Reverse rolling-mat type lymph node dissection is the key step to solve the operative difficulties in hand-assisted laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: We have improved and named a new reverse rolling-mat type lymph node dissection, which effectively solves the dilemma faced by the traditional lymph node dissection in hand-assisted laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy through the optimization of the surgical procedure. However, the relevant clinical data are still scarce. The study aims to compare the clinical effects of two surgical procedure and explore the safety and feasibility of "reverse procedure". STUDY DESIGN: The clinicopathological data of 195 patients who underwent hand-assisted D2 radical total gastrectomy (HALTG) in our hospital from January 2011 to September 2017 were collected. A retrospective case-control study was used to compare the clinical outcomes of the two patterns of lymph node dissection. Among them, 89 patients underwent "cabbage type" lymph node dissection and 106 patients underwent the "reverse procedure" lymph node dissection. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups of patients in terms of gender, age, tumor location, incision length, postoperative hospitalization duration, pathological classification, recent complications, long-term recurrence and metastasis. The operation time of "cabbage type" group was shorter than that of "reverse procedure" group (178.35 ± 31.52 min vs 191.25 ± 32.77 min; P = 0.006). While, in the "reverse procedure" group, intraoperative blood loss was less (249.4 ± 143.12 vs 213.58 ± 101.43; P = 0.049), and there were more numbers of lymph nodes dissected (18.04 ± 7.00 vs 32.25 ± 14.23; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The pattern of reverse rolling-mat type lymph node dissection in HALTG perform well in terms of safety and feasibility.

Clinical significance of UGT1A1 polymorphism and expression of ERCC1, BRCA1, TYMS, RRM1, TUBB3, STMN1 and TOP2A in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Individualized therapeutic regimen is a recently intensively pursued approach for targeting diseases, in which the search for biomarkers was considered the first and most important. Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate whether the UGT1A1, ERCC1, BRCA1, TYMS, RRM1, TUBB3, STMN1 and TOP2A genes are underlying biomarkers for gastric cancer, which, to our knowledge, has not been performed. METHODS: Ninety-eight tissue specimens were collected from gastric cancer patients between May 2012 and March 2015. A multiplex branched DNA liquidchip technology was used for measuring the mRNA expressions of ERCC1, BRCA1, TYMS, RRM1, TUBB3, STMN1 and TOP2A. Direct sequencing was performed for determination of UGT1A1 polymorphisms. Furthermore, correlations between gene expressions, polymorphisms and clinicopathological characteristics were investigated. RESULTS: The expressions of TYMS, TUBB3 and STMN1 were significantly associated with the clinicopathological characteristics of age, gender and family history of gastric cancer, but not with differentiation, growth patterns, metastasis and TNM staging in patients with gastric cancer. No clinical characteristics were correlated with the expressions of ERCC1, BRCA1, RRM1 and TOP2A. Additionally, patients carrying G allele at -211 of UGT1A1 were predisposed to developing tubular adenocarcinoma, while individuals carrying 6TAA or G allele respectively at *28 or -3156 of UGT1A1 tended to have a local invasion. CONCLUSIONS: The UGT1A1 polymorphism may be useful to screen the risk population of gastric cancer, while TYMS, TUBB3 and STMN1 may be potential biomarkers for prognosis and chemotherapy guidance.

