Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy(PPG)has been widely accepted as a function-preserving gastrectomy for middle-third early gastric cancer(EGC)with a distal tumor border at least 4 cm proximal to the pylorus.The procedure essentially preserves the function of the pyloric sphincter,which requires to preserve the upper third of the stomach and a pyloric cuff at least 2.5 cm.The suprapyloric and infrapyloric vessels are usually preserved,as are the hepatic and pyloric branches of the vagus nerve.Compared with distal gastrectomy,PPG has significant advantages in preventing dumping syndrome,body weight loss and bile reflux gastritis.The postoperative complications after PPG have reached an acceptable level.PPG can be considered a safe,effective,and superior choice in EGC,and is expected to be extensively performed in the future.

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.

Novel subtype of obesity influencing the outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy:Familial aggregation of obesity

BACKGROUND Differences in the preoperative characteristics and weight loss outcomes after sleeve gastrectomy(SG)between patients with familial aggregation of obesity(FAO)and patients with sporadic obesity(SO)have not been elucidated.AIM To explore the impact of SG on weight loss and the alleviation of obesity-related comorbidities in individuals with FAO.METHODS A total of 193 patients with obesity who underwent SG were selected.Patients with FAO/SO were matched 1:1 by propensity score matching and were categorized into 4 groups based on the number of first-degree relatives with obesity(1 SO vs 1FAO,2SO vs 2FAO).The baseline characteristics,weight loss outcomes,prevalence of obesity-related comorbidities and incidence of major surgeryrelated complications were compared between groups.RESULTS We defined FAO as the presence of two or more first-degree relatives with obesity.Patients with FAO did not initially show significant differences in baseline data,short-term postoperative weight loss,or obesity-related comorbidities when compared to patients with SO preoperatively.However,distinctions between the two groups became evident at the two-year mark,with statistically significant differences in both percentage of total weight loss(P=0.006)and percentage of excess weight loss(P<0.001).The FAO group exhibited weaker remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)(P=0.031),hyperlipidemia(P=0.012),and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)(P=0.003)as well as a lower incidence of acid reflux(P=0.038).CONCLUSION FAO patients is associated with decreased mid-to-long-term weight loss outcomes;the alleviation of T2DM,hyperlipidemia and NAFLD;and decreased incidence of acid reflux postoperatively.

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.

Functional Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (F-RYGB), with Preservation of Duodenal Access: Report of Two Revisional Cases of Sleeve Gastrectomy

Objective: This case report aimed to demonstrate a possible neuromuscular effect of Latarjet nerves transection or truncal vagotomy, in association with sleeve gastrectomy plus antrojejunostomy, in order to reproduce a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) mechanistic principles, in patients with previous Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) who had had weight regain, with or without concomitant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is one of the most frequently performed bariatric operations worldwide. Nevertheless, weight regain and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been consistently demonstrated, in association with this technique, which may require a revisional procedure. RYGB is an option in such a situation but, implies in gastrointestinal exclusions, which represents a shortcoming of this revision. Surpassing this inconvenient would be of great value for the patients. Methods: We describe herein two cases of SG revision for weight regain and GERD, with a follow-up of one year. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was evaluated by validated questionnaire, upper endoscopy, seriography, high resolution manometry (HRM) and impedance pHmetry (I-pHmetry), in the pre and postoperative periods. A re-Sleeve Gastrectomy with antrojejunal anastomosis was done in both cases, after informed consents. The Latarjet nerves were transected in one case, due to a bleeding in the left gastric vessels and a truncal vagotomy was required in the other, to appropriately treat an associated hiatal hernia. Results: In the postoperative evaluation it was observed a pyloric spasm in both cases, during seriography and endoscopy, kept until the one-year follow-up. There was unidirectional contrast flow to the gastrointestinal anastomosis, filling the jejunal limb, in radiologic contrast study. No contrast passed through the pylorus. Nonetheless, the duodenum was kept endoscopically accessible. In the one-year evaluation, weight loss was adequate and GERD resolution was obtained in both cases, confirmed by endoscopic and functional esophageal assessment, together with symptoms questionnaire. Conclusion: The association of Latarjet nerves sectioning or truncal vagotomy with re-sleeve gastrectomy plus gastrointestinal anastomosis (antrojejunal), in a revision for a failed sleeve, can represent a technical approach, to reproduce RYGB results, without exclusions and with duodenum endoscopic accessibility maintenance. It maybe could be applied for primary surgeries. Additional studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.

