Laparoscopically assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the procedure of laparoscopically assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG), and to evaluate intra- and postoperative conditions of the patients. Methods: We performed pylorus-preserving gastrectomy under laparoscopic observation, including regional lymph node dissection in early gastric cancer of the lower body. Seven patients were treated (two women and five men) using this procedure between April 1996 and April 1999. Results: All the patients showed good postoperative recovery, and no signs of recurrence were recognized. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Less pain, a rapid recovery, and good cosmetic results were noted. The patients exhibited little weight loss after surgery, and none demonstrated the dumping syndrome. Endoscopic examinations performed postoperatively did not indicate the presence of reflux gastritis or esophagitis. Conclusions: Our procedure of LAPPG may be useful for early gastric cancer, especially intramucosal cancer.