Surgeon proficiency gain and survival after gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma: A population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Quality of surgery is essential for survival in gastric adenocarcinoma, but studies examining surgeons' proficiency gain of gastrectomies are scarce. This study aimed to reveal potential proficiency gain curves for surgeons operating patients with gastric cancer. METHODS: Population-based cohort study of patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma in Sweden between 2006 and 2015 with follow-up throughout 2020. Data were retrieved from national registries and medical records. Risk prediction models were used to calculate outcome probabilities, and risk-adjusted cumulative sum curves were plotted to assess differences (change points) between observed and expected outcomes. The main outcome was long-term (>3-5 years) all-cause mortality after surgery. Secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality within 30 days, 31-90 days, 91 days to 1 year and>1-3 years of surgery, resection margin status, and lymph node yield. RESULTS: The study included 261 surgeons and 1636 patients. The>3- to 5-year mortality was improved after 20 cases, and decreased from 12.4% before to 8.6% after this change point (p = 0.027). Change points were suggested, but not statistically significant, after 22 cases for 30-day mortality, 28 cases for 31- to 90-day mortality, 9 cases for 91-day to 1-year mortality, and 10 cases for>1- to 3-year all-cause mortality. There were statistically significant improvements in tumour-free resection margins after 28 cases (p < 0.005) and greater lymph node yield after 13 cases (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals proficiency gain curves regarding long-term survival, resection margin status, and lymph node yield in gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma, and that at least 20 gastrectomies should be conducted with experienced support before doing these operations independently.

Intelligent Algorithm-Based Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Radical Gastrectomy under Laparoscope.

The study focused on the influence of intelligent algorithm-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on short-term curative effects of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. A convolutional neural network- (CNN-) based algorithm was used to segment MRI images of patients with gastric cancer, and 158 subjects admitted at hospital were selected as research subjects and randomly divided into the 3D laparoscopy group and 2D laparoscopy group, with 79 cases in each group. The two groups were compared for operation time, intraoperative blood loss, number of dissected lymph nodes, exhaust time, time to get out of bed, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications. The results showed that the CNN-based algorithm had high accuracy with clear contours. The similarity coefficient (DSC) was 0.89, the sensitivity was 0.93, and the average time to process an image was 1.1 min. The 3D laparoscopic group had shorter operation time (86.3 ± 21.0 min vs. 98 ± 23.3 min) and less intraoperative blood loss (200 ± 27.6 mL vs. 209 ± 29.8 mL) than the 2D laparoscopic group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The number of dissected lymph nodes was 38.4 ± 8.5 in the 3D group and 36.1 ± 6.0 in the 2D group, showing no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). At the same time, no statistically significant difference was noted in postoperative exhaust time, time to get out of bed, postoperative hospital stay, and the incidence of complications (P > 0.05). It was concluded that the algorithm in this study can accurately segment the target area, providing a basis for the preoperative examination of gastric cancer, and that 3D laparoscopic surgery can shorten the operation time and reduce intraoperative bleeding, while achieving similar short-term curative effects to 2D laparoscopy.

Accreditation as a qualified surgeon improves surgical outcomes in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: The Endoscopic Surgical Skill Quantification System for qualified surgeons (QSs) was introduced in Japan to improve surgical outcomes. This study reviewed the surgical outcomes after initial experience performing laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) and evaluated the improvement in surgical outcomes following accreditation as a QS. METHODS: Eighty-seven consecutive patients who underwent LDG for gastric cancer by a single surgeon were enrolled in this study. The cumulative sum method was used to analyze the learning curve for LDG. The surgical outcomes were evaluated according to the two phases of the learning curve (learning period vs. mastery period) and accreditation (non-QS period vs. QS period). RESULTS: The learning period for LDG was 48 cases. Accreditation was approved at the 67th case. The operation time and estimated blood loss were significantly reduced in the QS period compared to the non-QS period (230 vs. 270 min, p < 0.001; 20.5 vs. 59.8 ml, p = 0.024, respectively). Furthermore, the major complication rate was significantly lower in the QS period than in the non-QS period (0 vs. 10.6%, p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Experience performing approximately 50 cases is required to reach proficiency in LDG. After receiving accreditation as a QS, the surgical outcomes, including the complication rate, were improved.

