Roux-en-Y versus Billroth I reconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A meta-analysis

Evaluation of a new surgical procedure for simultaneous resection of synchronous thoracic middle-lower segment esophageal and distal gastric cancers

Background

An increasing number of patients with synchronous esophageal cancer (EC) and gastric cancer (GC) have been diagnosed in recent years. Colon or jejunal interposition for esophageal reconstruction has been frequently performed. This study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of a new surgical procedure for patients with synchronous thoracic middle-lower segment EC and distal GC.

Methods

Between July 2012 and December 2021, 18 patients underwent simultaneous esophagectomy and distal gastrectomy, in which the tubular stomach was formed by greater curvature of proximal stomach, with the right gastroepiploic vessels used as the blood supply. Patient demographics and perioperative data were analyzed.

Results

All 18 patients were male, with a mean age of 64.9 years (range, 51-72 years). The mean ± standard deviation (SD) operative duration was 249.6±17.4 min (range, 195-275 min) and mean estimated blood loss was 200.0±86.6 mL (range, 100-400 mL). Ten (55.6%) patients recovered well without any complications, with a mean postoperative length of hospitalization of 9.2±2.6 days (range, 6-13 days). Overall, postoperative complications, defined as Clavien-Dindo grades I-V, occurred in eight (44.4%) patients, with anastomotic leakage in four (22.2%), and hydrothorax (11.1%), gastric retention (5.6%), pneumonia (5.6%), and jaundice (5.6%) occurring in two, one, one, and one patient(s), respectively. All patients who experienced complications recovered after treatment, except for one who died of anastomotic leakage.

Conclusions

The surgical procedure might be a new treatment option for selected patients with synchronous thoracic middle-lower segment EC and distal GC.

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.

Does gastric stump cancer really differ from primary proximal gastric cancer? A multicentre, propensity score matching-used, retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Although the location of proximal cancer of the remnant stomach is the same as that of primary proximal cancer of the stomach, its clinical characteristics and prognosis are still controversial.

AIM

To evaluate the clinicopathological features and prognosis factors of gastric stump cancer (GSC) and primary proximal gastric cancer (PGC).

METHODS

From January, 2005 to December, 2016, 178 patients with GSC and 957 cases with PGC who received surgical treatment were enrolled. Patients in both groups underwent 1:1 propensity score matching analysis, and both clinical and pathological data were systematically collected for statistical purposes. Quality of life was evaluated by the C30 and STO22 scale between GSC-malignant (GSC following gastric cancer) and GSC-benign (GSC following benign lesions of the stomach).

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-two pairs were successfully matched after propensity score matching analysis. Of the 15 demographic and pathological variables collected, the analysis further revealed that the number of lymph nodes and positive lymph nodes were different prognostic and clinicopathological factors between PGC and GSC. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that gender, differentiation degree and tumor-node-metastasis stage were independent risk factors for patients with GSC. Gender, vascular invasion, differentiation degree, depth of infiltration, positive lymph nodes, and tumor-node-metastasis stage were independent risk factors for patients with PGC. The 5-year overall survival and cancer-specific survival of patients with GSC were significantly lower than those in the PGC group, the scores for overall quality of life in the GSC-malignant group were lower than the GSC-benign, and the differences were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The differences in clinicopathological characteristics between GSC and PGC were clarified, and PGC had a better prognosis than GSC.

Functional evaluations comparing Billroth I with a large remnant stomach and Roux en Y with a small remnant stomach following laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: An investigation including laparoscopic total gastrectomy

PURPOSE

This study compared the pros and cons of two post-distal gastrectomy (DG) reconstruction methods by comparing the patient quality of life and functional dynamics at one year postoperatively.

METHODS

We compared functional outcomes between Billroth I following laparoscopic 1/2 DG (L-B1; n = 27) and Roux en Y following laparoscopic 4/5 DG (L-RY; n = 24), including laparoscopic total gastrectomy (L-TG; n = 25), at one year postoperatively. Clinical investigations were performed in each patient, and functional evaluations by the acetaminophen (AAP) absorption test and plasma gastrointestinal hormone measurements were performed in consenting patients in each group (L-B1: n = 10, L-RY: n = 10, L-TG: n = 5).

RESULTS

Postoperative/preoperative body weight ratios were significantly higher in the L-B1 and L-RY groups, in descending order than the L-TG group, although the meal intake ratio was not significantly different between the L-B1 and L-RY groups. The incidence of remnant gastritis was significantly higher in the B1 than in the RY group. AAP levels, glucose and glucagon-like peptide 1 were significantly lower in the L-B1 than in the L-RY group. Active ghrelin levels (AGL) were similar between the L-B1 and L-RY groups.

CONCLUSIONS

L-B1 maintains gradual intestinal absorption and physiological meal passage and prevents postoperative weight loss. L-RY results in maintenance of the postoperative meal intake via high AGL, equivalent to that in the L-B1 group.

Comparison between laparoscopic uncut Roux-en-Y and Billroth II with Braun anastomosis after distal gastrectomy: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Conventional Billroth II (BII) anastomosis after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) for gastric cancer (GC) is associated with bile reflux gastritis, and Roux-en-Y anastomosis is associated with Roux-Y stasis syndrome (RSS). The uncut Roux-en-Y (URY) gastrojejunostomy reduces these complications by blocking the entry of bile and pancreatic juice into the residual stomach and preserving the impulse originating from the duodenum, while BII with Braun (BB) anastomosis reduces the postoperative biliary reflux without RSS. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic URY with BB anastomosis in patients with GC who underwent radical distal gastrectomy.

AIM

To evaluate the value of URY in patients with GC.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Chinese Biomedical Database, and VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP) were used to search relevant studies published from January 1994 to August 18, 2021. The following databases were also used in our search: Clinicaltrials.gov, Data Archiving and Networked Services, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal (https://www.who.int/clinical-trials-registry-platform/the-ictrp-search-portal), the reference lists of articles and relevant conference proceedings in August 2021. In addition, we conducted a relevant search by Reference Citation Analysis (RCA) (https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com). We cited high-quality references using its results analysis functionality. The methodological quality of the eligible randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and the non-RCTs were evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager (Version 5.4).

RESULTS

Eight studies involving 704 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The incidence of reflux gastritis [odds ratio = 0.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03-0.19, P < 0.00001] was significantly lower in the URY group than in the BB group. The pH of the postoperative gastric fluid was lower in the URY group than in the BB group at 1 d [mean difference (MD) = -2.03, 95%CI: (-2.73)-(-1.32), P < 0.00001] and 3 d [MD = -2.03, 95%CI: (-2.57)-(-2.03), P < 0.00001] after the operation. However, no significant difference in all the intraoperative outcomes was found between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

This work suggests that URY is superior to BB in gastrointestinal reconstruction after LDG when considering postoperative outcomes.

Techniques for reconstruction after distal gastrectomy for cancer: updated network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The choice of the best reconstruction technique after distal gastrectomy (DG) remains controversial and still not defined. The purpose was to perform a comprehensive evaluation within the major type of intestinal reconstruction after DG for gastric cancer.

METHODS

Systematic review and network meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare Billroth I (BI), Billroth II (BII), Billroth II Braun (BII Braun), Roux-en-Y (RY), and Uncut Roux-en-Y (URY). Risk ratio (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) were used as pooled effect size measures while 95% credible intervals (CrI) were used to assess relative inference.

RESULTS

Ten RCTs (1456 patients) were included. Of these, 448 (33.7%) underwent BI, 220 (15.1%) BII, 114 BII Braun (7.8%), 533 (36.6%) RY, and 141 URY (9.6%). No significant differences were found among treatments for 30-day mortality, anastomotic leak, anastomotic stricture, and overall complications. At 12-month follow-up, RY was associated with a significantly reduced risk of remnant gastritis compared to BI (RR=0.56; 95% Crl 0.35-0.76) and BII reconstruction (RR=0.47; 95% Crl 0.22-0.97). Similarly, despite the lack of statistical significance, RY seems associated with a trend toward reduced endoscopically proven esophagitis compared to BI (RR=0.58; 95% Crl 0.24-1.51) and bile reflux compared to BI (RR=0.48; 95% Crl 0.17-1.41), BII (RR=0.74; 95% Crl 0.20-2.81), and BII Braun (RR=0.65; 95% Crl 0.30-1.43).

