Safety of robotic double-flap technique following proximal gastrectomy in the introductory phase compared with laparoscopic procedure: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Proximal gastrectomy (PG) is recommended for upper-third gastric cancer and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer, preserving organ function while reducing postoperative symptoms. The double-flap technique (DFT) is one approach to minimize reflux after PG. However, laparoscopic PG with DFT (LPG-DFT) has drawbacks of increased complexity, such as hand sutures for anastomosis. Robotic surgery offers potential advantages for DFT reconstruction, but the safety of robotic DFT following PG (RPG-DFT) in the introductory phase is unknown. METHODS: This retrospective study compared the outcomes of RPG-DFT with LPG-DFT. Data from 402 patients (321 LPG-DFT, 81 RPG-DFT) between 2009 and 2023 were analyzed. Propensity score matching balanced patient demographics and tumor characteristics. Surgical parameters, complications, and long-term outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: The surgery time of LPG-DFT has stabilized in patients since 2016. Thus, LPG-DFT from 2016 was defined as a stable procedure. RPG-DFT was started in 2019, after minimally invasive DFT reconstruction had been mastered at our center. Therefore, we compared the surgical outcomes of introductory RPG-DFT with stable LPG-DFT. Matched analysis revealed that RPG-DFT in the introductory phase had significantly longer surgery times but less bleeding and shorter reconstruction times and hospital stays than stable LPG-DFT. Frequencies of short-term complications and reflux esophagitis were comparable in both groups. Although RPG-DFT in the introductory phase exhibited higher incidence of anastomotic stenosis than stable LPG-DFT, the incidence of anastomotic stenosis decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the safety of RPG-DFT in the introductory phase for EGJ and upper-third stomach tumors, with outcomes comparable to stable LPG-DFT. RPG-DFT offers shorter reconstruction time and less blood loss compared with LPG-DFT. However, anastomotic stenosis is a complication to monitor in early robotic surgery.

A multi-center, prospective, clinical study to evaluate the anti-reflux efficacy of laparoscopic double-flap technique (lD-FLAP Study).

Background: Double-flap technique (DFT) is a reconstruction procedure after proximal gastrectomy (PG). We previously reported a multi-center, retrospective study in which the incidence of reflux esophagitis (RE) (Los Angeles Classification ≥Grade B [LA-B]) 1 year after surgery was 6.0%. There have been many reports, but all of them were retrospective. Thus, a multi-center, prospective study was conducted. Methods: Laparoscopic PG + DFT was performed for cT1N0 upper gastric cancer patients. The primary endpoint was the incidence of RE (≥LA-B) 1 year after surgery. The planned sample size was 40, based on an estimated incidence of 6.0% and an upper threshold of 20%. Results: Forty patients were recruited, and 39, excluding one with conversion to total gastrectomy, received protocol treatment. Anastomotic leakage (Clavien-Dindo ≥Grade III) was observed in one patient (2.6%). In 38 patients, excluding one case of postoperative mortality, RE (≥LA-B) was observed in two patients (5.3%) 1 year after surgery, and the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval was 17.3%, lower than the 20% threshold. Anastomotic stricture requiring dilatation was observed in two patients (5.3%). One year after surgery, body weight change was 88.9 ± 7.0%, and PNI <40 and CONUT ≥5, indicating malnutrition, were observed in only one patient (2.6%) each. In the quality of life survey using the PGSAS-45 questionnaire, the esophageal reflux subscale score was 1.4 ± 0.6, significantly better than the public data (2.0 ± 1.0; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Laparoscopic DFT showed anti-reflux efficacy. Taken together with the acceptable incidence of anastomotic stricture, DFT can be an option for reconstruction procedure after PG.

A Descriptive Study on Imperiled Cochlear Implant Salvage Using Double Flap Cover-What We Learned in 6 Years.

