Machine learning identifies the risk of complications after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy is widely used,and perioperative complications have become a highly concerned issue.AIM To develop a predictive model for complications in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer to better predict the likelihood of complications in gastric cancer patients within 30 days after surgery,guide perioperative treatment strategies for gastric cancer patients,and prevent serious complications.METHODS In total,998 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer at 16 Chinese medical centers were included in the training group for the complication model,and 398 patients were included in the validation group.The clinicopathological data and 30-d postoperative complications of gastric cancer patients were collected.Three machine learning methods,lasso regression,random forest,and artificial neural networks,were used to construct postoperative complication prediction models for laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and laparoscopic total gastrectomy,and their prediction efficacy and accuracy were evaluated.RESULTS The constructed complication model,particularly the random forest model,could better predict serious complications in gastric cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.It exhibited stable performance in external validation and is worthy of further promotion in more centers.CONCLUSION Using the risk factors identified in multicenter datasets,highly sensitive risk prediction models for complications following laparoscopic radical gastrectomy were established.We hope to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of preoperative and postoperative decision-making by using these models.

Effect of visceral obesity on outcomes of fluorescence-guided lymphadenectomy during laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer:Post hoc analysis of a randomized phase 3 trial

Objective:To explore the impact of visceral fat area(VFA)on the short-and long-term efficacy of indocyanine green(ICG)-guided D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer(GC).Methods:A post hoc analysis was performed in patients who participated in a phase 3 randomized clinical trial of ICG-guided laparoscopic radical gastrectomy vs.conventional laparoscopic radical gastrectomy from November 2018 to July 2019.The VFA was calculated based on preoperative computed tomography images.Short-term efficacy included the quality of lymph node(LN)dissection and surgical outcomes,while long-term efficacy included overall survival(OS)and recurrence-free survival(RFS).Results:This study included 126 patients each in the ICG(high-VFA,n=43)and non-ICG groups(high-VFA,n=38).Compared with the non-ICG group,the ICG group had significantly more retrieved LNs(low-VFA:50.1 vs.43.9,P=0.001;high-VFA:49.6 vs.37.5,P<0.001)and a significantly lower LN noncompliance rate(low-VFA:32.5%vs.50.0%,P=0.020;high-VFA:32.6%vs.73.7%,P<0.001),regardless of the VFA.The ICG group had a shorter postoperative hospital stay and fewer intra-abdominal infections than the ICG group in the high-VFA patients(P=0.025 and P=0.020,respectively)but not in the low-VFA patients.Regardless of the VFA,the 3-year OS(RFS)was better in the ICG group than in the non-ICG group[low-VFA:83.1%(76.9%)vs.73.9%(67.0%);high-VFA:90.7%(90.7%)vs.73.7%(73.5%);P for interaction=0.474(0.547)].Conclusions:The short-and long-term efficacies of ICG tracing were not influenced by visceral obesity.

Comparison efficacy and safety of total laparoscopic gastrectomy and laparoscopically assisted total gastrectomy in treatment of gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The development of laparoscopic technology has provided a new choice for surgery of gastric cancer(GC),but the advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopic total gastrectomy(LTG)and laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy(LATG)in treatment effect and safety are still controversial.The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of the two methods in the treatment of GC,and to provide a basis for clinical decision-making.AIM To compare the efficacy of totally LTG(TLTG)and LATG in the context of radical gastrectomy for GC.Additionally,we investigated the safety and feasibility of the total laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy technique.METHODS Literature on comparative studies of the above two surgical methods for GC(TLTG group and LATG group)published before September 2022 were searched in the PubMed,Web of Science,Wanfang Database,CNKI,and other Chinese and English databases.In addition,the following search keywords were used:Gastric cancer,total gastrectomy,total laparoscopy,laparoscopy-assisted,esophagojejunal anastomosis,gastric/stomach cancer,total gastrectomy,totally/completely laparoscopic,laparoscopic assisted/laparoscopy assisted/laparoscopically assisted,and esophagojejunostomy/esophagojejunal anastomosis.Review Manager 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis after two researchers independently screened the literature,extracted the data,and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies.RESULTS After layer-by-layer screening,258 pieces of literature were recovered,and 11 of those pieces were eventually included.This resulted in a sample size of 2421 instances,with 1115 cases falling into the TLTG group and 1306 cases into the LATG group.Age or sex differences between the two groups were not statistically significant,according to the meta-analysis,however the average body mass index of the TLTG group was considerably higher than that of the LATG group(P=0.01).Compared with those in the LATG group,the incision length in the TLTG group was significantly shorter(P<0.001),the amount of intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower(P=0.003),the number of lymph nodes removed was significantly greater(P=0.04),and the time of first postoperative feeding and postoperative hospitalization were also significantly shorter(P=0.03 and 0.02,respectively).There were no significant differences in tumor size,length of proximal incisal margin,total operation time,anastomotic time,postoperative pain score,postoperative anal exhaust time,postoperative anastomosis-related complications(including anastomotic fistula,anastomotic stenosis,and anastomotic hemorrhage),or overall postoperative complication rate(P>0.05).CONCLUSION TLTG and esophagojejunostomy are safe and feasible.Compared with LATG,TLTG has the advantages of less trauma,less bleeding,easier access to lymph nodes,and faster postoperative recovery,and TLTG is also suitable for obese patients.

