Short-term outcomes and long-term quality of life of reconstruction methods after proximal gastrectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal reconstruction method after proximal gastrectomy remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the short-term outcomes and long-term quality of life of various reconstruction methods. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched to identify comparative studies concerning the reconstruction methods after proximal gastrectomy. The reconstruction methods were classified into six groups: double tract reconstruction (DTR), esophagogastrostomy (EG), gastric tube reconstruction (GT), jejunal interposition (JI), jejunal pouch interposition (JPI) and double flap technique (DFT). Esophagogastric anastomosis group (EG group) included EG, GT and DFT, while esophagojejunal anastomosis group (EJ group) included DTR, JI and JPI. RESULTS: A total of 27 studies with 2410 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that the incidences of reflux esophagitis of DTR, EG, GT, JI, JPI and DFT were 7.6%, 27.3%, 4.5%, 7.1%, 14.0%, and 9.1%, respectively. The EG group had more reflux esophagitis (OR = 3.68, 95%CI 2.44-5.57, P < 0.00001) and anastomotic stricture (OR = 1.58, 95%CI 1.02-2.45, P = 0.04) than the EJ group. But the EG group showed shorter operation time (MD=-56.34, 95%CI -76.75- -35.94, P < 0.00001), lesser intraoperative blood loss (MD=-126.52, 95%CI -187.91- -65.12, P < 0.0001) and shorter postoperative hospital stay (MD=-2.07, 95%CI -3.66- -0.48, P = 0.01). Meanwhile, the EG group had fewer postoperative complications (OR = 0.68, 95%CI 0.51-0.90, P = 0.006) and lesser weight loss (MD=-1.25, 95%CI -2.11- -0.39, P = 0.004). For specific reconstruction methods, there were lesser reflux esophagitis (OR = 0.10, 95%CI 0.06-0.18, P < 0.00001) and anastomotic stricture (OR = 0.14, 95%CI 0.06-0.33, P < 0.00001) in DTR than the esophagogastrostomy. DTR and esophagogastrostomy showed no significant difference in anastomotic leakage (OR = 1.01, 95%CI 0.34-3.01, P = 0.98). CONCLUSION: Esophagojejunal anastomosis after proximal gastrectomy can reduce the incidences of reflux esophagitis and anastomotic stricture, while esophagogastric anastomosis has advantages in technical simplicity and long-term weight status. Double tract reconstruction is a safe technique with excellent anti-reflux effectiveness and favorable quality of life. REGISTRATION: This meta-analysis was registered on the PROSPERO (CRD42022381357).

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.

Comparing intracorporeal mechanical anastomosis vs. hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy after total laparoscopic gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction cancer: a single-center study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of continuous hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy with barbed suture and mechanical anastomosis in total laparoscopic gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 60 patients who underwent total laparoscopic total gastrectomy from January 2020 to October 2021 were collected retrospectively. Baseline data and short-term surgical results of patients in the hand-sewn anastomosis (n = 30) and mechanical anastomosis (n = 30) groups were analyzed. RESULTS: No significant differences were detected in the baseline data between groups. Meanwhile, the hand-sewn group had a shorter anastomosis time (21.2 ± 4.9 min vs. 27.9 ± 6.9 min, p < 0.001) and a decreased operation cost (CNY 70608.3 ± 8106.7 vs. CNY 76485.6 ± 3149.9, p = 0.001). The tumor margin distance in the hand-sewn group was longer than in the mechanical group (2.7 ± 0.4 cm vs. 2.2 ± 0.75 cm, p = 0.002). In esophagojejunostomy anastomosis, the distance between the jejunal opening and jejunal stump in the hand-sewn group was significantly shorter than that in the mechanical group (2.2 ± 0.54 cm vs. 5.7 ± 0.6 cm, p < 0.001). No significant difference was detected in the incidence of postoperative anastomotic complications. CONCLUSION: The continuous hand-sewn anastomosis with barbed suture in total laparoscopic gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction cancer is practical, safe, and cost-effective. It is also an effective supplementary technique for mechanical anastomosis.

