Modified hepatic left lateral lobe inversion in laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy: An analysis of 13 cases

BACKGROUND In laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy(LPG),the prolapse of the hepatic left lateral lobe near the lesser curvature and esophageal hiatus can obstruct the field of vision and operation.Therefore,it is necessary to retract or obstruct the hepatic left lateral lobe to ensure a clear field of vision.AIM To investigate the safety and clinical efficacy of the modified hepatic left lateral lobe inversion technique for LPG.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 13 consecutive patients with early-stage upper gastric adenocarcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction treated with LPG from January to December 2023 at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery,Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University.The modified hepatic left lateral lobe inversion technique was used to expose the surgical field in all patients,and short-term outcomes were observed.RESULTS In all 13 patients,the modified hepatic left lateral lobe inversion technique was successful during surgery without the need for re-retraction or alteration of the liver traction method.There were no instances of esophageal hiatus occlusion,eliminating the need for forceps to assist in exposure.There was no occurrence of intraoperative hepatic hemorrhage,hepatic vein injury,or hepatic congestion.No postoperative digestive complications of Clavien-Dindo grade≥II occurred wi-thin 30 days after surgery,except for a single case of pulmonary infection.Some patients experienced increases in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels on the first day after surgery,which significantly decreased by the third day and returned to normal by the seventh day after surgery.CONCLUSION The modified hepatic left lateral lobe inversion technique has demonstrated satisfactory results,offering ad-vantages in terms of facilitating surgical procedures,reducing surgical trauma,and protecting the liver.

Clinical efficacy of modified Kamikawa anastomosis in patients with laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy

BACKGROUND With the increasing incidence of proximal gastric cancer,laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy has been applied.However,reflux esophagitis often occurs after traditional esophagogastric anastomosis.In order to solve this problem,several methods of digestive tract reconstruction have emerged,but the most satisfying method remains to be discussed.Therefore,we modified traditional Kamikawa anastomosis to investigate the appropriate digestive tract reconstruction in laparo-scopic proximal gastrectomy.All the patients were successfully operated on without conversion to laparotomy.The duration of operation and digestive tract reconstruction were 203.500(150-224)min and 87.500(73-111)min,respectively.The intraoperative amount of bleeding was 20.500 mL±0.696 mL.The time of postoperative first flatus,the first postoperative fluid intake,and the postoperative length of stay were 2(1-3)d,4(3-5)d,and 9(8-10)d,respectively.All the patients were followed up for 12-23 months.The body mass index at 6 and 12 months after surgery were 22.577 kg/m2±3.098 kg/m2 and 22.594 kg/m2±3.207 kg/m2,respectively.The nutrition risk screening 2002 score,the patient-generated subjective global assessment score,and the gastroesophageal reflux disease scale score were good at 6 and 12 months after surgery.Reflux esophagitis and anastomotic stenosis were not observed in any of the patients during their 12-month postoperative gastroscopy or upper gastrointestinal tract visits.All the patients exhibited no tumor recurrence or metastasis.CONCLUSION The modified Kamikawa anastomosis is safe and feasible for laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and has good antireflux effects and nutritional status.

Efficacy analysis of Cheng's GIRAFFE reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction

Objective:Reconstruction of the digestive tract for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction(AEG)is in dispute.This study evaluated Cheng’s gastric tube interposition esophagogastrostomy with reconstruction of His angle and fundus(Cheng’s GIRAFFE anastomosis)in laparoscopic/open proximal gastrectomy for Siewert typeⅡAEG,which was performed at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University.Here,we discuss the preliminary results of gastric emptying and anti-reflux.Methods:From a retrospective database,74 patients with advanced Siewert typeⅡAEG underwent curative proximal gastrectomy with GIRAFFE anastomosis,and their gastric emptying and anti-reflux outcomes were evaluated by the Reflux Disease Questionnaire(RDQ)score,nuclide gastric emptying,24-h impedance-pH monitoring and gastroscopy.Results:Seventy-four patients successfully completed proximal partial gastrectomy with Cheng’s GIRAFFE esophagogastric anastomosis.RDQ score six months after the operation was 2.2±2.5.Results of nuclide gastric emptying examinations showed that the gastric half-emptying time was 67.0±21.5 min,the 1-h residual rate was(52.2±7.7)%,the 2-h residual rate was(36.4±5.1)%,and the 3-h residual rate was(28.8±3.6)%;24-h impedance-p H monitoring revealed that the mean De Meester score was 5.8±2.9.Reflux esophagitis was observed by gastroscopy in 7 patients six months after surgery.Conclusions:Cheng’s GIRAFFE anastomosis is safe and feasible for Siewert typeⅡAEG.