Association between operative position and postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective ways to treat morbid obesity,and postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV)is one of the common complications after bariatric surgery.At present,the mechanism of the high incidence of PONV after weight-loss surgery has not been clearly explained,and this study aims to investigate the effect of surgical position on PONV in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.AIM To explore the effect of the operative position during bariatric surgery on PONV.METHODS Data from obese patients,who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG)in the authors’hospital between June 2020 and February 2022 were divided into 2 groups and retrospectively analyzed.Multivariable logistic regression analysis and the t-test were used to study the influence of operative position on PONV.RESULTS There were 15 cases of PONV in the supine split-leg group(incidence rate,50%)and 11 in the supine group(incidence rate,36.7%)(P=0.297).The mean operative duration in the supine split-leg group was 168.23±46.24 minutes and 140.60±32.256 minutes in the supine group(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis revealed that operative position was not an independent risk factor for PONV(odds ratio=1.192,95%confidence interval:0.376-3.778,P=0.766).CONCLUSION Operative position during LSG may affect PONV;however,the difference in the incidence of PONV was not statistically significant.Operative position should be carefully considered for obese patients before surgery.

Meta-analysis of short-term outcomes after laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy

AIM： To elucidate the current status of laparoscopyassisted distal gastrectomy （LADG） with regard to its short-term outcomes by comparing it with conventional open distal gastrectomy （CODG）.METHODS： Original articles published from 3anuary 1991 to August 2006 were searched in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Clinical appraisal and data extraction were conducted independently by 2 reviewers. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model.RESULTS： Outcomes of 1611 procedures from 4 randomized controlled trials and 12 retrospective studies were analyzed. Compared to CODG, LADG was a longer procedure （weighted mean difference [WMD] 54.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 38.8 to 69.8; P 〈 0.001）, but was associated with a lower associated morbidity （odds ratio [OR] 0.54; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.77; P 〈 0.001）; this was most significant for postoperative ileus （OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.84; P = 0.02）. There was no significant difference between the two groups in anastomotic, pulmonary, and wound complications and mortality. Duration from surgery to first passage of flatus was faster （WMD -0.68; 95% CI -0.85 to -0.50; P 〈 0.001） and the frequency of additional analgesic requirement （WMD -1.36; 95% CI -2.44 to -0.28; P = 0.01）, and duration of hospital stay （WMD -5.51; 95% CI -7.61 to -3,42; P 〈 0,001） were significantly lower after LADG, However, a significantly higher number of lymph nodes were dissected by CODG （WMD -4.35; 95% CI -5.73 to -2.98; P 〈 0.001）. CONCLUSION： LADG for early gastric cancer is associated with a lower morbidity, less pain, faster bowel function recovery, and shorter hospital stay.

