D1 versus D2 dissection in gastric carcinoma: Evaluation of postoperative mortality and complications

Surgery is the only curative treatment for patients with gastric cancer. However, the extent of lymph node dissection is still debated. The aim of the study was to evaluate complications, postoperative length of hospital stay and postoperative mortality after D1 or D2 lymph node dissection for gastric cancer in a non-specialized hospital.

All patients who underwent surgery for pathologically confirmed gastric cancer at our 3rd General Surgery Department, Ankara Numune Training Hospital between January 1999 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. A consecutive series of 71 gastric cancer patients was identified. D1 resection (level 1 lymphadenectomy) was compared with D2 resection (levels 1 and 2 lymphadenectomy).

The D2 group had higher postoperative mortality (16% vs. 8%; p<0.005) and morbidity (54% vs. 34%; p<0.005), and their postoperative length of stay was longer. Splenectomy did not have an effect on postoperative morbidity and mortality in either the D1 or the D2 group.

The D2 procedure was associated with significantly higher postoperative mortality, morbidity, and postoperative length of hospital stay.