Retrospective evaluation of lymphatic and blood vessel invasion and Borrmann types in advanced proximal gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The Borrmann classification system is used to describe the macroscopic appearance of advanced gastric cancer,and Borrmann typeⅣdisease is independently associated with a poor prognosis.AIM To evaluate the prognostic significance of lymphatic and/or blood vessel invasion(LBVI)combined with the Borrmann type in advanced proximal gastric cancer(APGC).METHODS The clinicopathological and survival data of 440 patients with APGC who underwent curative surgery between 2005 and 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS In these 440 patients,LBVI+status was associated with Borrmann typeⅣ,low histological grade,large tumor size,and advanced pT and pN status.The 5-year survival rate of LBVI+patients was significantly lower than that of LBVI– patients,although LBVI was not an independent prognostic factor in the multivariate analysis.No significant difference in the prognosis of patients with Borrmann typeⅢ/LBVI+disease and patients with Borrmann typeⅣdisease was observed.Therefore,we proposed a revised Borrmann typeⅣ(r-BorⅣ)as Borrmann typeⅢplus LBVI+,and found that r-BorⅣwas associated with poor prognosis in patients with APGC,which outweighed the prognostic significance of pT status.CONCLUSION LBVI is related to the prognosis of APGC,but is not an independent prognostic factor.LBVI status can be used to differentiate Borrmann typesⅢandⅣ,and the same approach can be used to treat r-BorⅣand Borrmann typeⅣ.

Proximal gastrectomy with jejunal interposition and TGRY anastomosis for proximal gastric cancer

AIM: To compare the short-term outcomes of patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy with jejunal interposition (PGJI) with those undergoing total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis (TGRY).

Assessment of proximal gastric accommodation in patients with functional dyspepsia

Impaired gastric accommodation is one of the most important etiologic factors in the pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia.Ultrasound is a potential alternative method to study changes in gastric volume as a reflection of gastric accommodation.Ultrasound is suitable for patients because it is a non-invasive,easily repeated and non-radioactive procedure,and a previous study has demonstrated the feasibility of 3-dimensional ultrasound in examining functional dyspepsia.The brief article by Fan et al demonstrated that both the proximal gastric area and volume,measured by 2-and 3-dimensional ultrasound respectively,were significantly smaller in patients with functional dyspepsia than in healthy controls.These results are very interesting,but we raise the relevant point that it should have been mandatory to study both changes in gastric volume and their relationship with upper gastrointestinal symptoms in functional dyspepsia.In fact,the relationship between cardinal symptoms and several pathophysiologic mechanisms in functional dyspepsia remains a matter of debate.Moreover,further evaluation of distal gastric volume that has been previously implicated in the origin of functional dyspeptic symptoms is advisable.Therefore,impaired gastric accommodation does not serve as a clear marker of the cardinal symptoms experienced by patients with functional dyspepsia in daily life.

Prognostic Factors for Patients after Curative Resection for Proximal Gastric Cancer

The factors influencing the long-term survival of patients with proximal gastric cancer (PGC) after curative resection were investigated. Data from 171 patients who underwent curative resection for PGC were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were grouped according to the clinicopathological factors and operative procedures. The tumor depth (T stage) and lymph node metastasis (pN stage) were graded according to the fifth edition of TNM Staging System published by UICC in 1997. The metastatic lymph node ratio (MLR) was divided into four levels: 0%, 30%. The data of survival rate were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method (log-rank test) and Cox regression model. The 5-year overall survival rate of 171 patients was 37.32%. The univariate analysis demonstrated that the survival time of the postoperative patients with PGC was related to tumor size (χ2=4.57, P=0.0325), gross type (χ2=21.38, P30% (χ2=13.34, P=0.0003), TNM Ⅲ (χ2=14.05, P=0.0002) or TNM Ⅳ stage (χ2=4.37, P=0.0366); and combining splenectomy was beneficial to the cases of T3 (χ2=5.68, P=0.0171) or MLR >30% (χ2=6.11, P=0.0134). It was concluded that MLR, pN stage, TNM stage, T stage, and gross type had advantages in providing a precise prognostic evaluation for patients undergoing curative resection for PGC, in which MLR was the most valuable index. TG and combining splenectomy were useful to improve the prognosis to patients with PGC of TNM Ⅲ/Ⅲ stage, serosa invasion, or extensive regional lymph node metastasis.