CONCLUSIONS

This network meta-analysis shows that there are five main options for intestinal anastomosis after DG. All techniques seem equally safe with comparable anastomotic leak, anastomotic stricture, overall morbidity, and short-term outcomes. In the short-term follow-up (12 months), RY seems associated with a reduced risk of remnant gastritis and a trend toward a reduced risk of bile reflux and esophagitis.

Prognosis after curative resection for stage IA gastric cancer in elderly patients: endoscopic submucosal dissection versus surgery

PURPOSE

To establish whether gastrectomy for early gastric cancer (EGC) in elderly patients is related to poor survival.

METHODS

The subjects of this retrospective study were patients aged ≥ 75 years with primary stage IA EGC, who underwent curative resection with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or surgery.

RESULTS

We analyzed data on 365 patients who underwent ESD and 170 patients who underwent surgery. Overall survival (OS) was not significantly different for the ESD group vs. the surgery group (5-year cumulative rates, 81.5% vs. 79.7%; log-rank test, P = 0.506). Multivariate analysis revealed that treatments; namely, ESD or surgery, were not associated with OS (hazard ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 0.77-1.51). Similar results were observed even in the subgroups with worse conditions, such as age > 80 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 2-3, Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 2, and prognostic nutritional index ≤ 46.7. Using propensity score matching, we selected 88 pairs of patients who underwent ESD or surgery with baseline characteristics matched and found that OS was not different between the two groups (log-rank test, P = 0.829).

CONCLUSION

OS was comparable for elderly patients who underwent ESD and those who underwent surgery for EGC. Surgical invasiveness did not worsen the prognosis, even for elderly patients.

Optimal Reconstruction After Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Objectives

Although laparoscopic distal gastrectomy has been widely used for distal gastric cancer, the best functional reconstruction type has not yet been established. Based on previous experience, we propose a modified uncut Roux-en-Y anastomosis. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of different intracorporeal anastomoses after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.

Methods

From April 2015 to August 2020, the data of 215 patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy was collected. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to the digestive tract reconstruction method, Billroth-I, Billroth-II, Roux-en-Y, and the modified uncut Roux-en-Y. Clinicopathologic characteristics, surgery details, short-term outcomes, and postoperative nutritional status were analyzed.

Results

The operation time of Billroth-I anastomosis was significantly shorter (216.2 ± 25.8 min, P < .001) than that of other methods. There was no difference in postoperative complications and OS among the 4 reconstruction methods. The incidences of esophagitis, gastritis, and bile reflux were significantly lower in the Roux-en-Y and uncut Roux-en-Y group (P < .001) 1 year after surgery. And the postoperative albumin and PNI levels in uncut Roux-en-Y group were higher than those in other groups(P < .05). On multivariate analysis, age and reconstruction type were independently related to esophagitis, gastritis, and bile reflux. Serum albumin and the prognostic nutritional index were significantly higher in the uncut Roux-en-Y group than other groups (P < .05).

Conclusions

All 4 reconstruction techniques are feasible and safe. The Roux-en-Y and uncut Roux-en-Y are superior to Billroth-Ⅰ and Billroth-Ⅱ+Braun in terms of reflux esophagitis, gastritis, and bile reflux. Uncut Roux-en-Y may result in better PNI than the others.

Surgical and oncological outcome after extended lymph node dissection for carcinoma of the stomach and the esophagogastric junction: a retrospective analysis from an experienced single center

Introduction

Gastric cancer remains the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in Europe, while the proportion of adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction has risen by more than one third over recent years. In 2018, 14,700 new cases of gastric cancer were estimated in Germany, while the 5-year relative survival rate is reported to be 33% for women and 30% for men; in the USA almost the same rate was reported, with 31% 5-year survival.

Material and methods

Between 2001 and 2014, 590 patients with a diagnosis of gastric cancer underwent surgery in our institution, including 120 Siewert type II/III carcinomas of the esophagogastric junction. All patients underwent distal resection of the stomach, gastrectomy or total gastrectomy combined with transhiatal distal esophageal resection. All operations included D2-D3 lymph node dissection (LND). Data were recorded by the cancer registry of the department of surgery and analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The patients were classified according to the TNM (UICC 2010) and Lauren classification. 29% of the patients underwent primary surgery and 31% received neoadjuvant therapy. The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 33 for patients diagnosed with gastric cancer, and 29 for esophagogastric adenocarcinomas, respectively. The anastomotic leak rate was 3%. In this study, the 5-year overall survival rate was 51% concerning gastric carcinomas, 44% for Siewert type II and 47% for Siewert III cancers of the esophagogastric junction.

Conclusions

Increased survival with low complication rates were achieved after individualized and multimodal treatment concepts combined with consistently applied extended lymphadenectomy.

Roux-en-Y Reconstruction Following Distal Gastrectomy Reduced Endoscopic Reflux Esophagitis in Older Adults: Propensity Score–Matching Analysis

Objective

This study aimed to examine the functional outcomes of Roux-en-Y (RY) and Billroth I (BI) reconstruction methods following distal gastrectomy in patients ages ≥75 years with gastric cancer.

Summary of background data

RY and BI reconstructions are commonly performed after distal gastrectomy. However, no study has compared the 2 procedures in older adults.

Methods

We identified older patients who underwent RY (n = 103) or BI (n = 71) reconstruction following distal gastrectomy from 2011 to 2018 in our database. Patients in the RY and BI groups were matched by propensity scores, and each group included 62 patients. We compared short-term surgical outcomes and clinical findings at 1 year postoperatively. Additionally, risk factors for endoscopic reflux esophagitis following distal gastrectomy were evaluated.

Results

Reflux esophagitis, bile reflux, and remnant gastritis were significantly less frequent in RY reconstruction than in BI reconstruction. Moreover, both BI reconstruction and preoperative hiatus hernias were independent risk factors for postoperative endoscopic reflux esophagitis. Although the incidence of postoperative surgical complications following RY and BI was similar, RY was found to cause delayed gastric emptying more frequently than BI.

Conclusion

RY reconstruction is a favorable procedure to prevent reflux esophagitis in older patients, particularly in those with hiatal hernia.

Roux-en-Y versus Billroth-I reconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer diagnosed worldwide. Due to improved early detection rates of gastric cancer and technological advances in treatments, a significant improvement in survival rates has been achieved in people with cancer undergoing gastrectomy. Subsequently, there has been increasing emphasis on postgastrectomy syndrome (e.g. fullness, delayed emptying, and cold sweat, amongst others) and quality of life postsurgery. However, it is uncertain which types of reconstruction result in better outcomes postsurgery.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the evidence on health-related quality of life and safety outcomes of Roux-en-Y and Billroth-I reconstructions after distal gastrectomy for people with gastric cancer.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Library and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, and Embase on 4 May 2021. We checked the reference lists of the included studies and contacted manufacturers and professionals in the field. There were no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) allocating participants to Roux-en-Y reconstruction or Billroth-I reconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened studies identified by the search for eligibility and extracted data. The primary outcomes were health-related quality of life after surgery and incidence of anastomotic leakage. The secondary outcomes included body weight loss, incidence of bile reflux, length of hospital stay, and overall morbidity. We used a random-effects model to conduct meta-analyses. We assessed risk of bias of the included studies in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, and the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included eight RCTs (942 participants) in the review. One study included both cancer patients and benign disease patients such as stomach ulcers. Two studies compared Roux-en-Y, Billroth-I, and Billroth-II reconstructions, whilst the other studies compared Roux-en-Y and Billroth-I directly.  For the primary outcomes, the evidence suggests that there may be little to no difference in health-related quality of life between Roux-en-Y and Billroth-I reconstruction (standardised mean difference 0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.11 to 0.18; I² = 0%; 6 studies; 695 participants; low-certainty evidence due to study limitations and imprecision). The evidence for the effect of Roux-en-Y versus Billroth-I reconstruction on the incidence of anastomotic leakage is very uncertain (risk ratio (RR) 0.63, 95% CI 0.16 to 2.53; I² = 0%; 5 studies; 711 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The incidence of anastomotic leakage was 0.6% and 1.4% in the Roux-en-Y and Billroth-I groups, respectively. For the secondary outcomes, the evidence suggests that Billroth-I reconstruction may result in little to no difference in loss of body weight compared to Roux-en-Y reconstruction (mean difference (MD) 0.41, 95% CI -0.77 to 1.59; I² = 0%; 4 studies; 541 participants; low-certainty evidence). Roux-en-Y reconstruction probably reduces the incidence of bile reflux compared to Billroth-I reconstruction (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.63; I² = 22%; 4 studies; 399 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Billroth-I reconstruction may shorten postoperative hospital stay, but the evidence for this outcome is very uncertain (MD 0.96, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.76; I² = 56%; 7 studies; 894 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Billroth-I reconstruction may reduce postoperative overall morbidity compared to Roux-en-Y reconstruction (RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.11; I² = 0%; 7 studies; 891 participants; low-certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence suggests that there is little to no difference between Roux-en-Y and Billroth-I reconstruction for the outcome health-related quality of life. The evidence for the effect of Roux-en-Y versus Billroth-I reconstruction on the incidence of anastomotic leakage is very uncertain as the incidence of this outcome was low. Although the certainty of evidence was low, we found some possibly clinically meaningful differences between Roux-en-Y and Billroth-I reconstruction for short-term outcomes. Roux-en-Y reconstruction probably reduces the incidence of bile reflux into the remnant stomach compared to Billroth-I reconstruction. Billroth-I reconstruction may shorten postoperative hospital stay compared to Roux-en-Y reconstruction, but the evidence is very uncertain. Billroth-I reconstruction may reduce postoperative overall morbidity compared to Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Future trials should include long-term follow-up of health-related quality of life and body weight loss.

