Uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Choosing an optimal reconstruction method is pivotal for patients with gastric cancer undergoing distal gastrectomy. The uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction, a variant of the conventional Roux-en-Y approach (or variant of the Billroth II reconstruction), employs uncut devices to occlude the afferent loop of the jejunum. This modification is designed to mitigate postgastrectomy syndrome and enhance long-term functional outcomes. However, the comparative benefits and potential harms of this approach compared to other reconstruction techniques remain a topic of debate. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, WanFang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and clinical trial registries for published and unpublished trials up to November 2023. We also manually reviewed references from relevant systematic reviews identified by our search. We did not impose any language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction versus other reconstructions after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The comparison groups encompassed other reconstructions such as Billroth I, Billroth II (with or without Braun anastomosis), and Roux-en-Y reconstruction. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. The critical outcomes included health-related quality of life at least six months after surgery, major postoperative complications within 30 days after surgery according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification (grades III to V), anastomotic leakage within 30 days, changes in body weight (kg) at least six months after surgery, and incidence of bile reflux, remnant gastritis, and oesophagitis at least six months after surgery. We used the GRADE approach to evaluate the certainty of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS: We identified eight trials, including 1167 participants, which contributed data to our meta-analyses. These trials were exclusively conducted in East Asian countries, predominantly in China. The studies varied in the types of uncut devices used, ranging from 2- to 6-row linear staplers to suture lines. The follow-up periods for long-term outcomes spanned from 3 months to 42 months, with most studies focusing on a 6- to 12-month range. We rated the certainty of evidence from low to very low. Uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction versus Billroth II reconstruction In the realm of surgical complications, very low-certainty evidence suggests that uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction compared with Billroth II reconstruction may make little to no difference to major postoperative complications (risk ratio (RR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24 to 4.05; I² = 0%; risk difference (RD) 0.00, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.04; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 282 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and incidence of anastomotic leakage (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.44; I² not applicable; RD -0.00, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.02; I² = 32%; 3 studies, 615 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain about these results. Focusing on long-term outcomes, low- to very low-certainty evidence suggests that uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction compared with Billroth II reconstruction may make little to no difference to changes in body weight (mean difference (MD) 0.04 kg, 95% CI -0.84 to 0.92 kg; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 233 participants; low-certainty evidence), may reduce the incidence of bile reflux into the remnant stomach (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.83; RD -0.29, 95% CI -0.43 to -0.16; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 4, 95% CI 3 to 7; 1 study, 141 participants; low-certainty evidence), and may have little or no effect on the incidence of remnant gastritis (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.01 to 5.06; I2 = 78%; RD -0.15, 95% CI -0.23 to -0.07; I2 = 0%; NNTB 7, 95% CI 5 to 15; 2 studies, 265 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No studies reported on quality of life or the incidence of oesophagitis. Uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction versus Roux-en-Y reconstruction In the realm of surgical complications, very low-certainty evidence suggests that uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction compared with Roux-en-Y reconstruction may make little to no difference to major postoperative complications (RR 4.74, 95% CI 0.23 to 97.08; I² not applicable; RD 0.01, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.04; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 256 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and incidence of anastomotic leakage (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.05 to 2.08; I² = 0%; RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.02; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 213 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain about these results. Focusing on long-term outcomes, very low-certainty evidence suggests that uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction compared with Roux-en-Y reconstruction may increase the incidence of bile reflux into the remnant stomach (RR 10.74, 95% CI 3.52 to 32.76; RD 0.57, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.71; NNT for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) 2, 95% CI 2 to 3; 1 study, 108 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and may make little to no difference to the incidence of remnant gastritis (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.69 to 2.01; I² = 60%; RD 0.03, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.08; I² = 0%; 3 studies, 361 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and incidence of oesophagitis (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.26; I² = 0%; RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.03; I² = 0%; 3 studies, 361 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain about these results. Data were insufficient to assess the impact on quality of life and changes in body weight. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Given the predominance of low- to very low-certainty evidence, this Cochrane review faces challenges in providing definitive clinical guidance. We found the majority of critical outcomes may be comparable between the uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction and other methods, but we are very uncertain about most of these results. Nevertheless, it indicates that uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction may reduce the incidence of bile reflux compared to Billroth-II reconstruction, albeit with low certainty. In contrast, compared to Roux-en-Y reconstruction, uncut Roux-en-Y may increase bile reflux incidence, based on very low-certainty evidence. To strengthen the evidence base, further rigorous and long-term trials are needed. Additionally, these studies should explore variations in surgical procedures, particularly regarding uncut devices and methods to prevent recanalisation. Future research may potentially alter the conclusions of this review.

