• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.290-300
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• 2019

Purpose: The optimal method for intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy remains unclear because a purse-string suture for fixing the anvil into the esophagus is difficult to perform with a laparoscopic approach. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate our novel technique to fix the anvil into the esophagus. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 202 patients who were treated at our institution with an intracorporeal circular esophagojejunostomy in a laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction (166 cases) or a laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy with jejunal interposition (36 cases). After incising 3/4 of the esophageal wall, a hand-sewn purse-string suture was placed on the esophagus. Next, the anvil head of a circular stapler was introduced into the esophagus. Finally, the circular esophagojejunostomy was performed laparoscopically. The clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes were evaluated and compared with those of other methods. Results: The average operation time was 200.3 minutes. The average hand-sewn purse-string suturing time was 6.4 minutes. The overall incidence of postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification grade ${\geq}II$) was 26%. The number of patients with an anastomotic leakage and stenosis at the esophagojejunostomy site were 4 (2.0%) and 12 (6.0%), respectively. All patients with stenosis were successfully treated by endoscopic balloon dilatation. There was no mortality. Regarding the materials and devices for anvil fixation, only 1 absorbable thread was needed. Conclusions: Our procedure for hand-sewn purse-string suturing with the double ligation method is simple and safe.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.132-141
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• 2021

Purpose: Intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy during reduced-port gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer is a technically challenging technique. No study has yet reported a robotic technique for anastomosis. Therefore, to address this gap, we describe our reduced-port technique and the short-term outcomes of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent a totally robotic reduced-port total or proximal gastrectomy between August 2016 and March 2020. We used an infra-umbilical Single-Site^® port with two additional ports on both sides of the abdomen. To transect the esophagus, a 45-mm endolinear stapler was inserted via the right abdominal port. The common channel of the esophagojejunostomy was created between the apertures in the esophagus and proximal jejunum using a 45-mm linear stapler. The entry hole was closed with a 45-mm linear stapler or robot-sewn continuous suture. All anastomoses were performed without the aid of an assistant or placement of stay sutures. Results: Among the 40 patients, there were no conversions to open, laparoscopic, or conventional 5-port robotic surgery. The median operation time and blood loss were 254 min and 50 mL, respectively. The median number of retrieved lymph nodes was 40.5. The median time to first flatus, soft diet intake, and length of hospital stay were 3, 5, and 7 days, respectively. Three (7.5%) major complications, including two anastomosis-related complications and a case of small bowel obstruction, were treated with an endoscopic procedure and re-operation, respectively. No mortality occurred during the study period. Conclusions: Intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy during reduced-port gastrectomy can be safely performed and is feasible with acceptable surgical outcomes.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.83-93
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• 2022

Background: To analyze the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of 2 reconstruction methods after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Methods: Three keywords, "gastric neoplasm," "distal gastrectomy," and "reconstruction," were used to search PubMed. We selected only randomized controlled trial that compared the anastomosis methods. A total of 11 papers and 8 studies were included in this meta-analysis. All statistical analyses were performed using the R software. Results: Among short-term clinical outcomes, a shorter operation time, reduced morbidity, and shorter hospital stay were found for Billroth type I (B-I) than for Roux-en-Y (RNY) reconstruction in the meta-analysis (P<0.001, P=0.048, P<0.001, respectively). When comparing Billroth type II (B-II) to RNY, the operation time was shorter for B-II than for RNY (P<0.019), but there were no differences in morbidity or length of hospital stay (P=0.500, P=0.259, respectively).Regarding long-term clinical outcomes related to reflux, there were significantly fewer incidents of reflux esophagitis, reflux gastritis, and bile reflux (P=0.035, P<0.001, P=0.019, respectively) for RNY than for B-I in the meta-analysis, but there was no difference between the 2 methods in residual food (P=0.545). When comparing B-II to RNY, there were significantly fewer incidents of reflux gastritis (P<0.001) for RNY than for B-II, but the amount of residual food and patient weight gain showed no difference. Conclusion: B-I had the most favorable short-term outcomes, but RNY was more advantageous for long-term outcomes than for other methods. Surgeons should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of anastomosis and select the appropriate method.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2023