Efficacy and safety of totally laparoscopic gastrectomy with uncut Roux-en-Y for gastric cancer: a dual-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Uncut Roux-en-Y (URY) effectively alleviates the prevalent complexities connected with RY, such as Roux-en-Y stasis syndrome (RSS). Nevertheless, for gastric cancer (GC) patients, it is still controversial whether URY has an impact on long-term prognosis and whether it has fewer afferent loop recanalization. Therefore, compare whether URY and RY have differences in prognosis and long-term complications of GC patients undergoing totally laparoscopic gastrectomy (TLG). METHODS: We analyzed the data of patients who underwent TLG combined with digestive tract reconstruction from dual-center between 2016 and 2022. Only patients undergoing URY and RY were selected for analysis. Relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated. Bias between the groups was reduced by propensity score matching (PSM). The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to further analyze the influence of URY on prognosis. RESULTS: Two hundred forty two GC patients were enrolled. The URY had significantly shorter operation time, liquid food intake time, and in-hospital stays than the RY (P < 0.001). The URY had fewer long-term and short-term postoperative complications than the RY, especially with regard to RSS, reflux esophagitis, and reflux gastritis. The 3-year and 5-year OS of the URY group and the RY group before PSM: 87.5% vs. 65.6% (P < 0.001) and 81.4% vs. 61.7% (P = 0.001). PSM and Cox multivariate analysis confirmed that compared to RY, URY can improve the short-term and long-term prognosis of GC patients. CONCLUSION: TLG combined with URY for GC, especially for advanced, older, and poorly differentiated patients, may promote postoperative recovery and improve long-term prognosis.

Advantages of total proctocolectomy with straight ileoanal anastomosis plus pedicled omental transposition for familial adenomatous polyposis: a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To achieve excellent postoperative bowel function in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients, it is important to reconstruct the digestive tract. The aim of this study is to preliminarily discuss the advantages of total proctocolectomy with straight ileoanal anastomosis (TPC-SIAA) plus pedicled omental transposition for FAP. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out in two hospitals analysing data for FAP patients who underwent surgical treatments between 2015 and 2021. Perioperative outcomes and early and mid-term anal functions were analysed. RESULTS: After excluding 4 patients who underwent total proctocolectomy with permanent ileostomy, 10 patients were enrolled in the study. Among the 10 patients, 3 received TPC-SIAA plus pedicled omental transposition, 3 received total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (TPC-IPAA), and 4 received total colectomy with ileal pouch-rectal anastomosis (TC-IPRA). Except for one case conversion to laparotomy, laparoscopic surgery was performed for the other cases. The incidence of early postoperative complications was apparently higher with pouch anastomosis (57.1%) than straight anastomosis (0%). Frequencies of bowel movement and low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score were higher for TPC-SIAA than the other two surgical procedures in the early term; over time, however, the frequencies of bowel movement and LARS score both showed a decreasing trend. In addition, combined with anorectal pressure detection and magnetic resonance imaging defecography at the 3rd month after TPC-SIAA plus pedicled omental transposition, defecation coordination was good. The dynamics and receptivity of the new rectum tended to be as expected. CONCLUSION: Although the three surgical procedures are safe and feasible surgical options for FAP, TPC-SIAA plus pedicled omental transposition is more consistent with intestinal physiology, with good intestinal compliance, and anal function tended to be as expected over time. Nevertheless, more extensive studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

[Safety and feasibility of overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis technique for digestive tract reconstruction during complete laparoscopic right hemicolectomy].

Objective: To explore the clinical safety and feasibility of overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis (ODA) in totally laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (TLRHC). Methods: From May 2017 to October 2019, of the 219 patients who underwent TLRHC at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, 104 cases underwent ODA (ODA group) and 115 cases underwent conventional extracorporeal anastomosis (control group) were compared the surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery, pathological outcomes and perioperative complications. Results: The length of the skin incision in the ODA group was significantly shorter than that in the control group [(5.6±0.9) cm vs. (7.1±1.7) cm, P<0.05], and the time to first flatus and first defecation after surgery in the ODA group was significantly earlier than that in the control group [(1.7±0.7) days vs. (2.0±0.7) days; (3.2±0.6) days vs. (3.3±0.7) days, P<0.05]. While the anastomosis time, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the time of first ground activities, the number of bowel movements within 12 days after surgery, postoperative hospital stay, tumor size, the distal and proximal margins, the number of lymph node harvested and postoperative TNM stage in the ODA group did not differ from that of the control group (P>0.05). The postoperative complication rates of patients in the ODA group and the control group were 3.8% (4/104) and 4.3% (5/115), respectively, and the difference was not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: The application of ODA technology in TLRHC can significantly shorten thelength of skin incisionand the recovery time of bowel function, and can obtain satisfactory short-term efficacy.