Laparoscopic and robot-assisted gastrectomy for gastric cancer: Current considerations

Radical gastrectomy with an adequate lymphadenectomy is the main procedure which makes it possible to cure patients with resectable gastric cancer (GC). A number of randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis provide phase III evidence that laparoscopic gastrectomy is technically safe and that it yields better short-term outcomes than conventional open gastrectomy for early-stage GC. While laparoscopic gastrectomy has become standard therapy for early-stage GC, especially in Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea, the use of minimally invasive techniques is still controversial for the treatment of more advanced tumours, principally due to existing concerns about its oncological adequacy and capacity to carry out an adequately extended lymphadenectomy. Some intrinsic drawbacks of the conventional laparoscopic technique have prevented the worldwide spread of laparoscopic gastrectomy for cancer and, despite technological advances in recent year, it remains a technically challenging procedure. The introduction of robotic surgery over the last ten years has implied a notable mutation of certain minimally invasive procedures, making it possible to overcome some limitations of the traditional laparoscopic technique. Robot-assisted gastric resection with D2 lymph node dissection has been shown to be safe and feasible in prospective and retrospective studies. However, to date there are no high quality comparative studies investigating the advantages of a robotic approach to GC over traditional laparoscopic and open gastrectomy. On the basis of the literature review here presented, robot-assisted surgery seems to fulfill oncologic criteria for D2 dissection and has a comparable oncologic outcome to traditional laparoscopic and open procedure. Robot-assisted gastrectomy was associated with the trend toward a shorter hospital stay with a comparable morbidity of conventional laparoscopic and open gastrectomy, but randomized clinical trials and longer follow-ups are needed to evaluate the possible influence of robot gastrectomy on GC patient survival.

Digestive tract reconstruction using isoperistaltic jejunumlater-cut overlap method after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: Short-term outcomes and impact on quality of life

AIM To evaluate the short-term outcomes and quality of life(Qo L) in gastric cancer patients undergoing digestive tract construction using the isoperistaltic jejunum-latercut overlap method(IJOM) after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy(TLTG).METHODS A total of 507 patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy(D2) from January 2014 to March 2016 were originally included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups to undergo digestive tract construction using either IJOM after TLTG(group T, n = 51) or Roux-en-Y anastomosis after laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy(LATG)(group A, n = 456). The short-term outcomes and Qo L were compared between the two groups after 1:2 propensity-score matching(PSM). We used a questionnaire to assess Qo L.RESULTS Before matching, age, sex, tumor size, tumor location, preoperative albumin and blood loss were significantly different between the two groups(P < 0.05). After PSM, the patients were well balanced in terms of their clinicopathological characteristics, although both blood loss and in-hospital postoperative days in group T were significantly lower than those in group A(P < 0.05). After matching, group T reported better Qo L in the domains of pain and dysphagia. Among the items evaluating pain and dysphagia, group T tended to report better Qo L("Have you felt pain" and "Have you had difficulty eating solid food")(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION The IJOM for digestive tract reconstruction after TLTG is associated with reduced blood loss and less pain and dysphagia, thus improving Qo L after laparoscopic gastrectomy.

Learning curve of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy with systemic lymphadenectomy for early gastric cancer

AIM: To evaluate the nature of the 'learning curve' for laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) with systemic lymphadenectomy for early gastric cancer. METHODS: The data of 90 consecutive patients with early gastric cancer who underwent LADG with systemic lymphadenectomy between April 2003 and November 2004 were reviewed. The 90 patients were divided into 9 sequential groups of 10 cases in each group and the average operative time of these 9 groups were determined. Other learning indicators, such as transfusion requirements, conversion rates to open surgery, postoperative complication, time to first flatus, and postoperative hospital stay, were evaluated. RESULTS: After the first 10 LADGs, the operative time reached its first plateau (230-240 min/operation) and then reached a second plateau (＜200 min/operation) for the final 30 cases. Although a significant improvement in the operative time was noted after the first 50 cases, there were no significant differences in transfusion requirements, conversion rates to open surgery, postoperative complications, time to first flatus, or postoperative hospital stay between the groups. CONCLUSION: Based on operative time analysis, this study show that experience of 50 cases of LADG with systemic lymphadenectomy for early gastric cancer is required to achieve optimum proficiency.