Gastric equivalent of the 'Holy Plane' to standardize the surgical concept of stomach cancer to mesogastric excision: updating Jamieson and Dobson's historic schema.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for curable gastric cancer has historically involved dissection of lymph nodes, depending on the risk of metastasis. By establishing the concept of mesogastric excision (MGE), we aim to make this approach compatible with that for colorectal cancer, where the standard is excision of the mesentery. METHODS: Current advances in molecular embryology, visceral anatomy, and surgical techniques were integrated to update Jamieson and Dobson's schema, a historical reference for the mesogastrium. RESULTS: The mesogastrium develops with a three-dimensional movement, involving multiple fusions with surrounding structures (retroperitoneum or other mesenteries) and imbedding parenchymal organs (pancreas, liver, and spleen) that grow within the mesentery. Meanwhile, the fusion fascia and the investing fascia interface with adjacent structures of different embryological origin, which we consider to be equivalent to the 'Holy Plane' in rectal surgery emphasized by Heald in the concept of total mesorectal excision. Dissecting these fasciae allows for oncologic MGE, consisting of removing lymph node-containing mesenteric adipose tissue with an intact fascial package. MGE is theoretically compatible with its colorectal counterpart, although complete removal of the mesogastrium is not possible due to the need to spare imbedded vital organs. The celiac axis is treated as the central artery of the mesogastrium, but is peripherally ligated by tributaries flowing into the stomach to feed the spared organs. CONCLUSION: The obscure contour of the mesogastrium can be clarified by thinking of it as the gastric equivalent of the 'Holy Plane'. MGE could be a standard concept for surgical treatment of stomach cancer.

ROBOTIC GASTRECTOMY: TECHNIQUE STANDARDIZATION.

BACKGROUND: Trocars position for the Si model (position is similar for the Xi, although trocars stay more in line). Robotic gastrectomy is gaining popularity worldwide. It allows reduced blood loss and lesser pain. However, it widespread use is limited by the extensive learning curve and costs. AIM: To describe our standard technique with reduced use of robotic instruments. METHODS: We detail the steps involved in the procedure, including trocar placement, necessary robotic instruments, and meticulous surgical description. RESULTS: After standardizing the procedure, 28 patients were operated with this budget technique. For each procedure material used was: 1 (Xi model) or 2 disposable trocars (Si) and 4 robotic instruments. Stapling and clipping were performed by the assistant through an auxiliary port, limiting the use of robotic instruments and reducing the cost. CONCLUSION: This standardization helps implementing a robotic program for gastrectomy in the daily practice or in one`s institution.

Surgeon Quality Control and Standardization of D2 Lymphadenectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study (KLASS-02-QC).

OBJECTIVE: To qualify surgeons to participate in a randomized trial comparing laparoscopic and open distal D2 gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: No studies have sought to qualify surgeons for a randomized trial comparing laparoscopic and open D2 gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter prospective observational study evaluating unedited videos of laparoscopic and open D2 gastrectomy performed by 27 surgeons. Surgeons performed 3 of each laparoscopic and open distal gastrectomies with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer. Five peers reviewed each unedited video using a video assessment form. Based on experts' review of videos, a separate review committee decided surgeons as "Qualified" or "Not-qualified." RESULTS: Twelve surgeons (44.4%) were qualified on initial evaluation whereas the other 15 surgeons were not. Another 9 surgeons were finally qualified after re-evaluation. The median score for Qualified was significantly higher than Not-qualified (P < 0.001).Significant differences between Qualified and Not-qualified were noted both in operation type and in all evaluation area of surgical skill, perigastric, and extra-perigastric lymphadenectomy, although the inter-rater variability of the assessment score was low (kappa = 0.285). However, Not-qualified surgeons' scores improved upon re-evaluation of resubmitted videos.When compared laparoscopy with open surgery, median scores were similar between the 2 groups (P = 0.680). However, open gastrectomy scores for surgical skills were significantly higher than for laparoscopic surgery (P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Our surgeon quality control study for gastrectomy represents a milestone in surgical standardization for surgical clinical trials. Our methods could also serve as a system for educating surgeons and assessing surgical proficiency.

Minimal Access Surgery for the Treatment of Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours - A Single Centre Experience.