Effects of Proximal Gastrectomy and Various Clinical Factors on Postoperative Quality of Life for Upper-third Gastric Cancer Assessed using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45): A PGSAS NEXT Study.

BACKGROUND: It is important to determine the effect of clinical factors on several domains (symptoms, living status, and quality of life [QOL]) after gastrectomy to establish individualized therapeutic strategies. This study was designed to determine the factors-particularly surgical method-that influence certain domains after gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer by using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45) questionnaire. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide study of PGSAS-45 questionnaire responses retrieved from 1950 (82.5%) patients from 70 institutions who had undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Of these, 1,538 responses for proximal gastric cancer (1020 total gastrectomies and 518 proximal gastrectomies [PGs]) were examined. RESULTS: PG significantly and favorably affected four main outcome measures (MOMs): elderly affected 10 MOMs, male sex affected 4 MOMs, longer postoperative period affected 8 MOMs, preservation of the vagus nerve affected 1 MOM, adjuvant chemotherapy affected 1 MOM, clinical stage affected 2 MOMs, and more extensive lymph node dissection affected 2 MOMs. However, the laparoscopic approach had an adverse effect on MOMs and combined resection of other organs had no favorable effect on any MOMs. CONCLUSIONS: This PGSAS NEXT study showed that it is better to perform PG for proximal gastric cancer, even for patients with advanced cancer, to obtain favorable postoperative QOL if oncological safety is guaranteed. Because the MOMs of PGSAS-45 are positively and negatively influenced by various background factors, it also is necessary to provide personalized care for each patient to prevent deterioration and further improve symptoms, living status, and QOL postoperatively.

Fecal incontinence after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer-impact of potential risk factors and pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring.

BACKGROUND: Fecal incontinence frequently occurs after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. This prospective study analyzed predictive factors and the impact of pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring at different follow-up intervals. METHODS: Fifty-two patients were included undergoing total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer, and 29 under control of pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring. Fecal incontinence was assessed using the Wexner Score at 3 and 6 months after stoma closure (follow-ups 1 and 2) as well as 1 and 2 years after surgery (follow-ups 3 and 4). Risk factors were identified by means of logistic regression. RESULTS: New onset of fecal incontinence was significantly lower in the neuromonitoring group at each follow-up (follow-up 1: 2 of 29 patients (7%) vs. 8 of 23 (35%), (p = 0.014); follow-up 2: 3 of 29 (10%) vs. 9 of 23 (39%), (p = 0.017); follow-up 3: 5 of 29 (17%) vs. 11 of 23 (48%), p = 0.019; follow-up 4: 6 of 28 (21%) vs. 11 of 22 (50%), p = 0.035). Non-performance of neuromonitoring was found to be an independent predictor for fecal incontinence throughout the survey. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was an independent predictor in the further course 1 and 2 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Performance of pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring is associated with significantly lower rates of fecal incontinence. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was found to have negative late effects. This became evident 1 year after surgery.

[Postprandial Abdominal Fullness after Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer].

To clarify the basis for postprandial abdominal fullness(PAF)in patients after pylorus-preserving gastrectomy(PPG), the authors investigated the relationship of PAF with postgastrectomy disorder(PGD)and gastric emptying function(GEF)in PPG patients. A total of 22 patients(14 men and 8 women, average age 64.8 years)were divided into 2 groups[Group A, PAF-positive(n=12); Group B, PAF-negative(n=10)]at 1 year after PPG for early gastric cancer. The relationships of PAF with PGD and GEF were examined. Length of the antral cuff(LAC)was significantly shorter in group A than in group B(p< 0.05). Appetite and food consumption per meal were significantly greater in group B than in group A(p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Symptomatic reflux esophagitis(RE), early dumping syndrome, decreased percent body weight before illness, endoscopic RE, and endoscopic gastritis in the remnant stomach were more common in group A than in group B. Gastric stasis in the remnant stomach was significantly more common in group A than in group B(p=0.0071). GEF for solid food [time to 50%residual rate in the remnant stomach(minutes)and residual rate at 120 minutes in the remnant stomach(%)] in group A was significantly delayed compared with that in group B(p<0.001). Patients with PAF showed shorter LAC, delayed GEF for solid food, and worse postoperative quality of life(QOL), compared with those without PAF.