Application of double layered end-to-end anastomosis with continuous manual suture for completing digestive tract reconstruction in totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: We retrospectively reviewed and consecutively collected the clinical data of distal gastric cancer patients who received surgical treatment, and we discuss the safety and feasibility of double layered end-to-end anastomosis with continuous manual suture to complete digestive tract reconstruction in totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical data of 41 patients with distal gastric cancer from the gastroenterology department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, from September 2018 to August 2019, who underwent totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. During the operation, the method of double layered end-to-end anastomosis with continuous manual suture was used for Billroth type I anastomosis to complete digestive tract reconstruction. All patients have been given a follow-up visit and gastroscopy three months after the operation. The peri-operative clinical information and postoperative follow-up information were collected for analysis, and the clinical application value was evaluated. RESULTS: General information: male(n = 27), female(n = 14), age = 65.02(SD 9.94) years, and BMI = 23.52(SD 2.56) kg/m2, Tumor location: antrum(32,78.0%), angle (6,14.6%), and body (3,7.3%). Clinical stage: I (27, 65.9%), II (7, 17.1%), and III (7, 17.1%). Operative information: operation time = 154.51(SD 33.37) min, anastomosis time = 26.88(SD 5.11) min; intraoperative bleeding = 66.34(SD 48.81) ml; first postoperative ambulation Median = 1(IQR 0) d, first postoperative flatus Median = 3(IQR 2) d, first postoperative diet Median = 3(IQR 1) d, postoperative hospital stay Median = 7(IQR 2) d, and total hospitalization cost = 10,935.00(SD 2205.72)USD. Differentiation degree: high and high-moderate (3,7.32%), moderate and poor-moderate (24, 58.54%), poor differentiation (14, 34.15%), dissected lymph nodes Median = 31(IQR 17), and positive lymph nodes Median = 0(IQR 1). Pathological stage: IA (20, 48.78%), IB (3, 7.32%), IIA (4, 9.76%), IIB (5, 12.20%), IIIA (1, 2.44%), IIIB (3, 7.32%), and IIIC (5, 12.20%). Complications (n = 4): lung infection (1, 2.44%), anastomotic leakage (1, 2.44%), and gastroparesis (2, 4.88%). CONCLUSION: It is safe and feasible in clinical treatment to apply the method of double layered end-to-end anastomosis with continuous manual suture to complete digestive tract reconstruction in totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.

Jejunal and ileocolic free flaps for digestive tract reconstruction following pharyngo-laryngo-oesophagectomy - 30 years of single-centre experience.

INTRODUCTION: Hypopharyngeal cancer accounts for 3-5% of all squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck and has one of the worst prognoses. The aim of the study was to evaluate oncologic and functional treatment outcomes in patients with T3-T4a squamous cell hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the material from one treatment site included 90 patients (81 male, 9 female) who had undergone surgery between 1986 and 2010. Their mean age was 55.06 years (range 36-75). RESULTS: TNM (T - tumour, N - node, M - metastasis) staging assessment was feasible in 70 treatment-naïve patients (77.78%): 57 (63.33%) were classified to stage T4a, and 13 were classified to T3 (14.44%). Cervical lymphadenopathy was observed in 53 (63.3%) patients; in 44 patients (48.89%) postoperative histopathology confirmed metastatic disease. G2 or G3 SCC was detected in 80% of patients. All patients underwent laryngopharyngoesophagectomy (LPE). Digestive tract reconstruction was performed using one of two methods: jejunal autograft (JA) in 79 patients (87.78 %) - Group A or ileocolic autograft (IA) in 11 patients (12.22%) - Group B. Comparative statistical analysis of both groups showed statistically significant differences only for substitute speech production. The mean survival time of patients from both groups was 2.21 years after reconstruction surgery. CONCLUSIONS: JA or IA for digestive tract reconstruction in patients after LPE are burdened with high risk of complications but offer patients the chance of a normal oral diet shortly after surgery. Ileocolic autograft enables rapid production of substitute speech.

[Short-term efficacy of totally laparoscopic left colon cancer radical resection with overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis technique].