Ertapenem prophylaxis of surgical site infections in elective colorectal surgery in China: a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to evaluate ertapenem versus ceftriaxone/metronidazole for prophylaxis of surgical site infections (SSIs) following elective colorectal surgery in Chinese adult patients. METHODS: Eligible Chinese adults aged 18-80 years scheduled to undergo elective colorectal surgery by laparotomy were randomized to receive a 30 min infusion of 1 g of ertapenem/metronidazole placebo or 2 g of ceftriaxone/500 mg of metronidazole within 2 h before initial incision. The study endpoint was the proportion of patients with successful prophylaxis at 4 weeks after treatment. The primary analysis was based on the evaluable population (PP population) and the pre-specified non-inferiority margin was set at -15%. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01254344. RESULTS: Of 599 patients randomized, 499 (251 ertapenem and 248 ceftriaxone) were eligible for inclusion in the PP population. The proportions of patients with successful prophylaxis in the ertapenem and ceftriaxone groups were 90.4% (227/251) and 90.3% (224/248), respectively. The difference in the proportion of successful outcomes was 0.1% (95% CI -5.2%, 5.5%). Unexplained antibiotic use was the most frequent reason for prophylaxis failure in both groups [ertapenem 4.8% (12/251), ceftriaxone 4.4% (11/248); difference 0.3%; 95% CI -3.6, 4.3]. Pathogen species isolated from SSI sources were consistent with previously conducted studies and the product package insert. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was similar between the groups, with the most common AE being pyrexia [ertapenem 7.6% (22/290), ceftriaxone 5.7% (17/297)]. CONCLUSIONS: Ertapenem is as effective as ceftriaxone/metronidazole for SSI prophylaxis in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery, and is well tolerated.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic versus laparoscopy-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy: a prospective study.

BACKGROUD: The feasibility and safety of Hand-assisted laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy (HALG) have been seldom reported, also, benefits and outcomes are not defined. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive and in-depth comparative analysis of the general information, the intraoperative data and postoperative data in the Group HALG and the Group laparoscopy-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy (LAG). RESULTS: The general data of HALG and LAG were no differences (P > 0.05); the blood loss and unexpected injury were similar(P > 0.05); the operative time, the incision length, the number of lymph nodes recovered, the rate of procedure conversion, the amount of postoperative complications, and the length of postoperative hospital stay of Group HALG were prior to that of Group LAG(P < 0.05); there were no differences for the pain score after day 2, the recovery time of intestinal function, the rate of reoperation, the 30-day hospital and readmission rate(P > 0.05); and there were significant linear correlations between the length of postoperative hospital stay and the operative time for both groups(P = 0.00). CONCLUSION: Compared with LAG, HALG had similar features of being minimally invasive and radical in treating gastric cancers, and HALG was safer than LAG.

Comparison of totally laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted approach in gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for advanced gastric cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a retrospective comparative study.

Purpose: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is strongly recommended for advanced gastric cancer due to good local control and a high rate of R0 dissection with this strategy. Minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy-assisted or total laparoscopic approaches is becoming more and more acceptable in the treatment for gastric cancer. However, the safety and efficiency of total laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy (TLG) for advanced gastric cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy have not been well evaluated. Methods: A retrospective study in a single center from 2014 to 2016 was conducted. A total of 65 locally advanced gastric cancers were treated by laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) or TLG. Parameters which include operation time, blood loss, complications, hospital stay, 3-year overall survival, and 3-year disease-free survival were used for comparison. Results: The time of operation in the TLG group was shorter than in the LAG group (P = 0.013), blood loss was less (P = 0.002) and time to first flatus was shorter (P = 0.039) in the TLG group than that in the LLG group. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were comparable in both groups. No significant difference was found in 3-year overall and disease-free survival. Conclusion: For patients with locally advanced gastric cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy can be considered as a safe and efficient alternative. A further multicenter prospective randomized controlled study is needed to elucidate the applicability of this technique for advanced gastric cancer.

Comparison of gastric-jejunum pouch anastomosis and Billroth-II reconstructions after distal gastrectomy: a propensity score matching analysis.

