• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.392-399
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• 2018

Purpose: To determine the incidence of incisional hernia (IH) in mini-laparotomy wounds and analyze the risk factors of IH following laparoscopic distal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 565 patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer at Dong-A University Hospital, Busan, South Korea, between June 2010 and December 2015, were enrolled. IH was diagnosed through physical examination or computed tomography imaging. Incidence rate and risk factors of IH were evaluated through a long-term follow-up. Results: Of those enrolled, 16 patients (2.8%) developed IH. The median duration of follow-up was 58 months (range, 25-90 months). Of the 16 patients with IH, 15 (93.7%) were diagnosed within 12 months postoperatively. Multivariate analysis showed that female sex (odds ratio [OR], 3.869; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.325-11.296), higher body mass index (BMI; OR, 1.229; 95% CI, 1.048-1.422), and presence of comorbidity (OR, 3.806; 95% CI, 1.212-11.948) were significant risk factors of IH. The vast majority of IH cases (15/16 patients, 93.7%) developed in the totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) group. However, the type of surgery (i.e., TLDG or laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy) did not significantly affect the development of IH (P=0.060). Conclusions: A median follow-up of 58 months showed that the overall incidence of IH in mini-laparotomy wounds was 2.8%. Multivariate analysis showed that female sex, higher BMI, and presence of comorbidity were significant risk factors of IH. Thus, surgeons should monitor the closure of mini-laparotomy wounds in patients with risk factors of IH undergoing laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.152-160
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• 2018

Purpose: Totally laparoscopic gastrectomy (TLG) for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) is a technically and oncologically challenging procedure for surgeons. This study aimed to compare the oncologic feasibility and technical safety of TLG for AGC versus early gastric cancer (EGC). Materials and Methods: Between 2011 and 2016, 535 patients (EGC, 375; AGC, 160) underwent curative TLG for gastric cancer. Clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes of both patient groups were analyzed and compared. Results: Patients with AGC required a longer operation time and experienced more intraoperative blood loss than those with EGC did. However, patients from both the AGC and EGC groups demonstrated similar short-term surgical outcomes such as postoperative morbidity (14.4% vs. 13.3%, P=0.626), mortality (0% vs. 0.5%, P=0.879), time-to-first oral intake (2.7 days for both groups, P=0.830), and postoperative hospital stay (10.2 days vs. 10.1 days, P=0.886). D2 lymph node dissection could be achieved in the AGC group (95%), with an adequate number of lymph nodes being dissected ($36.0{\pm}14.9$). In the AGC group, the 3-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 80.5% and 73.7%, respectively. Conclusions: TLG is as safe and effective for AGC as it is for EGC.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.523-534
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• 2023

Purpose: Intra-abdominal infection is a common postoperative complication of laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomies (PPGs). Many studies have reported that intra-abdominal infectious complications after gastrectomy adversely affect patient survival outcomes. To prevent gastric fluid leakage into the abdominal cavity, we developed a novel anastomosis method in which the stomach lumen is not opened (termed the non-opened clean end-to-end anastomosis method [NoCEAM]) and evaluated its feasibility. Materials and Methods: Subsequent to lymphadenectomy, the oral and anal resection lines were sutured using an intraoperative endoscope. After closing the stomach circumferentially with clips, the specimen was rolled outward like a "donut." We resected the specimen circumferentially using a linear stapler, and anastomosis was completed simultaneously. We examined the feasibility of this procedure ex vivo, using three porcine stomachs, and in vivo, using one pig. Subsequently, we applied the procedure to 13 consecutive patients with middle-third early gastric cancer utilizing laparotomic, laparoscopic, and robotic PPG. Results: NoCEAM was completed in all porcine models and human cases. In the human cases, the mean operation time (±standard deviation) was 279±51 minutes, and mean blood loss volume was 22±45 mL. The mean number of linear staples used was 5.06±0.76. None of the patients had complications, and all were discharged on the eighth postoperative. The serum total protein, serum albumin, and hemoglobin levels did not change significantly after surgery. Conclusions: NoCEAM is feasible and safe for performing totally laparoscopic or robotic PPG. It may reduce postoperative complications, such as intra-abdominal infections.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.267-276
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• 2017

