Safety and feasibility of laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients with a history of abdominal surgery

Purpose: To assess the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for gastric cancer patients with a history of abdominal surgery (HAS). Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data collected from gastric cancer patients with HAS, who underwent LG between 2004 and 2015. We compared the clinicopathological features that correlated with conversion to open surgery and the development of severe postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo classification of grade III or higher). Results: Of the 41 patients identified, 6 (14.6%) required conversion to open surgery. The incidence of conversion to open surgery was associated with a history of lower gastrointestinal tract surgery (p = 0.009), attempted laparoscopic total gastrectomy (p = 0.002), and excessive blood loss (p < 0.001). Severe postoperative complications developed in six patients (14.6%). Although the development of complications was associated with high postoperative serum C-reactive protein, the type of past abdominal surgery was not significantly correlated with severe complications. Conclusions: LG was feasible for gastric cancer patients with a HAS, but for those with a history of lower abdominal surgery or those who require total gastrectomy, surgeons should carefully consider the indications for LG.