How to identify early complications in patients undergoing distal gastrectomy?

In this editorial we comment on the article by Zhang et al published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.Gastrectomy with appropriate lymph node dissection is still standard curative treatment in locally advanced gastric cancer.Several studies point out that gastric cancer surgery is a complex procedure that leads to a high risk of morbidity and mortality.Many factors can contribute to the onset of complications with consequent effects on prognosis and increased mortality.The complications can be divided in complications related to anastomosis,to motility and to surgical site infection.The study presented by Zhang B et al represent an interesting analysis on the possibility to prevent postoperative morbidity.The study was performed on 131 patients with distal gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection.Of these patients,16%developed early postoperative complications.The univariate analysis showed that prealbumin level,hypertension,diabetes,history of abdominal surgery,R0 resection,and blood transfusion were factors influencing early postoperative complications after distal gastrectomy.Moreover,the inclusion of the above significant variables in the logistic regression analysis revealed that hypertension,diabetes,a history of abdominal surgery,and blood transfusion were independent predictors of postoperative complications.In conclusion,preoperative and intraoperative factors can be used to establish an early postoperative nomogram model.The results of the study presented by Zhang et al suggest that the prediction model can be used to guide the detection of postoperative complications and has clinical reference value.

Clinical Application Analysis of Laparoscopic-Assisted Total Gastrectomy in the Surgical Treatment of Gastric Cancer

Objective:To investigate the clinical application effect of laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy in the surgical treatment of gastric cancer.Methods:The clinical data of 86 COPD patients included in the study were collected and divided into 43 cases each in Groups A and B using the randomization method,with open total gastrectomy in Group A and laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy in Group B.The clinical indexes,pain levels,and complications of patients in the two groups were observed in combination with the indexes.Results:The baseline data of the two groups of patients were not statistically significant(all P>0.05);the operation time,incision length,first flatulence time,and hospitalization time of patients in Group B were shorter than those in Group A(all P=0.000);the NRS scores of patients in Group B on the 1st postoperative day and the 2nd postoperative day were significantly lower than those in Group A(t=23.443,t=28.784,all P=0.000);the total complication rate of patients in Group B(1;2.33%)was significantly lower than that of Group A(9;20.94%)(χ^(2)=7.242,P=0.007).Conclusion:In the surgical treatment of gastric cancer,laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy can promote patients’recovery,reduce patients’pain,and lower the probability of complications.

Short-term outcomes of single-incision compared to multi-port laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer:A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective:Single-incision laparoscopic sugery has emerged as a safe and less invasive approach to conventional multi-port laparoscopy.The present meta-analysis aimed to assess the collective outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic gastrectomy(SILG)compared to multi-port laparoscopic gastrectomy(MLG)for gastric cancer.Methods:A PRISMA-compliant systematic review of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)that compared SILG and MLG for gastric cancer in PubMed and Scopus through January 2023 was conducted.The main outcomes of the review were complications,postoperative pain,conversion to open surgery,hospital stay,and recovery.Results:Three RCTs including 301 patients(61.8%male)were incuded.A total of 151 patients underwent SILG,and 150 underwent MLG.SILG was associated with a shorter operative time(WMD=-16.39,95%CI:=27.38 to=5.40,p=0.003;2=0%)and lower pain scores at postoperative day 3(WMD=-1.18,95%CI:=2.27 to=0.091,p=0.033;I^(2)=99%)than MLG.There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in es timated blood loss(WMD=-16.95,95%CI:-35.84 to 1.95,p=0.078;I^(2)=82%),complications(OR=0.71,95%Cl:0.36 to 1.42,p=0.337;I^(2)=0%),conversion to open surgery(OR=0.33,95%C:0.01 to 8.38,p=0.504),hospital stay(WMD=0.72,95%CI:-0.92 to 2.36,p=0.056;P=84%),time to first flatus(WMD=0.06,95%CI:=0.14 to 0.26,p=0.566;I^(2)=0%),time to first defecation(WMD=-0.14,95%CI:=0.46 to 0.18,p=0.392;I^(2)=0%),or time to first oral intake(WMD=0.37,95%a:=0.75 to 1.49,p=0.520;I^(2)=94%).Conclusions:SILG is associated with shorter operative times and less early postoperative pain than MLG.The odds of complications,blood loss,hospital stay,and gastrointestinal recovery were similar between the two procedures.