Studies indicate an association between hyperuricemia (HUA) and metabolic syndrome risk factors. On the other hand, obesity is a major modifiable and independent risk factor for HUA and gout. However, evidence concerning the effects of bariatric surgery on serum uric acid levels is limited and not completely clarified. This retrospective study was carried out with 41 patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (n = 26) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 15) from September 2019 to October 2021. Anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical data, including uric acid blood urea nitrogen and creatinine fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum triglyceride (TG), and serum cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), were measured preoperatively and postoperative 3, 6 and 12 months. From baseline to 6 and 12 months, bariatric surgery resulted in a significant decrease in serum uric acid of patients with severe obesity (p < 0.001). The decreases in serum FBS, TG, and cholesterol of patients were significant during 6 and 12 months of follow-up (p < 0.05). However, the HDL increase of patients was not statistically significant in 6 and 12 months (p > 0.05). Besides, although patients' serum level of LDL decreased significantly during the 6 months of follow-up (p = 0.007), it was not significant after 12 months (p = 0.092). Bariatric surgery significantly reduces serum uric acid levels. Therefore, it may be an effective supplementary therapy for lowering serum uric acid concentrations in morbidly obese patients.

• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.318-324
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• 2022

Backgrounds/Aims: Gallstone disease is a recognized complication of bariatric surgery. Subsequent management of choledocholithiasis may be challenging due to altered anatomy which may include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). We conducted a retrospective service evaluation study to assess the safety and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (EDGE) in patients with RYGB anatomy. Methods: All the patients who underwent EDGE for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography after RYGB at two tertiary care centers in the United Kingdom between January 2020 and October 2021 were included in the study. Clinical and demographic details were recorded for all patients. The primary outcome measures were technical and clinical success. Adverse events were recorded. Hot Axios lumen apposing metal stents measuring 20 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length were used in all the patients for creation of a gastro-gastric or gastro-jejunal fistula. Results: A total of 14 patients underwent EDGE during the study period. The majority of the patients were female (85.7%) and the mean age of patients was 65.8 ± 9.8 years. Technical success was achieved in all but one patient at the first attempt (92.8%) and clinical success was achieved in 100% of the patients. Complications arose in 3 patients with 1 patient experiencing persistent fistula and weight gain. Conclusions: In patients with RYGB anatomy, EDGE facilitated biliary access has a high rate of clinical success with an acceptable safety profile. Adverse events are uncommon and can be managed endoscopically.

• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.325-332
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• 2022

Backgrounds/Aims: To analyze relationships of hepatic histopathological findings and bile microbiological profiles with perioperative outcomes and risk of late biliary stricture in individuals undergoing surgical bile duct injury (BDI) repair. Methods: A historical cohort study was carried out at a tertiary university hospital. Fifty-six individuals who underwent surgical BDI repair from 2014-2018 with a minimal follow-up of 24 months were enrolled. Liver biopsies were performed to analyze histopathology. Bile samples were collected during repair procedures. Hepatic histopathological findings and bile microbiological profiles were then correlated with perioperative and late outcomes through uni- and multi-variate analyses. Results: Forty-three individuals (76.8%) were females and average age was 47.2 ± 13.2 years; mean follow-up was 38.1 ± 18.6 months. The commonest histopathological finding was hepatic fibrosis (87.5%). Bile cultures were positive in 53.5%. The main surgical technique was Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (96.4%). Overall morbidity was 35.7%. In univariate analysis, liver fibrosis correlated with the duration of the operation (R = 0.3; p = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, fibrosis (R = 0.36; p = 0.02) and cholestasis (R = 0.34; p = 0.02) independently correlated with operative time. Strasberg classification independently correlated with estimated bleeding (R = 0.31; p = 0.049). The time elapsed between primary cholecystectomy and BDI repair correlated with hepatic fibrosis (R = 0.4; p = 0.01). Conclusions: Bacterial contamination of bile was observed in most cases. The degree of fibrosis and cholestasis correlated with operative time. The waiting time for definitive repair correlated with the severity of liver fibrosis.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.242-251
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• 2004

