Two-Layer Hand-Sewn Esophagojejunostomy in Totally Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

Application of hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy in laparoscopic total gastrectomy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical efficacy and prognostic implication of hand-sewn anastomosis in laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis is adopted to the clinicopathologic data of 112 patients with gastric cancer (GC) who went through LTG in the Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between October 2020 and October 2022. Among them, 60 individuals receiving medical care were split into the hand-sewn anastomosis group (Group H, N = 60); while, 52 individuals were split into the circular stapler anastomosis group (Group C, N = 52) The clinical efficacy and prognostic conditions of hand-sewn anastomosis are compared with those of circular stapler anastomosis in the application of LTG.

RESULTS

The analysis results indicated that no notable difference was observed in intraoperative bleeding volume, time to first flatus (TFF), postoperative hospitalization duration and postoperative complications among the two groups (P > 0.05). Group H had shorter esophagojejunal anastomosis duration (20.0 min vs. 35.0 min) and surgery duration (252.6 ± 19.4 min vs. 265.9 ± 19.8 min), smaller incisions (5.0 cm vs. 10.5 cm), and lower hospitalization costs (58415.0 CNY vs. 63382.5 CNY) compared to Group C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The clinical efficacy and the postoperative complications of hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy are basically equivalent in comparison to the circular stapler anastomosis in the application of LTG. Its advantage lies in shorter esophagojejunal anastomosis duration, shorter surgery duration, smaller incisions, lower hospitalization costs and wider adaptability of the location of the tumor.

Hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy in transthoracic single-port assisted laparoscopic esophagogastrectomy for Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction with esophageal invasion > 3 cm

BACKGROUND

An optimal method for digestive tract reconstruction (DTR) in laparoscopic radical resection of Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) has not yet been standardized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy (EJ) technique during transthoracic single-port assisted laparoscopic esophagogastrectomy (TSLE) for Siewert type II AEG with esophageal invasion > 3 cm.

METHODS

The perioperative clinical data and short-term outcomes for patients who underwent TSLE using hand-sewn EJ for Siewert type II AEG with esophageal invasion > 3 cm between March 2019 and April 2022 have been retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 25 patients were eligible. All 25 patients were successfully operated. None was converted to open surgery or mortality. 84.00% of patients were male and 16.00% were female. The mean age, body mass index (BMI), and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score were 67.88 ± 8.10 years, 21.30 ± 2.80 kg/m², and 2.08, respectively. The average incorporated operative and hand-sewn EJ procedural times were 274.92 ± 57.46 and 23.36 ± 3.00 min, respectively. The length of extracorporeal esophageal involvement and proximal margin was 3.31 ± 0.26 cm and 3.12 ± 0.12 cm, respectively. The average time for the first oral feeding and hospital stay were 6 (3-14) and 7 (3-18) days, respectively. Two patients (8.00%) developed postoperative grade IIIa complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, including 1 case of pleural effusion and 1 case of anastomotic leakage, both of whom were cured by puncture drainage.

CONCLUSION

Hand-sewn EJ in TSLE is safe and feasible for Siewert type II AEG. This method can ensure safe proximal margins and could be a good option with an advanced endoscopic suture technique for type II tumor with esophageal invasion > 3 cm.

Assessing optimal Roux-en-Y reconstruction technique after total gastrectomy using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45

BACKGROUND

Following a total gastrectomy, patients suffer the most severe form of postgastrectomy syndrome. This is a significant clinical problem as it reduces quality of life (QOL). Roux-en-Y reconstruction, which is regarded as the gold standard for post-total gastrectomy reconstruction, can be performed using various techniques. Although the technique used could affect postoperative QOL, there are no previous reports regarding the same.

AIM

To investigate the effect of different techniques on postoperative QOL. The data was collected from the registry of the postgastrectomy syndrome assessment study (PGSAS).

METHODS

In the present study, we analyzed 393 total gastrectomy patients from those enrolled in PGSAS. Patients were divided into groups depending on whether antecolic or retrocolic jejunal elevation was performed, whether the Roux limb was “40 cm”, “shorter” (≤ 39 cm), or “longer” (≥ 41 cm), and whether the device used for esophageal and jejunal anastomosis was a circular or linear stapler. Subsequently, we comparatively investigated postoperative QOL of the patients.

