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Objective: Unusual or unexpected effect of treatment. Background: Gastric cancer is the 5th most common malignancy worldwide. Treatment consists of excision of the entire stomach. Malnutrition is a common problem in patients diagnosed with gastric cancer and has a negative impact on the course of treatment and the quality of life. Case Report: The paper presents a case report of a patient after total gastrectomy performed on 11/04/2016 due to G3 mucocellulare carcinoma. The patient had been on home parenteral nutrition for 2.5 years due to chronic malnutrition. After this period of time, an attempt was made to introduce an exclusion diet with the addition of Modulen IBD (Nestle Health Science), which is routinely used in the nutritional treatment of patients with Crohn's disease, with simultaneous discontinuation of parenteral nutrition. After 3 months, the patient was readmitted to the hospital to assess his nutritional status. He continued the diet as recommended. He maintained his body weight and reported improvement in eating habits. Conclusions: In the described case, the patient presented with symptoms of impaired bowel function resulting from longterm cessation of oral nutrition. It is possible that the nutritional and immunomodulatory effect of Modulen, in combination with the anti-inflammatory elimination diet, resulted in better nutrition of intestinal epithelial cells and gradual improvement of intestinal motility and absorption, which in turn enabled the patient to completely withdraw from parenteral nutrition. We propose that this type of nutritional management could also be considered in other cases of intestinal dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of 4 main types of gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer on postoperative symptoms, living status, and quality of life (QOL) using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45). Materials and Methods: We surveyed 1,685 patients with upper one-third gastric cancer who underwent total gastrectomy (TG; n=1,020), proximal gastrectomy (PG; n=518), TG with jejunal pouch reconstruction (TGJP; n=93), or small remnant distal gastrectomy (SRDG; n=54). The 19 main outcome measures (MOMs) of the PGSAS-45 were compared using the analysis of means (ANOM), and the general QOL score was calculated for each gastrectomy type. Results: Patients who underwent TG experienced the lowest postoperative QOL. ANOM showed that 10 MOMs were worse in patients with TG. Four MOMs improved in patients with PG, while 1 worsened. One MOM was improved in patients with TGJP versus 8 MOMs in patients with SRDG. The general QOL scores were as follows: SRDG (+39 points), TGJP (+6 points), PG (+3 points), and TG (−1 point). Conclusions: The TG group experienced the greatest decline in postoperative QOL. SRDG and PG, which preserve part of the stomach without compromising curability, and TGJP, which is used when TG is required, enhance the postoperative QOL of patients with proximal gastric cancer. When selecting the optimal gastrectomy method, it is essential to understand the characteristics of each and actively incorporate guidance to improve postoperative QOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although double tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy (PGDT) is commonly performed for proximal gastric or esophagogastric junction cancer, the impact of the procedure on postoperative quality of life (QOL) has not been clarified. We aimed to clarify the optimal PGDT procedure in terms of postoperative QOL. Methods: Postoperative QOL was analyzed in 172 patients who underwent PGDT for proximal gastric cancer and were enrolled in the PGSAS-NEXT study, a multicenter cross-sectional study in Japan (UMIN000032221), in relation to the remnant stomach size, length of interposed jejunum between the esophagojejunostomy (E-J) and jejunogastrostomy (J-G), and size of the J-G. Results: The remnant stomach size was approximately one-third in 13, half in 97, and two-thirds in 60 patients. Dissatisfaction scores for symptoms, diet, work, and daily life subscales were lower in patients with a larger stomach (p < 0.05). These patients also scored better in terms of weight loss (− 13.5%, − 14.0%, and − 11.2%, respectively) and amount of food ingested per meal (52%, 62%, and 66%). The length of the interposed jejunum was ≤ 10 cm in 62 and ≥ 11 cm in 97 patients. Weight loss (− 11.3% and − 13.8%) and dissatisfaction scores were better in the ≤ 10 cm group (p < 0.05). J-G size was ≤ 5 cm in 27 and ≥ 6 cm in 135 patients. The amount of food ingested (56%, 64%) and dissatisfaction scores were better in the > 6 cm group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Larger remnant stomach, shorter length of interposed jejunum, and longer J-G might contribute to better postoperative QOL after PGDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Several studies have shown that colorectal neoplasms (CRN) including colorectal cancer (CRC) may be prevalent in patients with gastric cancer. However, in most of these studies, colonoscopy to investigate the prevalence of CRN was performed prior to surgery. We aimed to investigate whether CRN was more prevalent in postgastrectomy gastric cancer patients than in healthy individuals. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of those patients within a cohort of gastric cancer patients with gastrectomy who underwent colonoscopy between 2016 and 2017. Controls age- and sex-matched with gastric cancer patients at a 2:1 ratio were identified among those who underwent colonoscopy at a health-promotion center. The frequencies of CRN, advanced CRN (ACRN), and CRC among patients with gastrectomy were compared with those in the control subjects. A total of 744 individuals (gastric cancer, 248; control, 496) were included. Results: The rates of CRN and ACRN in the gastric cancer group were higher than those in the healthy individuals (CRN, 47.6% vs. 34.7%, P< 0.001; ACRN, 16.9% vs. 10.9%, P= 0.020). The rate of CRC was comparable between the 2 groups (2.0% vs. 0.6%, P= 0.125). Multivariate analysis identi- fied previous gastrectomy for gastric cancer and male sex as significant risk factors for (A)CRN. Conclusions: CRN and ACRN were more prevalent in patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer than in the control group. Regular surveillance colonoscopy at appropriate intervals is indicated after gastrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common bile duct stones are a common of digestive system disease, and as one of the long - term complications after Billroth II subtotal gastrectomy, it has attracted more and more attention from clinicians. Common bile duct stones after Billroth II subtotal gastrectomy have a complex pathogenesis, including neurological, humoral, and mechanical factors. Even though there are many methods to remove stones, there are still controversies over the selection of digestive endoscopy, surgical operation, or percutaneous transhepatic approach. Clinicians should fully evaluate the specific conditions of patients and formulate individualized treatment regimens to achieve the best treatment outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The number of elderly people with stomach cancer is increasing; therefore, minimally invasive surgical treatments are required. Elderly patients have multiple comorbidities and are prone to postoperative weight loss, nutritional disorders, Postgastrectomy syndrome (PGS), and decreased quality of life (QOL). Total gastrectomy is particularly associated with these complications, although aboral-pouch creation reportedly improves the condition by compensating for lost reservoir capacity. However, there is no consensus regarding its significance. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the aboral pouch on total gastrectomy outcomes in elderly patients., Materials and Methods: Thirty-six patients who met the eligibility criteria, defined as elderly patients aged ≥75 years, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients had undergone Roux-en-Y reconstructions with an aboral pouch in laparoscopic total gastrectomy procedures performed at Juntendo University from July 2016 to June 2022. The main outcomes were postoperative nutritional status, PGS, and QOL., Results: The average postoperative period was approximately 1 year (12.0 vs . 13.5 months, P =0.536), for 14 elderly and 22 non-elderly patients, respectively. Elderly patients had more comorbidities (78.5% vs . 40.9%, P =0.041). The outcome of nutritional status demonstrated no differences in weight-loss rate (-5.3% vs . -8.6%, P =0.651) or prognostic nutritional status (-7.9% vs . -5.9%, P =0.243). There was no significant difference in PGS and QOL between elderly and non-elderly patients., Conclusions: Total gastrectomy with an aboral-pouch creation could be beneficial for elderly 43 patients from the perspective of postoperative nutritional status, PGS, and QOL., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest., (© 2024 The Juntendo Medical Society.)

