THE IMPACT OF THE RISING PROPORTION OF PROXIMAL TUMORS ON THE SURGICAL-MANAGEMENT OF GASTRIC-CANCER - A 10-YEAR CLINICAL REVIEW

This study reviews 10 years of gastric cancer surgery in one centre, t o assess the impact of the rising proportion of proximal tumours on su rgical workload. Of a total 135 cases, 98 (73%) were resectable. The s ignificant findings were that patients with proximal tumours comprised a younger age group, were more likely to present with dysphagia but n ot weight loss, were more likely to suffer severe post-operative respi ratory complications and had much worse longterm survival prospects. T hese findings suggest that the workload of upper gastrointestinal surg eons is Likely to increase.