Impact of postoperative intra-abdominal infectious complications on survival outcomes in patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative intra-abdominal infection is known to adversely affect survival outcomes in patients with gastric cancer; however, previous reports have investigated this complication only in open surgery. This adverse effect is expected to be weakened by less invasive surgery, such as a laparoscopic approach, by way of maintaining immune function. METHODS: This study included 1223 patients with gastric cancer who underwent open (n = 439) or laparoscopic (n = 784) curative surgery between 2010 and 2015. For each approach, patients were divided into two groups based on presence or absence of postoperative intra-abdominal infection of Clavien-Dindo grade II or higher (C-group and NC-group, respectively). Survival outcomes were compared in propensity-matched cohorts to evaluate the impact of the complication. RESULTS: The incidences of Clavien-Dindo ≥ grade II postoperative intra-abdominal infectious complications were 9.7% (43/439) in open surgery and 9.8% (70/714) in laparoscopic surgery. After propensity score matching, 86 patients in open surgery and 138 in laparoscopic surgery were extracted for analysis. The 5-year overall survival rate in the open C-group (n = 43) was worse than that in the open NC-group (n = 43) but with no significant difference (70.9% vs. 82.8%, log-rank P = 0.18). The 5-year overall survival rates were equivalent between the laparoscopic C-group (n = 69) and the laparoscopic NC-group (n = 69) (90.5% vs. 90.4%, log-rank P = 0.99). CONCLUSION: In general, postoperative intra-abdominal infection adversely affects survival outcomes; however, its impact may be weakened by less invasive surgery. Further evaluation using larger datasets is necessary before reaching definitive conclusions.

Delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy after totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: comparative study of original and modified methods.

BACKGROUND: Delta-shaped anastomosis (DA) has been widely accepted as a standard procedure for intracorporeal Billroth-I reconstruction after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. We introduced DA in 2010 at our hospital and later developed a modified DA method in which a stapled corner of the duodenal stump was removed simultaneously with closure of an entry hole to reduce postoperative complications. METHODS: The clinical data of 507 patients undergoing laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with DA from October 2010 through December 2018 were retrospectively collected from our in-house database. On the basis of the reviewed data, patients were divided into two groups: the original DA group (org-DA, n = 392) and the modified DA group (mod-DA, n = 115). Surgical outcomes, postoperative nutritional parameters, and endoscopic findings 1 year after surgery were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Anastomotic stricture occurred in three patients (0.8%) in the org-DA group and one patient (0.9%) in the mod-DA group (P = 0.911). Anastomotic leakage was recorded in five patients (1.3%) in the org-DA group and none of the patients (0%) in the mod-DA group (P = 0.593). One year after surgery, the change in body weight in the org-DA group/mod-DA group was - 8.1%/- 7.0% (P = 0.285), and the change in hemoglobin level was - 5.0%/- 3.9% (P = 0.012). Endoscopic examination at the 1-year follow-up in the mod-DA group showed smaller amounts of food residue (P = 0.008) as well as less residual gastritis (P < 0.001) than in the org-DA group. CONCLUSIONS: The modified DA method can be performed safely with a complication rate comparable with the original DA method. Furthermore, better postoperative function is expected because of its more natural anatomy and physiology resulting from the modified method.

Feasibility and quality of life assessment of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy using double-tract reconstruction.

PURPOSE: As the frequency of cancer in the proximal stomach or around the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) increases worldwide, the use of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) has expanded. This study evaluated the safety of LPG with double-tract reconstruction (LPG-DT) and the resulting quality of life (QOL) of patients. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the data of patients who underwent LPG-DT via linear-stapled esophagojejunostomy for gastric or EGJ cancer between 2013 and 2019, and outcomes were compared with those of laparoscopic total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction (LTG-RY) peMME000372rformed over the same period. Surgical outcomes, changes of nutritional parameters, and chronological QOL as evaluated using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale (PGSAS-37) questionnaire were compared in the propensity-matched cohorts. RESULTS: In total, 289 patients (99 LPG-DT and 190 LTG-RY) were eligible and the outcomes were evaluated in the propensity-matched cohorts (n = 75 each). Operative time and the incidence of complications (≥ grade III) were comparable. Reflux esophagitis was more frequent in the LPG-DT group (8.0% vs. 0%), whereas the incidence of anastomotic stricture did not differ. The percentage rates of body weight loss and hemoglobin reduction were lower in the LPG-DT group at any time point within postoperative 2 years but show no statistical differences. In PGSAS-37 (n = 26, n = 23), the diarrhea and quality of ingestion scores were slightly better in the LPG-DT group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggested that our LPG-DT is feasible and safe in appropriately selected patients, and it may provide slightly better outcomes in nutrition and QOL compared with LTG-RY.