Background: Increased survival of patients undergoing total gastrectomy for gastric cancer has prompted several efforts to improve long-term postgastrectomy syndrome (PGS) outcomes. Whether a J-pouch (JP) reconstruction may be more beneficial than a standard Roux-en-Y (RY) is controversial., Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted, including studies reporting long-term outcomes of patients treated with total gastrectomy and JP vs RY esophagojejunostomy for gastric adenocarcinoma. A literature search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Primary endpoints were symptom control, weight loss, eating capacity (EC), and quality of life (QoL) with at least 6 months of follow-up. Safety endpoints were explored., Results: Overall, 892 patients were included from 15 studies (6 randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and 9 non-RCTs): 452 (50.7%) in the JP group and 440 (49.3%) in the RY group. Compared with RY, JP showed a significantly lower rate of dumping syndrome (13.8% vs 26.9%, odds ratio [OR], 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14-0.58; P < .001; I 2 = 22%) and heartburn symptoms (20.4% vs 39.0%; OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.14-0.64; P = .002; I 2 = 0%). Reflux (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.28-1.32; P = .21; I 2 = 42%) and epigastric fullness (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.18-2.05; P = .41; I 2 = 69%) were similar in both groups. Weight loss and EC were similar between the groups. QoL outcome seemed to be burdened by bias. There was no difference in morbidity, mortality, and anastomotic leak rate between groups. Operative time was significantly longer for JP than for RY (271.9 vs 251.6 minutes, respectively; mean difference, 21.55; 95% CI, 4.64-38.47; P = .01; I 2 = 96%)., Conclusion: JP reconstruction after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer is as safe as RY and may provide an advantage in postgastrectomy dumping syndrome and heartburn symptoms., (Copyright © 2023 Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Post-gastrectomy syndrome (PGS) and body weight loss (BWL) decrease quality of life (QOL) and survival of the patient undergoing gastrectomy. We have introduced perioperative and post-discharge continuous nutritional counseling (CNC) to prevent BWL and improve QOL after gastrectomy. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of CNC on QOL using the Post-gastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45). Eighty-three patients with gastric cancer (GC) who underwent curative gastrectomy between March 2018 and July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients received either pre-discharge nutritional counseling alone (control group, n  = 45) or CNC (CNC group, n  = 38) after gastrectomy. QOL at 12 months after gastrectomy was compared between the two groups. In QOL assessment, change in body weight (-7.98% vs. -12.77%, p  = 0.0057), ingested amount of food per meal (7.00 vs. 6.07, p  = 0.042) and ability for working (1.89 vs. 2.36, p  = 0.049) were significantly better in CNC group than control group. Multiple regression analysis showed that CNC was a significantly beneficial factor for abdominal pain subscale ( p  = 0.028), diarrhea subscale ( p  = 0.047), ingested amount of food per meal ( p  = 0.012), Ability for working ( p  = 0.031) and dissatisfaction at the meal ( p  = 0.047). Perioperative and postoperative CNC could improve QOL in the patient undergoing gastrectomy in addition to preventing postoperative BWL.

Worldwide, a large proportion of childbearing women are overweight or obese, and it is becoming increasingly common for pregnant women to have undergone bariatric surgery before conceiving. Women with a history of sleeve gastrectomy may not be able to undertake the oral glucose tolerance test, due to the risk of dumping syndrome. There is limited research on the effects of weight loss surgery on the pregnancy oral glucose tolerance test and conducting this test on a woman who has had bariatric surgery may be an inadequate form of diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus. A cost-effective alternative to an oral glucose tolerance test is to monitor pre-and post-meal blood glucose levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) can result in de novo and worsen preexisting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Post-LSG patients with GERD refractory to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) usually undergo more invasive, anatomy-altering Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) electrical stimulation (ES) preserves the anatomy and has been shown to improve outcomes in GERD patients. Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of LES-ES in post-LSG patients with GERD not controlled with maximal PPI therapy. Setting Prospective, international, multicenter registry. Methods Patients with LSG-associated GERD partially responsive to PPI underwent LES-ES. GERD outcomes pre- and poststimulation were evaluated based on quality of life, esophageal acid exposure (after 6–12 mo), and PPI use. Results Seventeen patients (11 female, 65%), treated at 6 centers between May 2014 and October, 2016 with a median follow-up of 12 months (range 6–24), received LES-ES. Median age was 48.6 years (interquartile range, 40.5–56), median body mass index 31.7 kg/m 2 (27.9–39.3). All patients were on at least daily PPI preoperatively; at last follow-up, 7 (41%) were completely off PPI, 5 (29%) took PPI on an intermittent basis, and 5 (29%) were on single-dose PPI. Median GERD–health-related quality of life scores improved from 34 (on-PPI, 25–41) at baseline to 9 (6–13) at last follow-up (off-PPI, P <.001). Percentage of time with esophageal pH<4 improved from 13.2% (3.7–30.7) to 5.8% (1.1–54.4), P = .01. Conclusion LES-ES in post-LSG patients suffering from symptomatic, PPI-refractory GERD resulted in significant improvement of GERD-symptoms, esophageal acid exposure, and need for PPI. Preserving the post-LSG anatomy, it offers a valid option for patients unable or unwilling to undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of laparoscopy for the management of various types of postgastrectomy complications has not yet been well studied. We describe laparoscopic management of postgastrectomy complications and present a comparison between laparoscopy and other modalities in terms of basic characteristics and postreoperation clinical course.Materials and Methods: We studied 82 patients with postgastrectomy complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIa) at a single institution between April 2009 and November 2016. We excluded 15 patients with pulmonary, wound-related, and/or ambiguous complications and eventually studied 67 patients who were divided into nonoperative intervention (NI), laparoscopic reoperation (LR), and open reoperation (OR) groups. Clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared.Results: Among the 67 patients studied, 31, 21, and 15 belonged to the NI, LR, and OR groups, respectively. Complications included bleeding in 29, leakage in 26, intestinal obstruction in 6, and intra-abdominal abscesses in 6 patients. Among the 21 patients in the LR group, bleeding was reported in 11, leakage in 5, intestinal obstruction in 3, and intra-abdominal abscesses in 2 patients. No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of clinicopathological characteristics. Regarding surgical outcomes, the NI and