RESULTS

Reconstruction route: Esophageal reflux subscale (SS) occurred significantly less frequently in patients who underwent antecolic reconstruction. Roux limb length: “Shorter” Roux limb did not facilitate esophageal reflux SS and somewhat attenuated indigestion SS and abdominal pain SS. Anastomosis technique: In terms of esophagojejunostomy techniques, no differences were observed.

CONCLUSION

The techniques used for total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction significantly affected postoperative symptoms. Our results suggest that elevating the Roux limb, which is not overly long, through an antecolic route may improve patients’ QOL.

Two-stage esophagojejunal anastomosis: An alternative reconstruction in emergency gastrectomy for high-risk gastric cancer patients

Emergency total gastrectomy for patients with gastric cancer who are in shock carries a high risk of esophagojejunal anastomosis leakage. No alternatives have been reported to reduce this risk. This study reports two patients with gastric cancer who were in shock and underwent emergency gastrectomy and two-stage esophagojejunal anastomosis with good results. In the first stage, immediately after gastrectomy, the esophagus was attached to a Roux-en-Y jejunal loop that prevented retraction of the esophagus into the mediastinum. In the second stage, in a second surgery, the esophagojejunal anastomosis was completed under better clinical conditions.

Feasibility and Short-Term Outcomes of Three-Dimensional Hand-Sewn Esophago-Jejunal Anastomosis in Completely Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy for Cancer

Laparoscopic total gastrectomy is on the rise. One of the most technically demanding steps of the approach is the construction of esophago-jejunal anastomosis. Several laparoscopic anastomotic techniques have been described, like linear stapler side-to-side or circular stapler end-to-side anastomosis; limited data exist regarding hand-sewn esophago-jejunal anastomosis. The study took place between January 2018 and June 2021. Patients enrolled in this study were adults with proximal gastric or esophago-gastric junction Siewert type III tumors that underwent 3D-assisted laparoscopic total gastrectomy. A hand-sewn esophago-jejunal anastomosis was performed in all cases laparoscopically. Forty consecutive cases were performed during the study period. Median anastomotic suturing time was 55 min, with intra-operative methylene blue leak test being negative in all cases. Median operating time was 240 min, and there were no conversions to open. The anastomotic leak rate and postoperative stricture rate were zero. The 30- and 90-day mortality rates were zero. Laparoscopic manual esophago-jejunal anastomosis utilizing a 3D platform in total gastrectomy for cancer can be performed with excellent outcomes regarding anastomotic leak and stricture rate. This anastomotic approach, although technically challenging, is safe and reproducible, with prominent results that can be disseminated in the surgical community.

Application value of hand-sewn anastomosis in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Background

Digestive tract reconstruction in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy can be divided into two types: instrument anastomosis and hand-sewn anastomosis. This study explored the feasibility and safety of hand-sewn sutures in esophagojejunostomy of totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy, compared with instrument anastomosis using an overlap linear cutter.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2017 to January 2020 at one institution. The clinical data of 50 patients who underwent totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy, with an average follow-up time of 12 months, were collected. The clinicopathologic data, short-term survival prognosis, and results of patients in the hand-sewn anastomosis (n=20) and the overlap anastomosis (n=30) groups were analyzed.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups in sex, age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, tumor location, preoperative complications, abdominal operation history, tumor size, pTNM stage, blood loss, first postoperative liquid diet, exhaust time, or postoperative length of hospital stay. The hand-sewn anastomosis group had a significantly prolonged operation time (204±26.72min versus 190±20.90min, p=0.04) and anastomosis time (58±22.0min versus 46±15.97min, p=0.029), and a decreased operation cost (CNY 77,100±1700 versus CNY 71,900±1300, p<0.0001). Postoperative complications (dynamic ileus, abdominal infection, and pancreatic leakage) occurred in three patients (15%) in the hand-sewn anastomosis group and in four patients (13.3%) in the overlap anastomosis group (anastomotic leakage, anastomotic bleeding, dynamic ileus, and duodenal stump leakage).

