BACKGROUND: The role of laparoscopic gastrectomy in the treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma.
AIM: To compare open and laparoscopic gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma.
METHODS : Between january 2000 and december 2006, we prospectively enrolled all patients operated for gastric adenocarcinoma. Datas were later analyzed according to the type of procedure (open versus laparoscopic). Parameters included : operative incidents, conversion, transfusion, duration, harvested lymph nodes, resection margins, operative mortality and morbidity, 1- 2- and 3-year recurrence and survival analysis.
RESULTS : 51 patients operated laparoscopically (group A) were compared to 79 patients who had open procedures (group B). Conversion rate was 6 %. Blood loss was less important in group A (150 ml versus, 400 ml ; p< 0.05). Operative duration was longer in group B (260 min versus 200 min; p 0.05), respectively. The number of harvested lymph nodes was more important in group A (14 versus 26; p < 0.05). Operative mortality rate was 0 % in group A and 2 % in group B (p> 0.05), respectively. Post-operative morbidity rates were comparables (12 % versus 16 %) in group A and B, respectively. Mean length of hospital stay according to the French system was shorter in group A (8 days versus 11 days) as compared to group B (p< 0.05). One, two and 3-year survival and recurrence rates were comparables in both groups.
CONCLUSION : Laparoscopic gastrectomy is a feasible and safe technique; In selected patients and experienced hands, results are at least comparables to those of open gastrectomies.
Session: Podium Presentation
Program Number: S094