Novel abdominal approach for dissection of advanced type II/III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: a new surgical option

OBJECTIVE: The optimal surgical approach for Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) is controversial. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of total gastrectomy for Siewert type II/III AEG via the left thoracic surgical approach that is used at our center. METHODS: We identified 41 patients with advanced AEG in our retrospective database and analyzed their 3-year survival rate, upper surgical margin, postoperative complications, and index of estimated benefit from lymph node dissection. RESULTS: The 3-year overall survival rate of the whole group was 63%, but no difference was observed between Siewert type II and III AEGs. Esophageal exposure and lymphadenectomy were sufficient. Eight patients developed postoperative complications, but none of the patients developed anastomotic leakage. Dissection of lymph node station Nos. 19 and 110 may be necessary for patients with Siewert type II AEG. Multivariate analysis revealed that the cT category was the only independent risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: Total gastrectomy via an approach from the abdominal cavity into the thoracic cavity may be an optimal surgical technique for advanced Siewert type II AEG.