Metastatic patterns and surgical methods for lymph nodes No.5 and No.6 in proximal gastric cancer

Objective: The current surgical treatment guidelines for early proximal gastric cancer(PGC) still lack agreement. Lymphadenectomy of lymph nodes No. 5 and No. 6 is the major difference between total and proximal gastrectomy. We elucidated the appropriate surgical procedure for PGC by investigating the pathological characteristics and prognostic significance of lymph nodes No. 5 and No. 6.Methods: In total, 333 PGC patients who underwent total gastrectomy were enrolled in this study. We investigated their clinicopathological characteristics and the metastatic patterns of the lymph nodes. Patients with metastasis in lymph nodes No. 5 and No. 6 were combined into one group and we compared the difference in survival between those with and without metastasis in lymph nodes No. 5, 6(lymph nodes No. 5 and No. 6 in any group of metastasis) for different subgroups.Results: The metastatic rates for lymph nodes No. 5 and No. 6 in PGC were 9.91% and 16.11%, respectively.The metastatic rate for both lymph nodes No. 5, 6 was 20.42%. Multivariate analysis showed that positive metastasis in lymph node No. 4, depth of invasion, and tumor size were independently correlated with the presence of metastasis in lymph nodes No. 5, 6.Conclusions: When lymph node No. 4 is positive(intraoperative pathology) or tumor size ≥5 cm or T4 stage,lymphadenectomy should be performed for lymph nodes No. 5 and No. 6, and total gastrectomy is recommended.

Nomograms for pre-and postoperative prediction of long-term survival among proximal gastric cancer patients: A large-scale,single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND The incidence of proximal gastric cancer(GC)is increasing,and methods for the prediction of the long-term survival of proximal GC patients have not been well established.AIM To develop nomograms for the prediction of long-term survival among proximal GC patients.METHODS Between January 2007 and June 2013,we prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 746 patients with proximal GC,who were divided into a training set(n=560,75%)and a validation set(n=186,25%).A Cox regression analysis was used to identify the preoperative and postoperative risk factors for overall survival(OS).RESULTS Among the 746 patients examined,the 3-and 5-year OS rates were 66.1%and 58.4%,respectively.In the training set,preoperative T stage(cT),N stage(cN),CA19-9,tumor size,ASA core,and 3-to 6-mo weight loss were incorporated into the preoperative nomogram to predict the OS.In addition to these variables,lymphatic vascular infiltration(LVI),postoperative tumor size,T stage,N stage,blood transfusions,and complications were incorporated into the postoperative nomogram.All calibration curves used to determine the OS probability fit well.In the training set,the preoperative nomogram achieved a C-index of 0.751[95%confidence interval(CI):0.732-0.770]in predicting OS and accurately stratified the patients into four prognostic subgroups(5-year OS rates:86.8%,73.0%,43.72%,and 20.9%,P<0.001).The postoperative nomogram had a C-index of 0.758 in predicting OS and accurately stratified the patients into four prognostic subgroups(5-year OS rates:82.6%,74.3%,45.9%,and 18.9%,P<0.001).CONCLUSION The nomograms accurately predicted the pre-and postoperative long-term survival of proximal GC patients.

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

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

Reduction of gastrointestinal motility by unilateral thyroparathyroidectomy plus subdiaphragmatic vagotomy in rats

AIM: To investigate whether the combined methods of unilateral thyroparathyroidectomy (TPX) and subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (VAX) can be adapted for rats and used as a reliable method to produce a rat model of long-term reduction of gastrointestinal (GI) motor function. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, normal, sham-operated and unilateral TPX plus VAX. The TPX plus VAX rats received VAX 7 d after application of TPX, and dietary intake and fecal output were then measured daily for 1 wk.After completion of the experiments, gastric emptying and small bowel transit were measured in vivo, and the contractile responses of colonic strips to excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters were estimated using isometric force transducers in vitro. RESULTS: In comparison with normal and sham-operated rats, rats which received unilateral TPX plus VAX showed a significant decrease in body weight and in fecal pellet number and weight throughout the entire week. Application of TPX plus VAX to rats markedly delayed gastric emptying and small bowel transit. In TPX plus VAX rats, the longitudinal muscles of the proximal colon showed a significant reduction in contractile responses to acetylcholine (5 × 10-6 mol/L), and a dramatic attenuation of contractile responses was also observed in both the longitudinal and circular muscles of the distal colon. However, the spontaneous contractility of the colonic strips from TPX plus VAX rats was not significantly affected by treatment with N-nitro-Larginine-methyl ester (0.1 mol/L). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that unilateral TPX plus VAX reduced the motor function of the GI tract in rats, and the reduced gut motility is likely mediated, at least in part, by inhibition of the excitatory neurotransmitter system.

