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.

Preoperative malnutrition in elderly gastric cancer patients and adverse postoperative outcomes of radical gastrectomy

Malnutrition is not only a prevalent condition among the elderly but also a common comorbidity in elderly people with gastric cancer(GC).Malnutrition is closely linked to high rates of postoperative complications and poor wound healing in elderly GC patients,which may lead to a higher incidence and mor-tality rate of GC.Malnutrition decreases the physical function of elderly GC patients after surgery,severely affecting their postoperative life quality and hindering subsequent treatments.This retrospective study was conducted by Zhao et al,focusing on the clinical baseline data,postoperative complications,and hospitalization times of elderly GC patients who underwent curative gastrectomy.Additionally,the underlying causes of poor outcomes for patients were discussed.This study may provide a solid basis for the clinical treatment of elderly GC patients in the future.Therefore,malnutrition can serve as a negative prognostic factor for curative surgery in GC patients.Addressing malnutrition and its adverse effects can benefit elderly GC patients from surgical treatment.

Clinical utility of the platelet-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of postoperative complications after radical gastrectomy for clinical T2-4 gastric cancer

AIMTo identify simple and sensitive markers for postoperative complications after gastrectomy, the predictive values were compared among candidate preoperative factors.METHODSThree-hundred and twelve patients with previously untreated clinical T2-4 gastric cancer who underwent a D2 standard gastrectomy (distal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy) were included in the analysis. Correlations between 21 parameters that can be determined by preoperative routine blood tests and clinically relevant postoperative complications (grade II or higher according to the Clavien-Dindo classification) were evaluated. The optimal cutoff values and clinical significance of the selected markers were further evaluated by subgroup analyses according to age, body mass index, operative procedure and clinical disease stage.RESULTSSixty-six patients (21.1%) experienced grade II or higher postoperative complications. The platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR, total lymphocyte count/platelet count × 100) exhibited the highest area under the curve value (0.639) for predicting postoperative complications among the 21 parameters, and the optimal cutoff value was determined to be 0.71 (sensitivity = 70%, specificity = 56%). In the univariate analysis, the odds ratio of a low PLR for the occurrence of postoperative complications was 2.94 (95%CI: 1.66-5.35, P < 0.001), and a multivariate binomial logistic analysis involving other potential risk factors identified a low PLR as an independent risk factor for postoperative complications (OR = 3.32, 95%CI: 1.82-6.25, P < 0.001). In subgroups classified according to age, body mass index, operative procedure and clinical disease stage, the low PLR group exhibited an increased incidence of postoperative complications.CONCLUSIONThe preoperative PLR is a simple and useful predictor of complications after curative gastrectomy in patients with clinical T2-4 gastric cancer.

Clinical significance of preoperative nutritional status in elderly gastric cancer patients undergoing radical gastrectomy:A singlecenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND The population of elderly patients with gastric cancer is increasing,which is a major public health issue in China.Malnutrition is one of the greatest risk factors for adverse clinical outcomes in elderly patients with gastric cancer.AIM To investigate the preoperative nutritional status and its association with delayed discharge of elderly gastric cancer patients following radical gastrectomy.METHODS A total of 783 patients aged 65 years and older harboring gastric adenocarcinoma and following radical gastrectomy were retrospectively analyzed from the prospectively collected database of Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University between January 2018 and May 2020.RESULTS The overall rate of malnutrition was 31.8%.The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly higher in the malnourished group compared to the well-nourished group(P<0.001).Nutritional characteristics in the malnourished group,including body mass index,prognostic nutritional index(PNI),albumin,prealbumin,and hemoglobin,were all significantly lower than those in the well-nourished group.The percentage of patients who received postoperative total nutrient admixture was lower in the malnourished group compared to the wellnourished group(22.1%vs 33.5%,P=0.001).Age≥70 years(HR=1.216,95%CI:1.048-1.411),PNI<44.5(HR=1.792,95%CI:1.058-3.032),operation time≥160 minutes(HR=1.431,95%CI:1.237-1.656),and postoperative complications grade III or higher(HR=2.191,95%CI:1.604-2.991)were all recognized as independent risk factors associated with delayed discharge.CONCLUSION Malnutrition is relatively common in elderly patients undergoing gastrectomy.Low PNI is an independent risk factor associated with delay discharge.More strategies are needed to improve the clinical outcome of these patients.