Introduction: Laparoscopic techniques have been increasingly adopted in the field of General Surgery in the last decades. The main disadvantages of laparoscopy are related to limited degrees of freedom of instruments and poor ergonomics, which are associated with a steep learning curve. Robotic surgery overcomes most of the technical limitations of laparoscopic surgery and has the potential to expand the indications of minimal access surgery (MAS) in procedures that are difficult to perform using laparoscopy. Methods: Patients who underwent MAS resections of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) between January 2002 and October 2018 in a single Surgical Department were retrospectively analysed. Demographic data as well as the following characteristics were recorded for each patient: age, sex, symptoms, tumour location and size, type of surgical procedure, intraoperative blood loss, operative time, length of hospital stay, histopathological assessment of resection margins, and incidence of perioperative complications. Results: The mean patient age was 58 (range, 27-81 years). Most lesions were found on the great curvature (7) and in the distal stomach or antrum (7), respectively. Twenty patients underwent laparoscopic resection, while five patients had robotic resection of gastric GISTs. Surgical laparoscopic treatment consisted of antrectomy (n=4) and wedge gastrectomy (n=16). In all robotic cases a wedge gastrectomy was performed. One patient was converted to open surgery due to adhesions from previous operation. The mean operative time was 130 minutes (range, 70-210 minutes).The mean tumour size was 3.8 cm (range, 2-7 cm). There were no complications except one case that required reoperation for postoperative bleeding. There were no mortalities. Conclusion: The MAS approach of gastric GISTs is safe and effective and it is associated with low morbidity. Therefore, it should constitute the first option in patients with small tumours and favourable locations. The only limiting factor for the widespread use of MAS resections for gastric GISTs is surgeon expertise in this challenging technique.

Recurrence pattern and its predictors for advanced gastric cancer after total gastrectomy.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to investigate the recurrence patterns of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) after curative total gastrectomy and further explore predictors for each pattern of recurrence.Data of 299 AGC patients between 2010 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed to investigate the clinicopathologic factors affecting the recurrence pattern of AGC patients underwent curative total gastrectomy.Sixty-eight (22.7%) AGC patients had recurrence after total gastrectomy. Distant metastasis (DM) was the most prevalent pattern with 29 (42.6%) cases, followed by peritoneal recurrence (PR) with 25 (36.8%) patients, and locoregional recurrence (LR) occurred in 23 (33.8%) patients. The recurrence rates within 2 and 5 years were 77.9% and 97.1%. Extent of lymphadenectomy (P < .001, χ2 = 17.366), depth of tumor invasion (P < .001, χ2 = 21.638), lymph node metastasis (P = .046, χ2 = 9.707), and number of negative lymph nodes (P = .017, χ2 = 2.406) were associated with tumor recurrence by univariate analysis. Multivariate analyses revealed that the extent of lymphadenectomy (P = .034, 95% CI: 1.074-6.414) and T4b status (P = .015, 95% CI: 0.108-0.785) were independent predictors for LR; histological type (P = .041, 95% CI: 0.016-0.920) and T4b status (P = .007, 95% CI: 0.102-0.690) for PR; and pN status (P = .032) for DM.In AGC patients following total gastrectomy, recurrent predictors various among locoregional, peritoneal, and distant recurrence. Recurrent predictors of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and histological type could guide follow-up and risk-oriented adjuvant treatment, extended lymphadenectomy was considered to reduce LR of AGC patients after curative total gastrectomy.

[Mesogastrium theory of D2 lymphadenectomy for advanced gastric cancer: cogitation and skills].