Comparison of the Long-term Outcome Between Billroth-I and Roux-en-Y Reconstruction Following Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

Various reconstruction methods have been performed following distal gastrectomy; however, each reconstruction method has its own advantages and disadvantages. This study aims to compare the long-term outcomes between Billroth-I (B-I) and Roux-en-Y (RY) reconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

METHODS

A total of 459 patients who underwent distal gastrectomy (B-I: 166, RY: 293) were included. Postoperative endoscopic findings and biliary tract stone formation were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

At 1 year and 2 years postoperatively, gastric residue was more common in the RY group, gastritis was similar between groups, and bile reflux was more common in the B-I group. At 5 years postoperatively, gastric residue was similar between the groups, while gastritis and bile reflux were more common in the B-I group. Gastroesophageal reflux was more common in the B-I group at 1 year postoperatively, but gastroesophageal reflux became not significantly different between the groups at 2 and 5 years postoperatively. Gallstone formation was more common in the RY group and in patients aged ≥ 65 years.

CONCLUSION

During long-term follow-up, RY reconstruction was associated with lower incidence of bile reflux and gastritis, and higher incidence of gallstone formation than B-I reconstruction. The incidence of gastric residue was more common in the RY reconstruction group in the early postoperative period and became not significantly different between the two groups over time. For aged patients with RY reconstruction, cholecystectomy is recommended concurrently as gastrectomy.

Comparison of Billroth I, Billroth II, and Roux-en-Y reconstructions following distal gastrectomy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Major surgical treatment for distal gastric cancer include Billroth I (BI), Billroth II (BII), and Roux-en-Y (RY). Since the optimal reconstruction methods remains inconclusive, we aimed to compare these treatments in terms of intraoperative and postoperative course after distal gastrectomy with a systematic review and random-effects network meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Ovid's database for prospective, randomized, controlled trials comparing the outcomes of BI, BII, and RY reconstruction after distal gastrectomy until January 2020. From the included studies, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, endoscopic findings and complications were extracted as the short- and long-term outcomes of reconstructions. The network meta-analysis was performed with R 3.5.2 software as well as "gemtc" and "forestplot" packages. Twelve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1662 patients were included. RY reconstruction has a lower risk and degree of remnant gastritis than BI and BII reconstructions(OR 0.40, 95%Crl: 0.24-0.64; OR 0.36, 95% Crl: 0.16-0.83, respectively). BI reconstruction method took significantly less time to perform as compared to BII and RY reconstruction (WMD 20, 95% Crl: 0.18-41; WMD 30, 95% Crl: 14-25, respectively). No differences in intraoperative blood loss, time to resumed oral intake, postoperative hospital stay, reflux oesophagitis and complications among the three reconstructions. The RY reconstruction after distal gastrectomy was more effective in preventing remnant gastritis than Billroth I and Billroth II reconstruction, although RY reconstruction was considered as technical complexity.

Comparison of Operative Outcomes Among Laparoscopic, 3D-Laparoscopic, and Robotic Gastrectomy for Distal Gastric Cancer

Objective

Minimally invasive surgery has become popular in the treatment of gastric cancer.

Background

Few reports have compared operative outcomes among laparoscopic, 3-dimensional (3D)-laparoscopic, and robotic gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer.

Methods

Between August 2011 and June 2020, a total of 245 patients underwent laparoscopic (n = 129), 3D-laparoscopic (n = 55), or robotic (n = 61) gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer; the clinicopathologic characteristics and operative outcomes were compared among groups.

Results

Compared with the laparoscopic group, the 3D-laparoscopic and robotic groups were associated with more D2 lymphadenectomy, higher medical costs, and a longer operative time, whereas the number of retrieved lymph nodes and surgical complications were similar among the 3 groups. For patients receiving D2 lymphadenectomy, the robotic group was associated with higher medical costs and longer operative time than the other 2 groups; patients with high body mass index (high BMI) had a longer operative time than patients with low BMI in the laparoscopic group, which was not significantly different between patients with low or high BMI in both the 3D-laparoscopic and robotic groups. For patients with low BMI, the medical costs were higher and the operative time was longer in the robotic group than the other 2 groups. For patients with high BMI, the robotic group was associated with higher medical costs, and longer operative time and postoperative hospital stay than the other 2 groups.

Conclusions

3D-laparoscopic gastrectomy was associated with affordable medical costs, comparable lymphadenectomy, and similar surgical outcomes compared with robotic gastrectomy.

Billroth I, a Viable Alternative in Early Distal Gastric Cancers: Short-Term Results from an Indian Tertiary Care Center

The only hope of cure in carcinoma stomach is gastrectomy; it can be total or partial depending upon the location of the tumor. While there is no controversy in the extent of resection, the choice of anastomosis after partial gastrectomy is a matter of debate. For pyloric lesions, we felt that in spite of the ease of performing surgery, simplicity, being physiological, and time-saving, Billroth I is underutilized. Hence, the study rationale was to compare Billroth I and Billroth II anastomosis post-gastric resection in the surgical management of gastric cancer. This was a retrospective study performed in the Department of Surgical Oncology, Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre (AHRCC), Cuttack, Odisha. A total of 95 patients who underwent distal radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer during 2016 and 2017 were included in the study. Nineteen patients underwent Billroth I reconstruction and 76 patients underwent Billroth II reconstruction. In the case of both groups, no statistically significant differences (p˂0.05) were found in terms of early post-operative complications or long-term post-operative follow-up in our experience. Billroth I reconstruction is a simple, oncologically safe, economical, and physiological procedure. It can be performed when there is availability of large stomach remnant post-gastric resection. However, there is no significant difference between Billroth I and Billroth II in terms of patient's recovery and post-operative complications.

Functional Outcomes of Delta-Shaped Anastomosis After Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

We invented a simple and secure method of intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy, the delta-shaped anastomosis (DA), using endoscopic linear stapler only and standardized the DA procedure by resecting two-thirds of the stomach based on the anatomical landmarks. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the standardized DA as the standard reconstruction procedure after a laparoscopic distal gastrectomy assessing functional outcomes including postoperative complications, body weight loss, nutritional status, and endoscopic findings.

METHODS

The medical records of 349 patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy from April 2011 to December 2017 at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Functional outcomes were assessed according to nutritional status and endoscopic findings.

RESULTS

The operation time was shorter and complication rate was lower in the standardized DA than those in Billroth-II (BII) and Roux-en-Y (RY). The body weight loss in DA was 10% 1 year postoperatively and remained stable during the follow-up period, which showed no significant difference. The endoscopic findings showed the ratio of residual food in DA was lower than that in RY (DA:RY = 13.3%:13.6% and 8.4%:33.3% at 1 and 3 years postoperatively, respectively). Severe gastritis was extremely rare in DA (6.7% at 1 year and 15.6% at 3 years postoperatively). Bile reflux was more often found in DA than RY (DA:RY = 19.9%:4.8% and 26.6%:0% at 1 and 3 years postoperatively, respectively). Reflux esophagitis was found 10% of DA only.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional outcomes of the standardized DA were satisfactory and feasible. Our intracorporeal Billroth-I reconstruction, by resecting two-thirds of the stomach, can be one of the standard reconstruction methods after a laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.