Objective: To evaluate the safety, feasibility and short-term efficacy of totally laparoscopic left colectomy for left colon cancer by using overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis technique for digestive tract reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to collect the clinical data of 86 patients with left colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic surgery in Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from October, 2017 to February, 2019. The patients were divided into totally laparoscopic left-sided colectomy (TLLC) (treatment group, n=25 cases) and laparoscopic-assisted left-sided colectomy (LALC) (control group, n=61 cases). The intraoperative and postoperative data were compared between the two groups. Results: There were no surgical-related deaths in both groups. All the patients in the TLLC group underwent laparoscopic resection, while one patient in the LALC group transfer to open surgery. The operation time in TLLC group and LALC group were (164.5±42.3) min and (171.0±43.1) min, respectively, without statistically significant difference (P=0.516). However, the intraoperative blood loss of patients in the TLLC group was (36.4±22.7) ml, which was significantly less than (52.9±32.2) ml in the LALC group (P=0.026). The anastomosis time in the TLLC group was (39.1±6.5) min, which was significantly longer than (24.9±5.4) min in the LALC group (P<0.001). Postoperative exhaust time in the TLLC group was (2.6±0.5) days, which was significantly shorter than (3.3±0.8) days in the LALC group (P<0.001). The incision length in the TLLC group was (4.2±2.2) cm, significantly shorter than (7.0±2.5) cm in the LALC group (P<0.001). The length of the resected bowel was (21.0±7.3) cm in the TLLC group, which was significantly longer than (17.5±5.4) cm in the LALC group (P=0.037). The length of hospital stay in the TLLC group was (6.2±1.9) days, which was significantly shorter than (7.9±1.5) days in the LALC group (P<0.001). The incidences of postoperative complications in the TLLC group and LALC group were 0 and 4.9% (3/61), respectively, without statistically significant (P=0.553). No anastomotic complications occurred in both groups. During the follow-up period, neither group of patients was hospitalized again, and no tumor metastasis or recurrence occurred. Conclusions: It is safe and feasible to apply the TLLC with overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis in patients with left colon cancer. It has better short-term effects such as shorter incisions, faster recovery, and shorter postoperative hospital stays, and is worthy of further promotion.

[The Short-term Analysis of Overlapped Delta-shaped Anastomosis in Total Laparoscopic Transverse Colectomy].

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the clinical safety, feasibility and short-term effect of overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis in total laparoscopic transverse colectomy. Methods: The records, which were based on China National Cancer Center, of 20 and 31 patients who underwent total laparoscopic transverse colectomy with overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis and laparoscopic-assisted transverse colectomy with conventional extracorporeal anastomosis, from March 2017 to May 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Data regarding surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery, pathological outcomes and perioperative complications were collected and compared. Results: There was no difference between the two groups in overall operation time, anastomosis time and intraoperative blood loss (P>0.05), however, the length of incision was significantly shorter in overlapped delta-shaped group [(4.7±0.6) cm vs. (5.5±1.0) cm, P=0.002]. The time to ground activities, first flatus and postoperative hospitalization did not differ between the two groups (P>0.05). The postoperative visual analogue scale was lower in the overlapped delta-shaped group than the control group on postoperative day 1 (3.7±0.7 vs. 4.2±0.9, P=0.015) and postoperative day 3 (2.7±0.5 vs. 3.2±0.9, P=0.040). The perioperative complication rates were 10.0% and 12.9% in the overlapped delta-shaped group and the control group, respectively, and the difference was not significant (P=0.753). Conclusion: Compared to conventional extracorporeal anastomosis, total laparoscopic transverse colectomy with overlapped delta-shaped anastomosis was a safe and feasible procedure with satisfactory short-term effect, shorter incision and less postoperative pain.

[The short-term effect analysis of intracorporeal delta-shaped anastomosis in total laparoscopic left hemicolectomy].

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the clinical safety and feasibility of intracorporeal delta-shaped anastomosis in total laparoscopic left hemicolectomy. Methods: From January 1, 2017 to October 1, 2017, 11 patients who were diagnosed with left colon cancer and underwent total laparoscopic left hemicolectomy with intracorporeal delta-shaped anastomosis were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: The median operation time was 121.8 minutes and the median time for anastomosis was 14.9 minutes. The median intraoperative blood loss was 45.5 ml. The lengths of the upper and lower segments of resection from colon cancer were 11.4 cm and 8.5 cm, respectively. The median number of lymph nodes retrieved was 29.5. The median time to ground activities, time to flatus, time to fluid diet intake and length of hospital stay were 1.4 days, 3.0 days, 3.8 days and 6.9 days, respectively. Only one patient suffered from incision infection during his hospitalization due to preoperative long-term smoking history. No mobility related to the anastomosis such as anastomotic bleeding, stenosis, obstruction and leakage occurred in any patients. Conclusion: Total laparoscopic left hemicolectomy with intracorporeal delta-shaped anastomosis is a safe and feasible procedure with a satisfactory short-term effect.