D2 lymphadenectomy combined with complete mesentery excision (CME) for advanced gastric cancer in recent years was a hotspot issue in China, while its safety and effectiveness have been proved. According to the Membrane anatomy of the stomach, both surgical approach and mesogastrium interval is particularly important in Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. We summarized and shared the following clinical experience for medical colleagues. (1) Lymph nodes of right abdominal aorta-No.7,8,9,12-should be resection as an indivisible whole. This integrity tissue above the portal vein was supposed to the end of the dorsal mesentery of stomach and the continuation of Gerota fascia. (2) No.10 (splenic hilar lymph nodes) lymphadenectomy: The surgical approach enters the Gerota fascia between the left gastric artery(LGA) and the left alongside the splenic artery. When the extent of lymphadenectomy performed to cardia and upper margin of the spleen, then the ultrasonic scalpel should excise the lymph node along the splenic artery to the splenic hilum. (3) Esophagogastric junctional cancer: There is no consensus over the type of resection and the extent of lymphadenectomy that could be a standard of care for this category.While we recommended that paraesophageal lymph node dissection and digestive tract reconstruction should be completed in 3D laparoscopy vision. (4) Infracardiac bursa(ICB): Intentional entry into the ICB provides surgeons with a landmark to identify the location of the pleura, and inferior vena cava. (5)The application of endoscopic aspirator with flushing and electrocautery. The CME concept of gastric cancer emphasizes the membrane anatomy theory rather than the regional lymph node. The precision and homogeneity of the D2 procedure therapy of gastric cancer depend on complete mesentery excision, standard the surgical process, or approach. Only in this way can we find the avascular gaps easily and perfectly cover the extent of lymph node dissection required for the D2 procedure.

Peer Assessment of Operative Videos with Sleeve Gastrectomy to Determine Optimal Operative Technique.

BACKGROUND: Global assessments of technical skill have been associated with surgical outcomes. More detailed understanding of which specific aspects of technique combine to make the "optimal" sleeve gastrectomy are necessary to help surgeons improve their practice. STUDY DESIGN: Practicing bariatric surgeons (n = 30) voluntarily submitted a de-identified video of a typical sleeve gastrectomy that was reviewed by a minimum of 10 peer surgeons on the technical quality of 9 operative maneuvers (ie mobilization of the fundus, stapler location, and sleeve width). An "optimal sleeve gastrectomy score" (OSGS) was calculated as a percentage of the total possible optimal maneuvers performed. Risk-adjusted 30-day complication rates and 1-year weight loss were compared between surgeons in the top and bottom quartile for OSGS for all patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy during the time period. RESULTS: OSGS ranged from 49.1% to 82.9%. Surgeons in the top quartile for OSGS had lower rates of surgical complications (1.54% vs 2.75%; odds ratio 0.56; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.88; p = 0.013), hemorrhage (0.61% vs 1.48%; odds ratio 0.49; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.86; p = 0.013) and reoperation (0.37% vs 0.91%; odds ratio 0.4; 95% CI 0.20 to 0.81; p = 0.010) compared with surgeons in the bottom quartile. The median bougie size was 34F and the optimal location of the stapler near the pylorus and incisura was 5 cm and 2.25 cm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sleeve gastrectomy videos thought to have "optimal" technique by peer surgeons were associated with lower complication rates. Understanding how to quantify and assess optimal vs suboptimal techniques can serve as a guide for surgeons to improve their practice.

Optimal proximal resection margin distance for gastrectomy in advanced gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: The conventional guidelines to obtain a safe proximal resection margin (PRM) of 5-6 cm during advanced gastric cancer (AGC) surgery are still applied by many surgeons across the world. Several recent studies have raised questions regarding the need for such extensive resection, but without reaching consensus. This study was designed to prove that the PRM distance does not affect the prognosis of patients who undergo gastrectomy for AGC. AIM: To investigate the influence of the PRM distance on the prognosis of patients who underwent gastrectomy for AGC. METHODS: Electronic medical records of 1518 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for AGC between June 2004 and December 2007 at Asan Medical Center, a tertiary care center in Korea, were reviewed retrospectively for the study. The demographics and clinicopathologic outcomes were compared between patients who underwent surgery with different PRM distances using one-way ANOVA and Fisher's exact test for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. The influence of PRM on recurrence-free survival and overall survival were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard analysis. RESULTS: The median PRM distance was 4.8 cm and 3.5 cm in the distal gastrectomy (DG) and total gastrectomy (TG) groups, respectively. Patient cohorts in the DG and TG groups were subdivided into different groups according to the PRM distance; ≤ 1.0 cm, 1.1-3.0 cm, 3.1-5.0 cm and > 5.0 cm. The DG and TG groups showed no statistical difference in recurrence rate (23.5% vs 30.6% vs 24.0% vs 24.7%, P = 0.765) or local recurrence rate (5.9% vs 6.5% vs 8.4% vs 6.2%, P = 0.727) according to the distance of PRM. In both groups, Kalpan-Meier analysis showed no statistical difference in recurrence-free survival (P = 0.467 in DG group; P = 0.155 in TG group) or overall survival (P = 0.503 in DG group; P = 0.155 in TG group) according to the PRM distance. Multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazard model revealed that in both groups, there was no significant difference in recurrence-free survival according to the PRM distance. CONCLUSION: The distance of PRM is not a prognostic factor for patients who undergo curative gastrectomy for AGC.