Postprandial proximal gastric acid pocket and its association with gastroesophageal acid reflux in patients with short-segment Barrett’s esophagus

Objective:To determine the characteristics of postprandial proximal gastric acid pockets(PPGAPs)and their association with gastroesophageal acid reflux in patients with Barrett’s esophagus(BE).Methods:Fifteen patients with BE(defined by columnar lined esophagus of≥1 cm)and 15 healthy individuals that were matched for age,gender,and body mass index,were recruited.The fasting intragastric p H and the appearance time,length,lowest p H,and mean p H of the PPGAP were determined using a single p H electrode pull-through experiment.For BE patients,a gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire(Gerd Q)was completed and esophageal 24-h p H monitoring was carried out.Results:The PPGAP was significantly longer(5(3,5)cm vs.2(1,2)cm)and the lowest p H(1.1(0.8,1.5)vs.1.6(1.4,1.9))was significantly lower in patients with short-segment BE than in healthy individuals.The PPGAP started to appear proximally from the gastroesophageal p H step-up point to the esophageal lumen.The acidity of the PPGAP was higher in the distal segment than in the proximal segment.In short-segment BE patients,there were significant correlations between the acidity and the appearance time and length of the PPGAP.The length and acidity of the PPGAP were positively associated with gastroesophageal acid reflux episodes.The acidity of the PPGAP was associated with the De Meester scores,the Gerd Q scores,and the fasting intragastric p H.Conclusions:In patients with short-segment BE,a PPGAP is commonly seen.Its length and acidity of PPGAP are associated with gastroesophageal acid reflux,the De Meester score,and the Gerd Q score in patients with short-segment BE.

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.

Clinical importance and surgical decision-making regarding proximal resection margin for gastric cancer

Because of the intramural spread of gastric cancer,a sufficient length of a resection margin has to be attained to ensure complete excision of the tumor.There has been debate on an adequate length of proximal resection margin(PRM) and its related issues.Thus,the objective of this article is to review several studies on PRM and to summarize the current evidence on the subject.Although there is some discrepancy in the recommended values for PRM between authors,a PRM of more than 2-3 cm for early gastric cancer and 5-6 cm for advanced gastric cancer is thought to be acceptable.Once the margin is confirmed to be clear,however,the length of PRM measured in postoperative pathologic examination does not affect the patient's survival,even when it is shorter than the recommended values.Hence,the recommendations for PRM length should be applied only to intraoperative decision-making to prevent positive margins on the final pathology.Given that a negative resection margin is the ultimate goal of determining an adequate PRM,development and improvement of reliable methods to confirm a negative resection margin intraoperatively would minimize the extent of surgery and offer a better quality of life to more patients.In the same context,special attention has to be paid to patients who have advanced stage or diffuse-type gastric cancer,because they are more likely to have a positive margin.Therefore,a wider excision with intraoperative frozen section(IFS) examination of the resection margin is necessary.Despite all the attempts to avoid positive margins,there is still a certain rate of positive-margin cases.Since the negative impact of a positive margin on prognosis is mostly obvious in low N stage patients,aggressive further management,such as extensive re-operation,is required for these patients.In conclusion,every possible preoperative and intraoperative evaluation should be thoroughly carried out to identify in advance the patients with a high risk of having positive margins;these patients need careful management with a wider excision or an IFS examination to confirm a negative margin during surgery.

