Laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy for serosa-invasive gastric cancer: A single-center retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Whether laparoscopic gastrectomy is suitable for patients with serosa-invasive gastric cancer remains controversial. We performed this study to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic gastrectomy compared with after open gastrectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 906 consecutive patients with serosa-invasive gastric cancer from January 2004 to December 2014 in our center, who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy or open gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy. After propensity score matching, 334 patients were included in each group. Surgical conditions and short- and long-term results were compared. RESULTS: Laparoscopic gastrectomy was associated with less estimated blood loss and longer operation time, while the number of harvested lymph nodes was not significantly different between laparoscopic gastrectomy and open gastrectomy. Patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy had an earlier time to first flatus, first diet, and first ambulation and were discharged earlier. Overall and pulmonary postoperative complication rates were lower in the laparoscopic gastrectomy group. With a minimum follow-up of 60 months, the 5-year overall survival was 39.3% in the laparoscopic gastrectomy group and 34.3% in the open gastrectomy group, and the 5-year disease-free survival was 36.4% in the laparoscopic gastrectomy group and 32.7% in the open gastrectomy group. Laparoscopic gastrectomy was associated with better 5-year overall survival in patients aged ≥60 years. The overall recurrence rates and patterns were not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic gastrectomy is an alternative surgical approach for patients with serosa-invasive gastric cancer in terms of short-term outcomes and long-term survival, and it might be more advantageous for certain populations.

Predicting postoperative peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer with serosal invasion using a collagen nomogram.

Accurate prediction of peritoneal metastasis for gastric cancer (GC) with serosal invasion is crucial in clinic. The presence of collagen in the tumour microenvironment affects the metastasis of cancer cells. Herein, we propose a collagen signature, which is composed of multiple collagen features in the tumour microenvironment of the serosa derived from multiphoton imaging, to describe the extent of collagen alterations. We find that a high collagen signature is significantly associated with a high risk of peritoneal metastasis (P < 0.001). A competing-risk nomogram including the collagen signature, tumour size, tumour differentiation status and lymph node metastasis is constructed. The nomogram demonstrates satisfactory discrimination and calibration. Thus, the collagen signature in the tumour microenvironment of the gastric serosa is associated with peritoneal metastasis in GC with serosal invasion, and the nomogram can be conveniently used to individually predict the risk of peritoneal metastasis in GC with serosal invasion after radical surgery.

Structure and surgical dissection layers of the bare area of the liver.

BACKGROUND: The bare area was reportedly formed by direct adhesion between the liver and diaphragm, meaning that the bare area lacked serosal components. This study aimed to analyze the structure of the bare area by an integrated study of surgical and laparoscopic images and pathological studies and describe surgical procedures focusing on the multilayered structure. METHODS: Several surgical specimens of hepatectomy were analyzed histologically to evaluate the macroscopic structure of the bare area. Laparoscopic images and cadaver anatomy of the bare area were also examined. RESULTS: The multilayered structure of the bare area comprised the liver, sub-serosal connective tissue, liver serosa, parietal peritoneum, retroperitoneal connective tissue, epimysium of the diaphragm, and diaphragm, in order from the liver to the diaphragm. The liver serosa and the parietal peritoneum fused with each other. This multilayered structure of the bare area is observed almost constantly. There are two layers in the dissection of the bare area in surgical procedures, an outer layer of the fused peritoneum (near the diaphragm) and an inner layer of the fused peritoneum (near the liver). Laparoscopic images enabled us to recognize the multilayered structure of the bare area. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathological findings showed the bare area to be a multilayered structure. In cases where tumors are located underneath the bare area, it could be important to dissect the bare area, with careful attention to its multilayered structure. Surgical dissection of the bare area in the outer layer of the fused peritoneum could allow a sufficient safety margin.

[Scientific interpretation of membrane anatomy theory and standardized application of membrane anatomy terms].

