Early results of laparoscopic resection of the stomach.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In this study we present our experiences and results in patients who underwent laparoscopic resection of the stomach.

METHODOLOGY: Our study presents five patients that underwent laparoscopy in the period 2006-2008, at the surgical department of the General hospital Djordje Joanovic in Zrenjanin, Serbia. Four of them were verified with stomach cancer and one with benign stenosis of the pylorus region. All patients underwent identical preoperational preparation. The most sophisticated laparoscopic equipment was used. All patients were monitored pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic resection of the stomach was performed in 5 patients (3 men and 2 women), 39 to 66 yrs old (mean: 55 years); in four patients using the Billroth II procedure and in one patient as total gastrectomy with splenectomy in accordance to oncological principles. In four patients there was a malignant lesion of the stomach in the antral region and in one patient benign pyloric stenosis. Intraoperational complications occurred in two patients. Intraoperational bleeding of 350mL occurred in one patient, and in one patient there was jamming the stapler head in the esophagus during the creation of esophagojejunal anastomosis. Postoperatively, fistula anastomosis occurred in one patient and vomiting occurred in another. One patient died 11 months after the operation while 4 patients are still being monitored.

CONCLUSIONS

Early results are satisfying. Laparoscopic gastrectomy has indisputable advantages for treatment of benign stomach diseases. Technical equipment and good operational techniques enables radicality of operational procedures in malignant diseases.