Cochlear implant surgery is the standard of care for severe sensorineural hearing loss. Infection followed by implant extrusion is an infrequent complication of this surgery. The ideal treatment is explantation of the implant. However, implant removal and reimplantation is a challenging surgery and may have poor speech reception outcomes. The cost of a new implant especially in developing countries is also a deterrent. Our study dwells on the feasibility of salvaging exposed cochlear implants by a combination of pericranial flaps followed by a scalp flap cover. The study was done in a tertiary care hospital over a period of six years. Out of 303 cochlear implant surgeries, 12 patients had implant exposure and extrusion. Patients having meningitis and sepsis were excluded from the study. All patients underwent debridement and cover with double flap (Pericranial flaps and scalp rotation flap). The average operating time was 2.17 h. The surgery is technically simple with a short learning curve. It brings in rich blood supply and there is fair amount of tissue mobility. In 11 patients we were able to salvage the implant. Patients were followed for a period of 01 year post operatively. Our study suggests that salvage of infected implant should be attempted as it is feasible, durable and effective in appropriate patients.

[Rare case of reconstruction of the anterior thigh compartment after resection of high-grade sarcoma by hybrid technique: Latissimus dorsi free flap associated with a medial gastrocnemius pedicled flap]. / Cas rare de reconstruction de la loge antérieure de cuisse après résection d'un sarcome de haut grade par technique hybride : lambeau libre de grand dorsal associé à un lambeau gastrocnémien médial pédiculé.

INTRODUCTION: The soft tissue sarcomas of the limbs require extensive surgical excision. Reconstructive surgery plays an essential role in its management to preserve the limb, as exposed in a case of thigh sarcoma. CLINICAL CASE: A 73-year-old patient has a large sarcoma within the quadriceps. Its excision requires resection of the entire anterior thigh compartment. Preservation of the limb is permitted by reconstruction by latissimus dorsi free flap and medial gastrocnemius pedicled flap. The patient resumed walking using an orthosis at 3 months. CONCLUSION: Surgery to remove a sarcoma of a limb can threaten the integrity of the limb. Plastic surgery, with all the reconstruction techniques, contributes to the preservation of a functional limb.

Prognostic nutritional index is a prognostic factor for patients with gastric cancer and esophagogastric junction cancer undergoing proximal gastrectomy with esophagogastrostomy by the double-flap technique: A secondary analysis of the rD-FLAP study.

PURPOSE: Although proximal gastrectomy (PG) is commonly used in patients with upper gastric cancer (GC) and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer, long-term prognostic factors in these patients are poorly understood. The double-flap technique (DFT) is an esophagogastrostomy with anti-reflux mechanism after PG; we previously conducted a multicenter retrospective study (rD-FLAP) to evaluate the short-term outcomes of DFT reconstruction. Here, we evaluated the long-term prognostic factors in patients with upper GC and EGJ cancer. METHODS: The study was conducted as a secondary analysis of the rD-FLAP Study, which enrolled patients who underwent PG with DFT reconstruction, irrespective of disease type, between January 1996 and December 2015. RESULTS: A total of 509 GC and EGJ cancer patients were enrolled. Univariate and multivariate analyses of overall survival demonstrated that a preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) < 45 (p < 0.001, hazard ratio [HR]: 3.59, 95% confidential interval [CI]: 1.93-6.67) was an independent poor prognostic factor alongside pathological T factor ([pT] ≥2) (p = 0.010, HR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.22-4.30) and pathological N factor ([pN] ≥1) (p = 0.001, HR: 3.27, 95% CI: 1.66-6.46). In patients with preoperative PNI ≥45, PNI change (<90%) at 1-year follow-up (p = 0.019, HR: 2.54, 95%CI: 1.16-5.54) was an independent poor prognostic factor, for which operation time (≥300 min) and blood loss (≥200 mL) were independent risk factors. No independent prognostic factors were identified in patients with preoperative PNI <45. CONCLUSIONS: PNI is a prognostic factor in upper GC and EGJ cancer patients. Preoperative nutritional enhancement and postoperative nutritional maintenance are important for prognostic improvement in these patients.

Comparison of proximal gastrectomy with double-flap technique and double-tract reconstruction for proximal early gastric cancer: a meta-analysis.