There has been an upsurge of the theory of membrane anatomy in China, but it is still in the initial stage of establishing preliminary framework. The concept of fasciae in membrane anatomy actually refers to the fasciae constituting the particular plane or the 'holy plane'. Therefore, the membrane anatomy can't simply be defined as the anatomical relationship among fascia. The application of the membrane anatomy is also not just to pursue the avascular plane in the surgical field. Nowadays, nonstandard anatomical terms and diversification of views impede the development of the theory of the membrane anatomy. Fasciae occur in embryonic stage, undergo a series of changes in rotation and fusion, and lose the original features, which bring difficulties in understanding the anatomy of fasciae. In this paper, we restore the origin and continuity of fasciae related to the colorectal surgery by cadaveric study, surgical observation and literature review. Taking the TME for example, we also discuss the core content about the fasciae and plane related to 'mesenteric envelope' and complete mesorectal excision. From the perspective of the fasciae integrity, we illustrate the definitions of important anatomical structure and standardized the terminology of fasciae. To study the origin and architecture of fasciae in the view of embryology, integrity and continuity will contribute to establish the standard theoretical system of membrane anatomy.

"D2 plus" lymphadenectomy is associated with improved survival in distal gastric cancer with clinical serosa invasion: a propensity score analysis.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the potential impact of "D2 plus" lymphadenectomy on the long-term survival of distal gastric cancer (GC) patients with clinical serosa invasion. A total of 394 distal GC patients with clinical serosa invasion who underwent at least standard D2 lymphadenectomy were enrolled. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the extent of lymphadenectomy: D2 group and "D2 plus" group. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for the differences in baseline characteristics. In the multivariate analysis for the whole study series, extent of lymphadenectomy was an independent prognostic factor for GC patients (P = 0.011). With the strata analysis, the significant prognostic differences between the two groups were only observed in patients at the IIIa-b or N1-3a stages. After matching, patients in "D2 plus" group still demonstrated a significantly higher 5-year overall survival rate than those in D2 group (55.3% versus 43.9%, P = 0.042). The common therapeutic value index of No. 12b, No. 12p, No. 14v and No. 13 LNs was 4.6, which was close to that of No. 5 LN station. In conclusion, "D2 plus" lymphadenectomy may be associated with improved overall survival in distal GC with clinical serosa invasion.

[Endoscopic minimally invasive treatment--from inside the lumen to outside the lumen, from the superficial layer to the deep layer].

Since the introduction of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in China in 2006, endoscopic minimally invasive treatment has experienced a booming development for more than 10 years, and its indications are gradually being expanded from inside the lumen to outside the lumen, from the superficial layer to the deep layer, from organic diseases to functional diseases. This article summaries the development of endoscopic minimally invasive resection in the past 10 years, from the perspective of mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, serosal and even extraluminal lesions, respectively, to introduce the role of endoscopic minimally invasive treatment. For mucosal lesions, ESD has become a first-line treatment for early gastric cancer; endoscopic treatment of colorectal lesions is still controversial in Europe and the United States, but is gradually being accepted. For submucosal tumors(SMT), the Expert Consensus for Endoscopic Diagnosis and Treatment of Submucosal Tumors in China (version 2018) was published in 2018, and the principles and related technical rules for gastrointestinal SMT have been highlighted. For serosal and even extraluminal lesions, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and tunnel endoscopic surgery, mainly including endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and endoscopic transmucosal tunneling tumor resection (STER), showed potential for development in preliminary studies, and showed good results in cholecystectomy, appendectomy, achalasia, gastroparesis and even extra-gastrointestinal tumor resection. This article describes the various endoscopic treatment techniques, and looks into their application prospects and future challenges.

Embedment of the gastroduodenal artery stump into the jejunal serosa: A new technique aiming to prevent post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage.

Post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage has an estimated incidence of 5% and a mortality rate of 11-38%. Vascular erosion resulting from pancreatic leak and skeletonization of the arterial wall during pancreatic mobilization may be the two possible mechanisms responsible for this complication, which most commonly affects the gastroduodenal artery stump. A novel technique of wrapping up the gastroduodenal artery stump into the jejunal serosa to decrease postoperative hemorrhage is presented.

Tunica Vaginalis Thickening, Hemorrhagic Infiltration and Inflammatory Changes in 8 Children with Primary Hydrocele; Reactive Mesothelial Hyperplasia? A Prospective Clinical Study.

