Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Between Delta-Shaped and Circular Anastomoses After Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) is the standard treatment for gastric cancer, during which the laparoscopic Billroth I anastomosis technique, also known as the delta-shaped anastomosis (DA), is widely performed. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in short- and long-term symptoms between DA and traditional circular anastomosis (CA) techniques.

METHODS

We retrospectively compared DA and CA procedures in patients undergoing LDG and subsequent reconstruction using the Billroth I method at the Kanagawa Cancer Center from 2017 to 2022.

RESULTS

Other than blood loss, no significant differences were observed in the short-term outcomes between the two groups. However, 1-year post-surgery, the DA group had a higher incidence of diarrhea, lower incidence of remnant gastritis, and higher weight loss than the CA group.

CONCLUSION

Both DA and CA techniques were similar in terms of safety. However, the DA group had a higher incidence of diarrhea and a lower incidence of remnant gastritis than the CA group 1-year after surgery.