Long-term quality-of-life comparison of total gastrectomy and proximal gastrectomy by postgastrectomy syndrome assessment scale (PGSAS-45): a nationwide multi-institutional study.

BACKGROUND: Although proximal gastrectomy (PG) is widely accepted as a function-preserving operation for early upper-third gastric cancer, postoperative disorders, such as reflux or gastric stasis, have often been pointed out. From the perspective of postoperative disorder, the choice of total gastrectomy (TG) or PG for such cancers is still controversial. By using the newly developed Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale (PGSAS)-45, the quality of life after TG and PG was compared. METHODS: The PGSAS-45 consists of 45 items composed of the SF-8 and GSRS scales and 22 new items. The main outcomes are measured by seven subscales (SS) covering symptoms, physical and mental component summary (SF-8), meals (amount and quality), ability to work, dissatisfaction for daily life, and change in body weight. A total of 2,368 eligible questionnaires were acquired from 52 institutions. From these, 393 patients with TG and 193 patients with PG were selected and compared. RESULTS: The PG was better than TG in terms of body weight loss (TG 13.8% vs. PG 10.9%; p = 0.003), necessity for additional meals (2.4 vs. 2.0; p < 0.001), diarrhea SS (2.3 vs. 2.0; p = 0.048), and dumping SS (2.3 vs. 2.0; p = 0.043). There were no differences in the other main outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal gastrectomy appears to be valuable as a function-preserving procedure for early upper-third gastric cancer.

Factors that minimize postgastrectomy symptoms following pylorus-preserving gastrectomy: assessment using a newly developed scale (PGSAS-45).

BACKGROUND: Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) is sometimes performed as a function-preserving surgery for the treatment of early gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to use an integrated assessment scale for postgastrectomy syndrome to determine the appropriate indicators and optimal methods for PPG. METHODS: The Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Study (PGSAS) is a multicenter survey based on an integrated questionnaire (PGSAS-45) consisting of 45 items. Questionnaire responses were retrieved from a total of 2,520 patients, each of whom had undergone one of six different types of gastrectomy procedures; 313 responses from patients who had received PPG were analyzed here. RESULTS: The size of the proximal gastric remnant (less than one-quarter, about one-third, or more than one-half of the original size) significantly influenced the change in body weight, the scores for dissatisfaction at the meal, and dissatisfaction for daily life subscale (P = 0.030, P = 0.005, P = 0.034, respectively). The nausea score in patients who underwent hand-sewn anastomosis was significantly lower than in those who underwent anastomosis with a linear stapler (P = 0.006). The scores for diarrhea subscale, increased passage of stools, and sense of foods sticking differed significantly depending on the length of the preserved pyloric cuff (P = 0.047, P = 0.021, P = 0.046, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that preservation of a sufficient proximal gastric remnant is recommended when utilizing PPG as function-preserving surgery.

[State of duodenal patency in patients with postgastrectomy syndromes].

It was analyzed the examination and treatment results of 100 patients who underwent resection of stomach by Billroth-I in case of peptic ulcer. Chronic disorders of duodenal patency were diagnosed in 86% of patients. The main role of chronic disorders of duodenal patency in postgastrectomy syndromes development was proved. There were a combination of reflux gastritis with dumping syndrome in 66.3% of patients, a combination of reflux gastritis with recurrent ulcer in 8.1% of patients. Correction of chronic disorders of duodenal patency is necessary stage in conservative and surgical treatment of postgastrectomy syndromes.

Useful of proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction in preventing glucose spikes.