Purpose: Different esophagojejunostomy (EJ) reconstruction methods are used after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG), and none is considered a standard technique. This report describes a 2-layer hand-sewn EJ technique during TLTG; we also evaluated postoperative morbidity associated with this technique. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all consecutive patients who underwent TLTG for gastric cancer (GC) from 2012 to 2016 at 2 affiliated teaching hospitals. All participating surgeons performed standardized intracorporeal 2-layer hand-sewn EJ. Results: We included 51 patients who underwent TLTG for GC and standardized EJ anastomosis. Twenty-seven (53%) were male, and the median age was 60 (36-87) years. The average operative time was $337{\pm}71minutes$ and intraoperative bleeding was $160{\pm}107mL$. There were no open conversions related to EJ. Postoperative morbidity was observed in 9 (17.0%) patients. There was no postoperative mortality. EJ leakage was observed in 2 patients (3.8%) and 1 patient (1.9%) developed EJ stenosis. Patients with leakage were managed non-operatively and the patient with stenosis required endoscopic dilation. The median length of hospital stay was 8 (6-29) days. Conclusions: Two-layer hand-sewn EJ during TLTG for GC is a feasible and safe technique. This method avoids a laparotomy for reconstruction and the disadvantages associated with laparoscopic introduction of mechanical staplers for EJ, and provides an alternative for alimentary tract reconstruction after TLTG.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2005

Purpose: In Korea, the number of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomies for early gastric cancer patients has been increasing lately. Although minimally invasive surgery is more beneficial, no reported case of a totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy has been reported because of difficulty with intracorporeal anastomosis. This study attempts, through our experiences, to determine the feasibility of a totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy using an intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy in treating early gastric carcinoma. Materials and Methods: We investigated surgical results and clinicopatholgic characteristics of eight(8) patients with an early gastric carcinoma who underwent a totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy at the Department of Surgery, Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, between June 2004 and September 2004. The intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy was performed with a delta-shaped ananstomosis by using only laparoscopic linear staplers (Endocutter 45mm; Ethicon Endosurgery, OH, USA). Results: The operative time was $369.4\pm62.5$ minutes (range $275\∼465$ minutes), and the anastomotic time was 45.1\pm14.4$ minutes (range $32\∼70$ minutes). The anastomotic time was shortened as surgical experience was gained. The number of laparoscopic linear staplers for an operation was $7.1\pm0.6$. The number of lymph nodes harvested was $31.9\pm13.1$. There was 1 case of transfusion and no case of conversion to an open procedure. The time to the first flatus was 2.8$\pm$0.5 days, and the time to the first food intake was $4.1\pm0.8$ days. There were no early postoperative complications, and the postoperative hospital stay was $10.0\pm3.9$ days. Conclusion: A totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy using an intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy with a delta-shaped anastomosis is technically feasible and can maximize the benefit of laparoscopic surgery for early gastric cancer.

• Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.180-182
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• 2018

The frequency of anastomotic leakage after gastrectomy is reported to be 0.9~8%. To reduce deleterious outcomes of anastomotic leakage, we devised the "Omental Free-shaped Flap Reinforcement On Anastomosis and Dissected area" procedure not only to prevent fatal complications following anastomotic leakage but also to promote vascularity of anastomoses and other expected oncological benefits. This video illustrates the surgical procedure following a totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. After completion of the anastomosis, the remaining omentum was mobilized upward and divided into two sections. We placed the left section of the omental flap under the anastomosis between the stomach and pancreas. Finally, we grasped and curved the tip of the section to cover the anastomosis from behind, and we placed the right section of the omental flap above the anastomosis. These two sections were approximated with clips to the anterior wall of the stomach. The patient was discharged without complications.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.132-138
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• 2007

