D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer in Tata Memorial Hospital: Indian data can now be incorporated in future international trials.

BACKGROUND: While mortality rates after radical gastrectomy have decreased, there is considerable morbidity after D2 lymphadenectomy. In this study, we assessed the perioperative results of D2 gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

MATERIALS: Data of 159 patients who underwent D2 gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma at Tata Memorial Hospital was analyzed for interim analysis. The extent of resection, blood loss, transfusions, duration of hospitalization, number of lymph nodes dissected, complications, morbidity and mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS: 130 and 29 patients underwent distal and total gastrectomy, respectively (2002-2005) by single specialized surgical unit. Median age was 55 years (range 21-78) and blood loss was 450 ml (range 100-2,200 ml). The median duration of hospitalization was 13 days (range 7-52 days). The median number of dissected lymph nodes was 15 (range 2-46). Minor and major morbidity rate was 4.4 and 4.4% respectively. Mortality rate was 1.25%.

CONCLUSION: Morbidity and mortality following D2 lymphadenectomy is low in this first prospective study from India. With Japan and Western countries having polarized views on D2 lymphadenectomy, future international multicenter trials could also incorporate data such as ours from areas of high incidence of gastric cancer since perioperative outcomes would no longer cloud their results and might provide a better global perspective on D2 lymphadenectomy.