The impact of hiatal hernia on survival outcomes in patients with gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.

Aim: A hiatal hernia (HH) complicates the diagnosis and surgical treatment of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. This study aimed to investigate the effect of HH on the survival outcomes of GEJ cancer patients. Methods: This single-center study reviewed clinical data of 78 patients with GEJ adenocarcinoma who underwent R0 resection from 2008 to 2017. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they presented with or without HH: the HH (+) group (n = 46) and the HH (-) group (n = 32). Results: Patients in the HH (+) group were older than those in the HH (-) group (69.0 vs 67.5 years, P = .018). Regarding surgical outcomes, intra-abdominal infectious complications was more common in the HH (+) group than in the HH (-) group (23.9% vs 9.4%, respectively; P = .089), particularly abscess formation (17.4% vs 3.1%, respectively; P = .036). Neither overall survival (OS) nor relapse-free survival (RFS) differed between the two groups. However, survival rates were significantly worse in a subset of patients with T3-4 disease (OS: log-rank, P = .036) (RFS: log-rank, P = .040) in the HH (+) group. In a multivariate analysis for OS in this cohort, HH was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio 3.60; 95% confidence interval 1.06-11.9, P = .032). Conclusion: Hiatal hernia may adversely affect surgical and survival outcomes in patients with GEJ cancer. Thus, surgical strategy must be carefully considered in these patients.

The Significance of Staging Laparoscopy in Detection of Radiologically Occult Peritoneal Carcinomatosis in Gastric Cancer With Gastric Outlet Obstruction: Consideration of The Optimal Treatment Approach.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Gastric cancer with gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is generally found at an advanced stage and with an unfavorable prognosis. This study was performed to examine the prevalence of radiologically occult peritoneal carcinomatosis in GOO and determine the optimal treatment strategy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This single-center study was a retrospective review of the clinical data of 186 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer at the distal stomach who underwent surgery from 2008 to 2016. These patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of GOO due to cancer progression: With GOO (n=71) and without GOO (n=115). RESULTS: The incidence of peritoneal carcinomatosis [with macroscopic peritoneal deposits (P1)/positive peritoneal cytology (CY1)] detected at laparotomy/laparoscopy was significantly higher in the group with GOO than in the group without (32.4% vs. 9.6%, p<0.01). The R0 resection rate was lower in the group with GOO (62.0% vs. 87.0%, p<0.01). The 5-year overall survival rate was also lower in the group with GOO (43.9% vs. 68.5%, p<0.01). However, in the subset of patients who underwent R0 surgery, the 5-year rates were similar for the two groups (67.4% vs. 73.1%, p=0.91). The multivariable analysis showed that a type 3 tumor appearance (odds ratio=3.66) and presence of GOO (odds ratio=2.87) were predictors of peritoneal carcinomatosis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of radiologically occult peritoneal carcinomatosis in gastric cancer with GOO exceeded 30%. Staging laparoscopy (gastrojejunal bypass, if needed) should be performed to determine the optimal treatment plan.

Feasibility of laparoscopic total gastrectomy with splenectomy for proximal advanced gastric cancer: A comparative study with open surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Total gastrectomy with splenectomy (TGS) is sometimes performed for treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer invading the greater curvature because metastasis to splenic hilar nodes is expected. Despite the widespread use of laparoscopic procedures, the feasibility of laparoscopic TGS (LTGS) has been scarcely reported because of its technical difficulties. METHODS: This retrospective single-institutional study included 93 consecutive patients with proximal advanced gastric cancer who underwent either LTGS or open TGS (OTGS) from 2010 to 2018. The patients who underwent LTGS (n = 12) were compared with a 1:2 ratio propensity score-matched cohort of patients who underwent OTGS (n = 20). Clinical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The patients' baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two groups. The operating time was longer (332.5 vs 222.5 minutes, P < .01) but the blood loss volume was smaller (34.5 vs 426 mL, P < .01) in the LTGS than OTGS group. The incidence of postoperative morbidity (≥ Clavien-Dindo grade III) was much lower (0.0% vs 36.8%, P = .02) and the median postoperative hospital stay was shorter (9 vs 11 days, P < .01) in the LTGS than OTGS group. The median number of harvested No. 10 or 11 days lymph nodes was equivalent between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although TGS is not a common procedure, LTGS may be safely performed in selected patients when carried out by an experienced surgical team. The oncological safety remains unclear and needs to be further examined in future trials.

