The Effect of Lymph Node Dissection on Gallstone Formation in Patients Undergoing Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Objective: Formation of gallbladder stone is frequently observed after resection for gastric cancer. Extended lymph dissection is shown to be among risk factors. Materials and Methods: We compared patients with limited lymphatic dissection (D1) and extended lymphatic dissection (D2) in terms of gallstone formation and complications. Results: We observed gallbladder stone formation in 13 (12.8%) patients. Gallbladder stone formation was observed in 11.1% of patients in the D1 group and in 14.3% of patients in the D2 group, but no statistically significant difference was found between lymphatic dissections. Of 13 patients, 5 (38.4%) were symptomatic and 3 (23.1%) developed choledocholithiasis. Five patients who were symptomatic were operated without any problems. The groups did not show a statistically significant difference in terms of cumulative survival times. While patients who underwent D2 dissection had more formed gallbladder stone, there were no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: The complications related to gallbladder stone developed after gastrectomy can be safely managed.

Keywords

• gallstone
• total gastrectomy.