LR groups required a mean of 11 days before discharge-a period that was significantly shorter than that required by the OR group (20.5 ± 14.3 days). All patients belonging to the LR group were successfully treated and discharged 11.3 ± 6.0 days after reoperation.Conclusions: Laparoscopic management of postgastrectomy complications is a safe and effective procedure primarily because it is associated with a smaller incision, more rapid recovery, and shorter length of hospitalization than that associated with an open laparotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to describe the surgical procedure of pylorus preserving gastrectomy and treatment methods, and the nursing process for postoperative complications namely delayed gastric emptying. Methods: This case study describes the treatment methods and nursing process for a patient who visited the emergency room because of delayed gastric emptying after a pylorus preserving gastrectomy. Results: The symptoms of this patient were resolved by botox-injection, none per oral, total parenteral nutrition, nutrition education after diagnosis by using abdominal x-ray, gastric emptying study, upper gastrointestinal series, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Conclusion: According to the result of this case study, nurses should be informed about delayed gastric emptying and how to apply the correct nursing process to the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the feasibility and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization in the management of postgastrectomy arterial bleeding. Methods: Between January 2004 and July 2015, 13,246 patients underwent total or subtotal gastrectomy at our institution, and 24 patients (18 men; mean age 66.8 years; range 42-80 years) underwent transcatheter arterial embolization for postoperative arterial bleeding identified on angiography. Results: Postgastrectomy arterial bleeding occurred after subtotal gastrectomy in 14 patients (58%) and after total gastrectomy in 10 patients (42%), after a mean of 17 days (range 1-57 days). It manifested itself as luminal bleeding in 10 patients and as abdominal bleeding in 14 patients. Technical success was achieved in all 24 patients (100%). The clinical success rate was 79% (19-24); there were three transcatheter-arterial-embolization-related major complications that resulted in death within 30 days (12%), one case of recurrent bleeding, and one case of persistent bleeding. The cause of death included infarctions in the spleen and/or remnant stomach ( n = 2) and bowel perforation ( n = 1). The commonest bleeding focus was the gastroduodenal artery (46%, 11 patients), followed by the splenic artery (29%, 7 patients). By surgery type, the gastroduodenal artery was the commonest site of bleeding in subtotal gastrectomy (64%, 9/14) and the splenic artery was commonest site of bleeding in total gastrectomy (50%, 5/10). Conclusions: Transcatheter arterial embolization demonstrated high technical and clinical success rates with an acceptable complication rate in the management of postgastrectomy arterial bleeding. However, transcatheter arterial embolization may not be the best treatment option in patients who have undergone subtotal gastrectomy and bled from the splenic artery owing to the high risk of infarctions of the remnant stomach and the spleen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple pathogenic mechanisms by which Helicobacter pylori infection induces gastric cancer have been established in the last two decades. In particular, aberrant DNA methylation is induced in multiple driver genes, which inactivates them. Methylation profiles in gastric cancer are associated with specific subtypes, such as microsatellite instability. Recent comprehensive and integrated analyses showed that many cancer-related pathways are more frequently altered by aberrant DNA methylation than by mutations. Aberrant DNA methylation can even be present in noncancerous gastric mucosae, producing an 'epigenetic field for cancerization.' Mechanistically, H. pylori-induced chronic inflammation, but not H. pylori itself, plays a direct role in the induction of aberrant DNA methylation. The expression of three inflammation-related genes, Il1b, Nos2, and Tnf, is highly associated with the induction of aberrant DNA methylation. Importantly, the degree of accumulated aberrant DNA methylation is strongly correlated with gastric cancer risk. A recent multicenter prospective cohort study demonstrated the utility of epigenetic cancer risk diagnosis for metachronous gastric cancer. Suppression of aberrant DNA methylation by a demethylating agent was shown to inhibit gastric cancer development in an animal model. Induction of aberrant DNA methylation is the major pathway by which H. pylori infection induces gastric cancer, and this can be utilized for translational opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follow-up after gastrectomy for gastric cancer has several purposes, including management of side effects of surgery, oncological recurrence surveillance, psychological support, and data collection for research. How follow-up after gastrectomy, and especially recurrence surveillance, is performed differs immensely between different Western countries, despite guidelines from Western oncological organizations quite unanimously advocating symptom-driven surveillance, without scheduled cross-sectional imaging, endoscopies, or analysis of tumor markers. Given a complete lack of randomized data, the available body of observational data does not support intensive routine surveillance for recurrent disease. Moreover, studies of other cancers have shown a negative emotional impact of routine surveillance. There is an apparent need for randomized controlled trials to address the issue of optimized strategies for postgastrectomy recurrence surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of 4 main types of gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer on postoperative symptoms, living status, and quality of life (QOL) using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45)., Materials and Methods: We surveyed 1,685 patients with upper one-third gastric cancer who underwent total gastrectomy (TG; n=1,020), proximal gastrectomy (PG; n=518), TG with jejunal pouch reconstruction (TGJP; n=93), or small remnant distal gastrectomy (SRDG; n=54). The 19 main outcome measures (MOMs) of the PGSAS-45 were compared using the analysis of means (ANOM), and the general QOL score was calculated for each gastrectomy type., Results: Patients who underwent TG experienced the lowest postoperative QOL. ANOM showed that 10 MOMs were worse in patients with TG. Four MOMs improved in patients with PG, while 1 worsened. One MOM was improved in patients with TGJP versus 8 MOMs in patients with SRDG. The general QOL scores were as follows: SRDG (+39 points), TGJP (+6 points), PG (+3 points), and TG (-1 point)., Conclusions: The TG group experienced the greatest decline in postoperative QOL. SRDG and PG, which preserve part of the stomach without compromising curability, and TGJP, which is used when TG is required, enhance the postoperative QOL of patients with proximal gastric cancer. When selecting the optimal gastrectomy method, it is essential to understand the characteristics of each and actively incorporate guidance to improve postoperative QOL., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported., (Copyright © 2023. Korean Gastric Cancer Association.)