Short- and long-term outcomes associated with enhanced recovery after surgery protocol vs conventional management in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy

BACKGROUND At present,the enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)protocol is widely implemented in the field of gastric surgery.However,the effect of the ERAS protocol on the long-term prognosis of gastric cancer has not been reported.AIM To compare the effects of ERAS and conventional protocols on short-term outcomes and long-term prognosis after laparoscopic gastrectomy.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the data of 1026 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy between 2012 and 2015.The patients were divided into either an ERAS group or a conventional group.The groups were matched in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on covariates that affect cancer survival.The primary outcomes were the 5-year overall and cancer-specific survival rates.The secondary outcomes were the postoperative short-term outcomes and inflammatory indexes.RESULTS The patient demographics and baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups after matching.Compared to the conventional group,the ERAS group had a significantly shorter postoperative hospital day(7.09 d vs 8.67 d,P<0.001),shorter time to first flatus,liquid intake,and ambulation(2.50 d vs 3.40 d,P<0.001;1.02 d vs 3.64 d,P<0.001;1.47 d vs 2.99 d,P<0.001,respectively),and lower medical costs($7621.75 vs$7814.16,P=0.009).There was a significantly higher rate of postoperative complications among patients in the conventional group than among those in the ERAS group(18.1 vs 12.3,P=0.030).Regarding inflammatory indexes,the C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels on postoperative day 3/4 were significantly different between the two groups(P<0.001 and P=0.025,respectively).The ERAS protocol was associated with significantly improved 5-year overall survival and cancer-specific survival rates compared with conventional protocol(P=0.013 and 0.032,respectively).When stratified by tumour stage,only the survival of patients with stage III disease was significantly different between the two groups(P=0.044).CONCLUSION Adherence to the ERAS protocol improves both the short-term outcomes and the 5-year overall survival and cancer-specific survival of patients after laparoscopic gastrectomy.

Novel method for esophagojejunal anastomosis after laparoscopic total gastrectomy:Semi-end-to-end anastomosis

AIM: To test a new safe and simple technique for circular-stapled esophagojejunostomy in laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LATG).

Totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy using the modified overlap method and conventional open total gastrectomy:A comparative study

BACKGROUND Although several methods of totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy(TLTG)have been reported.The best anastomosis technique for LTG has not been established.AIM To investigate the effectiveness and surgical outcomes of TLTG using the modified overlap method compared with open total gastrectomy(OTG)using the circular stapled method.METHODS We performed 151 and 131 surgeries using TLTG with the modified overlap method and OTG for gastric cancer between March 2012 and December 2018.Surgical and oncological outcomes were compared between groups using propensity score matching.In addition,we analyzed the risk factors associated with postoperative complications.RESULTS Patients who underwent TLTG were discharged earlier than those who underwent OTG[TLTG(9.62±5.32)vs OTG(13.51±10.67),P<0.05].Time to first flatus and soft diet were significantly shorter in TLTG group.The pain scores at all postoperative periods and administration of opioids were significantly lower in the TLTG group than in the OTG group.No significant difference in early,late and esophagojejunostomy(EJ)-related complications or 5-year recurrence free and overall survival between groups.Multivariate analysis demonstrated that body mass index[odds ratio(OR),1.824;95%confidence interval(CI):1.029-3.234,P=0.040]and American Society of Anaesthesiologists(ASA)score(OR,3.154;95%CI:1.084-9.174,P=0.035)were independent risk factors of early complications.Additionally,age was associated with≥3 Clavien-Dindo classification and EJrelated complications.CONCLUSION Although TLTG with the modified overlap method showed similar complication rate and oncological outcome with OTG,it yields lower pain score,earlier bowel recovery,and discharge.Surgeons should perform total gastrectomy cautiously and delicately in patients with obesity,high ASA scores,and older ages.