Double-tract reconstruction is superior to esophagogastrostomy in controlling reflux esophagitis and enhancing quality of life after proximal gastrectomy:Results from a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial in China

Objective:The aim of this study was to prospectively compare double-tract reconstruction(DTR)and esophagogastrostomy(EG)after proximal gastrectomy(PG)regarding the incidence of reflux esophagitis,quality of life(QOL),nutritional status and surgical safety.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled trial.Patients eligible for PG were enrolled and randomly assigned to the EG group and DTR group.The characteristics of patients,parameters for surgical safety,incidence of reflux esophagitis,nutrition status and QOL were collected and compared between the two groups.Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed to determine the significant factors affecting the incidence of reflux esophagitis after PG.Results:Thirty-seven patients of the EG group and 36 patients of the DTR group were enrolled.The incidence of reflux esophagitis was significantly lower in the DTR group than in the EG group(8.3%vs.32.4%,P=0.019).The DTR group demonstrated a more favorable QOL than the EG group after PG.The nutritional status was balanced within the EG group and the DTR group.The operation time was longer in the DTR group than in the EG group(191 min vs.221 min,P=0.001),while surgical safety was similar in the two groups.Conclusions:Our research demonstrated that DTR is superior to EG after PG in terms of the incidence of reflux esophagitis and provides a more satisfactory QOL without increasing surgical complications or sacrificing nutritional status.

Anti-reflux effects of a novel esophagogastric asymmetric anastomosis technique after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy

BACKGROUND Reflux esophagitis is a common postoperative complication of proximal gastrectomy.There is an urgent need for a safer method of performing esophageal-gastric anastomosis that reduces the risk of reflux after proximal gastrectomy.We hypothesize that a novel technique termed esophagogastric asymmetric anastomosis(EGAA)can prevent postoperative reflux in a safe and feasible manner.To observe a novel method of EGAA to prevent postoperative reflux.METHODS Initially,we employed a thermal stress computer to simulate and analyze gastric peristalsis at the site of an esophagogastric asymmetric anastomosis.This was done in order to better understand the anti-reflux function and mechanism.Next,we performed digestive tract reconstruction using the EGAA technique in 13 patients who had undergone laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy.Post-surgery,we monitored the structure and function of the reconstruction through imaging exams and gastroscopy.Finally,the patients were followed up to assess the efficacy of the anti-reflux effects.RESULTS Our simulation experiments have demonstrated that the clockwise contraction caused by gastric peristalsis and the expansion of the gastric fundus caused by the increase of intragastric pressure could significantly tighten the anastomotic stoma,providing a means to prevent the reverse flow of gastric fluids.Thirteen patients with esophagogastric junction tumors underwent laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy,with a mean operation time of 304.2±44.3 min.After the operation,the upper gastroenterography in supine/low head positions showed that eight patients exhibited no gastroesophageal reflux,three had mild reflux,and two had obvious reflux.The abdominal computed tomography examination showed a valve-like structure at the anastomosis.During followup,gastroscopy revealed a closed valve-like form at the anastomosis site without stenosis or signs of reflux esophagitis in 11 patients.Only two patients showed gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and mild reflux esophagitis and were treated with proton pump inhibitor therapy.CONCLUSION EGAA is a feasible and safe surgical method,with an excellent anti-reflux effect after proximal gastrectomy.

A modified double-tract reconstruction following laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy for Siewert Ⅱ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (with video)

Objective:The incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction(AEG)is increasing.For patients with resectable Siewert II AEG,there is still a lack of consensus with regards to which surgical procedure can well balance survival time and quality of life.This study aims to describe a modified double-tract reconstruction(DTR)method following laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy(LPG)and to evaluate the feasibility,safety,and effects of this novel method.Method:This study retrospectively reviewed 29 patients who received modified DTR after LPG for Siewert Ⅱ AEG at a single center between August 2015 and October 2020.Clinicopathological characteristics,surgical outcomes,nutritional status and dietary ability were analyzed.Result:The mean surgical time was 206.4±39.2 min,mean intraoperative blood loss was 175.9±41.4 mL,and median postoperative hospital stay was 11 d(range,9-70 d).The early complication rate was 13.8%(n=4),and the late complication rate was 6.9%(n=2).No reflux esophagitis or reflux symptom was recorded.There were no perioperative deaths within three months post-operatively.At the third follow-up month after surgery,most patients(25/29,86.2%)were experiencing sufficient oral food intake,with a median frequency of 5 meal/d(range,3-6 meal/d).The median total weight loss was 8 kg(range,0-15 kg)and there were no case of post-operative malnutrition.Conclusion:The modified DTR method following LPG represents a novel,safe,and feasible method that provides sufficient nutritional support with few diet-related discomforts.Prospective large-scale randomized trials are now needed to validate the clinical applicability of this method.

