Surgical complications and the risk factors of totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy

It has not yet been elucidated whether there are specific complications associated with totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG). We evaluated the complications and the risk factors associated with TLDG.

A retrospective analysis was performed on 138 consecutive patients who underwent TLDG. The clinical and operative data, which included the body mass index, respiratory function, hematological data, pathological data, and the experience of surgeon, were analyzed.

Intraoperative and postoperative complications developed in 10 and 28 patients, respectively. A univariate analysis determined that the patient age, concurrent respiratory disease, and operation time were important risk factors. A multivariate analysis found no significant risk factors in this set, although the operation time was the most promising risk factor.

The present data suggest that TLDG can be performed with acceptable perioperative complication rates, although a longer operation time may cause a higher frequency of postoperative complications.