Purpose: Our study aimed to make a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis on the clinical application of gastric-jejunum pouch anastomosis (GJPA) and Billroth-II anastomosis after distal gastrectomy. Methods: We collected clinical data from 249 patients who received distal gastrectomy from January 2016 to July 2020. According to the reconstruction method used, all patients were divided into the Billroth-II group and the GJPA group. Clinical data and operation complications were analyzed. Results: The clinical characteristics of the 2 groups were comparable after PSM. In the Billroth-II group, the incidence rate of delayed gastric emptying was higher than that in the GJPA group. Fewer patients suffered reflux gastritis in the GJPA group. The RGB (residue, gastritis, and bile) scores related to the severity of bile reflux into the remnant stomach, gastritis, and residue were higher in the Billroth-II group. Postoperative nutritional status and Visick classification demonstrated that postoperative subjective feelings in the GJPA group were improved significantly. Conclusion: The application of GJPA in reconstruction after distal gastrectomy is safe, economical, and reliable. This reconstruction improved the quality of life of patients. It is worth popularizing widely in clinical settings.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic versus laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy in the treatment of advanced distal gastric cancer: final results of a single-center randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results and 5- and 8-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) and laparoscopic-assisted surgery (LAS) in radical gastrectomy for advanced distal gastric cancer. METHODS: A total of 124 patients admitted to our institution from May 2009 to April 2013 were randomly divided into a HALS group (n = 62) and a LAS group (n = 62). Postoperatively, 110 patients were followed for 5 and 8 years, and 14 patients were lost to follow-up. The 5- and 8-year OS and DFS rates of the groups were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The 5- and 8-year OS rates, respectively, were 38.8% and 19.4% in the HALS group and 38.3% and 15.3% in the LAS group (log-rank test, χ2 = 0.250). The 5- and 8-year DFS rates, respectively, were 23.1% and 10.6% in the HALS group and 19.3% and 11.6% in the LAS group (log-rank test, χ2 = 0.109). No significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: Compared with LAS, HALS radical gastrectomy for advanced distal gastric cancer had a lower conversion rate to open surgery, shorter surgical duration, and more thorough dissection of lymph nodes; 5- and 8-year OS and DFS rates were similar to those with LAS.

Continuous Jejunal Pouch and Residual Stomach Anastomosis Combined with Jejunal Lateral Anastomosis: An Improved Method of Gastrointestinal Reconstruction following Distal Gastrectomy.

AIM: Currently, there is no optimal digestive tract reconstruction technique well recognized by scholars after distal gastrectomy. A new reconstruction method, which was modified from the classic Roux-en-Y procedure, the continuous jejunal pouch and residual stomach anastomosis combined with jejunal lateral anastomosis (Contin-L), was established. In order to fully clarify the superiority of this procedure, this study has conducted a systematic analysis and prepared a summary of the clinical data of patients who underwent distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: From June 2013 to March 2016, we enrolled 198 patients with gastric cancer who underwent radical D2 distal gastrectomy. According to the reconstruction methods, these patients were divided into three groups: Contin-L (n = 74), Billroth II (n = 59), and Roux-en-Y (n = 65) groups. The operation time for reconstruction, complications, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and the Visick grading were analyzed. RESULTS: Regarding long-term complications, such as reflux gastritis, the Contin-L procedure showed significantly better results than Billroth II (p < 0.0001). Regarding the long-term postoperative nutritional status, such as the PNI and body weight recovery, the Contin-L procedure displayed significantly better results than Billroth II and Roux-en-Y (p < 0.05). Postoperative subjective feelings evaluated by Visick grading were significantly more improved in the Contin-L than in the Billroth II and Roux-en-Y groups (p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The Contin-L procedure gave full play to the advantages of jejunal continuity, and pouch and lateral anastomoses, which significantly reduced short- and long-term complications, and improved the long-term patient quality of life following the surgical procedure.

Addition of Jejunal Lateral Anastomosis is Not Necessary for Gastric-Jejunum Pouch Anastomosis following Distal Gastrectomy: A Propensity-Score Matching Analysis.

