Immediate and Functional Results of Different Types of Reconstructions After Proximal Gastrectomy For Gastric and Esophagogastric Junction Cancer

Overview

Proximal gastric and esophagogastric junction cancers comprise up to 40% of gastric malignancies. For localized disease, proximal gastrectomy is the main radical procedure, but reconstruction of GI tract often leads to significant functional issues. Rising use of proximal resections and broader indications have increased attention to postoperative quality of life (QoL). Common reconstructions include direct esophagogastrostomy (various types), double-tract reconstruction, jejunal interposition, and newer anti-reflux anastomoses (e.g., double-flap, overlap, tunnel techniques). Each method has unique pros and cons regarding reflux esophagitis, food passage, dumping syndrome, nutritional changes, and long-term QoL. No consensus exists on the optimal technique, leading to variable practices and outcomes. Most research focuses on oncologic radicality and survival, while functional results and QoL remain understudied. Systematic evaluation of functional outcomes across reconstruction types after proximal subtotal gastrectomy is needed in Russian Federation to improve QoL, advance research, and standardize treatment of proximal gastric and EGJ cancers.

Proximal gastric and esophagogastric junction cancer account for up to 40% of all gastric malignancies. For localized disease, proximal gastrectomy remains the primary radical surgical procedure. However, roconstruction of gastrointestinal continuity after this procedure is associated with significant functional disturbances. The increasing frequency of proximal resections and expanding indications have heightened focus on postoperative quality of life (QoL). Currently used reconstruction techniques include direct esophagogastrostomy (in various modifications), double-tract reconstruction, jejunal interposition, and emerging anti-reflux esophagogastric anastomoses (e.g., double-flap technique, single-overlap, tunnel reconstruction, etc). Each method carries distinct advantages and disadvantages concerning reflux esophagitis, food passage, dumping syndrome, nutritional status alterations, and long-term QoL. Despite this variety, no universal consensus exists regarding the optimal reconstruction technique, resulting in heterogeneous surgical practices and variable functional outcomes. Most studies prioritize oncologic radicality and overall survival, whereas functional results and QoL remain under-investigated. To enhance patient QoL, advance research, and standardize treatment of proximal gastric and esophagogastric junction cancers in the Russian Federation, there is a clear need for systematic evaluation of functional outcomes across different reconstruction types following proximal subtotal gastrectomy.