The aim of this study is to describe an entity of primary hydrocele accompanied with fibrosis, thickening and hemorrhagic infiltration of parietal layer of tunica vaginalis (PLTV). During a 4-year period (2011-2014), 94 boys (2.5-14 years old) underwent primary hydrocele repair. Hydrocele was right sided in 55 (58.5 %), left sided in 26 (28.7%) and bilateral in 12 patients (13.8%). Eighty three out of 94 patients (88.30%) had communicating hydrocele and the rest eleven patients (11.7%) had non-communicating. Our case group consists of 8 patients (8.51%) based on operative findings consistent with PLTV induration, thickening and hemorrhagic infiltration. Preoperative ultrasonography did not reveal any pathology of the intrascrotal structures besides hydrocele. There weren't hyperechoic reflections or septa within the fluid. Evaluation of thickness of the PLTV was not feasible. Presence of lymph or exudate was excluded after fluid biochemical analysis. Tunica vaginalis histological examination confirmed thickening, hemorrhagic infiltration and inflammation, while there was absence of mesothelial cells. Immunochemistry for desmin was positive, excluding malignant mesothelioma. One patient underwent high ligation of the patent processus vaginalis and PLTV sheath fenestration, but one year later, he faced a recurrence. An elective second surgery was conducted via scrotal incision and Jaboulay operation was performed. The latter methodology was our treatment choice in other 7 out of 8 patients. During a 2-year postoperative follow-up, no other patient had any recurrence. We conclude that in primary hydrocele with macroscopic features indicative of tunica vaginalis inflammation, reversion of the tunica should be a part of operative strategy instead of sheath fenestration, in order to minimize the recurrence.

The Impact of Serosal Invasion on Prognosis after Curative Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Invasion to Adjacent Organs and Rupture of Tumor Were Crucial Tumor-Related Prognostic Factors Needed for Survival.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Several tumor factors seem to be related to the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis, but they are not definitive, except for major vascular invasion. We analyzed the impact of serosal invasion, which is histologically classified into four groups according to the definition of the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan - S0: no tumor invasion of serosa, S1: tumor invasion of serosa, S2: tumor invasion of adjacent organs, S3: tumor rupture with intraperitoneal bleeding. METHODS: This retrospective study included 421 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy as an initial treatment for HCC between September 2002 and December 2014. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank tests revealed that both recurrence-free survival (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) worsened as the serosal invasion status advanced. Multivariate analyses showed that S2/S3 was independently correlated with RFS (hazard ratio [HR] 3.52; p  < 0.001) and DSS (HR 2.58; p  = 0.039). Another multivariate analysis showed that serosal invasion (S1-S3) was independently correlated with RFS (HR 1.70; p = 0.015) but not with DSS (HR 1.38; p = 0.27). CONCLUSION: Invasion to adjacent organs and tumor rupture were crucial prognostic factors for both DSS and RFS. Serosal invasion was an independent prognostic factor only for RFS.

Use of an Image Acquisition Stabilizer Improves Sidestream Dark Field Imaging of the Serosa during Open Gastrointestinal Surgery.

AIM: To investigate whether an image acquisition stabilizer (IAS) mounted on the sidestream dark field camera (SDF) during gastrointestinal surgery improves image stability and acquisition. METHODS: Serosal SDF imaging was compared with SDF imaging combined with an IAS (SDF + IAS) during gastrointestinal surgery. Stability was assessed as the image drift in pixels and the time to obtain stable images. The success rate was determined as the percentage of analyzable images after recording. The effect of negative pressure from the IAS was determined during single-spot measurements and by comparing microvascular parameters between groups. Data are presented as mean ± SD. RESULTS: Sixty serosal measurements were performed per group; 87% were successful in the SDF group and 100% in the SDF + IAS group (p = 0.003). Image drift in the SDF group was 148 ± 36 versus 55 ± 15 pixels in the SDF + IAS group; p < 0.001. Time to stable image was 96 ± 60 s in the SDF group versus 57 ± 31 s in the SDF + IAS group; p = 0.03. No effect of negative pressure was seen. CONCLUSION: The use of an IAS mounted on an SDF camera during serosal microvascular assessment improves the success rate of image acquisition and stability and reduces the time to stable image with no effect on the microcirculation.

Universal safe procedure of laparoscopic cholecystectomy standardized by exposing the inner layer of the subserosal layer (with video).

