Open Access Technical innovations

V-shaped lymph node dissection in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy; new technique of intra-abdominal dissection and surgical outcomes

Nobuhisa Matsuhashi1,2,3*, Narutoshi Nagao1, Yoshinori Iwata1, Sang-Woong Lee2, Takaya Tokuhara2, Chihiro Tanaka1, Masahiko Kawai1, Katsuyuki Kunieda1 and Kazuhiro Yoshida3

Author Affiliations

1 Department of Surgery, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu City, Japan

2 Department of General and Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka Medical College, Osaka, Japan

3 Department of Surgical Oncology, Gifu University School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan

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World Journal of Surgical Oncology 2012, 10:205 doi:10.1186/1477-7819-10-205

Published: 29 September 2012

Abstract

Background

Recently, laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) has become popular for the treatment of early gastric cancer. Furthermore, the use of totally laparoscopic gastrectomy (TLG), a more difficult procedure than LADG, has been increasing in Japan. Laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy is currently performed more frequently than laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) in hospitals in Japan.

Method

Reconstruction after LDG is commonly performed extra-abdominally and lymph node dissection of the lesser curvature is performed at the same time. We have developed a new method of intra-abdominal lymph node dissection for the lesser curvature.

Results

Our technique showed positive results, is easy to perform, and is reasonable in terms of general oncology theory.

Conclusion

In oncological therapy, this technique could be a valuable surgical option for totally laparoscopic surgery.

Keywords:
Laparoscopic gastrectomy; Lymph node dissection