The results of 100 consecutive laparoscopic omentum-sparing gastric cancer resections with D2 lymphadenectomy

Abstract Background In the present paper, we intend to present the shot- and long-term results of omentum-preserving laparoscopic gastric cancer resections with D2 lymphadenectomy in 100 consecutive patients with stages 0-IV and perioperative chemotherapy. Methods The study's primary objectives were the perioperative results, the length of postoperative stay, and the 5-year overall and 5-year disease-specific survival. Results The mean age was 69 ± 11 years; the mean BMI was 26 ± 3 kg/m2. The tumors were primarily located in the middle and distal third of the stomach; 12% were actively bleeding or causing obstruction, necessitating an emergency operation. Perioperative chemotherapy was administered in 46% of the patients. Most patients received a total gastrectomy (52%), and 45% received a distal subtotal gastrectomy. The conversion rate was 16%. Perioperative complications occurred in 20%; the perioperative mortality was 1%. The median hospital stay was eight days. The most common UICC stage was Ia, followed by IIIb. Early gastric cancer was present only in 29% of patients. The 5-year overall and disease-specific survivals were 57.5% and 72.6%, respectively. Conclusion The results from this single high-volume center confirm the safety of laparoscopic omentum-preserving gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy in patients with advanced gastric cancer. The referral of gastric cancer patients to dedicated high-volume centers with specialized laparoscopic surgical teams might lead to similar high-quality results presented in Eastern trials.