PURPOSE: Steatorrhea is one of the most common complications in reconstruction after total gastrectomy. Many reconstruction techniques after total gastrectomy have been developed in order to avoid these undesirable effects, but each one of them has some inconvenience. In this experiment, a modified Rosanov technique that keeps duodenal transit, evaluation of fat absorption after gastrectomy was tested. METHODS: Three groups of rats with the same characteristics were used. Total gastrectomy was performed in two groups: one was operated on and transit was reestablished by the Roux-en-Y technique (group Y), while the other was submitted to the modified Rosanov technique (group R). Following surgery, a handmade hyper fatty diet (11% of fat) was offered. A third group (control - group C) was not operated but was submitted to the same conditions of the other groups, and used for reference steatocrit values. The animals underwent laparotomy 14 days after surgery and had their feces collected from cecum to determine their steatocrit by analysis of their values. RESULTS: Steatocrit values for groups R and C (mean 5.16% and 4.15% respectively) were similar (p > 0.1), while group Y had significantly higher values (mean = 28.18%, p = 0.0001 - p < 0,05). This was attributed to the fact that group R animals had their duodenal transit patent, decreasing the complications expected in the Roux-en-Y reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Steatorrhea in the modified Rosanov technique was similar to the control group, while Roux-en-Y reconstruction presented higher steatorrhea and fat malabsorption.OBJETIVO: Uma das principais complicações tardias da gastrectomia total com reconstrução de trânsito excluindo duodeno é a esteatorréia. Várias técnicas de reconstrução após gastrectomia total foram descritas para que se pudesse evitar esses efeitos indesejáveis, mas cada uma apresentou seus inconvenientes. Nesse estudo foi avaliada a técnica descrita por Rosanov com uma pequena modificação, que mantém o trânsito através do duodeno, para avaliar a absorção de gorduras. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados três grupos de ratos Wistar machos, com peso e características semelhante. Dois grupos foram submetidos à gastrectomia total: o primeiro teve sua reconstrução com técnica de Y de Roux (grupo Y), e o segundo com Rosanov modificado (grupo R). Após a cirurgia, foi introduzida dieta com teor de gorduras conhecido (11%). Um terceiro grupo (grupo C) esteve sob mesmas condições dos outros animais, sem ter sido submetido à cirurgia, e foi utilizado como grupo controle para o esteatócrito. Após 14 dias, antes de serem sacrificados, foram submetidos a laparotomia para coleta de fezes do ceco e dosagem de esteatócrito. Os valores de esteatócrito foram analisados estatisticamente pelo método de Kruskal-Wallis. RESULTADOS: O esteatócrito dos grupos R (média = 5,16%) e C (média = 4,15%) foram semelhantes (p > 0,1), enquanto o grupo Y teve valores significativamente maiores (média = 28,18%, p-=0.0001 - p< 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A gastrectomia total com reconstrução tipo Rosanov modificada mostrou esteatorréia semelhante ao grupo controle, enquanto a reconstrução tipo Y de Roux apresentou esteatorréia mais elevada, e portanto malabsorção de gordura.

Background: Postgastrectomy syndrome (PGS) remains a common complication after gastrectomy that affects patients' quality of life. Although impaired gastrointestinal (GI) function by gastrectomy procedures is thought to be the cause, the precise pathophysiology of PGS is yet to be clarified. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between GI function and various symptoms or alimentary status in patients after gastrectomy. Methods: Fifty-one patients who underwent total or distal gastrectomy at least 1 year previously were studied. All patients replied to a questionnaire that asked presence of symptoms (esophageal reflux, nausea, abdominal pain, early satiation, diarrhea, early dumping general, early dumping abdominal, and late dumping symptoms) and alimentary status (change in body weight, food intake per meal, frequency of meals per day). They also underwent assessment of GI function consisting of gastric emptying study by C-acetate breath test to examine reservoir capacity and gastric emptying, and water load drink test to evaluate tolerance to volume loading (TVL). The relationships between GI function and each symptom or alimentary status were examined. Results: The patients with nausea and early dumping general symptoms had significantly smaller reservoir capacity*, the patients with diarrhea and early dumping general symptoms had significantly faster gastric emptying*, and the patients with early satiation and early dumping abdominal symptoms had significantly impaired TVL*. Significant correlations were identified between TVL and body weight changes* or food intake per meal* (* p < 0.05). Conclusion: Impaired postoperative GI function was closely related to symptoms or worse alimentary status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dumping syndrome is a long-term postoperative complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures. Morphologically, dumping syndrome usually correlates with a dilatation of the gastroenterostomy with accelerated pouch emptying. Conservative therapy includes diet changes, complementary pharmacotherapy and, if symptoms persist, surgical revision. Surgical options include endoscopic, endoluminal surgery to constrict the gastrojejunostomy using a novel endoscopic suturing device (OverStitch, Apollo). In our study, we aimed to assess the viability, safety and efficacy of this procedure in patients with late dumping; 14 patients who had developed late dumping syndrome underwent surgery using an endoscopic suturing technique (OverStitch, Apollo). Late dumping was confirmed by Sigstad score and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Prior to surgery, objective analysis of pouch emptying speed was assessed by gastric scintigraphy. Surgery was performed under general anaesthesia. None of the 14 patients suffered intra- or postoperative complications. No postsurgical increase in inflammation parameters was observed. The postinterventional pain scale (visual analogue scale) showed a mean score of 0.5 (range 0-10). In 13 of the 14 patients, no dumping was observed 1-month postsurgery. The postoperative Sigstad score (3.07 ± 2.06; range 1-9) showed an impressive reduction compared with the preoperative score (12.71 ± 4.18; range 7-24) ( p < 0.001). Postoperative upper gastrointestinal gastrografin swallow revealed regular emptying in all the patients. The endoluminal endoscopic suturing technique-applied here for surgical revision of gastroenterostomy following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass-represents a promising, novel therapeutic option in late dumping syndrome involving minimal trauma and offering rapid reconvalescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Dumping syndrome is a well-known adverse outcome after gastrectomy, but the precise clinical features have not been described. The aim of this study was to examine global aspects of dumping syndrome and to explore factors affecting the intensity of dumping syndrome in a large cohort using a newly developed integrated questionnaire, the Post-Gastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale (PGSAS)-45. Methods: Eligible questionnaires retrieved from 2,368 patients after 6 types of gastrectomy were analyzed. The incidence, intensity and number of symptoms of early general, early abdominal and late dumping syndrome were examined across various types of gastrectomy, and clinical factors affecting the intensity of each category of dumping