OBJECTIVETo explore the technical feasibility, safety, and clinical efficacy of delta-shaped anastomosis in totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG).

METHODSClinical data of 18 patients with gastric cancer who received TLDG with delta-shaped anastomosis from November 2012 to December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. The delta-shaped anastomosis is a new method of intraabdominal Billroth I anastomosis using only linear stapler. The posterior wall of the stomach and that of the duodenum were put together using linear stapler, and the common stab incision was also closed with linear stapler. The anastomosis was finished with a delta-shaped.

RESULTSTLDG with delta-shaped anastomosis was successfully carried out in all the patients. The mean operation time and mean time for anastomosis were (156.3 ± 38.5) minutes and (24.6 ± 11.2) minutes. The lengths of upper and lower segment of resection form gastric cancer were (5.8 ± 2.4) cm and (4.1 ± 2.7) cm. Blood loss was (70.7 ± 43.8) ml and number of dissected lymph nodes was 32.4 ± 12.0 per patient. The average time to ground activities, time to flatus, time to fluid diet and length of hospital stay were (1.8 ± 0.9) days, (3.1 ± 1.2) days, (3.6 ± 1.7) days, and (9.6 ± 2.5) days, respectively. Only one patient developed chylus leak with intraabdominal infection. There was no mobility related to the anastomosis in all the patients.

CONCLUSIONThe delta-shaped anastomosis is a safe and feasible procedure for totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and provides satisfactory short-term efficacy.