Extension of resection after positive intraoperative pathology during surgery for gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: a retrospective cohort study

Int J Surg. 2023 Aug 1;109(8):2324-2333. doi: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000484.

Abstract

Background: Residual tumor at the resection margins after surgery for gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma is a known prognostic factor. In this single-center, retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral center, the authors aimed to evaluate the relevance of intraoperative pathology consultation (IOC) and consecutive extension of surgery on patient survival.

Study design: Of 737 consecutive patients undergoing (sub)total gastrectomy for gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma, 679 cases with curative intent surgery between 05/1996 and 03/2019 were included. Patients were categorized into: R0 without further resection (direct R0), R0 after positive IOC and extension of resection (converted R0), and R1.

Results: IOC was performed in 242 (35.6%) patients, in 216 (89.3%) at the proximal resection margin. Direct R0-status was achieved in 598 (88.1%), converted R0 in 26 (3.8%) of 38 (5.6%) patients with positive IOC and R1 in 55 (8.1%) patients. The median follow-up was 29 months for surviving patients. 3-year survival rate (3-YSR) was significantly higher for direct R0 compared to converted R0 with 62.3% compared to 21.8% (hazard ratio=0.298; 95% CI=0.186-0.477, P <0.001). 3-YSR was similar between converted R0 and R1 (21.8 vs. 13.3%; hazard ratio =0.928; 95% CI=0.526-1.636, P =0.792). In multivariate analysis, advanced T ( P <0.001), N ( P <0.001), R ( P =0.003), and M1 status ( P <0.001) were associated with worse overall survival.

Conclusion: IOC and consecutive extended resection for positive resection margins in gastrectomy for the proximal gastric and GEJ adenocarcinoma does not achieve long-term survival benefits in advanced tumor stages.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05663450.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma* / pathology
  • Esophageal Neoplasms
  • Esophagogastric Junction / pathology
  • Esophagogastric Junction / surgery
  • Gastrectomy
  • Humans
  • Margins of Excision*
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survival Rate

Supplementary concepts

  • Adenocarcinoma Of Esophagus

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT05663450