Our Summary

This research paper compares two types of surgery for stomach cancer: 2D and 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy. They looked at 10 studies involving 1478 patients who had one of the two types of surgery. They found that using 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy was faster, caused less blood loss during surgery, and removed fewer lymph nodes than the 2D version. However, there was no significant difference between the two types in terms of time to first post-surgery gas passing, complications during or after surgery, or length of hospital stay. So, the study suggests that 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy could be more efficient and less invasive than 2D laparoscopic gastrectomy in treating stomach cancer.

FAQs

  1. What are the main differences between 2D and 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy according to the research?
  2. Did the study find any significant difference in post-surgery recovery between 2D and 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy?
  3. Why might 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy be considered more efficient and less invasive than the 2D version in treating stomach cancer?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing gastrectomy to follow a strict post-operative diet plan to aid in healing and recovery. This may include consuming smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding spicy or acidic foods, and focusing on high-protein and nutrient-rich foods to support the body’s healing process. Additionally, staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol and tobacco can also help with recovery after gastrectomy.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for gastrectomy include those with stomach cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, severe peptic ulcer disease, or other conditions that cannot be treated with less invasive methods. Patients who have not responded well to other treatments or have a high risk of developing complications from their condition may also be recommended for gastrectomy. It is important for patients to discuss their options with a healthcare provider to determine if gastrectomy is the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before gastrectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with stomach cancer and undergoes various tests to determine the extent of the disease
  • Patient meets with a surgeon to discuss treatment options, including gastrectomy
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative preparation, which may include dietary changes and cessation of certain medications
  • Patient undergoes the gastrectomy surgery, which may be done using either 2D or 3D laparoscopic techniques

After gastrectomy:

  • Patient is monitored closely in the immediate post-operative period for any complications
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medications
  • Patient starts on a liquid diet and gradually progresses to solid foods as tolerated
  • Patient may need to make dietary modifications and take supplements to compensate for the reduced stomach capacity
  • Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor for any signs of recurrence or complications
  • Patient may need to undergo additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy depending on the stage of their cancer.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about gastrectomy include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with gastrectomy?
  2. How will gastrectomy impact my digestion and nutritional intake?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after gastrectomy?
  4. Will I need any additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, after gastrectomy?
  5. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  6. Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes I should make to support my recovery after gastrectomy?
  7. Will I need any additional support, such as physical therapy or counseling, after gastrectomy?
  8. How will gastrectomy affect my long-term quality of life and overall prognosis?
  9. What are the differences between 2D and 3D laparoscopic gastrectomy, and which option do you recommend for me?
  10. Are there any clinical trials or newer technologies available for gastrectomy that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Zu G, Jiang K, Zhou T, Che N, Zhang X. Journal: Clin Transl Oncol. 2020 Jan;22(1):122-129. doi: 10.1007/s12094-019-02116-9. Epub 2019 May 7. PMID: 31066012