An incorrect approach to the critical view of safety can cause bile duct and/or vascular injury. However, only superficial anatomical features have been proposed as surgical landmarks to initiate laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) safely in previous reports. Accordingly, we have proposed a novel surgical anatomical definition of the gallbladder wall, in which the subserosal (SS) layer is divided into the inner layer of the SS (SS-Inner) layer consisting of vasculature and fibrous tissue, and the outer layer of the SS (SS-Outer) layer consisting of abundant fat tissue. By dissecting the gallbladder along the SS-Inner layer after exposure at a safe region, bile duct and/or vascular injury can be avoided, even in cholecystitis cases. Furthermore, recognition of this surgical anatomy reveals several aspects. In cholecystitis cases associated with severe fibrotic change, completion of LC by dissecting along the SS-Inner layer is impossible, resulting in abandonment of regular LC. An abscess in the liver bed associated with acute cholecystitis usually forms in the SS-Outer layer, thus, the gallbladder can be dissected easily. In the dome-down technique, the right hepatic duct is endangered by whole-layer dissection, in which the SS-Outer layer is also removed. The proposed procedure should become the universal standard for LC.

What are the appropriate indicators of surgical difficulty during laparoscopic cholecystectomy? Results from a Japan-Korea-Taiwan multinational survey.

BACKGROUND: Serious complications continue to occur in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The commonly used indicators of surgical difficulty such as the duration of surgery are insufficient because they are surgeon and institution dependent. We aimed to identify appropriate indicators of surgical difficulty during LC. METHODS: A total of 26 Japanese expert LC surgeons discussed using the nominal group technique (NGT) to generate a list of intraoperative findings that contribute to surgical difficulty. Thereafter, a survey was circulated to 61 experts in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The questionnaire addressed LC experience, surgical strategy, and perceptions of 30 intraoperative findings listed by the NGT. RESULTS: The response rate of the survey was 100%. There was a statistically significant difference among nations regarding the duration of surgery and adoption rate of safety measures and recognition of landmarks. The criteria for conversion to an open or subtotal cholecystectomy were at the discretion of each surgeon. In contrast, perceptions of the impact of 30 intraoperative findings on surgical difficulty (categorized by factors related to inflammation and additional findings of the gallbladder and other intra-abdominal factors) were consistent among surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative findings are objective and considered to be appropriate indicators of surgical difficulty during LC.

Macroscopic Serosal Classification as a Prognostic Index in Radically Resected Stage pT3-pT4b Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Macroscopic serosal classification (MSC) is an important clinicopathologic index of gastric cancer (GC). To investigate the prognostic significance of MSC status in patients with radically resected stage pT3-pT4b GC, we examined the relationship between MSC type and pT stage. METHODS: Clinicopathologic and survival data of 1613 patients with stage pT3-pT4b GC were studied retrospectively, in the aftermath of radical surgery. RESULTS: MSC types, including reactive, nodular, tendonoid, and color-diffused type, correlated significantly with overall survival (OS) in this cohort, but prognosis was similar for all stages of color-diffused type GC. We proposed a revised pT stage in which color-diffused type cancers at pT3 or pT4a stage were reclassified into pT4b stage. In two-step multivariate analysis, revised pT stage (stage pT4b for all color-diffused types) proved more suitable for determining prognosis, surpassing both Union for International Cancer Control/American Joint Committee on Cancer pT stage and MSC type as an independent prognostic index. CONCLUSIONS: MSC type is a significant and independent prognostic index of OS in patients with radically resected stage pT3-pT4b GC. For prognostic purposes, tumors of color-diffused type at pT3 or pT4a stage should be considered stage pT4b disease.

