Spleen-preserving lymphadenectomy versus splenectomy in laparoscopic total gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To investigate the optimal approach for laparoscopic splenic hilum lymph node dissection in proximal advanced gastric cancer, we compared the operative outcomes between laparoscopic spleen-preserving total gastrectomy (sp-LTG) and laparoscopic total gastrectomy with splenectomy (sr-LTG). METHODS: A retrospective case-cohort study was conducted between February 2006 and December 2012. The operative outcomes, the number of retrieved splenic hilum lymph node, complication, and patients' survivals were analyzed. RESULTS: 112 patients who underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy with or without splenectomy for advanced gastric cancer were enrolled (68 sp-LTGs and 44 sr-LTGs). The mean operation time (227 min vs. 224 min, p = 0.762), estimated blood loss (157 ml vs. 164 ml, p = 0.817), and complication rate (17.6% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.572) were not different between two groups. Regarding splenic lymph node dissection, there were significantly differences in the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes between sp-LTG and sr-LTG (LN no.10: 1.78 vs. 3.21, p = 0.033, LN no.11d: 1.41 vs. 2.76, p = 0.004). The 5-year survivals were 77.3% in sp-LTG and 65.9% in sr-LTG (p = 0.240). The hazard ratio of splenectomy was 1.139 (95% confidence interval 0.514-2.526, p = 0.748). CONCLUSION: In laparoscopic total gastrectomy for proximal advanced gastric cancer, spleen-preserving hilar dissection showed comparable short-term and long-term outcomes.