Distal Gastrectomy with Billroth II Reconstruction is Associated with Oralization of Gut Microbiome and Intestinal Inflammation: A Proof-of-Concept Study

BACKGROUND

Subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth II reconstruction (SGB2) results in increased gastric pH and diminished gastric barrier. Increased gastric pH following PPI therapy has an impact on the gut microbiome, intestinal inflammation, and possibly patient health. If similar changes are present after SGB2, these can be relevant for patient health and long-term outcomes after surgery. The aim of the study is to investigate whether SGB2 is associated with specific changes in gut microbiome composition and intestinal inflammation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional proof-of-concept study includes patients after SGB2 (n = 14) for early gastric cancer and their nongastrectomized in-house relatives as controls (n = 8). Fecal microbiome composition, intestinal inflammation (fecal calprotectin), gut permeability (DAO, LBP, sCD14), systemic inflammation (CRP) markers, and gastrointestinal symptoms are investigated. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03418428).

RESULTS

Microbiome oralization following SGB2 was defined by an increase in Escherichia-Shigella, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, and other typical oral cavity bacteria (Veillonella, Oribacterium, and Mogibacterium) abundance. The fecal calprotectin was increased in the SGB2 group [100.9 (52.1; 292) vs. 25.8 (17; 66.5); p = 0.014], and calprotectin levels positively correlated with the abundance of Streptococcus (rs = 0.639; padj = 0.023). Gastrointestinal symptoms in SGB2 patients were associated with distinct taxonomic changes of the gut microbiome.

CONCLUSIONS

SGB2 is associated with oralization of the gut microbiome; intestinal inflammation and microbiome changes were associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. These novel findings may open gut microbiome as a new target for therapy to improve quality of life and general patient health in long-term survivors after SGB2.

Comparison of Billroth I, Billroth II, and Roux-en-Y reconstructions following distal gastrectomy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Major surgical treatment for distal gastric cancer include Billroth I (BI), Billroth II (BII), and Roux-en-Y (RY). Since the optimal reconstruction methods remains inconclusive, we aimed to compare these treatments in terms of intraoperative and postoperative course after distal gastrectomy with a systematic review and random-effects network meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Ovid's database for prospective, randomized, controlled trials comparing the outcomes of BI, BII, and RY reconstruction after distal gastrectomy until January 2020. From the included studies, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, endoscopic findings and complications were extracted as the short- and long-term outcomes of reconstructions. The network meta-analysis was performed with R 3.5.2 software as well as "gemtc" and "forestplot" packages. Twelve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1662 patients were included. RY reconstruction has a lower risk and degree of remnant gastritis than BI and BII reconstructions(OR 0.40, 95%Crl: 0.24-0.64; OR 0.36, 95% Crl: 0.16-0.83, respectively). BI reconstruction method took significantly less time to perform as compared to BII and RY reconstruction (WMD 20, 95% Crl: 0.18-41; WMD 30, 95% Crl: 14-25, respectively). No differences in intraoperative blood loss, time to resumed oral intake, postoperative hospital stay, reflux oesophagitis and complications among the three reconstructions. The RY reconstruction after distal gastrectomy was more effective in preventing remnant gastritis than Billroth I and Billroth II reconstruction, although RY reconstruction was considered as technical complexity.

Propensity-score-matched analysis of a multi-institutional dataset to compare postoperative complications between Billroth I and Roux-en-Y reconstructions after distal gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Few well-controlled studies have compared postoperative complications between Billroth I (B-I) and Roux-en-Y (R-Y). The aim of the present study was to compare the incidence of overall and severe postoperative complications by reconstruction method after distal gastrectomy.

METHODS

We performed a multi-institutional dataset study of patients who underwent distal gastrectomy with B-I or R-Y reconstruction from 2010 to 2014. Using propensity scores to strictly balance the significant variables, we compared postoperative complications between the techniques.

RESULTS

After matching, we enrolled 1014 patients (n = 507 in each group). The incidence of postoperative complications in the R-Y group was significantly higher vs the B-I group (29% vs 17%, P < 0.0001). The incidence of intra-abdominal abscess (4.3% vs 1.8%, P = 0.0177), bowel obstruction (2.6% vs 0.6%, P = 0.0203), and delayed gastric emptying (5.3% vs 1.0%, P < 0.0001) in the R-Y group was significantly higher vs the B-I group, respectively; we saw no significant difference in leakage (3.4% vs 4.1%, P = 0.5084). The incidence of grade ≥ III severe postoperative complications in the R-Y group was significantly higher vs the B-I group (13% vs 7.1%, P = 0.0013). Multivariable analysis showed that R-Y reconstruction was a strong independent risk factor for overall postoperative complications (odds ratio 1.58, P = 0.0044) and grade ≥ III severe postoperative complications (odds ratio 1.75, P = 0.0127). A forest plot revealed that R-Y reconstruction was associated with a greater risk of both overall and grade ≥ III severe postoperative complications in any subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

R-Y reconstruction was associated with increasing overall postoperative complications, as well as severe postoperative complications.

Total Laparoscopic Uncut Roux-en-Y for Radical Distal Gastrectomy: An Interim Analysis of a Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

The traditional Billroth II and Roux-en-Y anastomosis after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer are associated with bile reflux gastritis and roux stasis syndrome, respectively. The uncut Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy can decrease the incidence of these complications by blocking the entry of bile and pancreatic juice into the residual stomach and retaining the impulses originating from the duodenum. The purpose of the present study was to compare the short-term outcomes of uncut Roux-en-Y (URY) and Billroth II combined Braun (BB) anastomosis.

METHODS

In this prospective, multi-center, two-arm randomized controlled trial, 124 patients with advanced distal gastric cancer were randomized into two groups: URY (n = 62) and BB (n = 62) groups.

RESULTS

The mean gastric juice pH was significantly lower in the URY group compared with the BB group (3.94 ± 0.71 vs. 5.83 ± 0.91, P < 0.0001). The bile reflux gastritis at 3 months (P < 0.0001) and 6 months (P = 0.002) was significantly more frequent in the BB group. No recanalization occurred in the URY group, and no significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of mean operative time (P = 0.69), mean time to perform anastomosis (P = 0.86), mean estimated blood loss (P = 0.77), mean number of harvested lymph nodes (P = 0.90), time to first passage of flatus or defecation (P = 0.87), postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.83), and the incidence of postoperative complications (P = 0.70).

CONCLUSIONS

URY anastomosis is associated with a significantly lower incidence of bile reflux gastritis and roux stasis syndrome compared with BB anastomosis.

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

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

Uncut Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy after totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy: Learning curve and surgical outcomes

Purpose

Totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) is now widely used for early gastric cancer patients, but the selection of a reconstruction method after TLDG is still controversial. Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy is increasingly used in expectation of less gastritis and alkaline reflux despite its technical difficulty. The uncut Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy (uRYGJ) retains the advantages of Roux-en-Y reconstruction but helps prevent Roux stasis syndrome. The present study aims to introduce a single surgeon's experience of TLDG with uRYGJ and analyze the learning curve and surgical outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 124 consecutive patients who underwent TLDG with uRYGJ performed by a single surgeon between July 2014 and August 2015 at Asan Medical Center. The baseline characteristics and surgical outcomes were analyzed, and the learning curve was drawn based on the power-law model.

Results

The mean total operative time was 165 minutes, and the average length of hospital stay was 6.6 days. Complications included two cases of duodenal stump leakage, two intra-abdominal bleeding, two intra-abdominal fluid collection, one wound problem, two anastomotic strictures, 14 ileus, and no anastomotic leakage. There were five cases of endoscopically proven reflux gastritis/esophagitis and no Roux stasis syndrome. There were five recurrences and one mortality during the follow-up period. The learning curve leveled at the 15th case.

Conclusion

The results of our study showed the safety and feasibility of uRYGJ, and that the technical difficulty of the procedure can be overcome with a short learning curve for experienced surgeons.

Four reconstruction methods after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus regarding which reconstruction methods are superior after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG). This study compared four reconstruction methods after LDG for gastric cancer.

