Risk factors for complications during surgical treatment of remnant gastric cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment for remnant gastric cancer is related to high mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors that predispose to postoperative complications after gastrectomy for remnant gastric cancer.

METHODS: A total of 210 patients who underwent a gastrectomy for remnant gastric cancer between January 1998 and December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical complications were reviewed and graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for development of complications.

RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative complications was 46% (96/210), and major complications occurred in 14% (30/210). The operation-related mortality rate was 1.0%. Multivariate analysis revealed that only a BMI ≥25 (P = 0.001) and blood transfusion (P < 0.001) were significant independent risk factors for major complication. Indication for the initial gastrectomy and previous anastomosis type were not related to the development of surgical complications.

CONCLUSIONS: Although surgery for remnant gastric cancer is a complex procedure because of the previous operation, factors related to the previous operation do not affect the development of postoperative complications.