A modified esophagogastric reconstruction method after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy: A technical note with video vignette.

TECHNIQUE: Although the double flap technique effectively reduces the incidence of postoperative reflux esophagitis and anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic gastrectomy, its clinical application is restricted because the procedure is technical complex. We devised a modified esophagogastric reconstructive method which we termed the "arch-bridge-type" reconstruction. This reconstruction method was performed for a 71-year-old man, who was admitted to our hospital with the diagnosis of cT2N0 upper gastric cancer. The present study reported the surgical details and accompanied with the video. RESULTS: The patient underwent surgery successfully without switching to open surgery. The total operation time was 203 min, the time for making the "arch-bridge" was 16 min, and the time for esophagogastric anastomosis under laparoscopy was 23 min. No surgery-related complications occurred. The postoperative hospital stay was 10 days. The upper GI radiography demonstrated that the anastomosis was not narrow and no extravasation of contrast agent was observed. The gastroscopy found no reflux esophagitis and anastomotic stenosis 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSION: The "arch-bridge-type" reconstruction method is safe and time saving. It has advantages in simplifying the procedure of conventional double flap technique and reducing postoperative complications after proximal gastrectomy.

Clinical efficacy and safety of double-channel anastomosis and tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis in gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: With the continuous progress of surgical technology and improvements in medical standards, the treatment of gastric cancer surgery is also evolving. Proximal gastrectomy is a common treatment, but double-channel anastomosis and tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis have attracted much attention in terms of surgical options. Each of these two surgical methods has advantages and disadvantages, so it is particularly important to compare and analyze their clinical efficacy and safety. AIM: To compare the surgical safety, clinical efficacy, and safety of double-channel anastomosis and tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis in proximal gastrectomy. METHODS: The clinical and follow-up data of 99 patients with proximal gastric cancer who underwent proximal gastrectomy and were admitted to our hospital between January 2018 and September 2023 were included in this retrospective cohort study. According to the different anastomosis methods used, the patients were divided into a double-channel anastomosis group (50 patients) and a tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis group (49 patients). In the double-channel anastomosis, Roux-en-Y anastomosis of the esophagus and jejunum was performed after proximal gastric dissection, and then side-to-side anastomosis was performed between the residual stomach and jejunum to establish an antireflux barrier and reduce postoperative gastroesophageal reflux. In the tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis group, after the proximal end of the stomach was cut, tubular gastroplasty was performed on the distal stump of the stomach and a linear stapler was used to anastomose the posterior wall of the esophagus and the anterior wall of the stomach tube. The main outcome measure was quality of life 1 year after surgery in both groups, and the evaluation criteria were based on the postgastrectomy syndrome assessment scale. The greater the changes in body mass, food intake per meal, meal quality subscale score, and total measures of physical and mental health score, the better the condition; the greater the other indicators, the worse the condition. The secondary outcome measures were intraoperative and postoperative conditions, the incidence of postoperative long-term complications, and changes in nutritional status at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: In the double-channel anastomosis cohort, there were 35 males (70%) and 15 females (30%), 33 (66.0%) were under 65 years of age, and 37 (74.0%) had a body mass index ranging from 18 to 25 kg/m2. In the group undergoing tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis, there were eight females (16.3%), 21 (42.9%) individuals were under the age of 65 years, and 34 (69.4%) had a body mass index ranging from 18 to 25 kg/m2. The baseline data did not significantly differ between the two groups (P > 0.05 for all), with the exception of age (P = 0.021). The duration of hospitalization, number of lymph nodes dissected, intraoperative blood loss, and perioperative complication rate did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05 for all). Patients in the dual-channel anastomosis group scored better on quality of life measures than did those in the tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis group. Specifically, they had lower scores for esophageal reflux [2.8 (2.3, 4.0) vs 4.8 (3.8, 5.0), Z = 3.489, P < 0.001], eating discomfort [2.7 (1.7, 3.0) vs 3.3 (2.7, 4.0), Z = 3.393, P = 0.001], total symptoms [2.3 (1.7, 2.7) vs 2.5 (2.2, 2.9), Z = 2.243, P = 0.025], and other aspects of quality of life. The postoperative symptoms [2.0 (1.0, 3.0) vs 2.0 (2.0, 3.0), Z = 2.127, P = 0.033], meals [2.0 (1.0, 2.0) vs 2.0 (2.0, 3.0), Z = 3.976, P < 0.001], work [1.0 (1.0, 2.0) vs 2.0 (1.0, 2.0), Z = 2.279, P = 0.023], and daily life [1.7 (1.3, 2.0) vs 2.0 (2.0, 2.3), Z = 3.950, P < 0.001] were all better than those of the tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis group. The group that underwent tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis had a superior anal exhaust score [3.0 (2.0, 4.0) vs 3.5 (2.0, 5.0) (Z = 2.345, P = 0.019] compared to the dual-channel anastomosis group. Hemoglobin, serum albumin, total serum protein, and the rate at which body mass decreased one year following surgery did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: The safety of double-channel anastomosis in proximal gastric cancer surgery is equivalent to that of tubular gastric surgery. Compared with tubular gastric surgery, double-channel anastomosis is a preferred surgical technique for proximal gastric cancer. It offers advantages such as less esophageal reflux and improved quality of life.

