Complications after extended (D2) and superextended (D3) lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer: analysis of potential risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Very few studies from Western centers have compared D2 and D3 dissection in the surgical treatment of gastric cancer. The aim of the prospective observational study reported here was to analyze the postoperative outcome and potential risk factors for complications following D2 and D3 lymphadenectomy. METHODS: A total of 330 consecutive patients, of which 251 submitted to D2 lymphadenectomy and 79 were treated by D3 lymphadenectomy, were enrolled in the study. Twenty potential risk factors for morbidity and mortality were studied by means of univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Overall morbidity and mortality rates were 34% (111 patients) and 4% (14 patients), respectively. Abdominal abscess, anastomotic leakage, pleuropulmonary diseases and pancreatitis were the most commonly observed complications. No differences in morbidity, surgical morbidity, mortality rates and mean hospital stay between D2 and D3 lymphadenectomy were found. Multivariate analysis revealed that American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) class II/III versus class I, perioperative blood transfusions, and low albumin serum levels were independent predictors of postoperative complications. Age, surgical radicality (R1/R2 vs. R0) and low albumin serum levels independently predicted mortality. Mortality rate was .5% in the 203 patients aged 75 years or younger who underwent curative surgery. Most of deaths were observed in patients older than 75 years with low albumin serum levels or treated by non-curative surgery. CONCLUSIONS: D2 lymphadenectomy represents a feasible procedure associated to acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. In specialized centers, D3 lymphadenectomy may be performed without increasing the risk of postoperative complications and associated deaths in carefully selected patients. These techniques should be avoided in subgroups of patients with a high risk of postoperative mortality.