Surgical resection of gastric stump cancer following proximal gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction

BACKGROUND Proximal gastrectomy(PG) is performed widely as a function-preserving operation for early gastric cancer located in the upper third of the stomach and is an important function-preserving approach for esophagogastric junction(EGJ)adenocarcinoma. The incidence of gastric stump cancer(GSC) after PG is increasing. However, little is known about the GSC following PG because very few studies have been conducted on the disease.AIM To clarify clinicopathologic features, perioperative complications, and long-term survival rates after the resection of GSC following PG.METHODS Data for patients with GSC following PG for adenocarcinoma of the EGJ diagnosed between January 1998 and December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with overall survival(OS). GSC was defined in accordance with the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association.RESULTS A total of 35 patients were identified. The median interval between the initial PGand resection of GSC was 4.9(range 0.7-12) years. In 21 of the 35 patients, the tumor was located in a nonanastomotic site of the gastric stump. Total gastrectomy was performed in 27 patients; the other 8 underwent partial gastrectomy. Postoperative complications occurred in 6 patients(17.1%). The tumor stage according to the depth of tumor invasion was T1 in 6 patients, T2 in3 patients, T3 in 9 patients, and T4 in 17 patients. Lymph node metastasis was observed in 18 patients. Calculated 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 86.5%, 62.3%,and 54.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed advanced T stage to be associated with OS.CONCLUSION This study reveals the characteristics of GSC following PG for adenocarcinoma of the EGJ and suggests that a surgical approach can lead to a satisfactory outcome.

Effects of meal size and proximal-distal segmentation on gastric activity

AIM:To evaluate the effects of meal size and three segmentations on intragastric distribution of the meal and gastric motility,by scintigraphy.METHODS:Twelve healthy volunteers were randomly assessed,twice,by scintigraphy.The test meal consisted of 60 or 180 mL of yogurt labeled with 64 MBq 99m Tc-tin colloid.Anterior and posterior dynamic frames were simultaneously acquired for 18 min and all data were analyzed in MatLab.Three proximal-distal segmentations using regions of interest were adopted for both meals.RESULTS:Intragastric distribution of the meal between the proximal and distal compartments was strongly influenced by the way in which the stomach was divided,showing greater proximal retention after the 180 mL.An important finding was that both dominant frequencies (1 and 3 cpm) were simultaneously recorded in the proximal and distal stomach;however,the power ratio of those dominant frequencies varied in agreement with the segmentation adopted and was independent of the meal size.CONCLUSION:It was possible to simultaneously evaluate the static intragastric distribution and phasic contractility from the same recording using our scintigraphic approach.

Proximal gastric motility in critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM： To investigate the proximal gastric motor response to duodenal nutrients in critically ill patients with longstanding type 2 diabetes mellitus.METHODS： Proximal gastric motility was assessed （using a barostat） in 10 critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus （59±3 years） during two 60-min duodenal infusions of Ensure （1 and 2 kcal/min）, in random order, separated by 2h fasting. Data were compared with 15 non-diabetic critically ill patients （48 ± 5 years） and 10 healthy volunteers （28 ±3 years）. RESULTS： Baseline proximal gastric volumes were similar between the three groups. In diabetic patients, proximal gastric relaxation during I kcal/min nutrient infusion was similar to non-diabetic patients and healthy controls. In contrast, relaxation during 2 kcal/ min infusion was initially reduced in diabetic patients （P 〈 0.05） but increased to a level similar to healthy humans, unlike non-diabetic patients where relaxation was impaired throughout the infusion. Duodenal nutrient stimulation reduced the fundic wave frequency in a dose-dependent fashion in both the critically ill diabetic patients and healthy subjects, but not in critically ill patients without diabetes. Fundic wave frequency in diabetic patients and healthy subjects was greater than in non-diabetic patients.CONCLUSION： In patients with diabetes mellitus, proximal gastric motility is less disturbed than nondiabetic patients during critical illness, suggesting that these patients may not be at greater risk of delayed gastric emptying.

Proximal gastric response to small intestinal nutrients is abnormal in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients

AIM： To determine the response of the proxima stomach to small intestinal nutrients in critically ill patients. METHODS： Proximal gastric motility was measured in 13 critically ill patients （49.3 ± 4.7 years） and 12 healthy volunteers （27.7 ± 2.9 years） using a barostat technique. Recordings were performed at baseline, during a 60-rain intra-duodenal infusion of Ensure^R （2 kcal/min）, and for 2 h following the infusion. Minimum distending pressure （MDP）, intra-bag volume and fundic wave activity were determined. RESULTS： The MDP was higher in patients （11.7 ± 1.1 vs 7.8 ± 0.7 mmHg; P 〈 0.01）. Baseline intrabag volumes were similar in the 2 groups. In healthy subjects, a ‘bimodal＇ proximal gastric volume response was observed. In patients, the initial increase in proximal gastric volume was small and delayed, but eventually reached a maximal volume similar to that of healthy subjects. In healthy subjects, the proximal gastric volume rapidly returned to baseline level after nutrient infusion （median 18 min）. In contrast, the recovery of volume to baseline was delayed in critically ill patients （median 106 min）. In 6 patients, the volume had not returned to baseline level 2 hours after nutrient infusion. In patients, fundic volume waves were less frequent （P 〈 0.05） and had lower amplitude （P 〈 0.001）, compared to healthy subjects. CONCLUSION： In critical illness, proximal gastric motor responses to small intestinal nutrient stimulation are abnormal.