Surgical resection is the main treatment for proximal gastric cancer, but there is no consensus on its reconstruction. We carried out a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of double-tract reconstruction (DTR) and double-flap technique (DFT) on postoperative quality of life in patients with proximal gastric cancer. Systematic searches of PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and the Cochrane Library were performed. Literature for the last 5 years was searched without language restrictions. The cutoff date for the search was 12 April 2023. Literature and research searches were conducted independently by two researchers and data were extracted. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager (Revman) 5.4 software. Fixed models were used when heterogeneity was small and random-effects models were used for meta-analysis when heterogeneity was large. The study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD 42023418520. Surgical time was significantly shorter in the DTR group than in the DFT group (P = 0.03). There were no significant differences between DFT and DTR in terms of age, gender, pathological stage, preoperative body mass index, surgical bleeding, and perioperative complications. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of reflux esophagitis and PPI intake, but DFT was superior to DTR in weight improvement at 1 year after surgery (P < 0.0001). Compared with DTR, DFT reconstruction is more demanding and time-consuming, but its postoperative nutritional status is better, so it should be the first choice for GI reconstruction in most patients with early proximal gastric cancer. However, DTR should be the best choice for patients who have difficulty operating.

Application value of intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis with double-flap technique in combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic radical resection for esophagogastric junction cancer / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the application value of intrathoracic double-flap tech-nique (Kamikawa anastomosis) in combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic radical resection for esophagogastric junction cancer.Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 10 patients with esophagogastric junction cancer who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University between July 2022 and April 2023 were collec-ted. There were 7 males and 3 females, aged 62(range, 53-71)years. All the 10 patients underwent combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic radical resection for esophagogastric junction cancer. Reconstruction was performed with an intrathoracic Kamikawa anastomosis. Observation indicators: (1) intraoperative and postoperative situations; (2) postoperative pathological examination; (3) follow-up and survival. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range). Count data were described as absolute numbers. Results:(1) Intraoperative and postoperative situations. All the 10 patients underwent surgery successfully. The operation time and volume of intraoperative blood loss were (347±41)minutes and (91±41)mL. The time to postoperative fluid diet intake, time to removal of postoperative abdominal drainage tube, time to removal of postoperative chest drainage tube, duration of postoperative hospital stay were (4.3±1.1)days, (5.0±1.6)days, (10.5±3.9)days, (13.3±3.8)days. Six patients had postoperative complications, including 1 case of Clavien-Dindo grade ⅢB, 3 cases of Clavien Dindo grade Ⅱ, 2 cases of Clavien Dindo grade Ⅰ. An upper gastrointestinal contrast at postoperative day 7 showed no anastomotic leak or anastomotic stricture in the 10 patients. (2) Postoperative pathological examination. Results of postoperative pathological examination in the 10 patients showed negative surgical margin. The number of lymph node dissected was 22±6. There were 3 patients with 5 positive lymph nodes. The tumor diameter and distance from center of tumor to squamocolumnar mucosal junction were (3.3±0.5)cm and (1.9±1.4)cm. One patient had tumor differentiation degree as high and moderate differentiation, 5 cases as moderate differentiation, 3 cases as moderate and low differentiation, 1 case as low differentiation. There were 5 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagogastric junction and 5 patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction. (3) Follow-up and survival. All the 10 patients were followed up for 7(range, 3?12)months, achieving disease-free survival. The visick quality of life grade Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ were observed in 7, 3, 0, 0 patients. Postoperative gastroscopy was completed in 7 patients, in which mild anastomotic strictures were noted in 2 patients, but no treatment was required. There was no reflux esophagitis.Conclusion:Intrathoracic Kamikawa anastomosis in combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic radical resection for esophagogastric junction cancer is safe and feasible, with satisfactory short-term efficacy.