Utilization of deep neuromuscular blockade combined with reduced abdominal pressure in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer:An academic perspective

BACKGROUND Few studies have examined the specific efficacy of deep neuromuscular blockade(NMB)combined with pneumoperitoneal pressure reduction in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy(LRG)in the elderly.AIM To investigate the application effect of deep neuromuscular blockade(NMB)combined with reduced pneumoperitoneum pressure in LRG for gastric cancer(GC)in elderly patients and its influence on inflammation.METHODS Totally 103 elderly patients with GC treated in our hospital between January 2020 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Among them,45 patients treated with surgery based on deep NMB and conventional pneumoperitoneum pressure were assigned to the control group,while the rest of the 58 patients who underwent surgery based on deep NMB and reduced pneumoperitoneum pressure were assigned to the observation group.The two groups were compared in the changes of the Leiden-surgical rating scale score,serum tumor necrosis fact-α(TNF-α)and interleukin 6(IL-6)before and after therapy.The visual analogue scale(VAS)was adopted for evaluating the shoulder pain of patients at 8 h,24 h and 48 h after the operation.The driving pressure of the two groups at different time points was also compared.Additionally,the operation time,pneumoperitoneum time,infusion volume,blood loss,extubation time after surgery,residence time in the resuscitation room,TOF%=90%time and post-anesthetic recovery room(PACU)stay time were all recorded,and adverse PACU-associated respiratory events were also recorded.The postoperative hospitalization time and postoperative expenses of the two groups were counted and compared.RESULTS No significant difference was found between the two groups at the time of skin incision,60 minutes since the operation and abdominal closure after surgery(P>0.05).The observation group exhibited significantly lower VAS scores than the control group at 24 and 48h after surgery(P<0.05).Additionally,the observation group had significantly lower driving pressure than the control group at 5 min and 60 min after the establishment of pneumoperitoneum(P<0.05).Additionally,the two groups were similar in terms of the operation time,pneumoperitoneum time,infusion volume,blood loss,extubation time after surgery,residence time in the resuscitation room and TOF%=90%time(P>0.05),and the observation group showed significantly lower TNF-αand IL-6 Levels than the control group at 24 h after therapy(P<0.05).Moreover,the incidence of adverse events was not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05),and the observation group experienced significantly less hospitalization time and postoperative expenses than the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Deep NMB combined with reduced pneumoperitoneum pressure can decrease the VAS score of shoulder pain and inflammatory reaction,without hindering the surgical vision and increasing adverse PACU-associated respiratory events,and can thus shorten the hospitalization time and treatment cost for patient.

Radical gastrectomy for D2 distal gastric cancer

Patient＇s information The patient is a 56-year-old man who visited our hospital for ＂repeated epigastric pain for more than two months.＂ Physical examination showed nearly pale appearance; abdomen was soft and no mass palpable; left supraclavicular lymph node （-）; and digital rectal examination （-）.