METHODS

Literature in EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library was screened to compare Billroth I (B-I), Billroth II (B-II), Roux-en-Y (RY), and uncut Roux-en-Y (URY) anastomoses after LDG for gastric cancer. A Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to compare these methods.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies involving 4347 patients were eligible for our NMA. The operative time in RY anastomosis was longer than that in B-I and B-II anastomoses. Blood loss and risk of gastrointestinal motility dysfunction were greater with RY anastomosis than with URY or B-I anastomosis. Furthermore, URY anastomosis was superior to the other 3 reconstruction methods for preventing food residue. For remnant gastritis, RY anastomosis was significantly superior to B-I and B-II anastomoses, whereas URY anastomosis was significantly superior to B-II anastomosis. In addition, RY and URY anastomoses were better than B-I and B-II anastomoses for preventing bile reflux.

CONCLUSIONS

URY anastomosis tended to be a more favorable reconstruction method after LDG due to its operative simplicity and reduced long-term complications.

Clinicopathologic features of remnant gastric cancer after curative distal gastrectomy according to previous reconstruction method: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Survival rate of patients treated for gastric cancer has increased due to early detection and improvements of surgical technique and chemotherapy. Increase in survival rate has led to an increase in the risk for remnant gastric cancer (RGC). The purpose of this study was to investigate clinicopathologic features of RGC according to previous reconstruction method and factors affecting the interval from previous curative distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer to RGC occurrence.

METHODS

Medical records of patients diagnosed with RGC at Yeungnam University Medical Center from January 2000 to December 2017 who had a history of distal gastrectomy with D2 LN dissection due to gastric cancer were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients were enrolled in this study. The mean interval of 48 RGC patients was 105.6 months (8.8 years). RGC after Billroth II reconstruction recurred more often at anastomosis site than RGC after Billroth I reconstruction (p = 0.001). The mean interval of RGC after Billroth I reconstruction was 67 months, shorter than 119 months of RGC after Billroth II reconstruction (p = 0.003). On the contrary, interval showed no difference according to stage of previous gastric cancer, remnant gastric cancer, or sex (p = 0.810, 0.145, and 0.372, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

RGC after Billroth I reconstruction tends to arise earlier at non-anastomosis site than RGC after Billroth II. Therefore, we should examine non-anastomosis site carefully from the beginning of surveillance after gastric cancer surgery with Billroth I reconstruction for better outcome.

Efficacy of Celiac Branch Preservation in Billroth-Ⅰ Reconstruction After Laparoscopy-Assisted Distal Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

The goal of the present retrospective study was to elucidate the efficacy of conserving the celiac branch (CB), which can reduce the adverse reactions of Billroth-Ⅰ (B-Ⅰ) restoration after the laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG).

METHODS

Two hundred thirty-three patients with gastric cancer underwent B-Ⅰ reconstruction after LADG with dissection 2 lymphadenectomy from July 2005 to July 2012 and were monitored for 5 y. The patients were separated into 2 groups: celiac branch preserved (P-CB) group (n = 98) and celiac branch resected (R-CB) group (n = 135). In addition to patient information, tumor features, and surgical details, short-term and long-term variables such as bowel condition, surgical complications, and endoscopy findings were evaluated.

RESULTS

In short-term efficacy, the time of first flatus and liquid ingestion were slightly shorter in the P-CB group than in the R-CB group (3.84 ± 0.74 versus 4.38 ± 0.71, P = 0.0001; 5.04 ± 1.07 versus 5.67 ± 1.10, P = 0.0001). For long-term efficacy, the incidences of chronic diarrhea, gastroparesis, residual food, bile reflux, and reflux esophagitis were less in the P-CB group compare with the R-CB group (6.1% versus 22.2%, P = 0.001; 5.1% versus 17.8%, P = 0.004; 4.1% versus 17.8%, P = 0.004; 8.2% versus 17.8%, P = 0.036; 8.2% versus 17.8%, P = 0.036). Other parameters such as postoperative ileus and gallstones had a better efficacy trend in the P-CB group but did not suggestively vary among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The CB has an imperative part in the gastrointestinal motility, and celiac preservation mainly exerts long-term efficacy in patients who underwent B-I surgery with LADG.

Postoperative complications and nutritional status between uncut Roux-en-Y anastomosis and Billroth II anastomosis after D2 distal gastrectomy: a study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Background

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common malignant disease worldwide, with lower one-third gastric cancer the most common type. Distal gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection was recommended as a standard surgery for distal gastric cancer patients. However, some controversy remains about the anastomosis of the residual stomach and the intestine. The objectives of this trial are to test the hypothesis that uncut Roux-en-Y anastomosis can reduce postoperative complications and improve nutritional status more effectively than Billroth II anastomosis in gastric cancer patients after D2 gastrectomy.

Methods/design

This multi-center, prospective, phase III, randomized controlled trial will compare the efficacy of uncut Roux-en-Y anastomosis versus Billroth II anastomosis in phase I–III patients with initial treatment of radical distal gastrectomy. Patients will be randomized to undergo either the intervention (uncut Roux-en-Y anastomosis) or the control (Billroth II anastomosis). We will recruit 832 patients who meet the trial eligibility criteria and will follow the patients after surgery to observe postoperative complications and nutrition status for 5 years. The primary assessment indices of the study are reflux gastritis, esophagitis, bile regurgitation, and anastomotic ulcer. The secondary assessment indices are nutritional status, quality of life, perioperative complications, overall survival rate, and others. When the number of cases reaches 400, an interim analysis will be performed to identify any evidence of definite superiority of the experimental intervention.

Discussion

We aim to test the hypothesis that uncut Roux-en-Y anastomosis can reduce postoperative complications and improve nutritional status more than Billroth II anastomosis in gastric cancer patients after D2 gastrectomy. The results of the trial will contribute to the best evidence on which to base the reconstruction of distal gastrectomy.

Trial registration

Chinese Southern Gastric Cancer Conference CSGC002 Trial. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02763878. Registered on 5 May 2016.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3531-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Laparoscopic D2 Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: Mid-Term Results and Current Evidence

INTRODUCTION

Although the first laparoscopic gastrectomy was performed in 1991, there was a long delay until it was incorporated into the regular practice of western surgeons. In Brazil, there are only few case series reported and data on its safety and efficacy along with mid- and long-term results are desired.

OBJECTIVE

Present the mid-term results of laparoscopic gastrectomy with curative intent in the treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma and review the current evidence on the therapy of this neoplasia with the laparoscopic access.

METHODS

Patients who underwent D2 laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 59.2 years and the mean body mass index was 24.2 kg/m². Subtotal gastrectomy was performed in 73.9%. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 36.7, increased lymph node count and shorter operative time were observed in the last 34 cases. Median hospital stay was 8 days. Postoperative complications occurred in 22 (31.9%) cases. Surgical mortality was 4.3%.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic gastrectomy can be performed safely with excellent short- and mid-term results. As experience increases, surgical duration is reduced and lymph node count rises.

The Development and Future of Digestive Tract Reconstruction after Distal Gastrectomy: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Billroth I, Billroth II, Roux-en-Y, and Un-cut Roux-en-Y are common reconstruction techniques of distal gastrectomy. Which of these techniques is better has yet to be established. We performed an indirect comparison to evaluate which technique was optimal for preventing reflux symptoms.

Methods: The PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov and Web of Science databases were searched to identify clinical trials that compared at least two of the reconstruction skills among Billroth I, Billroth II, Roux-en-Y, and Un-cut Roux-en-Y. Data on reflux gastritis, intraoperative blood loss, bile reflux and postoperative hospital stays were extracted from the included clinical trials for meta-analysis using a random-effects model.

Results: Twenty-four articles that included 5419 individuals were assessed as eligible for meta-analysis. The indirect comparison suggested that Roux-en-Y reconstruction significantly reduces reflux gastritis, and it tended to rank first and had the highest probability of preventing bile reflux. No significant differences were found in intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stays.

Conclusion: This indirect comparison suggested some superiority of Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy. Further perspective clinical trials are required to provide evidence for the optimal reconstruction skill.

A New Robot-assisted Billroth-I Reconstruction: Details of the Technique and Early Results

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery for gastric tumor is considered a demanding procedure because of lymph node dissection and reconstruction. Billroth-I (B-I) reconstruction after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy is commonly performed extracorporeally because of the complexity of an intracorporeal procedure. Robotic surgery overcomes some limitations of laparoscopy, allowing to reproduce the basic maneuvers of open surgery. We describe a new technique to perform robotic B-I anastomosis.