Purpose: In Korea, the number of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomies for early gastric cancer patients has been on the increase. Although minimally invasive surgery is more beneficial, no reported case of a total laparoscopic gastrectomy has been reported because of difficulty with intracorporeal anastomosis. This study attempts, through our experience, to determine the safety and feasibility of a total laparoscopic gastrectomy with various types of intracorporeal anastomosis using laparoscopic linears stapler in treating early gastric carcinomas. Materials and Methods: We investigated the surgical results and clinicopatholgical characteristics of 81 patients that underwent a totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy at our department between June 2004 and May 2007. The intracorporeal anastomoses were performed by using laparoscopic linear staplers. Results: The mean operative time was 287 minutes, the mean anastomotic time was 40 minutes, and the mean number of laparoscopic linear staplers used for an operation was 7.5. The mean time to the first flatus, the first food intake, and discharge from hospital was 2.9, 3.6, and 10.3 days respectively. There were 11 cases of postoperative complications, but no case of postoperative mortality or conversion to an open procedure. In 75 patients with an adenocarcinoma, the mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 38.1 and the stage distribution was as follows: stage I, 72 patients; stage II, 2 patients; stage IV, 1 patient. During the mean follow-up period of 14 months, 5 patients died of other causes and there were no cases of cancer recurrence. Conclusion: A total laparoscopic gastrectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis by using a laparoscopic linear stapler was found to be safe and feasible. We were able to obtain acceptable surgical outcomes in terms of minimal invasiveness.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.266-272
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• 2013

We report our experience with two cases of situs inversus totalis, both involving patients diagnosed with gastric cancer. These were a 52-year-old male with a preoperative staging of cT1bN0M0 and a 68-year-old male with a staging of cT2N0M0, both of whom underwent surgery. The former was found to have vascular anomalies in the preoperative computed tomography, so we performed a computed tomography angiography with three-dimensional reconstruction. Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy with Billroth I anastomosis was performed with D1+ lymph node dissection, and a small laparotomy was made for extracorporeal anastomosis. In contrast, the latter case showed no vascular anomalies in the preoperative computed tomography, and totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with delta anastomosis was performed with D1+ lymph node dissection. There were no intraoperative problems in either patient and they were discharged without postoperative complications. Histopathological examination revealed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (pT2N0M0) and a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (pT1aN0M0), respectively.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.438-450
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• 2019

Purpose: Although linear-shaped gastroduodenostomy (LSGD) was reported to be a feasible and reliable method of Billroth I anastomosis in patients undergoing totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG), the feasibility of LSGD for patients undergoing totally robotic distal gastrectomy (TRDG) has not been determined. This study compared the feasibility of LSGD in patients undergoing TRDG and TLDG. Materials and Methods: All c: onsecutive patients who underwent LSGD after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer between January 2009 and December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to reduce the selection bias between TRDG and TLDG. Short-term outcomes, functional outcomes, learning curve, and risk factors for postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: This analysis included 414 patients, of whom 275 underwent laparoscopy and 139 underwent robotic surgery. PSM analysis showed that operation time was significantly longer (163.5 vs. 132.1 minutes, P<0.001) and postoperative hospital stay significantly shorter (6.2 vs. 7.5 days, P<0.003) in patients who underwent TRDG than in patients who underwent TLDG. Operation time was the independent risk factor for LSGD after intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy. Cumulative sum analysis showed no definitive turning point in the TRDG learning curve. Long-term endoscopic findings revealed similar results in the two groups, but bile reflux at 5 years showed significantly better improvement in the TLDG group than in the TRDG group (P=0.016). Conclusions: LSGD is feasible in TRDG, with short-term and long-term outcomes comparable to that in TLDG. LSGD may be a good option for intracorporeal Billroth I anastomosis in patients undergoing TRDG.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.239-242
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• 2011

A debate is currently ongoing about whether a large gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) should be treated by the laparoscopic approach because of the increased risk of tumor rupture during manipulation of the tumor with laparoscopic instruments and the resultant peritoneal tumor dissemination. Herein, we report a case of a large GIST of the stomach which was successfully treated by the laparoscopic approach. A 57 year old female patient visited our institution complaining of postprandial epigastric discomfort. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy and an abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a $10{\times}8$ cm sized submucosal tumor at the greater curvature side of the gastric antrum. The patient underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with intracorporeal Billroth-II reconstruction without any breakage of the tumor. Her postoperative course was uneventful and she was discharged on the 7th postoperative day. Even a large GIST of the stomach can safely be treated by the laparoscopic approach when it is performed with proper techniques by an experienced surgeon.