Intracorporeal delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy in reduced-port robotic distal subtotal gastrectomy: technical aspects and short-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Gastroduodenostomy is preferred as a method of reconstruction following distal subtotal gastrectomy. However, in initial reports on reduced-port gastrectomy, gastroduodenostomy has rarely been performed therein because of technical difficulties. The present study describes a novel intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy technique applicable during reduced-port robotic distal subtotal gastrectomy.

METHODS: Data were retrospectively reviewed for cases of reduced-port (three-port) robotic distal subtotal gastrectomy with intracorporeal delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy performed from February 2016 to December 2016. The reduced-port approach used a Single-Site™ port via a 25-mm infraumbilical incision and two additional ports. We performed intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy using a 45-mm robotic or laparoscopic endolinear stapler. All staplers were inserted via a port on the left lower abdomen.

RESULTS: In our initial experience with intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy, 28 consecutive patients underwent successful surgery with the technique without needing to convert to open, laparoscopic, or conventional five-port robotic surgery. Mean operation time was 201.1 min (110-282 min), and no major complications, including anastomosis-related problems, were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS: Intracorporeal delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy was safely and feasibly applied during reduced-port robotic gastrectomy with acceptable operative outcomes and no major complications. Intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy should be considered during reduced-port distal subtotal gastrectomy.