METHODS

Between January 2012 and February 2015, 5 patients underwent distal gastrectomy with intracorporeal B-I-stapled anastomosis. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, histopathologic features, and perioperative data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Median operative time was 170 minutes (145 to 180 min). There were no conversions. Contrast swallow was routinely performed on the third postoperative day. Median postoperative hospitalization was 7 days (range: 6 to 8). No major complications or mortality were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic distal gastrectomy with intracorporeal B-I anastomosis is a safe and promising technique in selected cases of gastric tumors.

Curative Effect of Digestive Tract Reconstruction After Radical Gastrectomy for Distal Gastric Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Short-term complications and long-term prognoses of three kinds of digestive tract reconstructions after radical gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer were compared.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer were divided into three groups according to the type of digestive tract reconstruction: Billroth I, Billroth II, and Roux-en-Y anastomosis. Clinicopathological characteristics, intraoperative conditions, short-term complications, and long-term prognoses were compared among the three groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the clinicopathological characteristics and postoperative complications among the three groups (P > .05). There was no significant difference in the operative times of the Billroth I and Billroth II anastomosis groups, but the operative times in both groups were shorter than the operative time in the Roux-en-Y anastomosis group (P < .05). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate in the Billroth I, Billroth II, and Roux-en-Y anastomosis groups was 58.3%, 55.0%, and 62.2%, respectively, with no significant difference among the three groups. There was no significant difference in the OS rate according to the tumor node metastasis stage among the three groups (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

The postoperative complications and prognoses were similar in the different digestive tract reconstruction groups. Billroth I anastomosis is a simple surgical method that can be used for gastrointestinal reconstruction after distal gastrectomy.

Comparison between uncut Roux-en-Y and Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A meta-analysis

AIM

To compare uncut Roux-en-Y (U-RY) gastrojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y (RY) gastrojejunostomy after distal gastrectomy (DG) for gastric cancer.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and China Science and Technology Journal Database to identify studies comparing U-RY with RY after DG for gastric cancer until the end of December 2017. Pooled odds ratio or weighted mean difference with 95% confidence interval was calculated using either fixed- or random-effects models. Perioperative outcomes such as operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay; postoperative complications such as anastomotic bleeding, stricture and ulcer, reflux gastritis/esophagitis, delayed gastric emptying, and Roux stasis syndrome; and postoperative nutritional status (serum hemoglobin, total protein, and albumin levels) were the main outcomes assessed. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Two randomized controlled trials and four nonrandomized observational clinical studies involving 403 and 488 patients, respectively, were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that operative time [weighted mean difference (WMD): -12.95; 95%CI: -22.29 to -3.61; P = 0.007] and incidence of reflux gastritis/esophagitis (OR: 0.40; 95%CI: 0.20-0.80; P = 0.009), delayed gastric emptying (OR: 0.29; 95%CI: 0.14-0.61; P = 0.001), and Roux stasis syndrome (OR: 0.14; 95%CI: 0.04-0.50; P = 0.002) were reduced; and the level of serum albumin (WMD: 0.71; 95%CI: 0.24-1.19; P = 0.003) was increased in patients undergoing U-RY reconstruction compared with those undergoing RY reconstruction. No differences were found with respect to intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, anastomotic bleeding, anastomotic stricture, anastomotic ulcer, the levels of serum hemoglobin, and serum total protein.

CONCLUSION

U-RY reconstruction has some clinical advantages over RY reconstruction after DG.

Classification of remnant stomach shape after distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I reconstruction and a comparison of the postoperative outcomes

PURPOSE

To classify the shape of the remnant stomach after Billroth-I (B-I) reconstruction and evaluate the relationship between the shape of the remnant stomach and the postoperative clinical outcomes.

METHODS

One hundred and ninety-five consecutive patients with gastric cancer underwent distal gastrectomy with B-I reconstruction between May 2006 and October 2014. We retrospectively reviewed their medical records and radiological findings. Finally, the shapes of the remnant stomach of 150 patients were classified as either straight type (type A) or stagnant type (type B). The clinical outcomes were compared with respect to the types of remnant stomach.

RESULTS

The incidence of anastomotic leakage was significantly higher in the type A group than in the type B group (9.4 vs. 1.5%, p = 0.044). The body weight change ratio after surgery was significantly lower in the type B group than in the type A group [p = 0.0068, two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA)], while the serum albumin levels showed marginally significant improvement in the type B group compared with the type A group (p = 0.0542, two-way repeated measures ANOVA).

CONCLUSION

The shape of the remnant stomach after distal gastrectomy with B-I reconstruction might influence the degree of anastomotic leakage and long-term nutritional status.

Comparative study of outcomes of Roux-en-Y reconstruction and Billroth Ⅰ reconstruction performed after radical distal gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Billroth Ⅰ (BⅠ) reconstruction and Roux-en-Y (RY) reconstruction are both commonly performed after distal gastrectomy (DG). We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate which is the better option.

METHODS

Included in our study were 162 patients who, between April 2011 and October 2015, underwent DG followed by BⅠ reconstruction (n = 93) or RY reconstruction (n = 69). All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. We compared perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, endoscopic findings, and nutritional status between the 2 groups of patients.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics did not differ between the 2 groups, with the exception of the incidence of gastric body tumors, which was significantly higher in the RY group (73.9% vs. 19.4%; p < 0.001). Operation time was significantly longer in the RY reconstruction group (p < 0.001). There was no significant between-group difference in the grades of GI dysfunction (p = 0.122).The endoscopically determined RGB (Residual food, Gastritis, Bile reflux)scores were significantly better in the RY reconstruction group than in the BI reconstruction group (p = 0.027, p < 0.001,p < 0.001,respectively).There was also no significant between-group difference in the change (1-year postoperative value/preoperative value) in body weight, body mass index, serum albumin concentration, or total cholesterol concentration (p = 0.484,p = 0.613,p = 0.760,p = 0.890, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

RY reconstruction appears not to be advantageous over BⅠ reconstruction in terms of GI function or nutritional status 1 year after surgery. RY reconstruction does appear to be superior in terms of preventing bile reflux but takes more operation time.

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

BACKGROUND

The choice of anastomosis methods including Billroth I, Billroth II, and Roux-en-Y after a distal gastrectomy is still controversial. The conventional meta-analyses assessing 2 alternative treatments were not powered to compare differences in clinical outcomes. To guide treatment decisions in patients with gastric cancer (GC) after distal gastrectomy, we did a systematic review and network meta-analysis to identify the best reconstruction method.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials comparing the outcomes of Billroth I, Billroth II, or Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal subtotal gastrectomy for patients with GC, then we performed a direct meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis to pooled odds ratios (OR) or weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% credible intervals (CrI) with random effects model. The node-splitting method was used to assess the inconsistency. We estimated the potential ranking probability of treatments by calculating the surface under the cumulative ranking curve for each intervention.

RESULTS

Nine studies involving 1161 patient were included in the network meta-analysis. Statistical significance was reached for the comparisons of Roux-en-Y versus Billroth I reconstruction (WMD 37, 95% Crl: 22-51) and Billroth II versus Billroth I reconstruction (WMD 25, 95% Crl: 5.8-43) for operation time; and Roux-en-Y versus Billroth I reconstruction (WMD 26, 95% Crl: 2.1-68) for intraoperative blood loss; and Roux-en-Y versus Billroth I reconstruction (OR 3.4, 95% Crl: 1.1-13) for delayed gastric emptying. Roux-en-Y reconstruction was superior to Billroth I and Billroth II reconstruction in terms of frequency of bile reflux (OR 0.095, 95% Crl: 0.010-0.63; OR 0.064, 95% Crl: 0.0037-0.84, respectively) and the incidence of remnant gastritis (OR 0.33, 95% Crl: 0.16-0.58; OR 0.40, 95% Crl: 0.17-0.92, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Roux-en-Y reconstruction is superior to Billroth I and Billroth II reconstruction in terms of preventing bile reflux and remnant gastritis, Billroth I and Billroth II anastomosis could be considered as the substitute in consideration of technical simplicity. As for postoperative morbidity and the advantage of physiological food passage, Billroth I method is the choice.

Long-term functional outcomes of Roux-en-Y versus Billroth I reconstructions after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a propensity-score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Only a few reports discuss long-term functional outcomes and changes observed in patients over several years following a distal gastrectomy. We investigated long-term functional outcomes and changes after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy based on the analysis of postoperative conditions and endoscopic findings observed in patients.