Conclusion

The hand-sewn anastomosis method of esophagojejunostomy under totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy is safe and feasible and is an important supplement to linear and circular stapler anastomosis. It may be more convenient regarding obesity, a relatively high position of the anastomosis, edema of the esophageal wall, and short jejunal mesentery.

Digestive tract reconstruction of laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a comparison of the intracorporeal overlap, intracorporeal hand-sewn anastomosis, and extracorporeal anastomosis

Background

The application of esophagojejunostomy has certain difficulties in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG). This is due to the higher requirement for surgical techniques and the lack of any unified standards. This study aim to explore the practicability and safety of intracorporeal overlap and intracorporeal hand-sewn anastomosis compared with extracorporeal anastomosis.

Methods

The clinical pathological data of 56 patients who underwent TLTG from March 2016 to December 2020 in the Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. According to the method of anastomosis, the patients were divided into the overlap (n=36) and the hand-sewn anastomosis (n=20). Patients who receive laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG; n=74) formed the control group. The basic clinical data, and intraoperative and postoperative results of the patients were assessed.

Results

Compared with the control group, the overlap anastomosis and hand-sewn anastomosis groups showed no significant differences in clinicopathological data and short-term postoperative recovery. There were no significant differences between the overlap and the control group in operation time nor anastomosis time. However, the anastomosis time of the hand-sewn anastomosis group was significantly prolonged compared to the control group (53.20±14.14 vs. 43.01±12.53 minutes, P=0.002). Compared with the control group, the operation cost was significantly higher in the overlap group (CNY 81,300±6,100 vs. CNY 76,600±6,800, P=0.001), but significantly lower in the hand-sewn anastomosis group (CNY 71,900±1,700 vs. CNY 76,600±6,800, P=0.003). Early postoperative complications occurred in 5 cases (13.9%) in the overlap group, 3 cases (15.0%) in the hand-sewn anastomosis group, and 11 cases (14.9%) in the control group. There were 3 cases (8.3%) of postoperative anastomotic-related complications in the overlap group. No anastomotic-related complications were observed in the hand-sewn anastomosis group.

Conclusions

The overlap anastomosis and hand-sewn anastomosis are practical and safe. Furthermore, the overlap anastomosis may be more suitable for patients with lower cardia and fundic lesions. The hand-sewn method has a wider range of indications pending advanced surgical skills, and is an effective supplementary technique for instrument anastomosis.

Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer in Elderly Patients

BACKGROUND/AIM

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) for elderly patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 136 patients who underwent LTG. We divided the patients into elderly patients (>75 years of age) and non-elderly patients (≤75 years of age).

RESULTS

The American Society of Anesthesiologists score, Charlson comorbidity index, Glasgow Prognostic Score and rate of comorbidities were higher in the elderly group; the rates of other clinicopathological characteristics did not differ between the two groups. Regarding the nutritional status, the body weight loss rate in the elderly group was higher in comparison to the non-elderly group (81% vs. 84%, p=0.004). The disease-specific survival (DSS) did not differ between two groups to a statistically significant extent (3-year DSS rates: 83.7 vs. 94.5%; p=0.152).

CONCLUSIONS

LTG was acceptable for elderly patients as the elderly and non-elderly groups showed comparable short-term and long-term outcomes.

Esophageal Suspension Method for Hand-Sewn Esophagojejunostomy After Totally Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy: A Simple, Safe, and Feasible Suturing Technique

Background: Totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) not only is difficult to operate but also has high technical requirements and a long learning curve. Therefore, it has not been widely carried out yet, and esophagojejunostomy is one of its difficulties. Relevant studies have shown that intracorporeal hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy is safe, feasible and low-cost, but it is complicated and time-consuming and requires a high-suture technique. This study introduces a simple, safe and feasible hand-sewn technique.

Methods: The clinical data of 32 patients with the esophageal suspension method for hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy (suspension group) after TLTG were collected from February 2018 to June 2019. During the same period, 32 patients with traditional hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy (traditional group) after TLTG were used as the control group.

