Our Summary

This research paper compares the effectiveness and safety of two surgical techniques used to treat stomach cancer: 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) and 2D LG. After reviewing 904 studies, the researchers found that the 3D LG resulted in shorter operation times and less blood loss. However, it was slightly more expensive than the 2D LG. There were no significant differences in terms of the number of lymph nodes removed, length of hospital stay after surgery, and post-surgery complications. Interestingly, the 3D LG technique seemed to remove more lymph nodes in certain areas compared to 2D LG. Overall, the 3D LG appears to have some benefits despite being a bit pricier.

FAQs

  1. What were the main findings of the research comparing 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) and 2D LG?
  2. Was there a significant difference in the number of lymph nodes removed between the 3D and 2D LG techniques?
  3. How do the costs of 3D LG and 2D LG compare according to the research?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing gastrectomy to follow a strict diet plan post-surgery to aid in recovery and prevent complications. This may include eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding spicy or acidic foods, and incorporating more easily digestible foods like lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. It is important for patients to follow their doctor’s recommendations closely to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended gastrectomy include those with stomach cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body, as well as those with benign tumors or severe ulcers that cannot be treated with other methods. Additionally, patients who have a family history of stomach cancer or certain genetic conditions that increase their risk of developing stomach cancer may also be recommended for gastrectomy as a preventive measure.

Timeline

Before gastrectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes various diagnostic tests such as endoscopy, biopsy, CT scans, and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis of stomach cancer.
  2. Patient meets with a surgical team and discusses the risks and benefits of gastrectomy as a treatment option.
  3. Patient may undergo pre-operative preparations such as dietary changes, cessation of certain medications, and medical evaluations to ensure they are fit for surgery.

After gastrectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove part or all of the stomach affected by cancer.
  2. Patient may experience pain, nausea, and discomfort in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient is monitored closely for any complications such as infections, bleeding, or leakage at the surgical site.
  4. Patient starts a gradual diet progression, starting with clear liquids and moving on to solid foods as tolerated.
  5. Patient may undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan.
  6. Patient attends regular follow-up appointments with their surgical team to monitor their recovery and overall health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential benefits of 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy compared to 2D laparoscopic gastrectomy for treating my stomach cancer?
  2. What are the potential risks or complications associated with 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy?
  3. How does the cost of 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy compare to 2D laparoscopic gastrectomy, and will my insurance cover the additional cost?
  4. Will the 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy result in a shorter operation time and less blood loss for me specifically?
  5. How many lymph nodes will be removed during the 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy procedure, and how does this compare to 2D laparoscopic gastrectomy?
  6. What is the expected length of my hospital stay after undergoing 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy?
  7. Are there any specific post-surgery complications that I should be aware of with 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy?
  8. Will I need any additional follow-up care or monitoring after undergoing 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy?
  9. Are there any other surgical or non-surgical treatment options available for my stomach cancer, and how do they compare to 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy in terms of effectiveness and safety?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after undergoing 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy?

Reference

Authors: Chen L, Li B, Zeng L, Zhao J, Lei J, Luo H, Yi F, Zhang W. Journal: Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Dec;98(49):e18222. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000018222. PMID: 31804348