Comparison of the efficacy, safety and postoperative quality of life between modified side overlap anastomosis and double-tract anastomosis after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the surgical safety and postoperative quality of life (QOL) between side overlap anastomosis (SOA) and double-tract anastomosis (DTA) after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 43 patients with proximal gastric cancer (PGC) who underwent LPG and were admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University between August 2020 and December 2022 were in. Their clinical and follow-up data were collected. The patients were divided into the modified SOA (mSOA) (n = 20) and DTA (n = 23) groups based on the anastomosis methods used. The main outcome measures included the QOL of patients 1 year after surgery, and the evaluation criteria were based on the postgastrectomy syndrome assessment scale. Secondary outcome measures included intraoperative and postoperative conditions, postoperative long-term complications and nutritional status 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in intraoperative and postoperative conditions (P > 0.05) between the mSOA and DTA groups. The mSOA group showed a decreased incidence of reflux esophagitis 1 year after surgery compared with the DTA group (P < 0.05), and no statistically significant differences were noticed between the two groups in terms of other postoperative complications (P > 0.05). The mSOA group showed better QOL when compared with the DTA group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were recorded in postoperative nutritional status between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety of LPG with mSOA for PGC were comparable. When compared with the DTA group, the mSOA group seems to show reduced incidence of gastroesophageal reflux and improved QOL, which makes mSOA one of the ideal surgical methods for PGC.

Analysis of the safety and efficacy of the self-pulling and latter transected technique in modified overlap anastomosis in total laparoscopic total gastrectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic total gastrectomy plus lymph node dissection is an effective treatment method for patients with gastric cancer. With the development and popularization of laparoscopic techniques in recent years, surgeons have become more skilled in laparoscopic techniques. Totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) has been developed; however, digestive tract reconstruction remains difficult, especially with anastomosis of the esophagus and jejunum. Using the self-pulling and latter transection (SPLT) method combined with a linear stapler has effectively solved the problem of narrow space in esophagojejunostomy. Here, we examined the safety and effectiveness of the SPLT technique in TLTG compared with SPLT with traditional esophagojejunostomy overlap anastomosis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients with gastric cancer admitted to the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from September 2020 to September 2023. In total, 158 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included. Patients were grouped according to whether the lower esophagus was transected after self-pulling. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical conditions, and postoperative results between the two groups were statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 158 patients were included in the study. All patients underwent TLTG and completed intracavitary anastomosis. There were 70 cases (44%) in the SPLT-Overlap group and 88 cases (56%) in the traditional overlap group. There was no significant difference in demographic and oncological characteristics between the two groups. The operation time (P = 0.002) and esophageal jejunum anastomosis time (P<0.001) were significantly shorter in the SPLT-Overlap group compared with the traditional overlap group. The intraoperative blood loss of the SPLT-Overlap group was 80.29 ± 36.36 ml, and the intraoperative blood loss of the traditional overlap group was 101.40 ± 46.68 ml. The difference was statistically significant (P=0.003). The SPLT-Overlap group also achieved a higher upper cutting edge (P =0.03). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the incision size, postoperative hospital stay, time to first flatus, time to first liquid intake, drainage tube removal time, and esophagojejunal anastomotic diameter. There were 15 and 19 cases of short-term postoperative complications in the SPLT-Overlap and traditional Overlap groups, respectively. All patients received R0 resection, and no secondary surgery or death occurred. Conclusion: We applied SPLT to overlap anastomosis. Short-term, SPLT has good safety and feasibility in TLTG. It can effectively shorten the time of digestive tract reconstruction, simplify the reconstruction procedure, and make the digestive tract reconstruction simple and fast; at the same time, a safe cutting edge can be obtained.