syndrome were identified by multiple regression analysis. Results: Dumping syndromes occurred most frequently and strongly in patients who underwent total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y (TGRY), followed by proximal gastrectomy (PG), distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I, distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y, pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) and local resection (LR), in that order. Significant positive correlations among different categories of dumping syndromes were observed. TGRY, female sex, younger age, division of the celiac branch of the vagus nerve, PG and shorter postoperative period were independently related to worse dumping syndrome. Conclusions: Dumping syndromes were most common after TGRY and least common after PPG and LR among the various gastrectomy procedures. Type of gastrectomy and several clinical factors were related to the intensity of dumping syndrome. PGSAS-45 could offer a useful tool for evaluating dumping syndrome after gastrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) is increasingly being used to treat early gastric cancer in the middle third of the stomach, with the hope of ameliorating postoperative dysfunction and improving quality of life (QOL). We evaluated symptoms of postgastrectomy syndrome (PGS) and QOL by means of a newly developed integrated questionnaire, the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45), and compared PPG with Billroth-I distal gastrectomy (DGBI). Methods: The PGSAS-45 consists of 45 items, including items from the SF-8 and GSRS instruments, as well as 22 newly selected items. It was designed to assess the severity of PGS and the living status and QOL of gastrectomized patients. The nationwide PGSAS surveillance study enrolled 2,368 gastric cancer patients who underwent various types of gastrectomy. In this study we analyzed 313 PPG patients and 909 DGBI patients. Results: Body weight loss was −6.9 % in the PPG group and −7.9 % in the DGBI group (P = 0.052). The PPG group scored better on the diarrhea subscale (PPG; 1.8 vs. DGBI; 2.1, P < 0.0001), dumping subscale (1.8 vs. 2.0, P = 0.003), and frequency of additional meals (1.8 vs. 1.9, P = 0.034). Multiple regression analysis revealed that age and the preservation of the celiac branch of the vagus nerve were independent factors predicting diarrhea and dumping. Conclusions: It has been suggested that PPG is superior to DGBI for ameliorating PGS. Preservation of the celiac branch of the vagus nerve is recommended to reduce postoperative disorders regardless of the reconstruction method used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RACIONAL: Atualmente são raras as vezes em que é necessária a realização de uma gastrectomia, já que os inibidores da bomba de prótons associados aos esquemas antibióticos usados para erradicar o Helicobacter pylori, mudaram o enfoque do tratamento da úlcera péptica. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar tardiamente os doentes submetidos a gastrectomia parcial no tratamento da úlcera péptica, em época em que o Helicobacter pylori ainda não era erradicado de forma intencional, incluindo os sintomas pós-operatórios em comparação com os pré-operatórios e a incidência de síndromes pós-gastrectomias; avaliação endoscópica, incluindo o tipo de cirurgia realizada e os achados macroscópicos da mucosa do coto gástrico, duodeno ou jejuno, dependendo do tipo de reconstrução; avaliação histopatológica, incluindo a pesquisa da bactéria por dois métodos: histológico e teste de urease; e sua possível associação presente no estômago remanescente com as avaliações clínica, endoscópica e histopatológica pós-operatórias. CASUÍSTICAS E MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta e nove doentes gastrectomizados por úlcera péptica entre os anos de 1985 e 1993 foram avaliados, sendo que 44 (74,6%) eram do sexo masculino e tinham idade média de 55 anos, com variação de 31 a 77 anos, passaram por entrevista clínica e por exame endoscópico. O Helicobacter pylori foi pesquisado nas peças cirúrgicas ressecadas, para constatação da sua presença ou não no pré-operatório. RESULTADOS: A avaliação clínica no pós-operatório tardio mostrou que 96% dos doentes apresentaram excelentes e bons resultados (Visick I e II). Os sintomas pós-operatórios mais comuns foram dispepsia leve e outras queixas, como diarréia, anemia e dumping, que ocorreram, respectivamente, em 11 (18,6%), 2 (3,4%) e 2 (3,4%) casos. A reconstrução tipo Billroth I trouxe melhores resultados clínicos tardios, quando comparada com as reconstruções tipo Billroth II e Y-de-Roux. Na avaliação endoscópica, a maioria dos doentes (52,5%) apresentou exame normal, enquanto que os demais apresentaram gastrites enantematosa (37,3%) e erosiva (8,5%). Recidiva ulcerosa ocorreu em dois doentes (3,4%). Na análise histopatológica, foi observada incidência elevada de gastrite crônica (98,3%). A presença de Helicobacter pylori ocorreu em 86% dos doentes antes da cirurgia e em 89,8% no pós-operatório tardio. CONCLUSÕES: Os doentes gastrectomizados apresentaram boa evolução clínica pós-operatória tardia. A gastrectomia parcial com reconstrução tipo Billroth I foi a que trouxe melhores resultados clínicos a longo prazo. O Helicobacter pylori, apesar de estar presente no coto gástrico em 89,8% dos casos, não influenciou de forma negativa nos resultados clínicos, endoscópicos ou histopatológicos no pós-operatório tardio.BACKGROUND: The gastrectomy is an uncommon procedure because the proton bomb inhibitors associated to the antibiotic outlines used to eradicate the Helicobacter pylori changed the focus of the peptic ulcer treatment. AIMS: Later evaluation on those patients who underwent partial gastrectomy as a treatment for peptic ulcer, at that time when any drug to eradicate the Helicobacter pylori was not used. The clinical evaluation included the late postoperative symptoms and postgastrectomy syndromes like dumping, diarrhea, alkaline gastritis and nutritional aspects. The upper digestive endoscopy analysed the surgery reconstruction and the gastric stump, the duodenum and the jejunum mucosa aspects. The histopathological evaluation included looking for Helicobacter pylori by using two different methods: histology and urease test. CASUISTIC AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients, 44 (74.6%) male, median age 55.5 years old (range from 31 to 77 years old), who underwent a clinical interview and an upper digestive endoscopy. Paraffin blocks from the surgical specimen were reviewed in order to find out if the patients did have or did not have Helicobacter pylori before surgery. RESULTS: The final results show that most of the patients had very good and good clinical evolution (Visick I e II) in 96%. The most common symptoms on late postoperative are mild dyspepsia with or without Helicobacter pylori, and diarrhea, anemia and dumping occurred in, respectively, 11 (18.6%), 2 (3.4%) and 2 (3.4%) cases. The Billroth I reconstruction had the best clinical results on statistical rate. The endoscopic finding showed normal results in the most number of cases, and reflux alkaline gastritis or erosive gastritis in a few cases. Ulcer recurrences were diagnosed in two patients (3.4%), and both had positive Helicobacter pylori. Most of the patients had Helicobacter pylori (86%) before surgery and also in the postoperative time (89.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The patients had a very good clinical evolution after the gastrectomy. The Billroth I reconstruction had the best clinical results. The Helicobacter pylori is still present on gastric stump in late postoperative time, and we believe that it does not bring any negative influence to surgical results.