Purpose: Recently, because of the increasing numbers of early gastric cancer patients and improvements in their survivals, greater attention has been directed towards the quality of life and nutritional status of gastric cancer patients after surgery. However, conventional reconstructions, Billroth- I, -II (B-I and B-II) or Roux-en-Y, have proven to have certain limitations, such as a small reservoir, and a malabsorption for iron, fat, calcium, and carotene. To overcome these limitations, we used a jejunal pouch interposition(JPI) after a distal gastrectomy not only to substitute for the small reservoir but also to maintain a physiologic pathway for ingested foods. Materials and Methods: A total of 196 gastric cancer patients who underwent a distal gastrectomy between March 2001 and February 2004 were divided into 3 groups: JPI group (n=100), B-I group (n=29), and B-II group (n=67). We assessed the patient's nutritional status, gastric emptying time, and gastrofiberscopic findings. Results: The percents of body weight loss at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively in the JPI group ($5.14\%,\;3.01\%,\;2.37\%$) were significantly less than those of the conventional B-I ($8.41\%,\;6.69\%,\;5.90\%$) and B-II groups ($7.50\%,\;7.65\%,\;5.86\%$) (P=0.011, 0.000, 0.013). The laboratory findings showed no significant differences between the 3 groups, except for a higher total protein level in the JPI group after 6 months postoperatively. Especially, stage I and II cancers in the JPI group showed much higher total protein levels after 1 year postoperatively. The gastric emptying times in the $\^{99m}$Tc- semisolid scans at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively were 102.5, 83.1, and 58.1 minutes in the JPI group, 95.5, 92.0, and 58.5 minutes in the B-I group, and 53.9, 69.1, and 50.2 minutes in the B-II group, respectively. Also, the symptomatic gastric stasis detected with a gastrofiberscope during the early postoperative period (6 months) was gradually improved. Conclusion: From a nutritional aspect, a jejunal pouch interposition after a distal gastrectomy could be an alternative reconstruction method, especially in stage I and II gastric cancer patients, in spite of the longer operation time and the probable delayed gastric emptying.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.252-256
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• 2004

Purpose: Anastomosis site stricture is a common complication after a total gastrectomy. End-to-end anastomosis (EEA) stapler devices are preferred to a hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy these days. However, stapling devices have been reported not to reduce the incidence of esophagojejunostomy site stricture considerably. Materials and Methods: From Sep. 1998 to Dec. 2000, at Korea Gastic Cancer Center, Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University, we experienced 228 total gastrectomies in which EEA stapling devices had been used. We investigated the correlation of the stricture with the size of the EEA stapling device, the type of esophagojejunal reconstruction, reflux esophagitis, and duration of stricture development. Results: Among the 228 cases, as far as the patient's age was concerned, the 7th decade was the most common 64 cases, followed by the 5th decades. The Male-to-female ratio was 2.3：1. A loop esophagojejunostomy was used in 223 cases, and the Roux-en-Y method was used in 5 cases. The 32 patients with anastomosis site stricture were patients with loop esophagojejunal anastomosis. Anastomosis site stricture occurred in $14\%$ (32/228) of the total gastrectomy cases, in$15.9\%$ (11/69) of the total gastrectomies involving stapler devices with a 25-mm diameter, and in $13.2\%$ (21/159) of the total gastrectomies involving staper devices with a 28-mm diameter. There was no correlation between the incidence of stricture and EEA- stapling device size (P>0.05). Reflux esophagitis occurred in 56 of the 228 cases, with 7 of those 56 cases ($12.5\%$) and 25 of the remaining 172 cases ($14.5\%$) having strictures. There was no considerable difference in the stricture incidence rate according to the presence of reflux esophagitis (P>0.05). The onset of stricture development, occurred within 6 months in 16 cases, including 4 cases of reflux esophagitis, between 7 and 18 months in 14 cases, including 3 cases of reflux eshophagitis, and after 19 months in 2 cases. Conclusion: An esophagojejunostomy site stricture after a total gastrectomy was not correlated with the esophagojejunal reconstruction type, the size of the stapling device, or the presence of reflux esophagitis. General anastomosis technical factors (e.g., adequate blood supply, tension-free manner, adequate hemostasis) may be more important to prevent anastomosis site stricture after an esophagojejunostomy during a total gastrectomy.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.206-212
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• 2007