Effect on changes of blood coagulation function, cytokines and immune function in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Objective:To explore the changes of coagulation function, cytokines and T lymphocyte in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer and its clinical significance.Methods: 40 cases of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients and 40 cases of open radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients in our hospital were selected to detect and investigate the perioperative coagulation function [APTT (activated partial thromboplastin time), FIB (fibrinogen), and PLT (platelet)], cytokines [CRP (C reactive protein), IL-6 (IL-6) and TNF-alpha (Tumor necrosis factor-alpha)] and T lymphocytes (CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+) changes and clinical meaning of patients in the two groups.Results: The coagulation function related indicators, cytokines and T lymphocytes of the two groups before treatment did not change significantly (P>0.05). 1 d after operation, blood coagulation, TNF-alpha, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ levels were significantly lower than that before operation in two groups of patients (P<0.05), while IL-6, CRP and CD8+ were significantly higher than that before the operation (P<0.05), and the index change in open group was more obvious. 3 d after surgery, the APTT, IL-6, CRP, CD4+, CD8+ and PLT levels in two group patients were significantly lower than that 1 d after surgery, while FIB, TNF-alpha and CD4+/CD8+ were significantly higher than that 1 d after surgery;blood coagulation index, TNF-alpha and CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ were significantly lower in the laparotomy group patients than in laparoscopic group, while IL-6, CRP and CD8+ were significantly higher than the laparoscopic group (P<0.05). 5 d after operation, the APTT, TNF-alpha, FIB, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ and PLT in two groups were significantly higher than that 3 d after surgery (P<0.05), while IL-6, CRP and CD8+ levels were significantly lower than that of 3 d after surgery (P<0.05);blood coagulation index, TNF-alpha and CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the laparotomy group patients were significantly lower than laparoscopic group (P<0.05), while IL-6, CRP and CD8+ were significantly higher than the laparoscopic group (P<0.05).Conclusions: Radical resection of gastric cancer can cause coagulation disorder, inhibit the immune function and inflammatory reaction, and gradually recover with the passage of time;Compared with open surgery, laparoscopic radical gastrectomy have smaller impact on patients and recovery faster.

Clinical observation of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy and traditional open radical gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. Methods: 116 patients with advanced gastric cancer in our hospital were randomly selected, including 55 cases in the experimental group and 61 cases in the control group. The clinical effects, CEA, CA-199, AFP and postoperative complications of the two groups were compared. Results: The indexes of operation and post-operation (average operation time, incision length, exhaust time, intraoperative bleeding volume, hospital stay, enteral nutrition time), and the total number of lymph nodes dissected in the experimental group was less than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no difference in CEA, CA-199 and AFP before operation and 1 month after operation. The incidence of complications in laparoscopic group was 9.1% lower than that in control group (27.9%). Conclusion: Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy has many advantages in the treatment of gastric cancer, which can effectively reduce complications and is worth promoting.

Postoperative mortality and morbidity after D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer:A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Surgery for gastric cancer is a complex procedure and lymphadenectomy is often mandatory.Postoperative mortality and morbidity after curative gastric cancer surgery is not insignificant.AIM To evaluate the factors determining mortality and morbidity in a population of patients undergoing R0 resection and D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer.METHODS A retrospective analysis of clinical data and pathological characteristics(age,sex,primary site of the tumor,Lauren histotype,number of positive lymph nodes resected,number of negative lymph nodes resected,and depth of invasion as defined by the standard nomenclature)was conducted in patients with gastric cancer.For each patient we calculated the Kattan’s score.We arbitrarily divided the study population of patients into two groups based on the nomogram score(<100 points or≥100 points).Prespecified subgroups in these analyses were defined according to age(≤65 years or>65 years),and number of lymph nodes retrieved(≤35 lymph nodes or>35 lymph nodes).Uni-and multivariate analysis of clinical and pathological findings were performed to identify the factors affecting postoperative mortality and morbidity.RESULTS One-hundred and eighty-six patients underwent a curative R0 resection with D2 lymphadenectomy.Perioperative mortality rate was 3.8%(7 patients);a higher mortality rate was observed in patients aged>65 years(P=0.002)and in N+patients(P=0.04).Following univariate analysis,mortality was related to a Kattan’s score≥100 points(P=0.04)and the presence of advanced gastric cancer(P=0.03).Morbidity rate was 21.0%(40 patients).Surgical complications were observed in 17 patients(9.1%).A higher incidence of morbidity was observed in patients where more than 35 lymph nodes were harvested(P=0.0005).CONCLUSION Mortality and morbidity rate are higher in N+and advanced gastric cancer patients.The removal of more than 35 lymph nodes does not lead to an increase in mortality.

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.