Se realizó este trabajo para orientar a los especialistas de la asistencia médica en materia de alimentación y nutrición, lo relacionado con algunas dietas modificadas en hidratos de carbono como son las que se deben indicar en el síndrome de Dumping y en la intolerancia a la lactosa. Se revisaron las características de estas enfermedades y las particularidades de su tratamiento nutricional; se mostró una lista de alimentos, con lactosa o sin ella, que se consideraron adecuados para los casos de intolerancia a la lactosa. Se concluyó que se puede mejorar la atención nutricional de los pacientes con estas enfermedades.This paper is aimed at giving information to medical assistance specialists in food and nutrition about some modified carbohydrate diets that should be indicated to treat Dumping's syndrome and lactose intolerance. The characteristics of these diseases and the particularities of their nutritional treatment are reviewed. A list of food, with or without lactose, that are considered as adequate for those cases of lactose intolerance, is shown. It is concluded that the nutritional care of the patients with these diseases may be improved.

Racional - A gastrectomia traz conseqüências nutricionais inevitáveis mas atenuáveis, dependendo da dietoterapia pós-operatória. Embora observada, essa desnutrição protéico-energética é pouco dimensionada, provavelmente, pela falta de consenso metodológico. Objetivo - Avaliar o grau de desnutrição protéico-energética do paciente gastrectomizado, utilizando-se de indicadores isolados ou combinados. Pacientes e Métodos - Foram estudados 71 pacientes com gastrectomia parcial (n = 53) ou total (n =18) em pós-operatório de 6 a 24 meses e 24-60 meses. Os dados dietéticos, composição corporal e bioquímicos foram analisados de acordo com o tipo de gastrectomia e tempo pós-operatório. Resultados - A cirurgia foi conseqüência de complicações de úlcera péptica (68%) ou a câncer gástrico (32%). A perda de peso foi referida por 70% dos pacientes, sendo maior no grupo gastrectomia total (16 ± 5 kg) do que no grupo gastrectomia parcial (10 ± 6 kg). Em geral, os pacientes apresentaram déficit antropométrico, albuminemia normal e baixa ingestão calórica, sugerindo deficiência energética crônica. A redução de hemoglobina, hematócrito e ferro ocorreu em maior intensidade e mais precocemente no grupo gastrectomia total. Assim, quando se associou hemoglobina aos indicadores albumina, linfócitos circunferência do braço e prega cutânea subescapular, a prevalência de desnutrição protéico-energética foi maior e em maior intensidade do que na ausência da hemoglobina. Conclusão - A gastrectomia resultou em desnutrição protéico-energética do tipo marasmática, acompanhada de anemia, mais intensa e precoce na gastrectomia total e gradativa na gastrectomia parcial, assemelhando-se à gastrectomia total no pós-operatório tardio.Background - Gastrectomy leads to nutritional consequences that although expected, are not usually measured due to methodological limitations. Aim - To assess the protein-energy deficiency degrees estimated by isolated or combined indicators. Patients and Methods - There were studied 71 patients, who had undergone partial (n = 53) or total (n = 18) gastrectomy in the last 6-24 months (M1) or 24-60 months (M2). The dietary intake, body composition and biochemical data were estimated and compared between groups and moments. Results - The surgeries were undertaken after complications of peptic ulcer (68%) or due to gastric cancers (32%). Weight loss was referred by 70% of patients and higher (16 ± 5 x 10 ± 6 kg) in total gastrectomy group. The patients showed anthropometric deficits along with normal albumin and low energy intake, suggesting chronic-energy deficiency. Hematocrit, hemoglobin and iron showed the most prominent reductions. Anemia was installed earlier and worsened in the total gastrectomy group. Thus, when combining hemoglobin + albumin, + total lymphocyte count + arm circumference and subscapular skinfold, the protein-energy deficiency prevalence was higher and more severe than when hemoglobin was omitted. The protein-energy deficiency occurred earlier and it was more severe in total gastrectomy patients, while in partial gastrectomy the protein-energy deficiency increased in the late post-operative period. Conclusion - The protein-energy deficiency resulted from gastrectomy is more marasmus-like coarsing with anemia, both installed earlier and severer in total gastrectomy than partial gastrectomy but ending up similarly at the late postoperatory.

