Value of reoperation in the treatment of recurrent gastric cancer

To determine the value of reoperation in the treatment of recurrent gastric cancer. Clinical and survival data of 85 patients undergoing reoperation for recurrent gastric cancer from January 1986 to December 2003 were studied retrospectively. Among 85 cases, there were 46 cases with recurrence within the stump stomach and 58 cases recurred within 2 years post-operation. Resection was performed in 45 patients including 34 cases treated by radical resection and 11 cases by palliative residual stomach resection. The 1, 3, 5-year survival rate of 34 cases after radical resection was 86%, 57% and 21% respectively. The mean survival time of palliative and comprehensive treatment cases was 16 months (range: 6 - 26) while all patients undergoing reoperation without resection died within 6 months post-operation. An early diagnosis of recurrent gastric cancer depends on frequent re-examinations. Most postoperative recurrent gastric cancers, within the residual stomach, may be treated by re-operation.