The Long Magenstrasse with pyloroplasty as functional gastric bypass: 6-years experience, 308 operations

Background: The Long Magenstrasse with py-loroplasty as functional Gastric Bypass (briefly LMGBP) procedure for morbid obesity may re- duce the incidence of side effects associated with gastric restrictive and malabsorptive sur- gery, particularly on quality of life and long-term nutritional insufficiency. In follow-up to pre- liminary findings in 34 patients, we report the results of an additional 274 LMGBPs performed over the past 3 years. Methods: Between October 2003 and 2009, 308 patients were treated with the LMGBP. 149 patients underwent open procedures;74, hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS);and 85 were operated laparo-scopically. 17% had ≥ 125 mg/dl glycemia, 43% sleep apnea, 38% hyperlipidemia, 12% hyperuricemia, and 58% arterial hypertension under treatment. Results: The mean BMI of 256 pre-operatively normoglycemic patients at 1 year was 29 (range 26-31);27 (25-30) in 45 patients at 3 years;and 27.5 (26-30) in 12 patients at 5 years. Mean BMI of 53 preoperatively hyperglycemic patients (≥ 125 mg/dl) at 1 year (21 patients) was 32 (29-34), and at 3 years (9 patients), 32.5 (30- 33). 15 patients with preoperative type 2 diabetes under oral treatment required no therapy 3-6 months after surgery. Patients reported considerable appetite reduction with rapid satiety but maintained good nutrition with no supplementation. There was no mortality. Conclusions: Safe and effective sustained weight loss, positive metabolic changes, and appetite diminution with rapid satiety were seen after LMGBP.

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

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

Current status of function-preserving surgery for gastric cancer

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

Computed tomography as primary postoperative follow-up after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

AIM To evaluate upper abdominal computed tomography(CT) scan as primary follow-up after laparoscopic Rouxen-Y gastric bypass(LRYGB). METHODS This prospective study was approved by the Ethical Committee of the State of Zurich, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Sixty-one patients who underwent LRYGB received upper abdominal CT on postoperative day 1, with the following scan parameters: 0.6 mm collimation, 1.2 mm pitch, Care KV with reference 120 m As and 120 kV, and 0.5 s rotation time. Diluted water-soluble radiographic contrastmedium(50 mL) was administered to achieve gastric pouch distension without movement of the patient. 3 D images were evaluated to assess postoperative complications and the radiation dose received was analysed. RESULTS From the 70 patients initially enrolled in the study, 9 were excluded from analysis upon the intraoperative decision to perform a sleeve gastrectomy and not a LRYGB. In all of the 61 patients who were included in the analysis, CT was feasible and there were no instances of aspiration or vomiting. In 7 patients, two upper abdominal scans were necessary as the pouch was not distended by contrast medium in the first acquisition. Radiologically, no leak and no relevant stenosis were found on the first postoperative day. These early postoperative CT findings were consistent with the findings at clinical follow-up 6 wk postoperatively, with no leaks, stenosis or obstructions being diagnosed. The average total dose length product in CT was 536.6 m Gycm resulting in an average effective dose of 7.8 m Sv. The most common surgical complication, superficial surgical site infections(n = 4), always occurred at the upper left trocar site, where the circular stapler had been introduced. CONCLUSION Early LRYGB postoperative multislice spiral CT scan is feasible, with low morbidity, and provides more accurate anatomical information than standard upper gastrointestinal contrast study.

Intra-gastric triacetin alters upper gastrointestinal motility in conscious dogs

AIM: To examine the effect of intra-gastric triacetin on both upper gastrointestinal motility and proximal gastric tone in conscious dogs.