Study protocol for comparing the efficacy of left-open single-flap technique versus double-flap technique after proximal gastrectomy: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Background: Proximal gastrectomy has gradually gained more attention due to its superiority in retaining the function of part of the stomach. The inevitable loss of the antireflux barrier and postoperative complications resulting from proximal gastrectomy can severely affect the quality of life. Continuous improvements in digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy have yielded the development of a variety of methods with antireflux functions. Recently, our center attempted the left-open single-flap technique and initiated a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial for patients undergoing proximal gastrectomy to reduce the difficulty of surgical anastomosis and the incidence of perioperative complications compared with the double-flap technique. These findings will provide more evidence-based medical research for the development of clinical guidelines. Methods/design: This study is a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial. We plan to recruit 250 patients who are eligible for proximal gastrectomy. After informed consent is obtained, patients will be randomly assigned to the trial group (left-open single-flap technique) and the control group (double-flap technique) in a 1:1 allocation ratio. Discussion: Increasingly, clinical studies have focused on the improvement of reconstruction modalities after proximal gastrectomy. Among these methods, the double-flap technique is a clinically effective method. The purpose of this study is to establish a prospective randomized controlled trial to compare the efficacy of the left-open single-flap technique versus the double-flap technique after proximal gastrectomy, aiming to provide more evidence-based medical studies for digestive tract reconstruction in proximal gastrectomy. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier [NCT05418920].

Total Urethra and Penile Shaft Reconstruction with Combined Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh Flap and Radial Forearm Free Flap after Total Penectomy.

Total reconstruction of the penis (TPR) represents a challenge for urologists and plastic surgeons, especially when urethral length is severely reduced. We here describe, for the first time in an oncologic scenario, a double flap phalloplasty using a pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap for penile reconstruction and a radial forearm free flap (RFFF) for complete neourethra and glans reconstruction following penile amputation. A 48-year-old patient came to our department following a total penectomy with inferior urethral derivation. The indication for a double flap phalloplasty was posed as only way to fully reconstruct the urethra on its length avoiding possible complications of single flap reconstruction using tube-into-tube technique. Both flaps healed uneventfully with no neourethral strictures or fistulas described. At 18 months follow-up, the patient was extremely satisfied with the aesthetic result and was able to void in standing position. We think that a double free tissue transfer for TPR should be considered, particularly when a urethral length > 14 cm needs to be reconstructed. While the pedicled ALT can be used to reconstruct a proper penile shaft with an easily concealed scar, the RFFF can provide adequate neourethra length with satisfactory sensory recovery at the neoglans.

Long-Term Pregnancy Outcomes of Patients with Diffuse Adenomyosis after Double-Flap Adenomyomectomy.

Although many studies show that patients with diffuse adenomyosis who underwent fertility-sparing surgery can have a successful pregnancy, their pregnancy outcomes are still controversial. The objective of this study was to determine long-term pregnancy outcomes and possible influencing factors after double-flap adenomyomectomy for patients with diffuse adenomyosis. A total of 137 patients with diffuse adenomyosis who underwent double-flap adenomyomectomy between January 2011 and December 2019 were studied, and correlations between pregnancy outcomes and clinical data, including age and junctional zone measured by magnetic resonance imaging (JZmax-A), were analyzed. The results show that 56 patients (40.9%, 56/137) had 62 pregnancies, including 35 natural pregnancies and 27 assisted reproduction pregnancies, after operation. A univariate regression analysis showed that the pregnancy outcomes were related to age at surgery, visual analog scale (VAS) score of preoperative dysmenorrhea, parity experience, length of infertility, and postoperative JZmax-A. A multivariate regression analysis showed that age at surgery, VAS score of preoperative dysmenorrhea, and postoperative JZmax-A were the independent indicators correlated with pregnancy outcomes. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that postoperative JZmax-A was the most valuable indicator for predicting pregnancy outcomes. Cumulative pregnancy rates during the first 3 years were 70.1% and 20.9% in the postoperative JZmax-A ≤ 8.5 mm and the postoperative JZmax-A > 8.5 mm groups, respectively. In conclusion, double-flap adenomyomectomy could improve fertility for diffuse adenomyosis, and postoperative JZmax-A might be a promising indicator for predicting pregnancy outcomes.

[History and present situation of seromuscular flap anastomosis in proximal gastrectomy].