[Effect of standardized surgical treatment and multidisciplinary treatment strategy on the prognosis of gastric cancer patients: report of a single-center cohort study].

Objective: To explore the effect of standardized surgical treatment and multidisciplinary treatment strategy on the treatment outcomes of gastric cancer patients. Methods: A single-center cohort study was carried out. Clinicopathological and long-term follow up data of primary gastric cancer patients were retrieved from the database of Surgical Gastric Cancer Patient Registry (SGCPR) in West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Finally, 4516 gastric cancer patients were included and were divided into three groups according to time periods (period 1 group: exploration stage of standardized surgical treatment, 2000 to 2006, 967 cases; period 2 group: application stage of standardized surgical treatment, 2007 to 2012, 1962 cases; period 3 group: optimization stage of standardized surgical treatment and application stage of multidisciplinary treatment strategy, 2013 to 2016, 1587 cases). Differences in clinical data, pathologic features, and prognosis were compared among 3 period groups. Follow-up information was updated to January 1, 2020. The overall follow-up rate was 88.9% (4016/4516) and median follow-up duration was 51.58 months. Survival curve was drawn by Kaplan-Meire method and compared with log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed by Cox proportional hazards model. Results: There were significant differences among period 1, period 2 and period 3 groups in the rates of D2/D2+ lymphadenectomy [14.4%(139/967) vs. 47.2%(927/1962) vs. 75.4%(1197/1587), χ(2)=907.210, P<0.001], in the ratio of proximal gastrectomy [19.8%(191/967) vs. 16.6%(325/1962) vs. 8.2%(130/1587), χ(2)=100.020, P<0.001], and in the median intraoperative blood loss (300 ml vs. 100 ml vs. 100 ml, H=1126.500, P<0.001). Besides, the increasing trend and significant difference were also observed in the median number of examined lymph nodes among period 1, period 2 and period 3 groups (14 vs. 26 vs. 30, H=987.100, P<0.001). Survival analysis showed that the 5-year overall survival rate was 55.3% in period 1, 55.2% in period 2 and 62.8% in period 3, and significant difference existed between period 3 and period 1 (P=0.004). The Cox proportional hazards model analysis showed that treatment period (period 3, HR=0.820, 95%CI: 0.708 to 0.950, P=0.008), postoperative chemotherapy (HR=0.696, 95%CI: 0.631 to 0.768, P<0.001) and mid-low gastric cancer (HR=0.884, 95%CI: 0.804 to 0.973, P=0.011) were good prognostic factors. Whereas old age (≥65 years, HR=1.189, 95%CI: 1.084 to 1.303, P<0.001), palliative resection (R1/R2, HR=1.538,95%CI: 1.333 to 1.776, P<0.001), large tumor size (≥5 cm, HR=1.377, 95%CI: 1.239 to 1.529, P<0.001), macroscopic type III to IV (HR=1.165, 95%CI: 1.063 to 1.277, P<0.001) and TNM stage II to IV(II/I:HR=1.801,95%CI:1.500~2.162,P<0.001;III/I:HR=3.588, 95%CI: 3.028~4.251, P<0.001; IV/I: HR=6.114, 95%CI: 4.973~7.516, P<0.001) were independent prognostic risk factors. Conclusion: Through the implementation of standardized surgical treatment technology and multidisciplinary treatment model, the quality of surgery treatment and overall survival increase, and prognosis of gastric cancer patients has been improved.

[Key points and skills of assistant in robotic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer].

An excellent assistant for robotic radical gastrectomy can play an important role in the operation, especially in a initial team. In robotic gastric cancer surgery, an excellent assistant should actively participate in the operation process, choose the appropriate trocar position according to patient's body habitus. Moreover, he should master various surgical instruments skillfully and switch instruments fluently to assist the surgeon to expose key parts during operation, and provide effective help in the operative details, so that the whole operation process can run more smoothly and the operation efficiency and quality will be greatly improved. The growth of the assistants needs constant practice and summary of experience. Meanwhile, the encouragement of the chief surgeon also plays a positive role in promoting the development of the assistants.

