Laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

The use of laparoscopy in the treatment of gastric malignancy is still controversial. However, several reports suggest that the laparoscopic approach may be safe and applicable. The aim of this study was to review our experience with laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric malignant tumors amenable to subtotal gastrectomy, and assess the oncologic outcome. The laparoscopic approach to subtotal gastrectomy was selected according to both the surgeon's and patient's preference. Data regarding demographics, operative procedures, postoperative course, and follow-up were prospectively collected in a computerized database. Survival data were obtained from the national census. Twenty patients were operated on, 18 for gastric adenocarcinoma, one for gastric lymphoma, and one for gastrointestinal stromal tumor. There were 10 males and 10 females, mean age of 67. D1 subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth-2 reconstruction was performed. Mean operative time was 335 minutes. Tumor-free margins were obtained in all cases, and a mean of 15 lymph nodes were retrieved. Median postoperative hospital stay was 12 days. Postoperative complications included leak from the duodenal stump (2), intraabdominal abscess (2), anastomotic leak (1), wound infection (1), and bowel obstruction (1); re-operation was required in 4 patients. No perioperative mortality occurred in our series. Pathology showed nodal involvement in 8 patients. During a mean follow-up of 39 months, 4 patients expired from recurrent and metastatic disease; all had positive lymph nodes. The Kaplan-Meier calculated 5-year survival was 79%. Although a challenging and lengthy procedure, laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy yields acceptable surgical and oncologic results that may further improve with increased surgeon experience. Thus, the application of laparoscopy in the surgical treatment of distal gastric malignancy may be considered; however, further data are needed before this approach can be recommended.