Purpose: The number of laparoscopy assisted distal gastrectomies (LADG) is gradually increasing for the treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC) patients as a surgical modality for improving quality of life. However, there are few reports on laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG), mainly because this procedure is performed relatively infrequently, and the procedure is more complicated than LADG. This study was performed to evaluate the technical feasibility, safety, and surgical results of LATG with lymphadenectomy through a review of our experience. Materials and Methods: From July 2003 to June 2007, 77 LATG with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy were performed for patients with a preoperative diagnosis of EGC. The clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Results: There were 49 males and 28 females in the study with a mean age of 61 years (range $30{\sim}85$ years). The mean operation time was 210 minutes (range $100{\sim}400$ minutes) and the operation time was gradually decreased as the case numbers increased. There were 13 operative morbidities (16.9%) and no operative mortalities. The restoration of bowel motility was noted at 3.2 postoperative days; a soft diet was started at 4.4 postoperative days and the duration of hospital stay was 10 days. There were 20 mucosal lesions, 32 submucosal lesions, 15 proper muscle lesions, 7 subserosal lesions and 3 serosal lesions. A total of 20 patients were treated by D2 lymph node dissection, 55 patients were treated by D1+$\beta$ lymph node dissection, and two patients were treated by D1+$\alpha$ lymph node dissection. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 42 (range $11{\sim}86$). Lymph node metastases were noted in 12 patients. Conclusion: This study indicated LATG could be applied safely and effectively for patients with EGC. However, a prospective study comparing laparoscopy-assisted versus open gastrectomy for short-term and long-term surgical outcome is needed.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.143-148
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• 2004

Purpose: To determine the clinical value of the Siewert classification for gastic-cancer patients in Korea, we evaluated and compared the clinicopathologic factors of type II and type III cancer. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 89 consecutive patients who had undergone surgery for an adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) at the Department of Surgery, Hanyang University Hospital, between Jun. 1992 and Dec. 2003 were reviewed retrospectively. Results: There were one patient with type I, 12 pateints with type II and 77 patients with type III. During the same period, 1,341 patients underwent surgery for a gastric carcinoma, so proportion of GEJ cancer being $6.6\%$. The median followup duration was 31 months (range: $2\∼135$ months), and the follow-up rate was $100\%$. Between type II and type III cancers, there were no significant differences in the clinicopathologic variables including age, sex, gross appearance, histologic type, depth of invasion, and pathologic stage. The longest diameter of the tumor was larger in type III ($6.1\pm2.1$ cm) than in type II ($3.9\pm1.1$ cm)(P=0.001). A total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy was done most frequently, while jejunal interposition was done in 3 cases of type II and 2 cases of type III. More than a D2 lymphadenectomy was done all cases. The numbers of dissected lymph nodes and metastatic lymph nodes in type II were 43.8 and 5.8 respectively, while they were 49.8 and 8.1 in type III, but the difference between the two groups were not statistically significant. The mean length of the proximal resection margin was $15\pm5$ mm in type II and $21\pm13$ mm in type III, but this difference was not statistically significanct. The time to recurrence after operation was 19.3 months in type II and 16.9 months in type III. The five-year survival rates of type II and III were $68.8\%\;and\;52.7\%$ respectively, but difference was not significant. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in the clinicopathologic variables, including survival rate, between type II and type III cancers in Korean patients According to these findings, it appears to be reasonable to classify type III cancer as a cardia cancer in a broad sense.