Background/aim: The glycemic profile of patients who have undergone proximal gastrectomy (PG) using a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device has not been investigated. We aimed to investigate the association between postgastrectomy syndrome and the glycemic profile of patients who underwent PG and its impact on postoperative body weight loss and nutritional status., Patients and Methods: We retrospectively investigated 65 patients with CGM post-surgery. Postoperative glycemic profiles were recorded using a CGM device. To evaluate postgastrectomy syndromes and quality of life (QOL), the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale 37-item questionnaire was employed. The dynamics of albumin and hemoglobin levels were investigated at 1 and 6 months postoperatively., Results: The time below the range (percentage of glucose reading <70 mg/dl) in patients who underwent PG with double-flap (DF) esophagogastrostomy reconstruction was significantly shorter than in those who underwent total gastrectomy (TG). Late dumping scores tended to be better in patients after PG with DF than in those after TG. The body weight loss rate of patients who underwent PG with DF was similar to those who underwent TG. The albumin level at 6 months recovered to the preoperative level in patients who underwent PG with DF, but not in those who underwent TG. Hemoglobin levels at 1 and 6 months postoperatively were significantly higher in patients who underwent PG with DF than in those who underwent TG., Conclusion: Proximal gastrectomy with double-flap esophagogastrostomy reconstruction did not improve QOL or body weight loss, as expected, however, suppressed hypoglycemia, late dumping syndrome, and deterioration in nutritional status., (Copyright © 2023 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background: Distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I reconstruction (DGBI) is the most commonly used treatment approach for gastric cancer patients in Japan. The aim of this study was to assess and elucidate the effect of different surgical DGBI techniques on postgastrectomy syndrome (PGS) using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45 (PGSAS-45). Methods: The newly created PGSAS-45 composed of 45 questions was used in this study. The scale was distributed to 2,922 patients who underwent gastrectomy >1 year prior. Completed forms were returned by 2,520 patients (86 %), of which 909 underwent DGBI. The effects of performing the Kocher maneuver, differences in the size of the gastric remnant and differences the anastomosis technique had on the main outcome measures of PGSAS-45 were analyzed. Results: Patients for whom the Kocher maneuver was performed experienced significantly worse meal-related distress and poorer quality of ingestion. Additionally, a less satisfactory physical and mental component summary from the SF-8 was reported. Patients with larger gastric remnants showed significantly better scores on the diarrhea subscale, a slightly better trend for the need for additional meals and dissatisfaction with eating. Regarding the anastomosis technique, there was no difference between the hand-sewn, circular stapler (CS) and linear stapler end-to-end anastomosis, and there was also no difference between the end-to-end and side-to-end anastomosis with the CS. Conclusions: The Kocher maneuver may increase meal-related distress, reduce the quality of ingestion and impart a negative effect on quality of life (QOL). The larger gastric remnants may cause reduction in diarrhea and an improvement in meal-related scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unnecessary intra-abdominal drain insertion must be avoided, but little is known about the value of prophylactic drainage following laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG). In this study, we investigated the significance of prophylactic drain placement after LDG for gastric cancer. Methods: Seventy-eight consecutive patients with gastric cancer who underwent LDG in our department were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the insertion of a prophylactic intra-abdominal drain following LDG. The 'drain group' comprised 45 patients with routine use of a prophylactic intra-abdominal drain, and the 'no-drain group' comprised 33 patients who did not undergo placement of an intra-abdominal drain. Results: There were no significant differences in terms of the mean age of the patients, male/female ratio, body mass index, and concurrent diseases between the drain group and the no-drain group. In addition, there were no significant differences in the tumor location, tumor diameter, depth of the tumor, nodal metastasis, and tumor stage between the two groups. All patients in each group were successfully treated with R0 surgery, and no patient required conversion to open surgery. Surgery-related factors, including lymph node dissection and operative time, were similar in the drain group and the no-drain group. A comparison of the amount of intraoperative blood loss between patients with and without postoperative complications revealed that patients who experienced postoperative complications had a significantly larger amount of blood loss than those without postoperative complications. A comparison of operative times between patients with and without surgery-related postoperative local complications revealed that patients who experienced surgery-related postoperative local complications had a significantly longer operative time than those without surgery-related postoperative local complications. Analysis of operative times in each group revealed that patients with surgery-related postoperative local complications had a significantly longer operative time than those without surgery-related postoperative local complications in the no-drain group. Conclusions: Intraoperative factors such as the operative time and the amount of intraoperative blood loss affected the occurrence of postoperative complications following LDG. A prophylactic drain may thus be useful in patients at higher risk and in those with a longer operative time or massive intraoperative bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) is sometimes performed as a function-preserving surgery for the treatment of early gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to use an integrated assessment scale for postgastrectomy syndrome to determine the appropriate indicators and optimal methods for PPG. Methods: The Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Study (PGSAS) is a multicenter survey based on an integrated questionnaire (PGSAS-45) consisting of 45 items. Questionnaire responses were retrieved from a total of 2,520 patients, each of whom had undergone one of six different types of gastrectomy procedures; 313 responses from patients who had received PPG were analyzed here. Results: The size of the proximal gastric remnant (less than one-quarter, about one-third, or more than one-half of the original size) significantly influenced the change in body weight, the scores for dissatisfaction at the meal, and dissatisfaction for daily life subscale ( P = 0.030, P = 0.005, P = 0.034, respectively). The nausea score in patients who underwent hand-sewn anastomosis was significantly lower than in those who underwent anastomosis with a linear stapler ( P = 0.006). The scores for diarrhea subscale, increased passage of stools, and sense of foods sticking differed significantly depending on the length of the preserved pyloric cuff ( P = 0.047, P = 0.021, P = 0.046, respectively). Conclusions: The results suggest that preservation of a sufficient proximal gastric remnant is recommended when utilizing PPG as function-preserving surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although proximal gastrectomy (PG) is widely accepted as a function-preserving operation for early upper-third gastric cancer, postoperative disorders, such as reflux or gastric stasis, have often been pointed out. From the perspective of postoperative disorder, the choice of total gastrectomy (TG) or PG for such cancers is still controversial. By using the newly developed Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale (PGSAS)-45, the quality of life after TG and PG was compared. Methods: The PGSAS-45 consists of 45 items composed of the SF-8 and GSRS scales and 22 new items. The main outcomes are measured by seven subscales (SS) covering symptoms, physical and mental component summary (SF-8), meals (amount and quality), ability to work, dissatisfaction for daily life, and change in body weight. A total of 2,368 eligible questionnaires were acquired from 52 institutions. From these, 393 patients with TG