Harnessing interventions during the immediate perioperative period to improve the long-term survival of patients following radical gastrectomy

Although the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer(GC)have been decreasing steadily worldwide,especially in East Asia,the disease burden of this malignancy is still very heavy.Except for tremendous progress in the management of GC by multidisciplinary treatment,surgical excision of the primary tumor is still the cornerstone intervention in the curative-intent treatment of GC.During the relatively short perioperative period,patients undergoing radical gastrectomy will suffer from at least part of the following perioperative events:Surgery,anesthesia,pain,intraoperative blood loss,allogeneic blood transfusion,postoperative complications,and their related anxiety,depression and stress response,which have been shown to affect long-term outcomes.Therefore,in recent years,studies have been carried out to find and test interventions during the perioperative period to improve the long-term survival of patients following radical gastrectomy,which will be the aim of this review.

Magnetic compression anastomosis for reconstruction of digestive tract after total gastrectomy in beagle model

BACKGROUND Magnetic compression anastomosis(MCA)is a simple procedure contributing to a reliable anastomosis.However,digestive-tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy using MCA has not yet been reported.AIM To investigate the feasibility of MCA for simultaneous esophagojejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy after total gastrectomy using beagle dogs.METHODS Sixteen beagles were randomly divided into an MCA group(study group,n=8)and a manual-suture anastomosis group(control group,n=8).Two different magnetic anastomosis devices were used in the study group for esophagojejunal and jejunojejunal anastomoses.Both devices included a pair of circular daughter and parent magnets each.The time of esophagojejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy,postoperative complications,and survival rate of the two groups were compared.The dogs were sacrificed one month after the operation and their anastomotic specimens were obtained.Healing was observed by the naked eye and a light microscope.RESULTS Digestive-tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy was successfully completed in both groups(survival rate=100%).In the study group,esophagojejunal and jejunojejunal anastomoses took 6.13±0.58 and 4.06±0.42 min,respectively,significantly lower than those in the control group(15.63±1.53 min,P<0.001 and 10.31±1.07 min,P<0.001,respectively).Complications such as bleeding,anastomotic leakage,and anastomotic stenosis were not observed.In the study group,the magnets did not interfere with each other.Discharge time of the jejunojejunal magnetic anastomosis device was 10.75±1.28 d,while that of the esophagojejunal magnetic anastomosis device was 12.25±1.49 d.Residual silk was found in the control group.The study group showed a greater smoothness of the anastomosis than that of the control group.All layers of anastomosis healed well in both groups.CONCLUSION MCA is a safe and feasible procedure for digestive-tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in this animal model.

Influences of dexmedetomidine on stress responses and postoperative cognitive and coagulation functions in patients undergoing radical gastrectomy under general anesthesia

BACKGROUND Radical gastrectomy(RG)is commonly used in the treatment of patients with gastric cancer(GC),but this procedure may lead to stress responses,postoperative cognitive dysfunction,and blood coagulation abnormalities in patients.AIM To investigate the influences of dexmedetomidine(DEX)on stress responses and postoperative cognitive and coagulation functions in patients undergoing RG under general anesthesia(GA).METHODS One hundred and two patients undergoing RG for GC under GA from February 2020 to February 2022 were retrospectively reviewed.Of these,50 patients had received conventional anesthesia intervention[control group(CG)]and 52 patients had received DEX in addition to routine anesthesia intervention[observation group(OG)].Inflammatory factor(IFs;tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α;interleukin-6,IL-6),stress responses(cortisol,Cor;adrenocorticotropic hormone,ACTH),cognitive function(CF;Mini-Mental State Examination,MMSE),neurological function(neuron-specific enolase,NSE;S100 calciumbinding protein B,S100B),and coagulation function(prothrombin time,PT;thromboxane B2,TXB2;fibrinogen,FIB)were compared between the two groups before surgery(T0),as well as at 6 h(T1)and 24 h(T2)after surgery.RESULTS Compared with T0,TNF-α,IL-6,Cor,ACTH,NSE,S100B,PT,TXB2,and FIB showed a significant increase in both groups at T1 and T2,but with even lower levels in OG vs CG.Both groups showed a significant reduction in the MMSE score at T1 and T2 compared with T0,but the MMSE score was notably higher in OG compared with CG.CONCLUSION In addition to a potent inhibitory effect on postoperative IFs and stress responses in GC patients undergoing RG under GA,DEX may also alleviate the coagulation dysfunction and improve the postoperative CF of these patients.

Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer patients with situs inversus totalis: Two case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Situs inversus totalis(SIT)is a rare condition in which the positions of abdominal and thoracic organs present a“mirror image”of the normal ones in the median sagittal plane.Although minimally invasive surgery has evolved to achieve laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer(GC)patients with SIT,it is difficult to perform lymphadenectomy(LND)in such a transposed anatomical condition.Herein,we report the cases of two patients with SIT who successfully underwent laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy(LAG)with D2 LND.CASE SUMMARY Case 1:A 65-year-old man was admitted for intermittent abdominal pain and distension,occasional belching,and acid reflux for 4 mo.He was diagnosed with GC(cT3N1-2M0)with SIT.Before surgery,he had undergone four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy.Then,the patient was evaluated as having a partial response,and laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy with D2 LND and Billroth II reconstruction were performed.The operation was performed successfully within 240 min with an estimated blood loss of 50 mL and no severe complications.The patient was discharged on postoperative day(POD)9.Case 2:A 55-year-old man was admitted for upper abdominal distension with pain and discomfort after eating for 3 mo.He was diagnosed with GC(cT3N1M0)with SIT.He had a history of hypertension for more than 10 years;however,his blood pressure was well-controlled via regular medication.We performed laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy with D2 LND and Roux-en-Y reconstruction.The operation was performed successfully within 168 min with an estimated blood loss of 50 mL and no severe complications.The patient was discharged on POD 10.CONCLUSION LAG with D2 LND could be considered an accessible,safe,and curative procedure for advanced GC patients with SIT.

Optimal choice of stapler and digestive tract reconstruction method after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer:A prospective case–control study

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths,and is classified according to its location in the proximal,middle,or distal stomach.Surgical resection is the primary approach for treating gastric cancer.This prospective study aimed to determine the best reconstruction method after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.AIM To explore the efficacy of different staplers and digestive tract reconstruction(DTR)methods after radical gastrectomy and their influence on prognosis.METHODS Eighty-seven patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer at our institution between April 2017 and April 2020 were included in this study,with a follow-up period of 12-26 mo.The patients were assigned to four groups based on the stapler and DTR plan as follows:BillrothⅠ(B-I)reconstruction+linear stapler group(group A,22 cases),B-I reconstruction+circular stapler group(group B,22 cases),Billroth II(B-II)reconstruction+linear stapler group(group C,22 cases),and B-II reconstruction+circular stapler group(group D,21 cases).The pathological parameters,postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery,postoperative complications,and quality of life(QOL)were compared among the four groups.RESULTS No significant differences in the maximum diameter of the gastric tumors,total number of lymph nodes dissected,drainage tube removal time,QLQ(QOL questionnaire)-C30 and QLQ-STO22 scores at 1 year postoperatively,and incidence of complications were observed among the four groups(P>0.05).However,groups A and C(linear stapler)had significantly lower intraoperative blood loss and significantly shorter anastomosis time,operation time,first fluid diet intake time,first exhaust time,and length of postoperative hospital stay(P<0.05)than groups B and D(circular stapler).CONCLUSION Linear staplers offer several advantages for postoperative recovery.B-I and B-II reconstruction methods had similar effects on QOL.The optimal solution can be selected according to individual conditions and postoperative convenience.

Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic vs open gastrectomy after neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic gastrectomy(LG)is widely accepted as a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of early gastric cancer.However,its role in locally advanced gastric cancer(LAGC)after neoadjuvant therapy(NAT)remains controversial.This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of LG vs open gastrectomy(OG)after NAT for the treatment of LAGC.AIM To compare the efficacy and safety of LG vs OG after NAT for LAGC.METHODS We conducted a prospective study of 76 patients with LAGC who underwent NAT followed by LG(n=38)or OG(n=38)between 2021 and 2023.The primary endpoint was overall survival(OS),and the secondary endpoints were diseasefree survival(DFS),surgical complications,and quality of life(QOL).RESULTS The two groups had comparable baseline characteristics,with a median follow-up period of 24 mo.The 3-year OS rates in the LG and OG groups were 68.4%and 60.5%,respectively(P=0.42).The 3-year DFS rates in the LG and OG groups were 57.9%and 50.0%,respectively(P=0.51).The LG group had significantly less blood loss(P<0.001),a shorter hospital stay(P<0.001),and a lower incidence of surgical site infection(P=0.04)than the OG group.There were no significant differences in other surgical complications between the groups,including anastomotic leakage,intra-abdominal abscess,or wound dehiscence.The LG group had significantly better QOL scores than the OG group regarding physical functioning,role functioning,global health status,fatigue,pain,appetite loss,and body image at 6 months postoperatively(P<0.05).CONCLUSION LG after NAT is a viable and safe alternative to OG for the treatment of LAGC,with similar survival outcomes and superior short-term recovery and QOL.LG patients had less blood loss,shorter hospitalizations,and a lower incidence of surgical site infections than OG patients.Moreover,the LG group had better QOL scores in multiple domains 6 mo postoperatively.Therefore,LG should be considered a valid option for patients with LAGC who undergo NAT,particularly for those who prioritize postoperative recovery and QOL.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy following Pylorus-Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background: A 35-year-old married female (68 kg, 150 cm, BMI: 30.2) with pancreatic divisum complicated chronic pancreatitis and underwent pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy in 2010. After that, her condition was well. However, body weight gained progressively to 76 kg (BMI: 33.7) and hypertension developed. During these two years, tried exercise and medication control for hypertension, but in vain. She received a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in October 2013. The post-operative course was uneventful. Methods: We applied three ports for laparoscopic operation, including two 12 mm and one 5 mm trocars. The liver was not needed to be elevated due to adhesion. The operative time was 75 minutes. Results: The patient’s body weight was 10 kg reduced in the first two months and reduced to 59 kg 6 months later. Conclusions: We report a case that received laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy following pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy due to pancreatic divisum. This case encourages us to extend the indication of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