Biliary Cannulation in Patients with Roux-en-Y Gastrectomy: An Analysis of the Factors Associated with Successful Cannulation.

Objective We investigated the results of biliary cannulation using a short-type single-balloon enteroscope in patients with a native papilla who had previously undergone Roux-en-Y gastrectomy and analyzed the factors associated with successful cannulation. Methods The study subjects consisted of patients with a native papilla who had previously undergone Roux-en-Y gastrectomy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using a short-type single-balloon enteroscope at our institution between September 2011 and July 2019. We carried out a retrospective investigation of the outcomes, including assessing the success rate of biliary cannulation, and analyzed the factors associated with successful cannulation. Results In total, 78 patients underwent biliary cannulation of a native papilla. The success rate of biliary cannulation was 80.8% (88.5% when including success on repeated attempts). The success rate of the standard cannulation technique was 60.3%, with the use of advanced cannulation techniques to secure the pancreatic duct providing the same additional effect as a normal anatomy. Adverse events occurred in 9.0% of cases. A multivariate analysis of the Roux-en-Y gastrectomy patients found that cannulation was more likely to be successful in patients in whom the scope could be placed in the retroflex position (odds ratio: 7.88, 95% confidence interval: 2.19-37.77, p<0.001). Conclusion Selective biliary cannulation using a short-type single-balloon enteroscope in patients with a native papilla who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastrectomy was effective and safe. The retroflex position provided a good papilla field of view and improved the success rate of biliary cannulation.

Obstructive sleep apnea in pediatric obesity and the effects of sleeve gastrectomy.

The prevalence of severe pediatric obesity is rising and poses many adverse health risks. Children with obesity are at increased risk of several cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. They are also more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which increases the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic problems. In this review, we examine the relationship between OSA and obesity, improvements in OSA after non-surgical and surgical weight loss, and explore potential directions for future research.

Technical review: Vertical sleeve gastrectomy in adolescents.

Sleeve gastrectomy is an effective tool for inducing sustainable weight loss in adolescents with obesity. It is a seemingly straight-forward procedure, and yet deceptive in technical nuances. This review highlights the technical preparation (equipment, patient positioning, pre-operative management), and conduct (anatomy, instruments, methodology, pitfalls) of the operation, and concludes with essentials for anticipating and managing complications of the operation. Throughout the discussion, we emphasize practical techniques to maintain patient safety while achieving maximum weight loss benefits.

Patients' perceptions following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: Sorry or satisfied?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) currently accounts for 70.1% of weight-loss surgeries in Australia, according to the Bariatric Surgery Registry. There are limited qualitative studies examining Australian patients' experiences. The aim of this study was to explore patients' perspectives following LSG, providing information for shared decision making. METHOD: Twenty-two patients one, two or three years post-LSG were recruited randomly. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth telephone interviews, and responses were analysed inductively. RESULTS: Three global themes were identified: 1) normality, 2) control and 3) ambivalence, with eight organising sub-themes: 1) weight, 2) physical changes and daily living enhancements, 3) exercise, 4) emotional responses, 5) eating behaviour, 6) societal influences, 7) body image and 8) relationships. DISCUSSION: LSG is generally associated with high levels of patient satisfaction, with physical and psychosocial benefits beyond metabolic improvements. The decision to undergo this elective procedure should be made with an understanding of the significant and permanent effects it has on patients' lives.

Surgical management of gastric adenocarcinoma. Official expert recommendations delivered under the aegis of the French Association of Surgery (AFC).

Gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) is the 5th most common cancer in the world; in France, however, its incidence has been steadily decreasing. Twenty-five experts brought together under the aegis of the French Association of Surgery collaborated in the drafting of a series of recommendations for surgical management of GA. As concerns preoperative evaluation and work-up, echo-endoscopy aimed at clarifying lymph node status should be performed in all candidates for surgical resection and exploratory laparoscopy in cases of GA cT3/T4 and/or N+ for peritoneal carcinomatosis. On the other hand, PET-scan should not be performed systematically, but only when the other modalities for diagnosis prove insufficient. Laparotomy remains the route of choice to achieve total or partial gastrectomy with D2 lymph node lymphadenectomy for advanced lesions (>T2N0). To limit the risk of dumping syndrome and esophageal reflux and as a way of reestablishing continuity, construction of a jejunal pouch on Roux-en-Y following total gastrectomy is recommended. In cases of peritoneal carcinosis in GA with a low peritoneal cancer index (PCI) (<7) in a patient in good general condition whose disease is controlled by chemotherapy, macroscopically complete cytoreduction with intraperitoneal hyperthermal chemotherapy will probably be required, and it will have to take place in an expert center. Only in the event of Child A cirrhosis may gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy be considered. Palliative gastrectomy or surgical bypass for distal stomach obstruction in a patient in good general condition may also be envisioned.

Value of individual surgeon performance metrics as quality assurance measures in oesophagogastric cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgeon-level operative mortality is widely seen as a measure of quality after gastric and oesophageal resection. This study aimed to evaluate this alongside a compound-level outcome analysis. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent treatment including surgery delivered by a multidisciplinary team, which included seven specialist surgeons, were studied. The primary outcome was death within 30 days of surgery; secondary outcomes were anastomotic leak, Clavien-Dindo morbidity score, lymph node harvest, circumferential resection margin (CRM) status, disease-free (DFS), and overall (OS) survival. RESULTS: The median number of annual resections per surgeon was 10 (range 5-25), compared with 14 (5-25) for joint consultant teams (P = 0·855). The median annual surgeon-level mortality rate was 0 (0-9) per cent versus an overall network annual operative mortality rate of 1·8 (0-3·7) per cent. Joint consultant team procedures were associated with fewer operative deaths (0·5 per cent versus 3·4 per cent at surgeon level; P = 0·027). The median surgeon anastomotic leak rate was 12·4 (range 9-20) per cent (P = 0·625 versus the whole surgical range), overall morbidity 46·5 (31-60) per cent (P = 0·066), lymph node harvest 16 (9-29) (P < 0·001), CRM positivity 32·0 (16-46) per cent (P = 0·003), 5-year DFS rate 44·8 (29-60) per cent and OS rate 46·5 (35-53) per cent. No designated metrics were independently associated with DFS or OS in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: Annual surgeon-level metrics demonstrated wide variations (fivefold), but these performance metrics were not associated with survival.

ANTECEDENTES: La mortalidad operatoria relacionada con el nivel del cirujano se contempla ampliamente como una medida de calidad tras la resección esofágica. Este estudio tenía como objetivo evaluar este aspecto junto con un análisis de resultados conjuntos a nivel de procedimientos. MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron los pacientes consecutivos que fueron tratados, incluyendo el tratamiento quirúrgico, efectuado por un equipo multidisciplinar formado por siete cirujanos especialistas. La variable principal de resultados era la mortalidad a durante los primeros 30 días de la cirugía, y las variables secundarias fueron la fuga anastomótica, la gravedad de la puntuación de morbilidad de Clavien-Dindo, el número de ganglios linfáticos obtenidos, el estado del margen circunferencial (circumferential margin, CRM), la supervivencia libre de enfermedad (disease-free survival, DFS) y la supervivencia global (overall survival, OS). RESULTADOS: La mediana del número anual de resecciones por cirujano fue de 10 (rango 5-25, P = 0,855). El nivel de la mediana de mortalidad anual por cirujano fue del 0% (0-9,1) y la mortalidad operatoria anual global del equipo de 1,8% (0-3,7, P = 0,389). Los procedimientos conjuntos del equipo consultor se asociaron con menos muertes operatorias (0,5 versus 3,4%, P = 0,027). La tasa mediana (rango) de fuga anastomótica por cirujano fue del 12% (9-20, P = 0,625), la morbilidad global del 46,7% (31-60, P = 0,003), la DFS a los 5 años del 44,8% (28,6-60,0, P = 0,257) y la OS del 46,5% (35,0-52,5, P = 0,573). Ningún factor mostró una asociación independiente con la DFS o la OS en el análisis multivariable. CONCLUSIÓN: Las medidas anuales a nivel de cirujano demostraron amplias variaciones (9 veces), pero estas medidas de rendimiento no se asociaron con la supervivencia.