Comparative study of outcomes following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in morbidly obese patients: A case control study

To compare the impact of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on weight loss and obesity related comorbidities over two year follow-up via case control study design. METHODSForty patients undergoing LRYGB, who completed their two year follow-up were matched with 40 patients undergoing LSG for age, gender, body mass index and presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Data of these patients was retrospectively reviewed to compare the outcome in terms of weight loss and improvement in comorbidities, i.e., T2DM, hypertension (HTN), obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), hypothyroidism and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). RESULTSPercentage excess weight loss (EWL%) was similar in LRYGB and LSG groups at one year follow-up (70.5% vs 66.5%, P = 0.36) while it was significantly greater for LRYGB group after two years as compared to LSG group (76.5% vs 67.9%, P = 0.04). The complication rate after LRYGB and LSG was similar (10% vs 7.5%, P = 0.99). The median duration of T2DM and mean number of oral hypoglycemic agents were higher in LRYGB group than LSG group (7 years vs 5 years and 2.2 vs 1.8 respectively, P < 0.05). Both LRYGB and LSG had significant but similar improvement in T2DM, HTN, OSAS and hypothyroidism. However, GERD resolved in all patients undergoing LRYGB while it resolved in only 50% cases with LSG. Eight point three percent patients developed new-onset GERD after LSG. CONCLUSIONLRYGB has better outcomes in terms of weight loss two years after surgery as compared to LSG. The impact of LRYGB and LSG on T2DM, HTN, OSAS and hypothyroidism is similar. However, LRYGB has significant resolution of GERD as compared to LSG.

Digestive tract reconstruction options after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer

In addition to the popularity of laparoscopic gastrectomy(LG),many reconstructive procedures after LG have been reported.Surgical resection and lymphatic dissection determine long-term survival;however,the election of a reconstruction procedure determines the postoperative quality of life for patients with gastric cancer(GC).Presently,no consensus exists regarding the optimal reconstructive procedure.In this review,the current state of digestive tract reconstruction after LG is reviewed.According to the determining influence of the tumor site on the procedures of surgical resection and reconstruction,we divide these reconstruction procedures into three categories consistent with the resection procedures.We focus on the technical tips of every reconstruction procedure and examine the surgical outcomes(length of surgery and blood loss)and postoperative complications(anastomotic leakage and stricture)to facilitate gastrointestinal surgeons to understand the merits and demerits of every reconstruction procedure.

Feasibility of totally laparoscopic gastrectomy without prophylactic drains in gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND Prophylactic drains have been used to remove intraperitoneal collections and detect complications early in open surgery.In the last decades,minimally invasive gastric cancer surgery has been performed worldwide.However,reports on routine prophylactic abdominal drainage after totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy are few.AIM To evaluate the feasibility performing totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy without prophylactic drains in selected patients.METHODS Data of patients with distal gastric cancer who underwent totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with and without prophylactic drainage at China National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital from February 2018 to August 2019 were reviewed.The outcomes between patients with and without prophylactic drainage were compared.RESULTS A total of 457 patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer were identified.Of these,125 patients who underwent totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy were included.After propensity score matching,data of 42 pairs were extracted.The incidence of concurrent illness was higher in the drain group(42.9%vs 31.0%,P=0.258).The overall postoperative complication rates were 19.5%and 10.6%in the drain(n=76)and no-drain groups(n=49),respectively;there were no significant differences between the two groups(P>0.05).The difference between the two groups based on the need for percutaneous catheter drainage was also not significant(9.8%vs 6.4%,P=0.700).However,patients with a larger body mass index(≥29 kg/m2)were prone to postoperative complications(P=0.042).In addition,the number of days from surgery until the first flatus(4.33±1.24 d vs 3.57±1.85 d,P=0.029)was greater in the drain group.CONCLUSION Omitting prophylactic drainage may reduce surgery time and result in faster recovery.Routine prophylactic drains are not necessary in selected patients.A prophylactic drain may be useful in high-risk patients.