Results: The operative time, anastomosis time, exhaust time and hospitalization time of the suspension group were shorter than those of the traditional group. The intraoperative blood loss in the suspension group was less than that in the traditional group. There were no postoperative complications associated with the suspension group.

Conclusion: For those who have some experience in laparoscopic suture technique, the esophageal suspension method for hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy after TLTG is a simple, safe, and feasible suture technique.

Comparison of the short-term outcomes between totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy and laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) and laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) are two common surgical approaches for upper and middle gastric cancer. Which surgical approach offers more advantages is still controversial due to a lack of evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This meta-analysis was conducted to compare the short-term outcomes between the two surgical approaches.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed to evaluate short-term outcomes between TLTG and LATG, including overall postoperative complications, anastomosis-related complications, time for anastomosis, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, harvested lymph nodes, proximal margin, distal margin, time to first flatus, time to first diet, and postoperative hospital stay. Short-term outcomes were pooled and compared by meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3. Mean differences (MDs) or risk ratios (RRs) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 9 cohort studies fulfilled the selection criteria. The total sample included 1671 cases. The meta-analysis showed no significant difference between the two surgical approaches in overall postoperative complications (RR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.82 to 1.26, P = .87),anastomosis-related complications (RR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.39 to 1.03, P = .06),time for anastomosis (MD = -5.13, 95% CI = -10.54 to 0.27, P = .06),operation time (MD = -10.68, 95% CI = -23.62 to 2.26, P = .11), intraoperative blood loss (MD = -25.58, 95% CI = -61.71 to 10.54, P = .17), harvested lymph nodes (MD = 1.61, 95% CI = -2.09 to 5.31, P = .39), proximal margin (MD = -0.37, 95% CI = -0.78 to 0.05, P = .09), distal margin (MD = 0.79, 95% CI = -0.57 to 2.14, P = .25), time to first flatus (MD = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.13 to 0.15, P = .87), time to first diet (MD = -0.22, 95% CI = -0.45 to 0.02, P = .07), and postoperative hospital stay (MD = -0.51, 95% CI = -1.10 to 0.07, P = .09).

CONCLUSIONS

TLTG is a safe and feasible surgical approach for upper and middle gastric cancer, with short-term outcomes that are similar to LATG. Nevertheless, high-quality, large-sample and multicenter RCTs are still required to further verify our conclusions.

Identification of c.1531C>T Pathogenic Variant in the CDH1 Gene as a Novel Germline Mutation of Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer

Germline pathogenic variants in the CDH1 gene are a well-established cause of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) syndrome. The aim of this study was to characterize CDH1 mutations associated with HDGC from Chile, a country with one of the highest incidence and mortality rates in the world for gastric cancer (GC). Here, we prospectively include probands with family history/early onset of diffuse-type of GC. The whole coding sequence of the CDH1 gene was sequenced from genomic DNA in all patients, and a multidisciplinary team managed each family member with a pathogenic sequence variant. Thirty-six cases were included (median age 44 years/male 50%). Twenty-seven (75%) patients had diffuse-type GC at ≤50 years of age and 19 (53%) had first or second-degree family members with a history of HDGC. Two cases (5.5%) carried a non-synonymous germline sequence variant in the CDH1 gene: (a) The c.88C>A missense variant was found in a family with three diffuse-type GC cases; and (b) c.1531C>T a nonsense pathogenic variant was identified in a 22-year-old proband with no previous family history of HDGC. Of note, six family members carry the same nonsense pathogenic variant. Prophylactic gastrectomy in the proband's sister revealed stage I signet-ring cell carcinoma. The finding of 1531C>T pathogenic variant in the CDH1 in proband with no previous family history of HDGC warrants further study to uncover familial clustering of disease in CDH1 negative patients. This finding may be particularly relevant in high incidence countries, such as the case in this report.

SURVIVAL AND PERIOPERATIVE MORBIDITY OF TOTALLY LAPAROSCOPIC VERSUS OPEN GASTRECTOMY FOR EARLY GASTRIC CANCER: ANALYSIS FROM A SINGLE LATIN AMERICAN CENTRE

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic gastrectomy has numerous perioperative advantages, but the long-term survival of patients after this procedure has been less studied.