Clinical efficacy and safety of double-channel anastomosis and tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis in gastrectomy

BACKGROUND With the continuous progress of surgical technology and improvements in medical standards,the treatment of gastric cancer surgery is also evolving.Proximal gastrectomy is a common treatment,but double-channel anastomosis and tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis have attracted much attention in terms of surgical options.Each of these two surgical methods has advantages and disadvantages,so it is particularly important to compare and analyze their clinical efficacy and safety.AIM To compare the surgical safety,clinical efficacy,and safety of double-channel anastomosis and tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis in proximal gastrectomy.METHODS The clinical and follow-up data of 99 patients with proximal gastric cancer who underwent proximal gastrectomy and were admitted to our hospital between January 2018 and September 2023 were included in this retrospective cohort study.According to the different anastomosis methods used,the patients were divided into a double-channel anastomosis group(50 patients)and a tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis group(49 patients).In the double-channel anastomosis,Roux-en-Y anastomosis of the esophagus and jejunum was performed after proximal gastric dissection,and then side-to-side anastomosis was performed between the residual stomach and jejunum to establish an antireflux barrier and reduce postoperative gastroesophageal reflux.In the tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis group,after the proximal end of the stomach was cut,tubular gastroplasty was performed on the distal stump of the stomach and a linear stapler was used to anastomose the posterior wall of the esophagus and the anterior wall of the stomach tube.The main outcome measure was quality of life 1 year after surgery in both groups,and the evaluation criteria were based on the postgastrectomy syndrome assessment scale.The greater the changes in body mass,food intake per meal,meal quality subscale score,and total measures of physical and mental health score,the better the condition;the greater the other indicators,the worse the condition.The secondary outcome measures were intraoperative and postoperative conditions,the incidence of postoperative long-term complications,and changes in nutritional status at 1,3,6,and 12 months after surgery.RESULTS In the double-channel anastomosis cohort,there were 35 males(70%)and 15 females(30%),33(66.0%)were under 65 years of age,and 37(74.0%)had a body mass index ranging from 18 to 25 kg/m2.In the group undergoing tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis,there were eight females(16.3%),21(42.9%)individuals were under the age of 65 years,and 34(69.4%)had a body mass index ranging from 18 to 25 kg/m2.The baseline data did not significantly differ between the two groups(P>0.05 for all),with the exception of age(P=0.021).The duration of hospitalization,number of lymph nodes dissected,intraoperative blood loss,and perioperative complication rate did not differ significantly between the two groups(P>0.05 for all).Patients in the dual-channel anastomosis group scored better on quality of life measures than did those in the tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis group.Specifically,they had lower scores for esophageal reflux[2.8(2.3,4.0)vs 4.8(3.8,5.0),Z=3.489,P<0.001],eating discomfort[2.7(1.7,3.0)vs 3.3(2.7,4.0),Z=3.393,P=0.001],total symptoms[2.3(1.7,2.7)vs 2.5(2.2,2.9),Z=2.243,P=0.025],and other aspects of quality of life.The postoperative symptoms[2.0(1.0,3.0)vs 2.0(2.0,3.0),Z=2.127,P=0.033],meals[2.0(1.0,2.0)vs 2.0(2.0,3.0),Z=3.976,P<0.001],work[1.0(1.0,2.0)vs 2.0(1.0,2.0),Z=2.279,P=0.023],and daily life[1.7(1.3,2.0)vs 2.0(2.0,2.3),Z=3.950,P<0.001]were all better than those of the tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis group.The group that underwent tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis had a superior anal exhaust score[3.0(2.0,4.0)vs 3.5(2.0,5.0),Z=2.345,P=0.019]compared to the dual-channel anastomosis group.Hemoglobin,serum albumin,total serum protein,and the rate at which body mass decreased one year following surgery did not differ significantly between the two groups(P>0.05 for all).CONCLUSION The safety of double-channel anastomosis in proximal gastric cancer surgery is equivalent to that of tubular gastric surgery.Compared with tubular gastric surgery,double-channel anastomosis is a preferred surgical technique for proximal gastric cancer.It offers advantages such as less esophageal reflux and improved quality of life.

