nerve; however, it has little influence on early postoperative outcome.

Long-term outcome and survival with laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopically assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG) is introduced as a function-preserving operation with minimal invasion for early gastric cancer (EGC). This study aimed to investigate the long-term outcome and survival with LAPPG.

METHODS

From January 2005 to July 2008, 188 patients with EGC underwent LAPPG. The surgical and long-term outcomes and survival were assessed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The accuracy of the preoperative EGC diagnosis was 92.6%. The median follow-up period was 38 months (range, 2-63 months). Two patients experienced gallstones, and three patients experienced a second primary EGC. One patient with T3N0 gastric cancer died of peritoneal metastasis, and four patients died of other causes. The overall 3-year survival rate was 97.8%, and the disease-specific 3-year survival rate was 99.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

The LAPPG procedure is safe in terms of satisfactory long-term outcome and survival for patients with EGC in the middle third of the stomach.

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared laparoscopy-assisted and open distal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate and compare the advantages of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) over open distal gastrectomy (ODG) for treating early gastric cancer (EGC).

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, and Cochrane Controlled Trial Register for relevant papers published between January 1990 and January 2010 by using the following search terms: laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy, laparoscopic gastrectomy, and early gastric cancer. The following data were analyzed: operative time, estimated blood loss, number of harvested lymph nodes, time required for resumption of oral intake, duration of hospital stay, frequency of analgesic administration, complications, tumor recurrence, and mortality.

RESULTS

We selected four papers reporting randomized control studies (RCTs) that compared LADG with ODG for EGC. Our meta-analysis included 267 patients with EGC; of these, 134 and 133 had undergone LADG and ODG, respectively. The volume of intraoperative blood loss, frequency of analgesic administration, and rate of complications were significantly lesser for LADG than for ODG. However, the time required for resumption of oral intake and duration of hospital stay did not significantly differ between LADG and ODG. The operative time for LADG was significantly longer than that for ODG; further, the number of harvested lymph nodes was significantly lesser in the LADG group than in the ODG group.

CONCLUSION

LADG is advantageous over ODG because it results in lesser blood loss, is less painful, and is associated with a low risk of complications. Additional RCTs that compare LADG and ODG and investigate the long-term oncological outcomes of LADG are required to determine the advantages of LADG over ODG.

Solitary lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer

The feasibility and diagnostic reliability of sentinel node (SN) biopsy for gastric cancer are still controversial. We studied the clinicopathological features and localization of solitary lymph node metastasis (SLM) in gastric cancer to provide useful information for use of the SN concept in gastric cancer. From 2000 to 2004, 3,267 patients with gastric cancer underwent D2 radical gastrectomy. The clinicopathological features of 195 patients with histologically proven SLM and the distribution of metastasized nodes were assessed. The incidence of SLM was 6.0% in all cases. Compared with the node-negative patients, significant differences were observed in age, tumor size, depth of invasion, and surgical type. The cumulative 5-year survival rate of patients with SLM was 80.5%, which was significantly lower than 90.2% for node-negative patients (P<0.001). Of patients with SLM, 82.6% had it in the perigastric node area (N1), and the other 17.4% patients had skip metastasis in the N2-N3 nodes. Perigastric nodes were the most common first sites of drainage from the tumor, making them the main targets of the operative SN mapping procedure. Due to the higher than expected incidence of skip metastasis in gastric cancer, D2 lymphadenectomy should be performed until the reliability of SN navigation surgery is validated in multicenter prospective clinical trials.