Clinical analysis of 25 gastric cancer cases undergoing totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy

Objective To investigate the feasibility and safety of totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. Methods Clinical data of 25 patients with distal gastric cancer undergoing totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy between December 2011 and January 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Only laparoscopic linear stapler was used in intracorporeal delta-shaped or Roux-en-Y anastomosis for reconstruction. Results No patient required conversion to laparoscopy-assisted or open surgery. The mean total operative time and anastomotic time were (256±23.6) min and (35.7±8.4) min respectively in patients with delta-shaped anastomosis, and (287±11.5) min and (46.4±12.1) min in those with Roux-en-Y anastomosis. The mean blood loss was (109.6±42.3) ml, and the mean number of stapler used was 5.6. The mean time to the first flatus was (2.8±1.2) d, and mean time liquid diet to resume was (3.5±0.9) d. Postoperative complication occurred in 3 patients (12.0%). Conclusion Totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis using laparoscopic linear stapler is safe and feasible. Key words: Stomach neoplasms, distal; Gastrectomy; Digestive tract reconstruction; Laparoscopy; Linear stapler