PURPOSE: To make a propensity-score matching analysis on the clinical application of gastric-jejunum pouch anastomosis (GJPA) and continuous jejunal pouch and residual stomach anastomosis combined with jejunal lateral anastomosis (Contin-L). METHODS: The clinic data of 287 patients who received distal gastrectomy from January 2015 to January 2019 were collected retrospectively. The enrolled patients were divided into the GJPA group and the Contin-L group according to the reconstruction method used. Clinical data and operation complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with Contin-L group, the duration of digestive tract reconstruction in the GJPA group was shorter, and the overall cost in the GJPA group was lower. No obvious intergroup differences were found in other intraoperative data, early surgical outcomes, incidence rates of reflux gastritis, anastomotic ulcer, postoperative nutritional and hematological indicators. The postoperative subjective feelings in the GJPA group were similar with those in the Contin-L groups. CONCLUSION: Addition of jejunal lateral anastomosis is not necessary for GJPA following distal gastrectomy.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic versus open surgery for radical gastrectomy in the treatment of advanced distal gastric cancer: long-term overall and disease-free survival (final results of a single-center study).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical effects and long-term efficacy of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) and open surgery (OS) in radical gastrectomy for advanced distal gastric cancer. METHODS: One hundred twenty-four patients who were admitted to the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of the West War Zone General Hospital from May 2008 to April 2012 were randomly divided into a HALS group (n = 62) and an OS group (n = 62). After surgery, 113 patients were followed up for 5 and 8 years, and 11 patients were lost to follow-up. The 5- and 8-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates of the two groups were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The 5- and 8-year overall survival rates were 31.90% and 18.40% in the HALS group and 32.50% and 18.60% in the OS group, respectively. The 5- and 8-year disease-free survival rates were 21.50% and 13.00% in the HALS group and 21.90% and 13.10% in the OS group, respectively. No significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: Hand-assisted laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for advanced distal gastric cancer has the advantages of less severe trauma, less intraoperative blood loss, more rapid postoperative recovery, and equivalent long-term efficacy compared with OS.

Upregulation of COL8A1 indicates poor prognosis across human cancer types and promotes the proliferation of gastric cancer cells.

Gastric cancer (GC) was one of the most common types of the digestive system. COL8A1 was reported to be associated with cancer progression. The present study showed COL8A1 was overexpressed and correlated to shorter overall survival (OS) time across human cancer types. Specially, our results showed COL8A1 was up-regulated in advanced stage GC compared to low stage GC samples. Higher expression of COL8A1 was significantly correlated to shorter OS time in patients with GC. Bioinformatics analysis revealed COL8A1 was involved in regulating cell proliferation and metastasis. Experimental validations of COL8A1 showed that silencing of COL8A1 could significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion in GC. These results provided a potential target for the clinical prognosis and treatment of gastric cancer.

[Safety and efficacy of hand-assisted laparoscopic versus open distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To systematically assess the safety and efficacy of hand-assisted laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (HALG) versus open distal gastrectomy (ODG) for gastric cancer. METHODS: Chinese or English literature regarding comparison of HALG and ODG were collected by searching in databases (such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang database) between January 1996 and September 2016. The data of operative time, incision length, blood loss, number of harvested lymph nodes, time to flatus, hospital stay, postoperative complication morbidity and long-term outcomes were compared between the two procedures. Then funnel plot was used to evaluate publication bias and sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the stability of the results. All these data analyses were performed using the Meta for or Meta package of R version 3.3.1. RESULTS: A total of 7 studies with 835 patients (323 cases in HALG group and 512 cases in ODG group) were included. Compared with ODG, HALG had a longer operative time (WMD=28.93 minutes, 95%CI=9.59 to 48.28, Z=2.93, P=0.000), a shorter incision length (WMD=-10.31 cm, 95%CI=-14.01 to -6.62, Z=-5.47, P=0.000), less blood loss (WMD=-140.08 ml, 95%CI=-215.07 to -65.09, Z=-3.66, P=0.000), faster gastrointestinal recovery (WMD=-1.23 days, 95%CI=-1.89 to -0.56, Z=-3.62, P=0.000), shorter postoperative hospital stay (WMD=-3.24 days, 95%CI=-5.47 to -1.02, Z=-2.85, P=0.000). In subgroup analysis, 3 studies published before 2013 vs. 4 studies published afterwards, the number of harvested lymph nodes (WMD=-0.78, 95%CI=-2.05 to 0.50, Z=-1.19, P=0.235) and postoperative complication morbidity (RR=1.02, 95%CI=0.43 to 2.44, Z=0.05, P=0.961) did not differ significantly between two groups. Compared with ODG, the RR(95%CI) of ileus of HALG was 0.43 (0.07 to 2.82), but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.383). One study reported the 5-year overall survival rates of HALG and ODG were 81.0% vs 67.5%, and the tumor recurrence rates were 7.1% vs 22%, respectively, but the differences were not statistically significant(all P>0.05). Sensitivity analysis showed that the above results were stable. The funnel plots of the lymph nodes and postoperative complication morbidity did not present significant publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: HALG has the advantages of minimal invasiveness such as shorter incision length and quicker recovery. Furthermore, the short-term efficacy of HALG is similar to conventional open surgery. However, the long-term efficacy is lack of support from multicenter long-term follow-up results.