With the increasing detection rate of early upper gastric cancer and adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction, the safety of proximal gastrectomy with clear indications has been verified, and function-preserving proximal gastrectomy has been widely used. However, proximal gastrectomy destructs the normal anatomical structure of esophagogastric junction, resulting in severe postoperative gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and seriously affecting the quality of life. Among various anti-reflux surgery methods, reconstruction of "cardiac valve" has always been the focus of relevant scholars because its similarity with the mechanism of normal anti-reflux. After years of development, evolution and optimization, the designed seromuscular flap anastomosis includes tunnel muscle flap anastomosis, Hatafuku valvuloplasty, single muscle flap anastomosis and double muscle flap anastomosis. The double muscle flap anastomosis has become a research hotspot because it shows good anti-reflux effect in clinical application. This paper reviews the history, research status and hot issues of seromuscular flap anastomosis of esophageal remnant stomach at home and abroad.

Flap suturing endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy assisted by ultrasonic bone aspirator.

BACKGROUND: In the external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), a sutured anastomosis technique performed between the nasal mucosal and lacrimal sac flaps reported by Dupuy-Dutemps and Bourguet was the gold standard and was believed to lead to the success of the surgery. However, because of the small working space, a flap suturing technique has not been completely established in endonasal DCR (END-DCR). OBJECTIVES: The effect of the modified flap suture anastomosis technique using a Sonopet ultrasonic bone aspirator was retrospectively compared to that using a diamond burr in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ten patients underwent the modified flap suturing technique using the Sonopet, and 30 patients were operated on using a diamond burr. RESULTS: Successful patency of the lacrimal ostium (LO) was obtained in all patients in both groups. The rates of successful suturing during the operation and of a large diameter of the LO 3 months after the operation were significantly higher in patients in whom the Sonopet rather than the burr was used. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The Sonopet might offer similar surgical outcome to the traditional microdrill DCR and is a safer means of bone removal in END-DCR in the small working space.

Digestive tract reconstruction after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and the application prospect of esophagogastric anastomosis with double flap technique / 中华消化外科杂志

Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) can be selected for the treatment of early upper gastric carcinoma, but gastroesophageal reflux after operation would seriously affect the quality of life of patients. Esophagogastric anastomosis with double flap technique is a digestive tract reconstruction method using the anastomosis between the esophagus and the anterior wall of the stomach. Compared with other digestive tract reconstruction methods, esophagogastric anastomosis with double flap technique can maintain the postoperative body mass of patients in good condition, improve the nutritional status and the long-term quality of life of patients. Esophagogastric anasto-mosis with double flap technique has good anti reflux effects and retain the possibility of endoscopic examination and treatment. By reviewing literatures at home and abroad, and combined with clinical experiences, the authors discuss current status and digestive tract reconstruction methods of LPG, and deeply investigate the application prospect of esophagogastric anastomosis with double flap technique.

History and present situation of seromuscular flap anastomosis in proximal gastrectomy / 中华胃肠外科杂志

With the increasing detection rate of early upper gastric cancer and adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction, the safety of proximal gastrectomy with clear indications has been verified, and function-preserving proximal gastrectomy has been widely used. However, proximal gastrectomy destructs the normal anatomical structure of esophagogastric junction, resulting in severe postoperative gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and seriously affecting the quality of life. Among various anti-reflux surgery methods, reconstruction of "cardiac valve" has always been the focus of relevant scholars because its similarity with the mechanism of normal anti-reflux. After years of development, evolution and optimization, the designed seromuscular flap anastomosis includes tunnel muscle flap anastomosis, Hatafuku valvuloplasty, single muscle flap anastomosis and double muscle flap anastomosis. The double muscle flap anastomosis has become a research hotspot because it shows good anti-reflux effect in clinical application. This paper reviews the history, research status and hot issues of seromuscular flap anastomosis of esophageal remnant stomach at home and abroad.

[Safety and feasibility of laparoscopic double-flap technique in digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction tumors larger than 5 cm].