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.

Impact of preoperative therapy on surgical outcomes of laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer

Objective: As laparoscopic surgery is widely applied for primarily treated gastric cancer(GC)/gastroesophageal junction cancer(GEJC) and gains many advantages, the feasibility of laparoscopic total gastrectomy(LTG) for GC/GEJC patients who have received preoperative therapy(PT) has come to the fore. This study aims to analyze the safety and feasibility of LTG after PT for GC/GEJC patients.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 511 patients with GC/GEJC undergoing LTG, of which 405received LTG(LTG group) and 106 received PT+LTG(PT-LTG group) at Nanfang Hospital between June 2018and September 2022. The surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results: The surgical duration was significantly longer in the PT-LTG group(P<0.001), while the incidence of intraoperative complications(P=1.000), postoperative complications(LTG group vs. PT-LTG group: 26.2% vs.23.6%, P=0.587), the classification of complication severity(P=0.271), and postoperative recovery was similar between two groups. Notably, the incidence of anastomotic complications of esophagojejunostomy was also comparable between the two groups(LTG group vs. PT-LTG group: 5.9% vs. 5.7%, P=0.918). The univariate and multivariate analysis confirmed that positive proximal margin [positive vs. negative: odds ratio(OR)=14.094, 95%confidence interval(95% CI): 2.639-75.260, P=0.002], rather than PT, has an impact on anastomotic complications after LTG(OR=0.945, 95% CI: 0.371-2.408, P=0.905).Conclusions: PT did not increase the surgical risk of LTG for GC/GEJC. Therefore, considering the positive effect of PT on long-term survival, the broader application of PT and LTG for GC/GEJC is supported by our findings.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Associated with Antral Lesion Resection and Roux-en-Y Antrojejunal Reconstruction

Obesity has been growing worldwide, reaching epidemic proportions. Bariatric surgery is the most effective and durable treatment for severe obesity and related diseases. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) and Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) are the most frequently performed bariatric operations, with long-term good results, in terms of weight loss and comorbidities control. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is commonly associated with obesity. In general, it precludes the indication of sleeve gastrectomy, since this technique has a refluxogenic potential, as shown in many studies. In such cases, RYGB is considered the best surgery, reaching good weight loss and gastroesophageal reflux disease control. The drawback of this technique is that it leaves the remnant stomach, the duodenum, and the proximal part of the jejunum inaccessible. Besides, RYGB makes transoral endoscopic access to the biliary tree impossible. For all these reasons, this bariatric technique is not indicated in cases of gastric polyposis, gastric dysplasia, or strong family history of cancer, among others. We report a case of a morbidly obese patient with intense GERD, for whom a RYGB was precluded due to her strong family history of cancer, even knowing that it would be the best choice for reflux disease control. Instead, SG was chosen, even knowing it could worsen the gastroesophageal reflux disease. The patient signed an informed consent, after being fully enlightened about the risks. During the surgery, a small subserosal whitish lesion was detected, near the pylorus, on the anterior wall of the antrum. Thinking in a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), it was resected, with a 2 cm safety margin, leaving a 4 to 5 cm hole on the gastric wall. The decision to maintain the proposed sleeve gastrectomy was made, to avoid leaving a remnant stomach, in a patient with such a strong family history of cancer. In the area of the resected lesion, an intraoperative decision was made not to just close the big gastric hole, being afraid of causing some anatomic or functional disturbance in gastric emptying. Instead, we decided to use the gastric opening to construct a Roux-en-Y antrotrojejunal anastomosis, with a 50 cm alimentary limb and a 200 cm biliopancreatic limb. Accordingly, it was performed a sleeve gastrectomy, associated with an antrojejunostomy in a Roux-en-Y fashion. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. In the second year, she achieved normal weight and good nutritional status, without gastroesophageal reflux symptoms complaints. Seriography study shows that most of the contrast material passes through the antrojejunal anastomosis, instead of the pylorus, while the duodenum is endoscopically patent. This case report shows an unexpected surgical finding that led to a tactic of adding a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the antrum, associated with a sleeve gastrectomy, a strategy that may be adopted in cases of morbidly obese patients with important GERD, for whom gastrointestinal exclusions are contraindicated. To confirm this hypothesis, controlled studies are needed.

Effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on related variables of obesity complicated with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)is closely related to obesity,and weight loss can significantly improve the metabolic,endocrine and reproductive functions of obese individuals with PCOS.However,the efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG)for obesity with PCOS are unclear.AIM The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of LSG on related variables in obese patients with PCOS.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 32 obese patients with PCOS who received LSG treatment at the Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from 2013 to 2020.The changes in anthropometric indices,insulin,testosterone,estradiol,follicle stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),menstrual cycle and LH/FSH ratio before and 1 mo,3 mo,6 mo and 12 mo after the operation were statistically analyzed.RESULTS At 1 mo,3 mo,6 mo and 12 mo after surgery,the anthropometric indices,such as body weight and body mass index,of all patients were lower than those before the operation.The percentage excess weight loss(EWL%)at 1 mo,3 mo,6 mo and 1 year of follow-up were 25,40,46 and 65,respectively.The PCOS-related indices,such as insulin,testosterone,estradiol,follicle stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH)and menstrual cycle,were improved to varying degrees.During the 1-year follow-up,the average serum testosterone decreased from preoperative 0.72 ng/mL to 0.43 ng/mL(P<0.05),average fasting insulin level(9.0 mIU/mL,preoperative 34.2 mil,LH level,4.4 mIU/mL,preoperative 6.1 mIU/mL).The level of FSH(3.8 U/L,4.8 U/p0.05)and the ratio of LH/FSH(0.7,1.3/p0.05)were more relieved than those before surgery.During the postoperative follow-up,it was found that the menstrual cycle of 27 patients(nasty 27)returned to normal,and 6 patients(18%)who intended to become pregnant became pregnant within 1 year after surgery.CONCLUSION The weight loss effect of LSG is obvious and affirmative,and the endocrine index of obese patients with PCOS is also improved to some extent,although the mechanism is not clear.Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is expected to become a backup choice for patients with polycystic ovaries in the future.

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation in adult patients receiving gastrectomy/colorectal resection:A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Acupuncture promotes the recovery of gastrointestinal function and provides analgesia after major abdominal surgery.The effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)remain unclear.AIM To explore the potential effects of TEAS on the recovery of gastrointestinal function after gastrectomy and colorectal resection.METHODS Patients scheduled for gastrectomy or colorectal resection were randomized at a 2:3:3:2 ratio to receive:(1)TEAS at maximum tolerable current for 30 min immediately prior to anesthesia induction and for the entire duration of surgery,plus two 30-min daily sessions for 3 consecutive days after surgery(perioperative TEAS group);(2)Preoperative and intraoperative TEAS only;(3)Preoperative and postoperative TEAS only;or(4)Sham stimulation.The primary outcome was the time from the end of surgery to the first bowel sound.RESULTS In total,441 patients were randomized;405 patients(58.4±10.2 years of age;247 males)received the planned surgery.The time to the first bowel sounds did not differ among the four groups(P=0.90;log-rank test).On postoperative day 1,the rest pain scores differed significantly among the four groups(P=0.04;Kruskal–Wallis test).Post hoc comparison using the Bonferroni test showed lower pain scores in the perioperative TEAS group(1.4±1.2)than in the sham sti-mulation group(1.7±1.1;P=0.04).Surgical complications did not differ among the four groups.CONCLUSION TEAS provided analgesic effects in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery,and it can be added to clinical practice as a means of accelerating postoperative rehabilitation of these patients.