BACKGROUND: Volatile glucose levels after gastrectomy induce dumping syndrome, which adversely affects patient quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the glycemic variability of proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction (PGDTR) as a function-preserving procedure. METHODS: This study used a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system to record glycemic profiles of patients who underwent PGDTR or total gastrectomy (TG) and compared them. Moreover, this study evaluated postgastrectomy syndrome, including dumping symptoms, between the PGDTR and TG groups using the 37-item Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale (PGSAS-37) questionnaire. RESULTS: Of note, 44 patients underwent PGDTR, and 42 patients underwent TG, which included more advanced cases. CGM results showed that the SD, relative SD, and maximum drop in glucose level between 30 min and 2 h after a meal were smaller in the PGDTR group than in the TG group (14.81 vs 22.40 mg/dL [P < .001], 0.14 vs 0.20 mg/dL [P < .001], and 42.06 vs 117.67 mg/dL [P < .001], respectively). For nocturnal glucose levels, SD and percentage time below the range were smaller in the PGDTR group than in the TG group (11.76 vs 15.16 mg/dL [P = .005] and 11.25% vs 35.27% [P < .001]). The PGDTR group generally performed better than the TG group on all the PGSAS-37 questionnaire items. Patients in the PGDTR group without food inflow into the remnant stomach showed similar CGM results as those in the TG group but with stronger dumping symptoms. CONCLUSION: Food inflow into the remnant stomach is essential for PGDTR to be a function-preserving procedure as it leads to the control of dumping symptoms and lower glucose level spikes.

[The ways to reduce the occurrence rate and severity of alimentary-enterogenic autonomic syndrome after gastrectomy].

The efficacy of a new gastroplasty method, concerning prophylaxis of occurrence and reduction of severity of alimentary-enterogenic vegetative syndrome (AEVS), was studied in 189 patients, suffering gastric cancer, in whom gastrectomy was performed. In the patients of the main group while conducting of restoration stage of the operation the reservoir for food in initial jejunal portion was formatted, in a control group a standard loop-like reconstruction was applied. In the remote follow-up period of observation while a new gastroplasty method was applied there the reduction of rates of hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic syndromes was registered. In the control group a severe form of AEVS was diagnosed in 1 year--in 2.5% of the patients, in 2 years--in 3.9%, in the main group this complication was not observed.

Early dumping syndrome and reflux esophagitis prevention with pouch reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Total gastrectomy causes numerous disorders, such as reflux esophagitis, dumping syndrome, malabsorption, and malnutrition. To minimize the consequences, different variants of reconstruction are performed. The aim of our study is the comparison of two reconstructive methods: the standard Roux-en-Y and a new modality of pouch interposition, preduodenal-pouch interposition. This study aims to investigate the advantage of bile reflux prevention and to reduce symptoms of dumping syndrome after 3- and 6-mo follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients were divided in two groups: (A) 30 patients with Roux-en-Y reconstruction, and (B) 30 patients with the preduodenal-pouch (PDP) type of reconstruction. Endoscopic examination and endoluminal jejunal limb pressure measurements were performed. Scintigraphic measurements of half-emptying time were performed to evaluate meal elimination in the context of reflux esophagitis and early dumping syndrome. The Japan Society of Gastrointestinal Surgery has provided guidelines with which to classify the symptoms of early dumping syndrome. Patients were followed up for periods of 3 and 6 mo after the surgery. RESULTS: Our study groups did not differ with regard to the level of reflux esophagitis (P = 0.688). Average values of pressure at 10 and 15 cm below the esophago-jejunal junction were significantly lower in the PDP group (P < 0.001). Elimination of the test meal between two groups was not significant (P = 0.222). Evaluation of early dumping syndrome symptoms revealed a significant reduction among PDP patients after 3 and 6 mo. CONCLUSION: Our study showed significant superiority of the new pouch reconstruction over the standard Roux-en-Y approach in the treatment of early dumping syndrome.

[Nutritional status in patients after gastrectomy due to gastric cancer].