Effect of Subcostal Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Block vs.Oblique Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block after Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy

Objective:To evaluate the analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided subcostal anterior quadratus lumborum block(QLB)for laparoscopic radical gastrectomy surgery.Methods:Patients(aged 20-65 years,ASA Ⅰ-Ⅱ,and weighing 40-75 kg)scheduled for elective laparoscopic radical gastrectomy were enrolled in the current study.Sixty patients were randomly assigned to two groups by computer-generated randomization codes:an ultrasound-guided oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block(TAPB)group(group T,n=30)or an ultrasound-guided subcostal anterior QLB group(group Q,n=30).In both groups,bilateral ultrasound-guided oblique subcostal TAPB and subcostal anterior QLB were performed before general anesthesia with 0.25% ropivacaine 0.5 mL/kg.For postoperative management,all patients received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia(PCIA)with nalbuphine and sufentanil after surgery,maintaining visual analogue scale(VAS)scores<4 within 48 h.The intraoperative consumption of remifentanil,the requirement for sufentanil as a rescue analgesic,and the VAS scores at rest and coughing were recorded at 1,6,12,24 and 48 h after surgery.The recovery(extubation time after surgery,first ambulation time,first flatus time and length of postoperative hospital stay)and the adverse events(nausea and vomiting,skin pruritus,respiratory depression and nerve-block related complications)were observed and recorded.The primary outcome was the perioperative consumption of opioids.Results:Compared with group T,the intraoperative consumption of remifentanil,requirement for sufentanil and the frequency of PCIA were reduced in group Q.Meanwhile,VAS scores at all points of observation were significantly lower in group Q than in group T.Patients in group Q were also associated with shorter time to first out-of-bed activity and flatus,and shorter length of postoperative hospital stay than group T(P<0.05).There were no skin pruritus,respiratory depression or nerve-block related complications in both groups.Conclusion:Compared with ultrasound-guided oblique subcostal TAPB,ultrasound-guided subcostal anterior QLB provided greater opioid-sparing effect,lower visual analogue scores,and shorter postoperative hospital stay for laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.

Comparison of short-term efficacy between totally laparoscopic gastrectomy and laparoscopic assisted gastrectomy for elderly patients with gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Totally laparoscopic gastrectomy(TLG)entails both gastrectomy and gastrointestinal reconstruction under laparoscopy.Compared with laparoscopic assisted gastrectomy(LAG),TLG has been demonstrated in many studies to require a smaller surgical incision,result in a faster postoperative recovery and less pain and have comparable long-term efficacy,which has been a research hotspot in recent years.Whether TLG is equally safe and feasible for elderly patients remains unclear.AIM To compare the short-term efficacy of and quality of life(QOL)associated with TLG and LAG in elderly gastric cancer(GC)patients.METHODS The clinicopathological data of 462 elderly patients aged≥70 years who underwent LAG or TLG(including distal gastrectomy and total gastrectomy)between January 2017 and January 2022 at the Department of General Surgery,First Medical Center,Chinese PLA General Hospital were retrospectively collected.A total of 232 patients were in the LAG group,and 230 patients were in the TLG group.Basic patient information,clinicopathological characteristics,operation information and QOL data were collected to compare efficacy.Compared with those in the LAG group,intraoperative blood loss in the TLG group was significantly lower(P<0.001),and the time to first flatus and postoperative hospitalization time were significantly shorter(both P<0.001).The overall incidence of postoperative complications in the TLG group was significantly lower than that in the LAG group(P=0.01).Binary logistic regression results indicated that LAG and an operation time>220 min were independent risk factors for postoperative complications in elderly patients with GC(P<0.05).In terms of QOL,no statistically significant differences in various preoperative indicators were found between the LAG group and the LTG group(P>0.05).Compared with the laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy group,patients who received totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy had lower nausea and vomiting scores and higher satisfaction with their body image(P<0.05).Patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy were more satisfied with their body image than patients in the totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION TLG is safe and feasible for elderly patients with GC and has outstanding advantages such as reducing intracorporeal blood loss,promoting postoperative recovery and improving QOL.