Esophagogastric Reconstruction in Cobra-Head Shape with Toupet-Like Partial Anti-Reflux Technique for Resection of Proximal Gastric Tumors. Experience with Three Cases from a Non-Asian Population

Background: Proximal gastrectomy is a rarely performed procedure but a feasible option in benign tumors and malignant neoplasms in the proximal third of the stomach since novel options of reconstructions are available nowadays with fewer long-term sequels. Methods: Report of three cases of proximal gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), with a description of its presentation, histological characteristics, and follow-up after being treated with proximal gastrectomy with cobra head reconstruction. Results: Case 1: A 62-year-old woman with epigastric pain of four months with endoscopic evidence of a cardia GIST. The surgery was performed without complications. The histopathological report confirmed a fusiform GIST of 3.2 × 3 × 2.5 cm, stage IA. No adjuvant treatment was considered. An esophagogram showed no evidence of reflux and no stenosis, and no disease recurrence after 40-months follow-up. Case 2: A 66-year-old woman with dyspepsia and a palpable tumor in the epigastrium. The surgery was performed without complications. The pathology report confirmed a proximal gastric GIST of 13 × 8 × 7 cm, staged II. She received adjuvant treatment with imatinib for 36 months without recurrence and no reflux or stenosis. Case 3: A 55-year-old woman with intermittent hematemesis and right subscapular pain. The surgery was performed without complications. The histopathological report concluded that a GIST tumor of the cardia, 1.4 × 1.2 cm, staged IA. She was left in observation. At a 6-month follow-up, she does not report dysphagia, reflux, or stenosis, and no locoregional recurrence. Conclusions: Open and laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy is a safe therapeutic option for GIST. Furthermore, the reconstruction of the esophagus-gastro anastomosis in the cobra head after proximal gastrectomy is feasible and secure in our population, with good functional results in a short follow-up.

Improved quality of life in patients with gastric cancer after esophagogastrostomy reconstruction

AIM:To compare postoperative quality of life (QOL) in patients with gastric cancer treated by esophagogastrostomy reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy.METHODS: QOL assessments that included functional outcomes (a 24-item survey about treatment-specific symptoms) and health perception (Spitzer QOL Index) were performed in 149 patients with gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach, who had received proximal gastrectomy with additional esophagogastrostomy.RESULTS: Fifty-four patients underwent reconstruction by esophagogastric anterior wall end-to-side anastomosis combined with pyloroplasty (EA group); 45 patients had reconstruction by esophagogastric posterior wall end-to-side anastomosis (EP group); and 50 patients had reconstruction by esophagogastric end-to-end anastomosis (EE group). The EA group showed the best postoperative QOL, such as recovery of body weight, less discomfort after meals, and less heart burn or belching at 6 and 24 mo postoperatively. However, the survival rates, surgical results and Spitzer QOL index were similar among the three groups.CONCLUSION: Postoperative QOL was better in the EA than EP or EE group. To improve QOL after proximal gastrectomy for upper third gastric cancer, the EA procedure using a stapler is safe and feasible for esophagogastrostomy.

Current status of function-preserving surgery for gastric cancer

Recent advances in diagnostic techniques have allowed the diagnosis of gastric cancer(GC)at an early stage.Due to the low incidence of lymph node metastasis and favorable prognosis in early GC,function-preserving surgery which improves postoperative quality of life may be possible.Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy(PPG)is one such function-preserving procedure,which is expected to offer advantages with regards to dumping syndrome,bile reflux gastritis,and the frequency of flatus,although PPG may induce delayed gastric emptying.Proximal gastrectomy(PG)is another functionpreserving procedure,which is thought to be advantageous in terms of decreased duodenogastric reflux and good food reservoir function in the remnant stomach,although the incidence of heartburn or gastric fullness associated with this procedure is high.However,these disadvantages may be overcome by the reconstruction method used.The other important problem after PG is remnant GC,which was reported to occur in approximately 5%of patients.Therefore,the reconstruction technique used with PG should facilitate postoperativeendoscopic examinations for early detection and treatment of remnant gastric carcinoma.Oncologic safety seems to be assured in both procedures,if the preoperative diagnosis is accurate.Patient selection should be carefully considered.Although many retrospective studies have demonstrated the utility of function-preserving surgery,no consensus on whether to adopt functionpreserving surgery as the standard of care has been reached.Further prospective randomized controlled trials are necessary to evaluate survival and postoperative quality of life associated with function-preserving surgery.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancretography in modified double tracks anastomosis with anastomotic stenosis

A 63-year-old man presented at our hospital with right upper abdomen pain and fever for 4 d.The patient's magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed dilated common bile duct and choledocholithiasis.In his past history,he received proximal gastrectomy and modified double tracks anastomosis.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancretography in modified double tracks anastomosis,especially accompanied with anastomotic stenosis,has been rarely reported.In the present case,the duodenoscope was successfully introduced over the guidewire and the stone taken out using a basket.The patient had good palliation of his symptoms after removal of the stone.