UNLABELLED: Aim of the study was to evaluate nutritional status in patients after gastrectomy due to gastric cancer. METHODS: In 55 (26 males and 29 females) gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy body composition (bioimpedansometry method); resting energy expenditures and home actual nutrition (frequency analysis method) were evaluated. Blood levels of major nutrients and metabolites were assessed. RESULTS: Both men and women suffered from weight loss after gastrectomy (mean BMI was 19,8+/-4,7 kg/m2 in men and 20,5+/-1,9 in women). Higher BMI was positively correlated with age in women (R=0,45; p<0,03), but not in men, however there was no difference in mean age and mean time after gastrectomy between men and women. Mean body fat mass significantly decreased in men (7,4+/-5,0 kg) and in women (12,0+/-7,1 kg) in compare to normal values (18,2 and 22,5 correspondingly) (p<0,001). Resting energy expenditure variably decreased (for 13-53%) in half of the patients, mainly due to decrease in lipid oxidation rate. Mean daily energy intake was lower than normal in short-term (1359 kcal in period of 12 months) and long-term (1814 kcal in 1-5 years period) after gastrectomy, due to decrease consumption of proteins, carbohydrates and fat. Mean blood total protein, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were lower than normal values in 40% of patients. CONCLUSION: In gastric cancer patients low BMI, low fat mass and energy consumption are observed even long period of time after gastrectomy. Dietary counseling and support are badly needed in patients short-term as well as long-term period after gastrectomy in men and younger women.

[Does contribute early enteral nutrition to decrease the complications of radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer?]. / ¿Contribuye la nutrición enteral precoz a disminuir las complicaciones de la gastrectomia radical por cáncer gastrico?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the administration of early enteral nutrition in postoperative gastrectomized patients due gastric cancer helps to reduce the frequency of postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study with 120 patients, 60 with postoperative complications (cases) and 60 patients without post operative complications (controls) matched for age and sex. RESULTS: The uni-variable analysis found that albumin (p=0.03), hematocrit (p=0.004), early enteral nutrition (p<0.01), stage of gastric cancer (p=0.013), behaved as variables associated with the development of postoperative complications. However, in this multivariable analysis, only early enteral nutrition (p=0.014), hematocrit (0.019) and pathological stage (0.013), showed statistically significant association. CONCLUSIONS: The early enteral nutrition administered by nasoenteral tube in the immediate postoperative period, with the hematocrit level and the anatomopathological disease stage is associated with statistically decreased postoperative complications in patients undergoing radical surgery for gastric cancer.

[Gallstone disease post-radical gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma at the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases, January 1990 to December 2000]. / Litiasis vesícular post- gastrectomía radical por adenocarcinoma gástrico en el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, enero 1990 a diciembre del 2000.

SUBJECT: To determinate the frecuency and the time of development of the gallbladder stones in gastrectomy post-operated patients with stomach adenocarcinoma at The National Cancer Institute in Lima, Peru. METHODS: In an observational, descriptive and retrospective case series design, 148 patiens' files who underwent gastrectomy for stomach adenocarcinoma in the National Cancer Institue of Lima during 1990 and 2000, have been reviewed looking for the development of gallbladder stones. RESULTS: A total de 148 patients were involved in this study. 29 of them (19.6%) develop gallbladder stones during the (x years of) follow up vs 119 (80.9%) . The mean age ot the 29 patients with gallbladder stones were 59.9 years ans 18 of them were female and 11 male.\The mean time of develop gallbladder stones was 3.1 years.According to the type of surgery, 14 patient wiht gallbladder stones underwent to subtotal gastrectomy and 15 to total gastrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The frecuency of gallbladder stones post gastrectomy in this study was 19.6%. The mean time of the develop and diagnosis of litiasis was 3.1 years.To perform the colecistectomy at the same time of the gastrectomy could be an important decision in patients with high risk of gallstones and gallbladder cancer.We need furthermore studies to have conclusions about the risk factors.

