Background. Laparoscopic surgery has limited application in the surgical management of gastric neoplasms, worldwide. In our department the laparoscopic approach is used mainly for staging of gastric neoplasms, but also with curative intent in selected cases.
Material and Methods During the last two years we performed: i) 10 laparoscopies for staging of gastric adenocarcinoma, ii) 4 partial resections for stromal tumors of the stomach, and iii) 9 laparoscopic subtotal resections (stage I: 3, Ib: 4, IIIa:2) , 2 esophagogastric resections (stage IIIb:1, IIIc:1), and 3 total resections for the treatment of gastric adenocarcinomas (stage IIIa:2, IIIb:1).
Results One case was converted to open due to technical difficulties. There was no mortality in our cases and the complication rate was minimal (subphrenic collection: one case, pneumonia: one case). The resection margins were clear for all cases. The mean number of lymph node yield was similar to our open experience. The mean hospital stay was 7+ 1.0 days.
Conclusion Laparoscopic gastrectomy is feasible, safe and offers better early postoperative quality of life than open surgery. The clinical outcome is equivalent to open approach in selected cases.
Session: Poster
Program Number: P346
