LAPAROSCOPE-ASSISTED BILLROTH-I GASTRECTOMY

We performed a distal gastrectomy, including regional lymph node disse ction, under laparoscopic observation followed by Billroth I. (B-I) an astomosis using autosuture in five patients with early gastric cancer. We had previously evaluated the technique for reconstructive surgery in animal experiments, Our method was determined to be safe without ma rked deformation caused by applying the autosuture for gastroduodenost omy. The wound was small, and an almost closed operation was possible. Furthermore, unlike endoscopic mucosal resection or laparoscopic part ial resection, a major part of the regional lymph nodes can be extirpa ted; the lesion site may not be limited to the half of the stomach on the distal side. Our method of distal gastrectomy under laparoscopy is a potentially useful limited operation in patients with early gastric cancer.