Emergency exploratory laparotomy and radical gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer combined with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is a prevalent malignant tumor worldwide and ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality.Upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB)is a frequent complication of GC.Radical gastrectomy and palliative therapy are widely used surgical procedures in the clinical management of GC.This study intends to probe the clinical efficacy and safety of radical gastrectomy and palliative therapy on the basis of exploratory laparotomy in patients with GC combined with UGIB,hoping to provide valuable information to aid patients in selecting the appropriate surgical intervention.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of exploratory laparotomy^(+)radical gastrectomy and palliative therapy in patients with GC and UGIB combined.METHODS A total of 89 GC patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of South China between July 2018 and July 2020 were selected as participants for this study.The 89 patients were divided into two groups:radical resection group(n=46)treated with exploratory laparotomy^(+)radical gastrectomy and Palliative group(n=43)treated with palliative therapy.The study compared several variables between the two groups,including surgical duration,intraoperative blood transfusion volume,postoperative anal exhaust time,off-bed activity time,length of hospitalization,and incidence of complications such as duodenal stump rupture,anastomotic obstruction,and postoperative incision.Additionally,postoperative immune function indicators(including CD3^(+),CD4^(+),CD8^(+),CD4^(+)/CD8^(+),and CD3^(+)/HLADR^(+)),immunoglobulin(IgG and IgM),tumor markers(CEA,CA199,and CA125),and inflammatory factors(IL-6,IL-17,and TNF-α)were assessed.The surgical efficacy and postoperative quality of life recovery were also evaluated.The patients were monitored for survival and tumor recurrence at 6 mo,1 year,and 2 years post-surgery.RESULTS The results indicated that the duration of operation time and postoperative hospitalization did not differ between the two surgical procedures.However,patients in the radical resection group exhibited shorter intraoperative blood loss,anus exhaust time,off-bed activity time,and inpatient activity time than those in the Palliative group.Although there was no substantial difference in the occurrence of postoperative complications,such as duodenal stump rupture and anastomotic obstruction,between the radical resection group and Palliative group(P>0.05),the radical resection group exhibited higher postoperative immune function indicators(including CD3^(+),CD4^(+),CD8^(+),etc.)and immunoglobulin levels(IgG,IgM)than the Palliative group,while tumor markers and inflammatory factors levels were lower than those in the radical resection group.Additionally,surgical efficacy,postoperative quality of life,and postoperative survival rates were higher in patients who underwent radical gastrectomy than in those who underwent palliative therapy.Moreover,the probability of postoperative tumor recurrence was lower in the radical gastrectomy group compared to the palliative therapy group,and these differences were all statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Compared to palliative therapy,exploratory laparotomy^(+)radical gastrectomy can improve immune function,reduce the levels of tumor markers and inflammatory factors,improve surgical efficacy,promote postoperative quality of life recovery,enhance survival rates,and attenuate the probability of tumor recurrence.

Fast-track surgery could improve postoperative recovery in radical total gastrectomy patients

AIM: To assess the impact of fast-track surgery (FTS) on hospital stay, cost of hospitalization and complications after radical total gastrectomy. METHODS: A randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted from November 2011 to August 2012 in the Department of Digestive Surgery, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, the Fourth Military Medical University. A total of 122 gastric cancer patients who met the selection criteria were randomized into FTS and conventional care groups on the first day of hospitalization. All patients received elective standard D2 total gastrectomy. Clinical outcomes, including duration of flatus and defecation, white blood cell count, postoperative pain, duration of postoperative stay, cost of hospitalization and complications were recorded and evaluated.Two specially trained doctors who were blinded to the treatment were in charge of evaluating postoperative outcomes, discharge and follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients finished the study, including 60 patients in the conventional care group and 59 patients in the FTS group. Two patients were excluded from the FTS group due to withdrawal of consent. One patient was excluded from the conventional care group because of a non-resectable tumor. Compared with the conventional group, FTS shortened the duration of flatus (79.03 ± 20.26 hvs 60.97 ± 24.40 h, P = 0.000) and duration of defecation (93.03 ± 27.95 h vs 68.00 ± 25.42 h, P = 0.000), accelerated the decrease in white blood cell count [P < 0.05 on postoperative day (POD) 3 and 4], alleviated pain in patients after surgery (P < 0.05 on POD 1, 2 and 3), reduced complications (P < 0.05), shortened the duration of postoperative stay (7.10 ± 2.13 dvs 5.68 ± 1.22 d,P = 0.000), reduced the cost of hospitalization (43783.25 ± 8102.36 RMBvs 39597.62 ± 7529.98 RMB,P = 0.005), and promoted recovery of patients. CONCLUSION: FTS could be safely applied in radical total gastrectomy to accelerate clinical recovery of gastric cancer patients.