[Efficacy comparison of lymph node dissection patterns of the reverse and the cabbage in hand-assisted laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of the lymph node dissection patterns of the reverse and the traditional cabbage in hand-assisted laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy (HALG). METHODS: From December 2010 to October 2013, 194 patients with HALG in Chengdu Military General Hospital were enrolled in this study. According to the pattern of lymph node dissection, 108 patients were performed with the reverse procedure which took spleen as starting point, from left to right, and 86 patients were performed with the traditional cabbage procedure which took the abdominal cavity as the center, from both sides to middle. A retrospective comparative analysis was made on the intra- and post-operative data between the two groups. RESULTS: All the patients were successfully performed with HALG, and no peri-operative death occurred. There were no significant differences in the incision length [(7.0 ± 0.2) cm vs. (6.9 ± 0.3) cm], the operative time [(170.9 ± 33.8) minute vs. (174.6 ± 22.4) minute], dissected lymph node number (17.6 ± 7.5 vs. 17.1 ± 5.8) and post-operative complications [(6.5%(7/108) vs. 8.1%(7/86)] between the reverse group and cabbage group (all P>0.05). However, less blood loss [(204.6 ± 98.2) ml vs. (259.1 ± 122.6) ml, P<0.01] and shorter postoperative hospital stay [(9.0 ± 1.7) day vs. (10.5 ± 4.0) day, P<0.01] were observed in reverse group as compared to cabbage group. During 1 to 6 months follow-up, no death case was found in reverse group, while 1 case died due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding 48 days after operation in cabbage group. CONCLUSION: Efficacy is similar between the two HALG procedures in lymph node dissection, while reverse procedure has certain advantages, such as less blood loss and faster recovery.

[Construction of GFP-AWP1 fusion gene vector and its expression in 293 cells].

OBJECTIVE: To construct green fluorescent protein (GFP)-AWP1 (a novel human protein associated with protein kinase C-related kinase 1) fusion gene vector for observing the expression and localization of AWP1 in 293 cells. METHODS: The coding region in AWP1 cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR from human endothelial cell line ECV304 and recombined into pEGFP-C2 plasmid expressing GFP. After identification with restriction endonucleases and sequence analysis, the recombinant plasmid was transfected into 293 cells with the cationic liposome DOTAP as the transfection reagent. The expression and localization of AWP1 were observed under a fluorescence microscope. RESULTS: Restriction endonuclease assay and sequence analysis verified the successful construction of the recombinant vector pEGFP-C2/AWP1, and GFP-AWP1 fusion protein was highly efficiently expressed in 293 cells. Under fluorescent microscope, green fluorescence was seen homogeneously distributed in the entire cell body of the cells transfected by the empty vector pEGFP-C2, but diffusely in the cytoplasm of the cells transfected by the recombinant vector pEGFP-C2/AWP1. CONCLUSION: GFP-AWP1 fusion gene vector is successfully constructed and the fusion protein expressed in the cytoplasm of 293 cells.

