Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with hinged double flap method using knotless barbed absorbable sutures: A case...

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Intracorporeal reconstruction after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy presents significant technical challenges.
• Developing efficient and safe esophagogastrostomy closure techniques is crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of knotless barbed absorbable sutures for esophagogastrostomy closure.
• To assess the feasibility of using the hinged double flap method with barbed sutures in laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 13 gastric cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy.
• Utilized the V-Loc™ 180 wound closure device for all esophagogastrostomy reconstructions.
• Data collected included suturing time, hospital stay, and complication rates.

Main Results:

• The average suturing time was 109.6 minutes, with a median hospital stay of 14 days.
• One case of minor anastomotic leakage was successfully managed conservatively.
• The majority of patients (12/13) experienced no symptoms of reflux esophagitis.

Conclusions:

• Unidirectional barbed absorbable sutures are safe and effective for esophagogastrostomy closure.
• The hinged double flap method combined with barbed sutures yields reproducible surgical outcomes.
• This technique shows promise for simplifying intracorporeal reconstruction in gastrectomy procedures.