Surgical outcome of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for resolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Bariatric procedures are considered superior to medical therapies in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass(LRYGB)and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG)are the most commonly used procedures for weight loss and comorbidity resolution worldwide.However,it is not yet known whether the degree of T2DM is influenced by the choice of bariatric procedure.AIM To quantitatively compare T2DM resolution over 1-5 years follow-up by LRYGB and LSG in morbidly obese patients.METHODS We searched the selected databases for full-text English language clinical studies that compared the effectiveness of LRYGB and LSG for T2DM resolution.Review manager 5.3 was used for data analysis,and the overall effect summary was represented in a forest plot.RESULTS From 1,650 titles retrieved by an initial search,we selected nine studies for this research.We found insignificant differences for T2DM resolution by LRYGB and LSG,with an odds ratio of 0.93(95%CI:0.64-1.35,Z statistics=0.38,P=0.71).Additionally,subset analyses for T2DM resolution showed insignificant differences after 24 mo(χ^2=1.24,df=4,P=0.87,overall Z effect=0.23),36 mo(χ^2=0.41,df=2,P=0.81,overall Z effect=0.51),and 60 mo(χ^2=4.75,df=3,P=0.19,overall Z effect=1.20)by LRYGB and LSG.This study reports a T2DM remission rate of 82.3%by LRYGB and 80.7%by LSG.CONCLUSION This study reports similar T2DM resolution rates by both LRYGB and LSG during 1-5 years of follow-up.However,long-term follow-up of 10 years is needed to further substantiate these findings.

Laparoscopic vs open total gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer following neoadjuvant therapy:A propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic total gastrectomy(LTG)has drawn increasing attention over the years.Although LTG has shown surgical benefits compared to open TG(OTG)in early stage gastric cancer(GC),little is known about the surgical and oncological outcomes of LTG for advanced GC following neoadjuvant therapy(NAT).AIM To compare the long-and short-term outcomes of advanced GC patients who underwent LTG vs OTG following NAT.METHODS Advanced GC patients who underwent TG following NAT between April 2011 and May 2018 at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were enrolled and stratified into two groups:LTG and OTG.Propensity score matching analysis was performed at a 1:1 ratio to overcome possible bias.RESULTS In total,185 patients were enrolled(LTG:78;OTG:109).Of these,138 were paired after propensity score matching.After adjustment for propensity score matching,baseline parameters were similar between the two groups.Compared to OTG,LTG was associated with a significantly shorter length of hospital stay(P=0.012).The rates of R0 resection,lymph node harvest,and postoperative morbidity did not significantly differ between the two groups.Overall survival(OS)outcomes were comparable between the two groups.Pathological T and N stages were found to be independent risk factors for OS.CONCLUSION LTG can be a feasible method for advanced GC patients following NAT,as it appears to be associated with better short-and comparable long-term outcomes compared to OTG.

Prophylactic drains in totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy:are they always necessary?

Prophylactic drains have always been a useful tool to detect early complications and prevent postoperative fluid collections,particularly in gastrointestinal surgery.Recently,the utilization of such drains has been debated,due to mounting evidence that they could be harmful rather than beneficial.Based on recent published articles,Liu et al reported that the routine use of prophylactic drains in total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy might not be necessary for all patients.Herein,we express our opinion regarding this interesting publication.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy for obstructive sleep apnea:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:Bariatric surgery has been shown to be an effective method of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)with long-term benefits,however,the mechanisms of action and the optimum operative procedure remains unclear.The aim of this systemic review was to compare the efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG)and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass(RYGB)in resolving OSA.Methods:A comprehensive search of MEDLINE,Pubmed,Embase,and OVID was performed.Studies that reported OSA resolution in obese patients with BMI>30 kg/m2 were included in the study.RCTs,comparative prospective and matched cohort studies comparing RYGB with LSG were considered for this study.Results:Five studies(309 participants)were included:4 cohort studies and 1 RCT;all with low risk of bias.At 12 months follow-up,there was a trend towards improved resolution of OSA with LSG(OR 0.47,95%CI[0.20 to 1.06];p=0.07)when compared to RYGB.In contrast,there was a trend to poorer weight loss in the LSG group(SMD 3.83,95%CI[-1.82 to 9.48];p=0.18).Similarly,at 36 months follow-up,there was a trend towards better resolution of OSA with LSG(OR 0.52,95%CI[0.16 to 1.71];p=0.28)and a significantly poorer weight loss in LSG when compared to RYGB(SMD 8.25,95%CI[2.91 to 13.58];p=0.002).Conclusion:Despite poorer weight loss following LSG,there is a trend towards increased resolution of sleep apnea post-LSG.These findings suggest the possibility of weight loss independent factors causing OSA resolution,which should be further investigated.Registration:PROSPERO:CRD42018090367.