Can laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic hilar lymph node dissection replace prophylactic splenectomy for proximal advanced gastric cancers that invade the greater curvature?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Proximal advanced gastric cancer that invades the greater curvature is often treated by prophylactic splenectomy because of a risk for metastasis to the splenic hilar lymph node (station No.10). We evaluated whether laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic hilar dissection (SPSHD) could be a better approach. METHODS: We reviewed records of patients with proximal gastric cancer who underwent total gastrectomy with No.10 dissection between 2012 and 2018 using our in-house database set. We divided patients by whether they had received SPSHD or splenectomy, first to compare surgical outcomes, and subsequently to analyze survival outcomes among patients with tumors invading the greater curvature. RESULTS: Of 145 patients enrolled in this study, 82 had SPSHDs and 63 had splenectomies. All SPSHDs were laparoscopic; 80% of splenectomies were laparotomic. Morbidity ≥ grade III was seen in 8.5% of the SPSHD group and 11.1% of the splenectomy group. The median number of retrieved No. 10 nodes was three in each group. In multivariable analysis, SPSHD was not an independent prognostic factor among patients whose tumors invaded the greater curvature (n = 73). Among propensity-matched cohorts (n = 25 each), 5-year relapse-free survival rates were 77.6% in the SPSHD group and 49.9% in the splenectomy group. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic SPSHD can potentially replace prophylactic splenectomy.

Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of suction-tip forceps, a new tool for laparoscopic surgery, for gastric cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery; however, obstacles to its functional optimization remain. Surgical ports can accommodate only one instrument at a time so complex exchange manipulations are necessary during surgery which increases operation times and patient risk. We developed a new laparoscopic instrument that functions as both forceps and a suction tube, which renders intraoperative tool exchange unnecessary. This pilot study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this novel dual-function device in laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer. METHODS: This single-center pilot study assessed patient safety during and after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer with the suction-forceps using intraoperative video and clinical follow-up, respectively. To evaluate instrument efficacy, we measured the time interval between the start of any bleeding and the start of aspiration ("suction access time") and compared this time with that of a conventional surgical setup. RESULTS: In total 15 patients participated, with all procedures being successful. No excess tissue damage occurred during surgery. Suction access time was significantly shorter in cases of bleeding when the suction-tip forceps were used for aspiration (2.01 seconds) compared to an ordinary suction tube (12.5 seconds; P < .01). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that our new suction-tip forceps are a useful, safe, and efficacious operative tool. This surgical innovation may considerably simplify gastric laparoscopic surgery. This pilot study was registered with Japan Clinical Trial Registration on 22 June 2017 (registration number: UMIN000027879).

Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to the Esophagus: Case Report and Review.

A follow-up endoscopy in a 71-year-old Japanese man who had undergone a left lateral segmentectomy for HCC two years ago revealed an approximately 2 cm in diameter pedunculated polypoid mass in the middle part of the thoracic esophagus. Immunohistochemical staining of the endoscopic biopsy revealed a metastatic HCC esophageal tumor. As the patient's disease could be radically removed by preoperative examinations, we resected the metastatic esophageal tumor via right thoracotomy and esophagogastrostomy reconstruction. Histological examination of the resected specimen revealed that the esophageal tumor was compatible with a HCC metastasis. This is an extremely rare case of a solitary metastasis to the esophagus from HCC in the literature.

Malignant hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma with abdominal pain due to rapid progression.

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEH) is a rare tumor. We report on a patient who underwent hepatectomy for malignant HEH associated with abdominal pain due to rapid progression. An 83-year-old man was admitted to Nippon Medical School Hospital because of acute, severe upper abdominal pain. Seven months before admission, a hepatic tumor, 3 cm in diameter, had been detected in the left lateral sector. The diagnosis was hepatic cavernous hemangioma. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a heterogeneous hyperechoic tumor with a smooth border, 6 cm in diameter, in the left lateral sector (segment 3). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen showed that the tumor was enhanced from the early to the late phase. Abdominal angiography revealed a cotton wool-like appearance of the tumor. The diagnosis was hepatic cavernous hemangioma. A malignancy could not be ruled out because of the tumor's rapid growth, which had caused abdominal pain. Left hepatectomy was performed. Histopathological examination showed necrosis throughout the tumor. Slightly pleomorphic neoplastic cells with rounded, spindle-like nuclei and scant cytoplasm were sporadically found in vascular channels. Intracytoplasmic lumina occasionally contained red cells. Neoplastic cells were positive for factor VIII-related antigen, CD31, and CD34. The Mib-1 index was high. The tumor was diagnosed as malignant HEH. The postsurgical course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 11. After 3 months, multiple metastatic tumors appeared in right hepatic lobe. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization was performed.