Three-step hand-assisted laparoscopic d2 radical gastrectomy for chinese obese patients: a highly efficient and feasible surgical approach.

Three-step hand-assisted laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy (HALG) is a modified surgical procedure that has achieved satisfactory results for obese patients in our surgical center. To fully elucidate the advantages of this procedure, in this study, comprehensive and in-depth comparative analyses were performed to assess clinical data from obese gastric cancer patients who underwent HALG, laparoscopic-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy (LAG), and open D2 radical gastrectomy (OG) in our surgical center during a specific time period. For the 3 groups, incision length was 1.25 cm longer for the HALG group than for the LAG group but was significantly shorter for the HALG group than for the OG group (P =0.00). The rate of conversion to laparotomy , the pneumoperitoneum time and the number of recovered lymph nodes were significantly better for the HALG group than for the LAG group (P <0.05). The pain score at day 2 after surgery, intestinal function recovery time, and duration of postoperative hospital stay were not significantly different for the HALG and LAG groups ( P >0.05) but were significantly better for the HALG group than for the OG group (P <0.05). There were significantly fewer postoperative complications for the HALG group than for the LAG and OG groups (P =0.049). According to the results, the "three-step HALG method" incorporates both the thoroughness of the radical OG approach and the minimal invasiveness of the LAG approach for obese patients. Thus, the HALG approach is a relatively safe and extremely feasible surgical procedure for the treatment of these patients.

Gastric-jejunum pouch side-to-end anastomosis: a novel and safe operation of gastrojejunostomy for preventing reflux gastritis.

PURPOSE: This study aims to introduce a simple operation method of gastrojejunostomy for preventing reflux esophagitis --gastric-jejunum pouch side-to-end anastomosis. METHODS: Based on Billroth II anastomosis (Billroth II) method, we designed a new technique of anastomosis between stomach wall and jejunal pouch. The technique was named gastric-jejunum pouch side-end anastomosis. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data which was collected from March 2012 to February 2014. Among all the recruited 66 patients, 51 gastric cancer patients and 7 pyloric obstruction patients were implemented with hand-assisted laparoscopic distal gastrectomy plus D2 lymph node dissection. The remaining 8 patients were malignant pyloric obstruction; they were treated with small exploratory incision on the upper abdomen and distal gastric partial transection. All the patients were treated with gastric-jejunum pouch side-to-end anastomosis. RESULTS: The surgical incision was small, the operative time was short, their bleeding volume was little, the recovery time of the bowel function and hospitalization time was relatively short. Postoperatively, there was neither mortality and gastroparesis, nor anastomotic leakage and jejunal pouch leakage. Minor postoperative complications were detected followed up for 12 months, no acid reflux and reflux esophagitis symptoms was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric -jejunum pouch side-to-end anastomosis is a simple operation technique with highly surgical safety.

Learning curve for hand-assisted laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy.

