Fixation of the greater omentum for prevention of delayed gastric emptying after left hepatectomy with lymphadenectomy for cholangiocarcinoma

Background/Purpose Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) sometimes occurs after left hepatectomy with lymphadenectomy. We performed fixation of the greater omentum to the peritoneum to prevent DGE and other complications in patients undergoing left hepatectomy with lymphadenectomy for cholangiocarcinoma. Methods Patients undergoing left hepatectomy with lymphadenectomy for cholangiocarcinoma were divided into a fixation group (n= 9) and a nonfixation group (n= 10). In the fixation group, the greater omentum was sutured to the peritoneum 3 cm from the greater curvature of the stomach to prevent contact between the stomach and the cut surface of the liver. Results Mean age, sex, disease, and hepatectomy procedures were similar in the two groups. DGE developed in six patients in the nonfixation group (60.0%) versus no patients in the fixation group (P= 0.011). The total number of complications was higher in the nonfixation group (16 complications) than in the fixation group (3 complications;P= 0.003). Overall morbidity was higher in the nonfixation group (60.0%) than in the fixation group (22.2%). Postoperative hospitalization was longer in the nonfixation group (67.4 days) than in the fixation group (20.2 days;P= 0.0041). Conclusions Fixation of the greater omentum to the peritoneum decreases the occurrence of DGE and other complications after left hepatectomy with lymphadenectomy for cholangiocarcinoma.