Objective: To investigate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic double-flap technique (Kamikawa) in digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction (EGJ) leiomyoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) with the maximum diameter >5 cm. Methods: A descriptive case-series study was used to retrospectively analyze the data of patients with EGJ leiomyoma and GIST undergoing laparoscopic-assisted proximal gastrectomy and double-flap technique (Kamikawa) at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from September 2017 to March 2019. All the tumors invaded the cardia dentate line, and the maximum diameter was >5 cm. After the exclusion of patients requiring emergency surgery and complicating with severe cardiopulmonary diseases, a total of 4 patients, including 3 males and 1 female with age of 29-49 years, were included in this study. After laparoscopic-assisted proximal gastrectomy, the residual stomach was pulled out of the abdominal cavity and marked with methylene blue at the proximal end 3~4 cm from the anterior wall of the residual stomach in the shape of "H". The gastric wall plasma muscular layer was cut along the "H" shape, and the space between the submucosa and the muscular layer was separated to both sides along the longitudinal incision line to make the seromuscular flap. The residual stomach was put back into the abdominal cavity. Under laparoscopy, 4 stitches were intermittently sutured at the upside of "H" shape and 4-5 cm from the posterior wall of the esophageal stump. The stump of the esophagus was cut open, and the submucosa and mucosa were cut under the "H" shape to enter the gastric cavity. The posterior wall of the esophageal stump was sutured continuously with the gastric stump mucosa and submucosa under laparoscopy. The anterior wall of the esophageal stump was sutured continuously with the whole layer of the residual stomach. The anterior wall of the stomach was sutured to cover the esophagus. The anterior gastric muscle flap was sutured and embedded in the esophagus to complete the reconstruction of digestive tract. The morbidity of intraoperative complications and postoperative reflux esophagitis and anastomosis-related complications were observed. Results: All the 4 patients completed the operation successfully, and there was no conversion to laparotomy. The median operative time was 239 (192-261) minutes, the median Kamikawa anastomosis time was 149 (102-163) minutes, and the median intraoperative blood loss was 35 (20-200) ml. The abdominal drainage tube and gastric tube were removed, and the fluid diet was resumed on the first day after surgery in all the 4 patients. The median postoperative hospitalization time was 6 (6-8) days. Postoperative pathology revealed 3 leiomyomas and 1 GIST. There were no postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage or stenosis, and no reflux symptoms were observed. The median follow-up time was 22 (11-29) months after the operation, and no reflux esophagitis occurred in any of the 4 patients by gastroscopy. Conclusion: For >5 cm EGJ leiomyoma or GIST, double-flap technique (Kamikawa) used for digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy is safe and feasible.

Double H-flap technique, an anti-reflux adjunct to esophagogastrostomy after proximal gastrectomy for gastric leiomyoma: A case report

@#A significant challenge after performing resection of the esophagogastric region, is the reconstruction that follows. Esophagogastrostomy is a simple and direct method to restore gastrointestinal continuity using a single anastomosis but is associated with reflux esophagitis and anastomotic stenosis. This case report presents a 29-year-old man with a bleeding gastroesophageal junction leiomyoma who underwent a proximal gastrectomy and an esophagogastrostomy reconstruction with a double H-flap technique to reduce the incidence of gastric reflux. This illustrative description of the double H-flap technique created a valve mechanism that mimicked the function of the resected sphincter and cardia. This antireflux adjunct technique is reproducible and effective in preventing gastroesophageal reflux symptoms after an esophagogastrostomy.

A Novel Valvuloplastic Esophagogastrostomy Technique for Laparoscopic Transhiatal Lower Esophagectomy and Proximal Gastrectomy for Siewert Type II Esophagogastric Junction Carcinoma-the Tri Double-Flap Hybrid Method.