METHODS

The study group comprised 159 patients who underwent Roux-en-Y reconstruction following laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (R-Y group) between December 2008 and November 2012 and 78 patients who underwent Billroth I reconstruction (B-I group) between January 2002 and November 2012. To minimize bias between the two groups, propensity scores were calculated using a logistic regression model. The groups were compared with respect to postoperative conditions and endoscopic findings at 1, 3, and 5 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

The B-I group demonstrated more frequent heartburn than the R-Y group at 3 and 5 years postoperatively. No significant differences were found in terms of loss of body weight and food intake. Endoscopic findings showed significantly lesser residual food and remnant gastritis in the R-Y group at each annual postoperative follow-up. The incidence of bile reflux and reflux esophagitis in the B-I group gradually increased over the years and showed a significant difference at the culmination of the 5-year postoperative follow-up, compared to the R-Y group.

CONCLUSIONS

Roux-en-Y reconstruction was superior to Billroth I reconstruction in terms of frequency of occurrence of residual food, bile reflux, remnant gastritis, and reflux esophagitis in the long term. Differences between the two methods became more evident as the follow-up period lengthened.

Improved glycemic control with proximal intestinal bypass and weight loss following gastrectomy in non-obese diabetic gastric cancer patients

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess whether gastrectomy influences glycemic control in non-obese diabetic gastric cancer patients and to identify factors related to glucose metabolism after gastrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed changes in glucose metabolism in 238 non-obese (body mass index < 30 kg/m2) patients with type II diabetes who underwent distal gastrectomy with either gastroduodenostomy (n = 91) or gastrojejunostomy (n = 147) for stage I gastric cancer. We collected demographics, diabetes-related features, surgery-related features, and changes in glucose metabolism during follow-up. The effect of surgery on the course of diabetes was evaluated at different time points according to fasting blood glucose levels and use of diabetes-related medication.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, the mean body mass index was 24.3 ± 2.3. Weight, body mass index and fasting blood glucose of all patients were significantly lower compared to preoperative levels at all time points. Weight loss after 6 months and the percentage of patients whose weight loss ratio was higher than 10% after one year were greater in the gastrojejunostomy group than the gastroduodenostomy group. Overall, 88 (37%) patients showed improvement in their diabetes course at one month after surgery; 152 (64%) showed improvement after 2 years. Duration of diabetes, weight loss, and reconstruction type were associated with improvement in diabetes at different time points. At 6 months and thereafter, the percentage of patients with an improved diabetes course was highest in the gastrojejunostomy plus higher than 10% weight loss group.

CONCLUSIONS

Although weight loss may be associated with adverse effects of gastrectomy, postoperative weight loss in an acceptable range is a useful measure of the better glycemic control for the group of diabetic patients. Selecting gastrojejunostomy during gastrectomy and inducing acceptable weight loss after gastrectomy could be beneficial to the non-obese diabetic gastric cancer patients for improved glycemic control.

Early postoperative imaging after non-bariatric gastric resection: a primer for radiologists

Abstract

Surgical resection represents the mainstay treatment and only potentially curative option for gastric carcinoma, and is increasingly performed laparoscopically. Furthermore, other tumours and selected cases of non-malignant disorders of the stomach may require partial or total gastrectomy. Often performed in elderly patients, gastric resection remains a challenging procedure, with significant morbidity (14–43% complication rate) and non-negligible postoperative mortality (approximately 3%). This paper provides an overview of contemporary surgical techniques for non-bariatric gastric resection, reviews and illustrates the expected postoperative imaging appearances, common and unusual complications after partial and total gastrectomy. Albeit cumbersome or unfeasible in severely ill or uncooperative patients, contrast fluoroscopy remains useful to rapidly check for anastomotic patency and integrity. Currently, emphasis is placed on multidetector CT, which comprehensively visualizes the surgically altered anatomy and consistently detects complications such as anastomotic leaks and fistulas, duodenal stump leakage, afferent loop syndrome, haemorrhages, pancreatic fistulas and porto-mesenteric venous thrombosis. Our aim is to help radiologists become familiar with early postoperative imaging, in order to understand the surgically altered anatomy and to differentiate between expected imaging appearances and abnormal changes heralding iatrogenic complications, thus providing a consistent basis for correct choice between conservative, interventional or surgical treatment.

Teaching points

• Radical gastrectomy is associated with frequent postoperative morbidity and non-negligible mortality.

• In cooperative patients fluoroscopy allows checking for anastomotic patency and leaks.

• Multidetector CT with / without oral contrast comprehensively visualizes the operated abdomen.

• Awareness of surgically altered anatomy and expected postoperative appearances is warranted.

• Main complications include anastomotic and duodenal leaks, haemorrhages and pancreatic fistulas.

Differences in the multimodal treatment of gastric cancer: East versus west

There has been a great deal of interest about varying treatment paradigms of gastric cancer in Eastern and Western countries. Differences in tumor biology, screening initiatives, surgical approach, extent of lymphadenectomy, and neoadjuvant versus adjuvant chemotherapy regimens have been studied and documented in the literature. The purpose of this review is to give an updated report on the current status and management differences in the treatment of gastric cancer between Eastern and Western countries.

Thrombocytopenia and the outcomes of hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recently, increasing studies have revealed the association of inflammatory parameters, such as preoperative platelet count, and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the link between the platelet count and the prognosis of patients with HCC after hepatic resection is still controversial.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and CBM for relevant trials and analyzed outcomes with random-effects model. The hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

In total, 31 studies, including a total of 10,730 patients, met our criteria. The results showed that thrombocytopenia in HCC patients was associated with poor overall survival (HR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.21-1.78), disease-free survival (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.08-1.72), and a high risk of cancer recurrence (HR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.22-1.62), but a low risk of extrahepatic metastasis (HR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.47-0.63).

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis revealed that preoperative platelet count could act as a significant biomarker in the prognosis of HCC, especially a platelet count of <100 × 10³/mm³. Additional high-quality trials are needed, considering the low-quality studies analyzed.

Korean Gastric Cancer Association Nationwide Survey on Gastric Cancer in 2014

Purpose

The Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) has conducted nationwide surveys every 5 years, targeting patients who received surgical treatment for gastric cancer. We report the results of the 2014 nationwide survey and compare them to those of the 1995, 1999, 2004, and 2009 surveys.

Materials and Methods

From March 2015 to January 2016, a standardized case report form was sent to every member of the KGCA via e-mail. The survey consisted of 29 questions, regarding patient demographics as well as tumor-, and surgery-related factors. The completed data forms were analyzed by the KGCA information committee.

Results

Data on 15,613 patients were collected from 69 institutions. The mean age was 60.9±12.1 years, and the proportion of patients more than 70 years of age increased from 9.1% in 1995 to 25.3% in 2014. Proximal cancer incidence steadily increased from 11.2% in 1995 to 16.0% in 2014. Early gastric cancer incidence consistently increased and accounted for 61.0% of all cases in 2014. The surgical approach was diversified in 2014, and 7,818 cases (50.1%) were treated with a minimally invasive approach. The most common anastomosis was Billroth I (50.2%) after distal gastrectomy, and the proportion of Roux-en-Y anastomoses performed increased to 8.6%.

Conclusions

The results of this survey are expected to be important data for future studies and to be useful for generating a national cancer control program.

To Roux or not to Roux: a comparison between Roux-en-Y and Billroth II reconstruction following partial gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Although the extent of resection frequently dictates the method of reconstruction following distal subtotal gastrectomy, it is unclear whether Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy compared with Billroth II gastrojejunostomy is associated with superior perioperative outcomes.

METHODS

Patients who underwent resection for gastric cancer with Roux-en-Y or Billroth II reconstruction between 2000 and 2012 in seven academic institutions (US Gastric Cancer Collaborative) were identified. Patients who underwent total gastrectomy, gastric wedge, or palliative resections (metastatic disease or R2 resections) were excluded.

RESULTS

Of a total of 965 patients, 447 met the inclusion criteria. A comparison between the Roux-en-Y (n = 257) and Billroth II (n = 190) groups demonstrated no differences in patient and tumor characteristics, except for Billroth II patients having a higher proportion of antral tumors (71 % vs. 50 %, p < 0.001). Roux-en-Y operations were slightly longer (244 min vs. 212 min, p < 0.001) and associated with somewhat higher blood loss (243 ml vs. 205 ml, p = 0.033). However, there were no significant differences in the length of hospital stay (8 days vs. 7 days), readmission rate (17 % vs. 18 %), 90-day mortality (5.1 % vs. 4.7 %), incidence (39 % vs. 41 %) and severity of complications, dependency on jejunostomy tube feeding at discharge (13 % vs. 12 %), same-patient decrease in serum albumin level from the preoperative to the postoperative value at 30, 60, and 90 days, receipt of adjuvant therapy (50 % vs. 53 %), or 5-year survival (44 % vs. 41 %).