and 193 patients with PG were selected and compared. Results: The PG was better than TG in terms of body weight loss (TG 13.8 % vs. PG 10.9 %; p = 0.003), necessity for additional meals (2.4 vs. 2.0; p < 0.001), diarrhea SS (2.3 vs. 2.0; p = 0.048), and dumping SS (2.3 vs. 2.0; p = 0.043). There were no differences in the other main outcome measures. Conclusions: Proximal gastrectomy appears to be valuable as a function-preserving procedure for early upper-third gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lack of a suitable instrument to comprehensively assess symptoms, living status, and quality of life in postgastrectomy patients prompted the authors to develop postgastrectomy syndrome assessment scale (PGSAS)-45. Methods: PGSAS-45 consists of 45 items in total: 8 items from SF-8, 15 items from GSRS, and an additional 22 items selected by 47 gastric surgeons. Using the PGSAS-45, a multi-institutional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of postgastrectomy syndrome and its impact on everyday life among patients who underwent various types of gastrectomy. Eligible data were obtained from 2,368 patients operated and followed at 52 institutions in Japan. Of these, data from 1,777 patients were used in the current study in which symptom subscales of the PGSAS-45 were determined. We also considered the characteristics of the postgastrectomy syndrome and to what extent these symptoms influence patients' living status and quality of life (QOL). Results: By factor analysis, 23 symptom-related items of PGSAS-45 were successfully clustered into seven symptom subscales that represent esophageal reflux, abdominal pain, meal-related distress, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, and dumping. These seven symptom subscales and two other subscales measuring quality of ingestion and dissatisfaction for daily life, respectively, had good internal consistency in terms of Cronbach′s α (0.65-0.88). Conclusion: PGSAS-45 provides a valid and reliable integrated index for evaluation of symptoms, living status, and QOL in gastrectomized patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Postgastrectomy or esophagectomy symptoms can be a significant burden for patients. However, no standard scale for evaluating these symptoms has been established. We recently developed a postoperative symptom-specific scale. Study Design After a draft scale was prepared based on a pilot study, psychometric methods were used to assess its reliability and validity. This study involved specialized and multifaceted discussions by a team consisting of gastrointestinal surgeons, gastroenterologists, psychologists, and epidemiologic researchers. The draft questionnaire included 40 questions and 3 domains. A factor analysis was carried out to refine the items and subscale design. To assess the reliability, Cronbach’s alpha and score distributions were estimated. To assess the criterion-related validity, the correlations with the Short Form (SF)-12, Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), endoscopic findings, and nutritional indicators were analyzed. Results A total of 344 patients were enrolled in this study. In an exploratory factor analysis (principal factor method), the eigenvalue attenuation data showed 4 domains. The final scale, named the Esophagus and Stomach Surgery Symptom Scale (ES 4 ), included 23 items and 4 domains; 7 items for cervico-thoracic symptoms, 6 for abdominal hypersensitivity symptoms, 4 for abdominal distention symptoms, and 6 items for systemic symptoms. Cronbach’s alphas for these domains were 0.82, 0.81, 0.79, and 0.74, respectively. The scale scores were normally distributed, and there were significant associations with the endoscopic findings, nutritional indicators, the summary score of the SF-12, and the GSRS. Conclusions The ES 4 scale has high psychometric validity and can evaluate the profiles and severity of postoperative symptoms. This scale is applicable as an outcomes measure for various interventional studies on esophagogastric surgery aimed at alleviating postoperative symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) has been performed to reduce postprandial symptoms for some early gastric cancer (EGC) cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible advantages after PPG for middle-third EGC in comparison with distal gastrectomy. Materials and Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, and Science Citation Index Expanded for relevant studies. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the summary weighted mean differences (WMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) using random-effects models. Results: We identified 15 nonrandomized controlled trials (16 studies) with 1774 patients, which consisted of 11 studies for conventional PPG (CPPG) versus conventional distal gastrectomy (CDG) and 5 studies for laparoscopy-assisted PPG (LAPPG) versus laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG). Meta-analysis of CPPG versus CDG revealed that CPPG had the advantage of prevention of early dumping syndrome (OR=0.18; 95% CI 0.12, 0.27), gastritis (OR=0.19; 95% CI 0.07, 0.53), duodenal juice reflux (OR=0.20; 95% CI 0.06, 0.66), and regaining of weight (WMD=3.53; 95% CI 2.34, 4.72). However, the incidence of gastric stasis was higher in the CPPG group than in the CDG group (OR=1.70; 95% CI 1.13, 2.57). Meta-analysis of LAPPG versus LADG revealed that LAPPG shortened the operation time (WMD=−21.12; 95% CI −31.33, −10.90) and did not increase the occurrence of postoperative complication (OR=0.72; 95% CI 0.41, 1.27). Conclusions: With the benefits of prevention of early dumping syndrome, duodenal juice reflux, gastritis, and regaining of weight, PPG can be an excellent option for middle-third EGC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Roux-en-Y stasis syndrome is a troublesome postgastrectomy syndrome. Although the era of gastric resection for peptic ulcer disease has almost come to an end, the increasing incidence of proximal gastric cancer and the outbreak of bariatric operations make the study of the motility of the Roux-en-Y limb (RYL) after gastric resection or gastroplasty very relevant.This study aims to evaluate the motility of the RYL after total gastrectomy using high-resolution manometry (HRM). We performed an HRM on 8 patients after total gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer and Roux-en-Y reconstruction, 74 ± 111 months after the operation. At the time of the study, all patients were asymptomatic without evidence of cancer recurrence.Peristaltic waves were noticed at the RYL in 3 (37 %) of the patients. The mean wave amplitude of the peristaltic waves was 63 ± 29 (37-94) mmHg and 83 ± 35 (42-104) mmHg at 3 and 7 cm below the esophagojejunal junction, respectively. Simultaneous waves were noticed in 6 (75 %) of the patients in 80 ± 32 % (30-100) of the swallows of these patients. No patient presented with absence of motor activity detectable at the HRM. Our results show that: (1) esophageal motility is normal after total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction; (2) motor activity is always detectable at the proximal RYL, but peristalsis is abnormal in most patients; and (3) absence of peristalsis does not translate into symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background With an increase in life expectancy, very elderly patients are presenting with gastric cancer more commonly than ever. The present study retrospectively analyzed the surgical outcomes of laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy for gastric cancer in the young, elderly, and very elderly age groups. Methods The study group consisted of 1,055 patients who underwent laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy between February 2002 and December 2012. We divided these patients into three groups; group 1 (young age, <65 years), group 2 (elderly age, 65-74 years), and group 3 (very elderly age, =75 years). Results There were statistical differences in the rates of postoperative complications among the three groups (P = 0.008). However, when assessed according to the severity of postoperative complications based on the Clavien-Dindo classification, there was no statistical difference among the three groups (P = 0.562). Conclusions Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy for gastric cancer can be performed in very elderly patients. In analyzing studies of elderly patients with postoperative complications following the procedure, not only should the rate of postoperative complications be taken into consideration, but also the severity of any postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]