Postoperative decrease of serum albumin predicts shortterm complications in patients undergoing gastric cancer resection

AIM To find an accurate and simple predictor for postoperative short-term complications after gastrectomy. METHODS Two hundred and twenty-three patients undergoing gastric cancer resection between October 1,2015 and September 30,2016 were enrolled in this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used toidentify risk factors for complications after gastrectomy. The cutoff values and diagnostic accuracy were examined by receiver operating characteristic curves.RESULTS Sixty-two(27.8%) patients had short-term complications after gastric cancer resection. The postoperative decrease in serum albumin(?ALB) was an independent risk factor for complications(OR = 17.957,95%CI: 6.073-53.095,P < 0.001). The cutoff value was 14.0% and the area under the curve was higher than that of C-reactive protein on postoperative day 3(area under the curve: 0.806 vs 0.709). Patients with ?ALB ≥ 14.0% were more likely to have short-term complications after gastrectomy(46.7% vs 5.0%,P < 0.001),prolonged hospital stay(17.2 ± 10.8 d vs 14.1 ± 4.2 d,P = 0.007) and higher comprehensive complication index(P < 0.001) than those with ?ALB < 14.0%.CONCLUSION Postoperative ?ALB with a cutoff of 14.0% can be used to recognize patients who have high risk of short-term complications following gastric cancer resection.

Prognostic nutritional index predicts postoperative complications and long-term outcomes of gastric cancer

AIM: To investigate the impact of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on the postoperative complications and long-term outcomes in gastric cancer patients undergoing total gastrectomy.

Roux-en-Y reconstruction does not require gastric decompression after radical distal gastrectomy

AIM: To determine whether routine nasogastric (NG) decompression benefitted patients undergoing radical gastric surgery. METHODS: Between January 1998 and December 2008, 519 patients who underwent distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer were retrospectively divided into 2 time-period cohorts; those treated with Billroth Ⅱ (BⅡ) reconstruction in the first 6 years and those with Roux-en-Y (RY) reconstruction in the last 5 years. In the latter group, the patients were further divided into 2 subgroups; with and without nasogastric decompression.RESULTS: Postoperatively, there were no significant differences in the number of anastomotic leaks between the 3 groups. In the tubeless RY group, time to semiliquid diet was significantly shorter than in the other 2 groups (4.4 d ± 1.4 d vs 7.2 d ± 1.3 d and 5.9 d ± 1.2 d, P = 0.005). The length of postoperative stay was significantly increased in patients with BⅡ reconstruction compared with patients with RY reconstruction with/without NG decompression (15.4 d ± 4.3 d in BⅡ group vs 12.6 d ± 3.1 d in decompressed RY and 11.4 d ± 3.4 d in the tubeless RY group, P = 0.035). The postoperative pneumonia rate was lowest in the tubeless group and highest in the BⅡ group (1.4% vs 4.6%, P = 0.01). Severe sore throat was noted in 59 (20.7%) members of the BⅡ group, 18 (17.4%) members of the decompressed RY group and 6 (4.2%) members of the tubeless RY group. Fewer patients in the tubeless group complained of severe sore throat (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study provides support for abandoning routine NG decompression in patients undergoing subtotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy.

Development and future perspectives of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery for gastric cancer

In recent years,natural orifice specimen extraction surgery(NOSES),a novel minimally invasive surgical technique,has become a focus in the surgical field,and has been initially applied in gastric surgery in many national medical centers worldwide.In addition,this new surgical technique was launched in major hospitals in China.With an increasing number of patients who have accepted this new surgical technique,NOSES has provided new prospects for the treatment of gastric cancer(GC),which may achieve a better outcome for both patients and surgeons.More and more experts and scholars from different countries and regions are currently paying close attention to NOSES for the treatment of GC.However,there are only a few reports of its use in GC.This review focuses on the research progress in NOSES for radical gastrectomy in recent years.We also discuss the challenges and prospects of NOSES in clinical practice.