CONCLUSIONS

Although long-term quality-of-life parameters were not compared, this study did not show an advantage of Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy over Billroth II gastrojejunostomy in short-term perioperative outcomes. Both techniques should be regarded as equally acceptable reconstructive options following partial gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Comparison Between Billroth-II with Braun and Roux-en-Y Reconstruction After Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy

PURPOSE

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Billroth-II with Braun and Roux-en-Y reconstruction after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.

METHODS

From April 2010 to August 2012, 66 patients underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (Billroth-II with Braun reconstruction, 26; Roux-en-Y, 40). The patients' data were collected prospectively and reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The mean operation and reconstruction times were statistically shorter for Billroth-II with Braun reconstruction than Roux-en-Y (198.1 ± 33.0 vs. 242.3 ± 58.1 min, p = 0.001). One case of postoperative stricture was observed in each group. One case each of intra-abdominal abscess and delayed gastric emptying occurred in the Billroth-II with Braun group. At 1 year postoperatively, gastric residue and reflux esophagitis were not significantly different between the groups. Gastritis and bile reflux were more frequently observed in the Billroth-II with Braun group (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). At 2 years postoperatively, gastric residue was not significantly different, but gastritis, bile reflux, and esophagitis were more frequent in the Billroth-II with Braun group (p = 0.029, p < 0.001, and p = 0.036, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The postoperative effectiveness of Roux-en-Y reconstruction may be superior to Billroth-II with Braun reconstruction after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.

Durable Flap-Valve Mitigation of Duodenogastric Reflux, Remnant Gastritis and Dumping Syndrome Following Billroth I Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

We have reported the short-term results of pylorus reconstruction gastrectomy (PRG) that prevents duodenogastric reflux (DGR) and remnant gastritis after distal gastrectomy. We herein report the long-term results of the PRG.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

PRG was performed in 37 patients (age 31 to 86 [mean 67.8 ± 12.3] years, male:female = 22:15) with gastric cancer from June 2006 through December 2013. We examined the long-term outcome in 28 patients (age 41 to 86 [mean 67.0 ± 10.7] years, male:female = 18:10) that passed over 3 years after surgery (LTR 44.1 ± 11.7 months), and compared with their short-term result after the operation (STR 13.1 ± 6.9 months). The adverse events of gastric surgery evaluated in this study consisted of the degree of remnant gastritis, the presence of dumping syndrome, and degree of weight loss (%).

RESULTS

There was no difference in the degree of DGR and remnant gastritis by gastroscopic finding between LTR and STR after PRG (P = 0.21). Statistically, there was no difference in the bile acid concentration of remnant gastric juice between LTR and STR (108.4 ± 254.1 vs. 94.0 ± 208.6 μmol/L, P = 0.33), and weight loss of LTR was the same as that of STR (5.67 ± 7.08 vs. 4.59 ± 5.63%, P = 0.34). There were few morphological changes in the reconstructed pylorus by the long-term course, but 2 patients showed mild atrophy.

CONCLUSION

The form of reconstructed pylorus and the effect that reduces side effects of Billroth I seem to last for a long time.

Laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Currently there are two surgical options for potentially curable patients (i.e. people with non-metastatic gastric cancer), laparoscopic and open gastrectomy. However, it is not clear whether one of these options is superior.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of laparoscopic gastrectomy or laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy versus open gastrectomy for people with gastric cancer. In particular, we planned to investigate the effects by patient groups, such as cancer stage, anaesthetic risk, and body mass index (BMI), and by intervention methods, such as method of anastomosis, type of gastrectomy and laparoscopic or laparoscopically-assisted gastrectomy.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP (World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) until September 2015. We also screened reference lists from included trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Two review authors independently selected references for further assessment by going through all titles and abstracts. Further selection was based on review of full text articles for selected references.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted study data. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for binary outcomes, the mean difference (MD) or the standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI for continuous outcomes and the hazard ratio (HR) for time-to-event outcomes. We performed meta-analyses where it was meaningful.

MAIN RESULTS

In total, 2794 participants were randomised in 13 trials included in this review. All the trials were at unclear or high risk of bias. One trial (which included 53 participants) did not contribute any data to this review. A total of 213 participants were excluded in the remaining trials after randomisation, leaving a total of 2528 randomised participants for analysis, with 1288 undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy and 1240 undergoing open gastrectomy. All the participants were suitable for major surgery.There was no difference in the proportion of participants who died within thirty days of treatment between laparoscopic gastrectomy (7/1188: adjusted proportion = 0.6% (based on meta-analysis)) and open gastrectomy (4/1447: 0.3%) (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.50 to 5.10; risk difference 0.00, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.01; participants = 2335; studies = 11; I(2) = 0%; low quality evidence). There were no events in either group for short-term recurrence (participants = 103; studies = 3), proportion requiring blood transfusion (participants = 66; studies = 2), and proportion with positive margins at histopathology (participants = 28; studies = 1). None of the trials reported health-related quality of life, time to return to normal activity or time to return to work. The differences in long-term mortality (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.25; participants = 195; studies = 3; I(2) = 0%; very low quality evidence), serious adverse events within three months (laparoscopic gastrectomy (7/216: adjusted proportion = 3.6%) versus open gastrectomy (13/216: 6%) (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.34; participants = 432; studies = 8; I(2) = 0%; very low quality evidence), long-term recurrence (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.30; participants = 162; studies = 4; very low quality evidence), adverse events within three months (laparoscopic gastrectomy (204/268: adjusted proportion = 16.1%) versus open gastrectomy (253/1222: 20.7%) (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.01; participants = 2490; studies = 11; I(2) = 38%; very low quality evidence), quantity of perioperative blood transfused (SMD 0.05, 95% CI -0.27 to 0.38; participants = 143; studies = 2; I(2) = 0%; very low quality evidence), length of hospital stay (MD -1.82 days, 95% CI -3.72 to 0.07; participants = 319; studies = 6; I(2) = 83%; very low quality evidence), and number of lymph nodes harvested (MD -0.63, 95% CI -1.51 to 0.25; participants = 472; studies = 9; I(2) = 40%; very low quality evidence) were imprecise. There was no alteration in the interpretation of the results in any of the subgroups.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on low quality evidence, there is no difference in short-term mortality between laparoscopic and open gastrectomy. Based on very low quality evidence, there is no evidence for any differences in short-term or long-term outcomes between laparoscopic and open gastrectomy. However, the data are sparse, and the confidence intervals were wide, suggesting that significant benefits or harms of laparoscopic gastrectomy cannot be ruled out. Several trials are currently being conducted and interim results of these trials have been included in this review. These trials need to perform intention-to-treat analysis to ensure that the results are reliable and report the results according to the CONSORT Statement.

Quality of life after subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: Does restoration method matter? - A retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact on the quality of life (QoL) status of three gastrointestinal continuity restoration methods following a subtotal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer.

METHODS

QoL data from 153 patients were obtained and evaluated in this retrospective cross-sectional case series study. A list of patients who responded to questionnaires on QoL was stratified into three arms based on which gastrointestinal continuity restoration method was used - Billroth I (n = 37), Roux-en-Y (n = 15), and Balfour (n = 101).

RESULTS

The mean global health status scores for the patients following the Billroth I, Roux-en-Y and Balfour reconstructive surgery arms were 62 ± 20.09, 61 ± 24.08 and 56 ± 21.2, respectively, (p = 0.182). The mean scores of the functional scales were not lower than 60 in any of the patient groups. For physical, role, cognitive, social functional scales, the Billroth I method had the best mean QoL score. Comparisons of the global QoL, functional activities, and majority of the postgastrectomy symptom scores at different time points after the surgeries (6-12 months vs > 1 year) did not reveal major significant differences between the groups. However, the results highlighted trends and ranked the gastrointestinal continuity restoration methods over time.

CONCLUSIONS

The best QoL scores were obtained from the patients who underwent the Billroth I surgery. The Roux-en-Y method was better than the Balfour method 6-12 months after surgery. However, the Balfour method was better than the Roux-en-Y after one year. Further prospective randomized controlled trials are needed.