Laparoscopy-assisted D2 subtotal gastrectomy in early gastric cancer.

The purpose of this study is to prove the safety and efficacy of laparoscopy-assisted subtotal gastrectomy and D2 lymph node dissection using 4 ports and an EEA stapler with a Billroth I anastomosis. From 1999 to 2001, 20 patients with EGC located in the distal stomach underwent laparoscopy-assisted Billroth I gastrectomy (LABIG). A 4-port-technique was performed for omentectomy, vascular ligation, and D2 lymph node dissection. A mini-incision was created between the two ports in the epigastric area and a gastroduodenal anastomosis with an EEA stapler and a distal resection was performed. The mean operating time was 261.8 (170-410) minutes. There was one postoperative complication without any intraoperative transfusions or perioperative mortality. The number of harvested nodes was 31.9 +/- 11.4. Mean distance from the lesion to the margin of resection was 5.3 +/- 2.2 cm proximally and 4.0 +/- 2.0 cm distally. On average, oral liquids were started at the 4.7th (3rd-8th) postoperative day. LABIG is a safe and effective way of performing D2 gastrectomy in terms of morbidity and oncological principles. A randomized controlled clinical study to compare long-term survival and quality of life is warranted.