AIM: To describe the learning curves of hand-assisted laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy (HALG) for the treatment of gastric cancer. METHODS: The HALG surgical procedure consists of three stages: surgery under direct vision via the port for hand assistance, hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery, and gastrointestinal tract reconstruction. According to the order of the date of surgery, patients were divided into 6 groups (A-F) with 20 cases in each group. All surgeries were performed by the same group of surgeons. We performed a comprehensive and in-depth retrospective comparative analysis of the clinical data of all patients, with the clinical data including general patient information and intraoperative and postoperative observation indicators. RESULTS: There were no differences in the basic information among the patient groups (P > 0.05). The operative time of the hand-assisted surgery stage in group A was 8-10 min longer than the other groups, with the difference being statistically significant (P = 0.01). There were no differences in total operative time between the groups (P = 0.30). Postoperative intestinal function recovery time in group A was longer than that of other groups (P = 0.02). Lengths of hospital stay and surgical quality indicators (such as intraoperative blood loss, numbers of detected lymph nodes, intraoperative side injury, postoperative complications, reoperation rate, and readmission rate 30 d after surgery) were not significantly different among the groups. CONCLUSION: HALG is a surgical procedure that can be easily mastered, with a learning curve closely related to the operative time of the hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery stage.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic versus open radical resection of gastric remnant cancer: a clinical comparison.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the perioperative clinical data between hand-assisted laparoscopic and open radical resection of gastric remnant cancer, and analyze the feasibility and advantages of hand-assisted laparoscopic resection of gastric remnant cancer. METHODS: The clinical data of 18 patients with gastric remnant cancer who underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic (n=9) or open surgery (n=9) were retrospectively analyzed to compare the perioperative outcomes and recovery between December 2007 and October 2014. RESULTS: All 18 patients underwent surgery without post-operative complications. In the hand-assisted laparoscopy group, none required conversion to open surgery, and no intraoperative auxiliary injury occurred. The incision length was (8.78±0.62) cm in the hand-assisted laparoscopy group, and (14.06±0.81) cm in the open surgery group (t=15.565, P=0.000). The duration of the operation averaged (221.11±19.48) min in the hand-assisted laparoscopy group, and (212.89±14.30) min in the open surgery group (t=-1.021, P=0.323). The intraoperative blood loss was (105.56±35.04) ml in the hand-assisted laparoscopy group, and (147.78±41.92) ml in the open surgery group (t=2.319, P=0.034). The number of lymph nodes scavenged was (16.22±2.99) and 16.67±3.28 in the hand-assisted laparoscopy group and in the open surgery group, respectively (t=-.300, P=0.768). The postoperative time to passage of gas by anus was (68.67±10.00) hr in the hand-assisted laparoscopy group, and (79.78±9.16) hr in the open surgery group (t=2.458, P=0.026). Mild postoperative hemorrhage occurred at the anastomotic site in one patient in each surgery group. These complications resolved after treatment. And no serious perioperative complications, such as anastomotic site fistula, massive hemorrhage in the peritoneal cavity or digestive tract or death occurred in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Hand-assisted laparoscopic radical resection of gastric remnant cancer is feasible, is of comparable efficacy to open surgery, and offers several advantages including small incisions, mild intraoperative hemorrhage, rapid postoperative recovery, and few postoperative complications.

Migration path of stem cells involved in the repair of damaged pancreatic tissue caused by pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the migratory path of stem cells in pancreatic tissues damaged by pancreatitis and to preliminarily identify stem cells that efficiently contribute to the repair of damaged pancreatic tissues. METHODS: An animal model of acute pancreatitis was established, in which rats in the experimental group were given intraperitoneal (IP) injections of caerulein. Before the rats were sacrificed, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered by IP injection to label proliferating pancreatic cells. The localization and distribution of the stem cell-specific marker proteins nestin and c-kit in pancreatic tissues were examined using an immunohistochemical approach, and proliferation-specific BrdU incorporation was also analyzed. RESULTS: (1) The nestin-positive cells first appeared in the pancreatic interlobar vessels, and then, were observed in the pancreatic acinar and islet tissues. (2) C-kit-positive cells were located only in the pancreatic islets. (3) BrdU-positive cells first appeared in the area surrounding the interlobular region, and then were diffusely distributed and filled the pancreatic lobules. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The stem cells, participated in the repair of damaged pancreatic tissue, appear firstly in the pancreatic interlobar vessels, then migrate toward the pancreatic lobules by using the interlobar vessels as channels and penetrate through the vascular endothelium into the pancreatic acinar tissues. A portion of the stem cells eventually penetrate into the islet tissue. (2) Exogenous stem cells, rather than the tissue-resident stem cells, efficiently contribute to the repair of damaged pancreatic tissues.