[Initial experience with laparoscopic gastrectomy in benign and malignant tumors]

Area of Science:

• Gastrointestinal surgery
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Surgical oncology

Context:

• Laparoscopic techniques are increasingly applied to complex gastrointestinal procedures.
• Evaluating the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic gastric resections for both benign and malignant conditions is crucial.

Purpose:

• To assess the outcomes of laparoscopic classic gastric resections, including oncologic gastrectomies with D2-lymphadenectomy.
• To compare the laparoscopic approach with traditional open surgery for gastric cancer and benign gastric conditions.

Summary:

• Twelve laparoscopic gastric resections were performed, including 5 Billroth I resections for gastric ulcers and GIST, and 7 oncologic gastrectomies with D2-lymphadenectomy for adenocarcinoma and maltoma.
• Mean operative times were 230 minutes for Billroth I and 295 minutes for total gastrectomies.
• One case of duodenal leakage was managed laparoscopically. All patients experienced uncomplicated recovery with early mobility, rapid gut motility, minimal pain, and good cosmetic results. Oncologic resection was R0 in all malignancy cases, with a mean of 34 lymph nodes removed. No tumor cell dissemination or port site metastases were observed.

Impact:

• Laparoscopic oncologic gastrectomy with D2-lymphadenectomy is a safe and effective alternative to open surgery.
• The minimally invasive approach leads to faster patient recovery and improved cosmetic outcomes.
• This study supports the oncological safety and feasibility of advanced laparoscopic gastric surgery.