Background/aims: The prognosis of some patients with gastric tumors that have infiltrated adjacent organs may be improved by operations that include complete removal of these structures. However, such a radical operation raises concerns about operative risk.
Methodology: We performed a retrospective analysis of 55 patients whose gastric primary tumors invaded adjacent organs to evaluate the effect of combined removal on postoperative survival. Prognostic factors were also determined by the univariate and multivariate analysis.
Results: Cumulative 5-year survival of patients who underwent complete removal of invaded organs was significantly higher than that of patients who did not undergo complete removal of invaded organs or gastrectomy alone. No significant difference was noted between groups in mortality at 30 days after operation. Univariate and multivariate analysis seeking prognostic factors revealed that completeness of the combined removal of invaded organs was among the predictors of outcome.
Conclusions: In conclusion, our study suggested that complete removal of invaded organs simultaneously with gastrectomy can prolong postoperative survival of patients with gastric cancer directly invading adjacent organs.