Application of reversely connecting circular stapler technique in cervical esophagogastric anastomosis.

Introduction: The incidence of anastomotic leakage is relatively high (6-26%) in esophagogastrocervical anastomosis. The traditional anastomotic mode has high tissue tension in the process of anastomosis, which can easily cause tissue tear in the anastomotic area and increase the incidence of anastomotic leakage. Aim: To investigate the usefulness of reversely connecting circular stapler technique for reducing anastomotic tension and injury of the esophageal and gastric wall, preventing anastomotic leakage in minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy. Material and methods: A total of 133 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy from January 2021 to December 2021 were collected. Characteristics, surgical data, and outcomes of patients were recorded and retrospectively analyzed. There were 83 patients in the reverse order connecting circular stapler group and 50 patients in the conventional order connecting group. Results: Anastomotic leakage was observed in 2 (2.4%) cases in the reverse order connecting circular stapler group. Compared with the conventional connection group, the reverse connecting group had lower incidence of anastomotic leakage, shorter anastomotic time, shorter hospital stay, and lower incidence of pulmonary and chest infections and hoarseness. Conclusions: The reversely connecting circular stapler technique could reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage. The technique is simple to perform and easy to learn. Therefore, it is useful for the prevention of anastomotic leakage.

Safety and efficacy of laparoscopic digestive tract nutrition reconstruction combined with conversion therapy for patients with unresectable and obstructive gastric cancer.

Background: To explore the safety, efficacy, and survival benefits of laparoscopic digestive tract nutrition reconstruction (LDTNR) combined with conversion therapy in patients with unresectable gastric cancer with obstruction. Methods: The clinical data of patients with unresectable gastric cancer with obstruction who was treated in Fujian Provincial Hospital from January 2016 to December 2019, were analyzed. LDTNR was performed according to the type and degree of obstruction. All patients received the epirubicin + oxaliplatin + capecitabine regimen as conversion therapy. Results: Thirty-seven patients with unresectable obstructive gastric cancer underwent LDTNR, while thirty-three patients received chemotherapy only. In LDTNR group patients, the proportion of nutritional risks gradually decreased, the rate of severe malnutrition decreased, the proportion of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) <2.5 increased, the proportion of prognosis nutrition index (PNI) ≥45 increased, and the Spitzer QOL Index significantly increased at day 7 and 1 month postoperatively (P<0.05). One patient (6.3%) developed grade III anastomotic leakage and was discharged after the endoscopic intervention. The median chemotherapy cycle of patients in LDTNR group was 6 cycles (2-10 cycles), higher than that in Non-LDTNR group (P<0.001). Among those who received LDTNR therapy, 2 patients had a complete response, 17 had a partial response, 8 had stable disease, and 10 had progressive disease, which was significantly better than the response rate in Non-LDTNR group(P<0.001). The 1-year cumulative survival rates of the patients with or without LDTNR were 59.5% and 9.1%. The 3-year cumulative survival rate with or without LDTNR was 29.7% and 0%, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusions: LDTNR can improve the inflammatory and immune status, increase compliance with chemotherapy, and have potential benefits in improving the safety and effectiveness of and survival after conversion treatment.

Uncut interposed jejunum pouch versus esophago-gastrostomy and double anastomoses of jejunum to the esophagus and residual stomach: An innovative method of digestive tract reconstruction following proximal gastrectomy.