AIM

To compare survival, oncologic and perioperative outcomes between completely laparoscopic vs. open gastrectomy for early gastric cancer.

METHODS

This study was retrospective, and our main outcomes were the overall and disease-specific 5-year survival, lymph node count and R0 resection rate. Our secondary outcome was postoperative morbidity.

RESULTS

Were included 116 patients (59% men, age 68 years, comorbidities 73%, BMI 25) who underwent 50 laparoscopic gastrectomies and 66 open gastrectomies. The demographic characteristics, tumour location, type of surgery, extent of lymph node dissection and stage did not significantly differ between groups. The overall complication rate was similar in both groups (40% vs. 28%, p=ns), and complications graded at least Clavien 2 (36% vs. 18%, p=0.03), respiratory (9% vs. 0%, p=0.03) and wound-abdominal wall complications (12% vs. 0%, p=0.009) were significantly lower after laparoscopic gastrectomy. The lymph node count (21 vs. 23 nodes; p=ns) and R0 resection rate (100% vs. 96%; p=ns) did not significantly differ between groups. The 5-year overall survival (84% vs. 87%, p=0.31) and disease-specific survival (93% vs. 98%, p=0.20) did not significantly differ between the laparoscopic and open gastrectomy groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study support similar oncologic outcome and long-term survival for patients with early gastric cancer after laparoscopic gastrectomy and open gastrectomy. In addition, the laparoscopic approach is associated with less severe morbidity and a lower occurrence of respiratory and wound-abdominal wall complications.

Robot-Assisted Total Gastrectomy: Preliminary Evaluation

Background: Laparoscopic total gastrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy is a technically demanding surgical procedure with steep learning curve that has limited its widespread use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the robotic approach in total gastrectomy for cancer. We present our experience of 17 consecutive patients who underwent robotic total gastrectomy with intracorporal sutured Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy and jejuno jejunostomy between 2014 and 2017. Methods: Data were collected, and patients' demographics and outcomes were examined retrospectively. Results: Seventeen patients with a median age of 68 years (range 32-81) were identified (10 males, 7 females). Mean operative time was 198 minutes (range 108-277) including mean anastomosis time of 25 minutes (range 18-35). There was no conversion to open surgery or requirement for perioperative blood transfusion. Median length of hospital stay was 9 days (range 2-30). Two patients developed postoperative complications including one anastomotic leakage treated conservatively and one internal hernia requiring surgical revision. There was no 90-day mortality or readmission. Conclusion: Robot-assisted total gastrectomy is feasible and reproducible. It overcomes several laparoscopic technical difficulties especially regarding anastomosis. It has the potential to become an alternative to open gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Nevertheless, further follow-up and randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate mid-term and long-term outcomes of this approach.

Comparison of Intracorporeal and Extracorporeal Esophagojejunostomy after Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis Based on Short-Term Outcomes

Background:

Laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) is increasingly performed in patients with gastric cancer. However, the usage of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (IEJ) following LTG is limited, as the safety and efficacy remain unclear. The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of IEJ following LTG.

Methods:

Studies published from January 1994 to January 2017 comparing the outcomes of IEJ and extracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (EEJ) following LTG were reviewed and collected from the PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, Embase, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI). Operative results, postoperative recovery, and postoperative complications were compared and analyzed. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the Review Manager 5.3.

Results:

Seven nonrandomized studies with 785 patients were included. Compared with EEJ, IEJ has less blood loss (WMD: −13.52 ml; 95% CI: −24.82–−2.22; P = 0.02), earlier time to first oral intake (WMD: −0.49 day; 95% CI: −0.83–−0.14; P < 0.01), and shorter length of hospitalization (WMD: −0.62 day; 95% CI: −1.08–−0.16; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between IEJ and EEJ regarding the operation time, anastomotic time, number of retrieved lymph nodes, time to first flatus, anastomosis leakage rate, anastomosis stenosis rate, and proximal resections (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Compared with EEJ, IEJ has better cosmesis, milder surgical trauma, and a faster postoperative recovery. IEJ can be performed as safely as EEJ. IEJ should be encouraged to surgeons with sufficient expertise.