Surgical Technique for Lesser Curvature Lymph Node Dissection in Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy

INTRODUCTION: Lesser curvature lymph node dissection is often performed at the end of the procedure in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. In obese patients, it can be difficult to secure a visual field, and bleeding or injury of the remnant stomach may occur. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: After separating the duodenum using an automated suturing instrument, the stomach is rolled under the left diaphragm. An assistant holds the gastric angle near the lesser curvature with forceps in the right hand, and pulls the stomach cephalad toward the left side of the patient. As a result, the region from the esophagogastric junction to the gastric angle is aligned, enabling use of an ultrasonically activated scalpel from the right side of the operator. Dissection is performed from around the posterior wall of the esophagogastric junction to the gastric angle. After dissecting the posterior wall as much as possible, dissection of the anterior wall is performed to complete the lesser curvature procedure. CONCLUSION: This technique enables safe and reliable dissection of the lesser curvature while avoiding bleeding and damage to the stomach wall.