Effect of ultrasound-guided lumbar square muscle block on stress response in patients undergoing radical gastric cancer surgery

BACKGROUND Radical surgery is a common treatment for patients with gastric cancer;however,it can lead to postoperative complications and intestinal barrier dysfunction.Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block is often used for postoperative analgesia,but its effects on stress response and intestinal barrier function are not well understood.AIM To investigate the effects of an ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block on stress response and intestinal barrier function in patients undergoing radical surgery for gastric cancer.METHODS A total of 100 patients undergoing radical surgery for gastric cancer were randomly categorized into observation and control groups.Plasma adrenaline and cortisol levels,intestinal mucosal barrier indexes,and complication rates were compared between the two groups before,during,and 1 day after surgery.RESULTS The observation group had significantly lower plasma adrenaline and cortisol levels during surgery and at 1 day postoperatively than that of the control group(P<0.05).Additionally,intestinal barrier indexes(endotoxin and D-dimer)at 1 day postoperatively were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block could reduce stress response,protect intestinal barrier function,and decrease the incidence of complications in patients undergoing radical surgery for gastric cancer.This technique has the potential for clinical applications.

Is the measurement of drain amylase content useful for predicting pancreas-related complications after gastrectomy with systematic lymphadenectomy?

Many studies investigating postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF)after gastrectomy,including studies measuring drain amylase content(D-AMY)as a predictive factor have been reported.This article reviews previous studies and looks to the future of measuring D-AMY in patients after gastrectomy.The causes of pancreatic fluid leakage are;the parenchymal and/or thermal injury to the pancreas,and blunt injury to the pancreas by compression and retraction.Measurement of D-AMY to predict POPF has become common in clinical practice after pancreatic surgery and was later extended to the gastric surgery.Several studies have reported associations between D-AMY and POPF after gastrectomy,and the high value of D-AMY on postoperative day(POD)1 was an independent risk factor.To improve both sensitivity and specificity,attempts have been made to enhance the predictive accuracy of factors on POD 1 as well as on POD 3 as combined markers.Although several studies have shown a high predictive ability of POPF,it has not necessarily been exploited in clinical practice.Many problems remain unresolved;ideal timing for measurement,optimal cut-off value,and means of intervention after prediction.Prospective clinical trial could be imperative in order to develop D-AMY measurement in common clinical practice for gastric surgery.

Clinical value of regional lymph node sorting in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Increasing evidence have shown that regional lymph node metastasis is a critical prognostic factor in gastric cancer(GC).In addition,lymph node dissection is a key factor in determining the appropriate treatment for GC.However,the association between the number of positive lymph nodes and area of lymph node metastasis in GC remains unclear.AIM To investigate the clinical value of regional lymph node sorting after radical gastrectomy for GC.METHODS This study included 661 patients with GC who underwent radical gastrectomy at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between January 2012 and June 2020.The patients were divided into regional sorting and non-sorting groups.Clinicopathological data were collected and retrospectively reviewed to determine the differences in the total number of lymph nodes and number of positive lymph nodes between the groups.Independent sample t-tests were used for intergroup comparisons.Continuous variables that did not conform to a normal distribution were expressed as median(interquartile range),and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for inter-group comparisons.RESULTS There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the surgical method,tumor site,immersion depth,and degree of differentiation.The total number of lymph nodes was significantly higher in the regional sorting group(n=324)than in the non-sorting group(n=337)(32.5 vs 21.2,P<0.001).There was no significant difference in the number of positive lymph nodes between the two groups.A total of 212 patients with GC had lymph node metastasis in the lymph node regional sorting group,including 89(41.98%)cases in the first dissection station and 123(58.02%)cases in the second dissection station.Binary and multivariate logistic regression results showed that the number of positive lymph nodes(P<0.001)was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastases at the second dissection station.CONCLUSION Regional sorting of lymph nodes after radical gastrectomy may increase the number of detected lymph nodes,thereby improving the reliability and accuracy of lymph node staging in clinical practice.

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.