Improved long-term quality of life in patients with laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy with jejunal pouch interposition for early gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) for early gastric cancer (EGC) offers more advantages than open distal gastrectomy, it does not eliminate the postgastrectomy syndrome, which can negatively impact quality of life (QoL). In this paper, we investigate jejunal pouch interposition (JPI) during LADG and evaluate its potential for long-term use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April, 2004 and April, 2005, 28 patients underwent LADG with JPI (LA-JPI), and an equal number underwent LADG with Billroth-II gastrojejunostomy (LA-B-II). Of these, 25 patients with LA-JPI and 28 with LA-B-II, surviving more than 4 years, were enrolled. We compared clinicopathological characteristics, surgical outcomes, and the patients' QoL. RESULTS: There were no differences in clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes except longer operation time of LA-JPI group than LA-B-II group (P < 0.001). The gastrofiberscopy, performed 4 years after surgery, demonstrated significant higher incidence of bile reflux gastritis in LA-B-II group(P = 0.03). In terms of QoL metrics, we identified a significantly lower incidence rate of appetite change, heartburn, and reductions in physical strength and daily activity levels in the LA-JPI group. In addition, satisfaction with the operative procedure and postoperative life were higher. Although the number of meals per day did not differ, we noted a significantly greater food intake with each meal compared with the preoperative metric (P = 0.04) and reduced body weight loss (P = 0.003) was observed in the LA-JPI group. CONCLUSIONS: These long-term follow-up results suggest that LA-JPI might alleviate postgastrectomy syndrome and that this could help improve the QoL in patients with EGC.

Transectional gastrectomy: an old but renewed concept for early gastric cancer.

Segmental resection of the stomach was first described at the end of the 19th century by Mikulicz, who devised it to preserve the pylorus when performing gastric ulcer surgery. Although this technique was abandoned because of delayed gastric emptying, in 1967 Maki et al. developed a new improved concept of segmental gastrectomy: pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG). The dramatic decrease in the occurrence of gastric ulcers limited the opportunity to perform these operations; however, PPG was then used for treating early gastric cancer, the incidence of which has increased remarkably over the last two decades. From the viewpoint of surgical oncology, a rationale to justify reducing the range of lymphadenectomy is required for preserving the curability. Therefore, we devised a new technique of transectional gastrectomy using sentinel node navigation for early gastric cancer located in the middle third of the stomach. The results of a questionnaire about postoperative symptoms and endoscopic assessment indicated the superiority of transectional gastrectomy over conventional distal gastrectomy. Future confirmation of the sentinel node concept through a multi-institutional validation study conducted by the Japanese Society of Sentinel Node Navigation Surgery would lead to widespread adoption of transectional gastrectomy.

Predictors of gallstone formation after bariatric surgery: a multivariate analysis of risk factors comparing gastric bypass, gastric banding, and sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for gallstone formation in the general population have been well studied while those after weight reduction surgery are unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for the development of symptomatic gallstones after bariatric surgery. METHOD: Retrospective review was performed for patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) between 2004 and 2006. Statistical evaluation was performed using a univariate and multivariate analysis. Risk factors, including age, gender, preoperative body mass index (BMI), BMI > 45 kg/m(2), diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, types of operation, and weight loss >25% of original weight, were analyzed for their association with postoperative symptomatic gallstones formation. RESULTS: 670 laparoscopic RYGBP, 47 LAGB, and 79 LSG were performed in our institute. Preoperative gallbladder disease, as indicated by presence of gallstones or sludge on preoperative transabdominal ultrasound, or previous cholecystectomy, were found in 25.3, 14.9, and 30.4% of patients who subsequently had RYGBP, LAGB, and LSG, respectively. A total of 586 patients were included for analysis. Mean follow-up was 25.9 (range 12-42) months. Overall rate of symptomatic gallstone formation was 7.8% and mean time for its development was 10.2 (range 2-37) months. Incidence of symptomatic gallstones with complications as initial presentation was found in 1.9% of the patients. Logistic regression analysis showed that only postoperative weight loss of more than 25% of original weight was associated with symptomatic gallstones formation [B = 1.482, SE = 0.533, odds ratio 4.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.549-12.498, p = 0.005]. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional risk factors for gallstone formation in the general population are not predictive of symptomatic gallstone formation after bariatric surgery. Weight loss of more than 25% of original weight was the only postoperative factor that can help selecting patients for postoperative ultrasound surveillance and subsequent cholecystectomy once gallstones were identified.