AIM: An innovative method of digestive tract reconstruction following proximal gastrectomy, the uncut interposed jejunum pouch, esophagus and residual stomach double anastomosis(Uncut-D), was established in recent years. In order to fully clarify the superiority of the procedure, this study has conducted a systematic analysis and thorough discussion. METHODS: 118 patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction who underwent proximal gastrectomy were enrolled in this study. According to the methods of digestive tract reconstruction, these patients were divided into three groups: Uncut-D(n = 43), esophagogastrostomy (EG, n = 36), jejunal interposition (JI, n = 39).The preoperative indicators, surgical complications and related indicators of postoperative quality of life were analyzed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in preoperative data among all groups (P > 0.05); The digestive tract reconstruction time in Uncut-D group was more than that in EG group, and less than that in JI group (P < 0.05). The incidence of esophageal anastomotic stenosis in Uncut-D group was significantly lower than that in EG group (P < 0.05); In Uncut-D group, the incidence of reflux esophagitis, postoperative nutrition index(PNI), weight recovery and Visick classification were significantly better than those in EG group (P < 0.05), furthermore, the incidence of delayed gastric emptying,PNI and weight recovery were better than those in JI group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The Uncut-D procedure gave full play to jejunal continuity and the advantages of pouch, and played a valuable role in gastric and cardiac replacement, which significantly reduced long-term complications, improved postoperative nutritional status of patients and long-term quality of life.

Anti-reflux effects of a novel esophagogastric asymmetric anastomosis technique after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Reflux esophagitis is a common postoperative complication of proximal gastrectomy. There is an urgent need for a safer method of performing esophageal-gastric anastomosis that reduces the risk of reflux after proximal gastrectomy. We hypothesize that a novel technique termed esophagogastric asymmetric anastomosis (EGAA) can prevent postoperative reflux in a safe and feasible manner. AIM: To observe a novel method of EGAA to prevent postoperative reflux. METHODS: Initially, we employed a thermal stress computer to simulate and analyze gastric peristalsis at the site of an esophagogastric asymmetric anastomosis. This was done in order to better understand the anti-reflux function and mechanism. Next, we performed digestive tract reconstruction using the EGAA technique in 13 patients who had undergone laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy. Post-surgery, we monitored the structure and function of the reconstruction through imaging exams and gastroscopy. Finally, the patients were followed up to assess the efficacy of the anti-reflux effects. RESULTS: Our simulation experiments have demonstrated that the clockwise contraction caused by gastric peristalsis and the expansion of the gastric fundus caused by the increase of intragastric pressure could significantly tighten the anastomotic stoma, providing a means to prevent the reverse flow of gastric fluids. Thirteen patients with esophagogastric junction tumors underwent laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy, with a mean operation time of 304.2 ± 44.3 min. After the operation, the upper gastroenterography in supine/low head positions showed that eight patients exhibited no gastroesophageal reflux, three had mild reflux, and two had obvious reflux. The abdominal computed tomography examination showed a valve-like structure at the anastomosis. During follow-up, gastroscopy revealed a closed valve-like form at the anastomosis site without stenosis or signs of reflux esophagitis in 11 patients. Only two patients showed gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and mild reflux esophagitis and were treated with proton pump inhibitor therapy. CONCLUSION: EGAA is a feasible and safe surgical method, with an excellent anti-reflux effect after proximal gastrectomy.

The clinical outcomes of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction versus tube-like stomach reconstruction in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction based on propensity score-matching: a multicenter cohort study.

Purpose: Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction (LPG-DTR) and laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with tube-like stomach reconstruction (LPG-TLR) are both function-preserving procedures performed for treating AEG. However, there is no clinical consensus on the selection of digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy, and the best way to reconstruct the digestive tract remains controversial. This study aimed at comparing the clinical outcomes of LPG-DTR and LPG-TLR to provide some reference to the choice of AEG surgical modalities. Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study. we collected clinicopathological and follow-up data of patients with consecutive cases diagnosed with AEG from January 2016 to June 2021 in five medical centers. According to the way of digestive tract reconstruction after tumor resection, patients who underwent LPG-DTR or LPG-TLR were included in the present study. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance baseline variables that might affect the study outcomes. The QOL of the patients was evaluated using the Visick grade. Results: A total of 124 eligible consecutive cases were finally included. Patients in both groups were matched using the PSM method, and 55 patients from each group were included in the analysis after PSM. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the operation time, amount of intraoperative blood loss, days of postoperative abdominal drainage tube placement, postoperative hospitalization days, total hospitalization cost, the total number of lymph nodes cleared, and the number of positive lymph nodes (P>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of time to first flatus after surgery and postoperative soft food recovery time (P<0.05). For the nutritional status, the weight levels at 1 year after surgery was better in the LPG-DTR group than in the LPG-TLR group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Visick grade between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: The anti-reflux effect and quality of life of LPG-DTR for AEG were comparable to those of LPG-TLR. Compared with LPG-TLR, LPG-DTR provide better nutrition status for patients with AEG. LPG-DTR is a superior reconstruction method after proximal gastrectomy.