[Multivisceral and extended resection in tumor surgery: stomach cancer]

The aim of curative surgery in gastric cancer is the complete removal of all tumour bulk both macroscopically and microscopically (R0 resection). The operative strategy should consider the location of tumor, its histological character (Laurén classification), and the stage of disease according to the TNM-classification. Lymphadenectomy of compartments I and II does not increase operative morbidity and mortality if performed routinely, but seems to increase long-term survival in patients with stages II and IIIa disease. Routine removal of the spleen does not lead to better results. Gastrectomy in locally advanced gastric cancer with combined resection of adjacent organs can prolong survival in absence of peritoneal disseminating or distant metastases if R0 resection is achieved. The indication for gastrectomy of patients with an incurable stage of disease (peritoneal dissemination, distant metastases) should be determined after considering the individual status of the patient and surgical risk and can be performed as a so-called ultima ratio resection with the aim of palliation.