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[Laparoscopic gastrectomy in gastric cancer: experience in four patients].

BACKGROUND
The development of the laparoscopic surgery has allowed its incorporation to the surgical treatment of gastric cancer.


AIM
To evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic gastrectomy in gastric cancer in our institution.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
Prospective data in four patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer from May to August of 2005 was reviewed. Demographic data, clinical characteristics and postoperative results were registered. Patients were staged according to TNM-AJJC staging system.


RESULTS
Four patients aged 48 to 80 years (three males), underwent a completely laparoscopic R0 gastrectomy with lymph node dissection. Two patients underwent total gastrectomy. A subtotal Billroth II gastrectomy was performed in the other two patients. The mean operative time was 260 minutes (Range 180-330). There were no conversions to open surgery. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.5 days (Range 6-7 days). There were no complications. According to pathology, one patient presented carcinoma in stage IA, two patients in stage IB and one patient in stage IIIB. The mean number of lymph nodes dissected was 40 (Range 35-54).


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic gastrectomy is a feasible procedure with good postoperative results in this preliminary experience.