The applicability of D2 gastrectomy in operable gastric cancer patients: A trial of Alexandria Surgical Oncology Unit

Background: There is ongoing controversy in patients with early gastric cancer over whether a lymph node resection beyond a D1 lymphadenectomy is beneficial. Experienced gastric surgery centers, especially in Japan and Korea, have argued that a more extensive lymph node dissection that incorporates the next echelon of lymph nodes (D2 lymphadenectomy) improves staging and outcome in gastric cancer patients. Aim of the work: Was to assess the feasibility and safety of D2 gastrectomy in patients presented by operable gastric cancer. Patients and Methods: The study included thirty patients with operable gastric cancer who were treated by D2 gastrectomy after preoperative assessment by laboratory and radiological investigations. They were followed post operatively for complications and hospital stay and the histopathological criteria were assessed and analyzed. Results: Twenty six patients had pyloric tumors and four having gastric body tumors were included. Postoperative complications occurred in 20% of cases, these included wound infection, bile leak, ascites and chest infection. Conclusion: D2 gastrectomy for gastric cancer is a safe procedure for patients with operable gastric cancer. KEYWORDS: Gastric cancer, D2 gastrectomy