Evaluation of intraluminal pressure in cystorrhaphies with and without intestinal serosal patch supplementation from canine cadavers.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the maximal intraluminal pressure (MIP) supported by canine cadaveric urinary bladders that underwent cystotomy followed by cystorraphy, with and without serosal patching-supplementation. METHODS: Two groups (n=8 each) were formed, and in one (conventional) the cystotomy was closed with cushing pattern. In the other group (serosal), the same procedure was performed, and a piece of jejunum was used for the construction of the serosal patching over the cystorraphy. MIP was measured by means of an invasive blood pressure transducer with closed stopcock attached to a multiparameter monitor. At the end of each measurement, the bladder body circumference was assessed. RESULTS: Mean ± SD MIP sustained for the conventional and serosal groups were 28.88 ± 5.08 and 65.38 ± 10.99 mmHg, respectively (p < 0.0001). Bladder circumference did not change significantly between groups (p = 0.35) and did not correlate with MIP assessed in conventional (p = 0.27; r = 0.4379) and serosal groups (p = 0.37; r = -0.3637). CONCLUSION: Serosal patch-supplemented cystorraphies were able to sustain intraluminal pressures 55.8% higher, than nonsupplemented cystorraphies in specimens from canine cadavers.

Evaluation of intraluminal pressure in cystorrhaphies with and without intestinal serosal patch supplementation from canine cadavers

PURPOSE:To evaluate the maximal intraluminal pressure (MIP) supported by canine cadaveric urinary bladders that underwent cystotomy followed by cystorraphy, with and without serosal patching-supplementation.METHODS:Two groups (n=8 each) were formed, and in one (conventional) the cystotomy was closed with cushing pattern. In the other group (serosal), the same procedure was performed, and a piece of jejunum was used for the construction of the serosal patching over the cystorraphy. MIP was measured by means of an invasive blood pressure transducer with closed stopcock attached to a multiparameter monitor. At the end of each measurement, the bladder body circumference was assessed.RESULTS:Mean±SD MIP sustained for the conventional and serosal groups were 28.88±5.08 and 65.38±10.99 mmHg, respectively (p<0.0001). Bladder circumference did not change significantly between groups (p=0.35) and did not correlate with MIP assessed in conventional (p=0.27; r=0.4379) and serosal groups (p=0.37; r=-0.3637).CONCLUSION:Serosal patch-supplemented cystorraphies were able to sustain intraluminal pressures 55.8% higher, than nonsupplemented cystorraphies in specimens from canine cadavers.

Comparison of myometrial invasion and tumor free distance from uterine serosa in endometrial cancer.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate whether the tumor free distance (the distance between the uterine serosa and the tumor at its deepest point) is useful in surgical staging and in predicting prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from patients who underwent complete surgical staging for endometrial cancer between January 2006 and June 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. All demographic findings, surgical stages, histological type and grade, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion as well as abdominal cytology, cervical, adnexal, and omental involvement, and lymph node metastasis were recorded. The relations between myometrial invasion and tumor free distance from uterine serosa with prognostic factors were investigated. RESULTS: Seventy patients were included in the study. Sixty-four (91.5%) had endometrioid type cancers and forty-four (62.9%) were grade 1. The deepest myometrial invasion was less than 1/2 in 42 patients (60%). In 18 patients (25.8%) lymphovascular invasion was noted. Eight (11.4%) were found to have cervical involvement, five (7.1%) had adnexal involvement and in 4 cases (5.7%) the peritoneal washings included malignant cells. Four patients had pelvic and one para-aortic node metastasis. We recognized that an invasion of more than 1/2 was correlated significantly with lymphovascular space involvement, histological grade, positive abdominal washing cytology, nodal and cervical involvement, but not with adnexal involvement. Tumor-free myometrial thickness was negative and statistically significant correlated with surgical stage, histological grade, lymphovascular space involvement, positive abdominal washing cytology, cervical and adnexal involvement. The importance of tumor- free myometrial thickness in determinating the lymphovascular space invasion was found to be highest in terms of sensitivity and specificity when crossing the ROC curve at 11 millimeters. CONCLUSIONS: Depth of myometrial invasion is more valuable for predicting lymph node metastasis than tumor-free myometrial thickness. The tumor-free myometrial thickness provides a better prediction for adnexal involvement.

Closure of iatrogenic large mucosal and full-thickness defects of the stomach with endoscopic interrupted sutures in in vivo porcine models: are they durable enough?