We developed a novel technique for valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy, named tri double-flap hybrid method (TDF). TDF is shown to be simple and useful for Siewert type II esophagogastric junction carcinoma. BACKGROUND: Research has found valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy using the conventional hand-sutured double-flap (CDF) technique to be a useful anti-reflux procedure after proximal gastrectomy. However, no study has focused on this reconstruction procedure after laparoscopic transhiatal lower esophagectomy and proximal gastrectomy (LEPG) for esophagogastric junction carcinoma primarily because of its profound difficulty. Thus, we devised a novel technique for valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy comprising triangular linear-stapled esophagogastrostomy and hand-sutured flap closure, which we term the tri double-flap hybrid (TDF) method. METHODS: After reviewing our institution's prospective gastric cancer database, 59 consecutive patients with Siewert type II esophagogastric junction carcinoma who underwent LEPG with valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy from January 2014 to August 2018 were analyzed. Short- and mid-term surgical outcomes were then compared between the LEPG-TDF and LEPG-CDF groups to evaluate the efficacy of the TDF method. RESULTS: The median operative time was 316 min (184-613 min) and blood loss was 22.5 ml (0-180 ml). In comparison between the two groups, the LEPG-TDF group had a significantly shorter operative time (298 vs. 336 min, p = 0.041) and significantly lower postoperative anastomotic leak/stenosis rates (0 vs. 14.2%, p = 0.045), compared to the LEPG-CDF group. No patient suffered from severe gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (Visick score ≥ III). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that double-flap valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy is safe and feasible for reconstruction after LEPG for Siewert type II esophagogastric junction carcinoma. Moreover, the TDF method is a simple and useful technique that offers a shorter operative time and lower morbidity compared to the CDF technique.

Safety and feasibility of laparoscopic double-flap technique in digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction tumors larger than 5 cm / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic double-flap technique (Kamikawa) in digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction (EGJ) leiomyoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) with the maximum diameter >5 cm. Methods: A descriptive case-series study was used to retrospectively analyze the data of patients with EGJ leiomyoma and GIST undergoing laparoscopic-assisted proximal gastrectomy and double-flap technique (Kamikawa) at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from September 2017 to March 2019. All the tumors invaded the cardia dentate line, and the maximum diameter was >5 cm. After the exclusion of patients requiring emergency surgery and complicating with severe cardiopulmonary diseases, a total of 4 patients, including 3 males and 1 female with age of 29-49 years, were included in this study. After laparoscopic-assisted proximal gastrectomy, the residual stomach was pulled out of the abdominal cavity and marked with methylene blue at the proximal end 3~4 cm from the anterior wall of the residual stomach in the shape of "H". The gastric wall plasma muscular layer was cut along the "H" shape, and the space between the submucosa and the muscular layer was separated to both sides along the longitudinal incision line to make the seromuscular flap. The residual stomach was put back into the abdominal cavity. Under laparoscopy, 4 stitches were intermittently sutured at the upside of "H" shape and 4-5 cm from the posterior wall of the esophageal stump. The stump of the esophagus was cut open, and the submucosa and mucosa were cut under the "H" shape to enter the gastric cavity. The posterior wall of the esophageal stump was sutured continuously with the gastric stump mucosa and submucosa under laparoscopy. The anterior wall of the esophageal stump was sutured continuously with the whole layer of the residual stomach. The anterior wall of the stomach was sutured to cover the esophagus. The anterior gastric muscle flap was sutured and embedded in the esophagus to complete the reconstruction of digestive tract. The morbidity of intraoperative complications and postoperative reflux esophagitis and anastomosis-related complications were observed. Results: All the 4 patients completed the operation successfully, and there was no conversion to laparotomy. The median operative time was 239 (192-261) minutes, the median Kamikawa anastomosis time was 149 (102-163) minutes, and the median intraoperative blood loss was 35 (20-200) ml. The abdominal drainage tube and gastric tube were removed, and the fluid diet was resumed on the first day after surgery in all the 4 patients. The median postoperative hospitalization time was 6 (6-8) days. Postoperative pathology revealed 3 leiomyomas and 1 GIST. There were no postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage or stenosis, and no reflux symptoms were observed. The median follow-up time was 22 (11-29) months after the operation, and no reflux esophagitis occurred in any of the 4 patients by gastroscopy. Conclusion: For >5 cm EGJ leiomyoma or GIST, double-flap technique (Kamikawa) used for digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy is safe and feasible.