Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer with two left gastric arteries: Safe and adequate lymphadenectomy in a rare arterial abnormality

Asian J Endosc Surg. 2023 Jan;16(1):105-109. doi: 10.1111/ases.13110. Epub 2022 Jul 20.

Abstract

Clinical studies have established the safety and advantages of laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer; therefore, laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) in clinical practice is increasing. We report the case of a 77-year-old patient with gastric cancer who was referred to our center for LG. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a type 3 tumor identified as adenocarcinoma on biopsy. Three-dimensional computed tomography-angiography revealed two left gastric arteries (LGAs) branching from the celiac trunk. By laparoscopically performing the outermost layer-oriented lymphadenectomy (OML-OL), the two LGAs were detected and appropriately divided. Subtotal gastrectomy was completed, and the patient had an uneventful postoperative course. The OML-OL was appropriate for LG in this situation. This case demonstrates the necessity of preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography-angiography with 1-mm slices and the importance of performing OML-OL.

Keywords: gastrectomy; laparoscopy; lymphadenectomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Gastrectomy / methods
  • Gastric Artery / pathology
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy* / methods
  • Lymph Node Excision / methods
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stomach Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Stomach Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Stomach Neoplasms* / surgery