BACKGROUND: In this study, we evaluated the technical feasibility of mucosal approximation of large ulcers via an endoscopic suturing system after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), assessed the durability of these sutures, and compared this technique with serosal apposition of full-thickness gastric wall defects using the same device. METHODS: Post-ESD ulcers were closed with mucosal apposition in 7 pigs, and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) defects were closed with serosal apposition in 3 pigs. Pigs recovered for 1 week; they were then euthanized and necropsies were performed. RESULTS: Primary defect closure was achieved in 85.7% of the post-ESD closures and in 100% of the post-EFTR closures (p = 0.67). All pigs survived for 1 week. At necropsy, sutures had loosened in the post-ESD animals, although only minor deformity of the ulcer edges was observed in all repaired post-ESD ulcers. Meanwhile, all of the post-EFTR defect closures were sustained for 1 week. CONCLUSIONS: Primary closure of post-therapeutic defects can be accomplished using the device. Inverted serosal apposition provides a more durable and reliable repair than everted mucosal apposition.

A novel technique to minimize deformation of the stomach in laparoscopic partial gastrectomy for intraluminal gastric GISTs.

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic approach would be difficult to perform without causing deformation of the stomach in managing gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) of the intraluminal type, especially in those that are located in the posterior gastric wall or around the gastroesophageal junction and the pylorus, because intraluminal GISTs usually require an excessive resection of the gastric wall for cure. We present a novel surgical technique for successful management of intraluminal gastric GISTs that minimizes deformation of the stomach regardless of tumor location. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The operating surgeon handles the tumor by holding tissue surrounding the tumor and performs seromyotomy using an ultrasonically activated device along the outer edge of the tumor. The tumor gradually protrudes like an extraluminal tumor as the seromyotomy proceeds. When seromyotomy along the tumor comes up to the point where the tumor sufficiently turns over the gastric serosa, the tumor looks like a pedunculated extraluminal GIST. Two seromuscular sutures are applied to close the exfoliated seromuscular layer. The tips of two seromuscular sutures are held and then pulled up toward the ventral side so that the staple line is aligned in line with the minor axis of the stomach. Finally, complete tumor removal with minimal seromuscular resection is accomplished by applying a linear stapler. RESULTS: All patients resumed oral ingestion on the day after surgery and showed no signs of anastomotic constriction or obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Our laparoscopic procedure for gastric GISTs is simple and allows us easy and precise removal of the tumor and closure of the gastric wall with minimum necessary resection, regardless of the location and growth form of the tumors.

A matched cohort study of laparoscopy-assisted and open total gastrectomy for advanced proximal gastric cancer without serosa invasion.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the feasibility and safety of laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) with extended lymphadenectomy in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). This study compared the technical feasibility, safety, and oncologic efficacy of LATG with open total gastrectomy (OTG) for AGC without serosa invasion. METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2011, 235 patients underwent LATG and 153 patients underwent OTG for AGC without serosa invasion. Age, gender, and depth of invasion (pT2 and pT3) were matched by propensity scoring, and 116 patients (58 LATG and 58 OTG) were selected for analysis. Their clinicopathologic characteristics, postoperative outcomes, and survival were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in clinicopathologic characteristics between the two propensity-matched groups. Median number of lymph nodes per patient was 29, and the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was similar in the LATG and OTG groups (30.8±10.2 vs. 29.0±8.3). Peri-operative characteristics, operation time, number of transfused units per patient, and time to resumption of activities were similar in the two groups; while blood loss, times to first flatus and resumption of soft diet, and post-operative stay were significantly lower in the LATG group (P < 0.05, respectively). Rates of post-operative complications (12.1% vs. 15.5%) and postoperative mortality (0% vs. 1.7%), as well as cumulative survival rates, were similar. CONCLUSIONS: LATG with D2 lymphadenectomy is a safe and feasible procedure for AGC patients without serosa invasion. Prospective, multicenter, randomized trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of LATG in this patient population.

[Morphogenesis of damage of the hollow organs serous membranes and parietal peritoneum in abdominal adhesive disease].

Comparative morphological and morphometric investigation of collagen fibers of serous membranes of the abdominal cavity organs and parietal peritoneum outside and inside the zone of the adhesions formation in chronic exudate-proliferative inflamma- tory process was conducted in 74 patients, to whom previously operative intervention on organs of the abdominal and the small pelvis cavities was performed. In accordance to the morphological investigations data the processes of reparative regeneration lead to formation of cicatricial connective tissue. Creation of dense fibrous connective tissue causes partial expressed mild deformity and constitutes one of the factors, promoting the adhesive process progress.