The influence of reconstruction methods on food retention phenomenon in the remnant stomach after a subtotal gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Food retention and bile reflux has been frequently observed in gastric cancer patients following a subtotal gastrectomy. The aim of this study was to determine whether reconstruction methods after the distal subtotal gastrectomy influenced the degree of food residue and bile reflux. METHODS: The prospectively collected data was reviewed retrospectively for 522 patients with early gastric cancer who had undertaken a follow-up endoscopic examination after a distal subtotal gastrectomy between 2003 and 2006. RESULTS: The incidence of food retention was 55.5%, 31.9%, and 20.9% at 3, 12, and 24 months after distal subtotal gastrectomy, respectively. The food residue score was higher in the Billroth I (stapling) group than the Billroth II (hand sewing) group at 3 months after surgery (P = 0.006). The incidence of bile reflux was higher in the Billroth II group than in the Billroth I group at 12 and 24 months after surgery (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively). No significant association was found between the food retention and body weight changes. CONCLUSIONS: Food retention was detected in lots of patients after subtotal gastrectomy and the reconstructive methods after subtotal gastrectomy was not relevant to food retention.

Functional evaluation after vagus-nerve-sparing laparoscopically assisted distal gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Vagus nerve-sparing laparoscopically assisted distal gastrectomy (Vs-LADG) for early gastric cancer has been introduced to reduce postgastrectomy syndrome, but its clinical and functional outcomes remain unclear. METHODS: Of the 105 patients reviewed in this study, 75 underwent Vs-LADG and 30 underwent laparoscopically assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) for gastric cancer between January 1999 and May 2006. The clinical and functional outcomes of these two groups were compared. RESULTS: The clinical and pathologic background between the two groups did not differ. The incidence of gallstone was significantly lower in the Vs-LADG group than in the LADG group (p < 0.05), but no differences existed in duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, number of retrieved lymph nodes, time to first flatus after surgery, or length of hospital stay between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: As shown by the findings, Vs-LADG is a safe and minimally invasive surgery that may decrease the incidence of gallstone formation after gastrectomy.

Comparing reconstruction with ileocecal graft to jejunal interposition pouch after total gastrectomy in rats.

After total gastrectomy, the ileocecal graft may act as a reservoir and protect against reflux but give rise to transposition of the ileum and cause possible changes in bile acid metabolism and nutrition. This study compared the ileocecal graft and jejunal pouch. Male Wistar rats weighing 265 +/- 22 g were submitted to sham operation (S), ileocecal interposition graft (IIG), and jejunal pouch interposition graft (JP) after total gastrectomy. Eight weeks later, the esophagus was examined for evidence of esophagitis. Nutritional biochemistry and weight profile were documented preoperatively and 8 weeks after surgery. The oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Thirty-three rats were operated on and 30 survived for 8 weeks. Esophagitis occurred in seven JP rats. Body weight was significantly higher in IIG than in JP rats (p < .05). Normal glucose tolerance to intragastric glucose load was observed in sham and operated rats. JP rats had a significant decrease in serum albumin, glucose, transferrin, hemoglobin, iron, folate, and calcium, compared to sham (p < .05). Cobalamine was significantly lower in IIG rats than in JP rats (p < .05). In the IIG and JP groups, serum/hepatic total bile acid did not differ significantly from preoperative and sham values. In conclusion, the IIG interposition graft in rats prevented esophagitis, preserved nutrition, and did not interfere with enterohepatic total bile acid circulation.

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

BACKGROUND: Little is known about postgastrectomy syndrome and quality of life (QOL after laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG). The aim of this study was to assess postgastrectomy syndrome and QOL after LAPPG as compared with laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I reconstruction (LADGBI). METHODS: Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45) questionnaires were sent by mail to 167 patients. To balance the characteristics of the groups, propensity score matching was performed. RESULTS: Of the 167 patients sent questionnaires, 112 (67%) responded, including 47 who underwent LAPPG and 65 who underwent LADGBI. After propensity score matching, the LAPPG group scored significantly better on the diarrhea and dumping subscales. Multiple regression analysis showed that female sex and LADGBI were independent factors predicting dumping. Evaluation of outcome measures for singular symptom showed that the LAPPG group scored significantly worse on the acid regurgitation subscale, but significantly better on the lower abdominal pain and early dumping abdominal subscales. CONCLUSION: LAPPG is superior to LADGBI for ameliorating postgastrectomy syndrome and maintaining QOL. LAPPG is recommended for patients with cT1N0 middle third gastric cancer.