Evaluation of the treatment results suggests that the wrap length is important in partial Toupet fundoplication to avoid treatment failures. The 3-cm wrap is superior to the 1.5-cm wrap in cases of partial posterior Toupet fundoplication. The influence of wrap length on treatment failure remains unconfirmed for the Nissen procedure.

Nissen and Toupet fundoplication achieved sufficient control of reflux with success rate of 85 % at 5-year follow-up. There were no significant differences in the postoperative dysphagia, esophagitis, and bloating rates. However, the distribution of treatment failures leads us to conclude that 1.5-cm wrap length is insufficient in cases of posterior partial fundoplication.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different kinds of surgical meshes on postoperative adhesion formation. Forty-two New Zealand White rabbits were studied. The rabbits were grouped into six groups, according to the type of surgical meshes (Prolene, Mersilene, Vypro, polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE), Proceed and control group) implanted into the peritoneum cavity. Thirty days after the operation, the relaparotomies were carried out, and any adhesions observed between the implanted mesh and tissues were evaluated and graded. The mean adhesion degree was 9.2 in the Mersilene mesh group, 9.5 in the Prolene mesh group, 9.7 and in the Vypro mesh group (P > 0.05). The mean adhesion degree was 1 in the control group, 2.75 in the Proceed mesh group and 2.25 in the PTFE mesh group. There was a significant difference in adhesion degree between the control, Proceed and PTFE groups and the Prolene, Mersilene and Vypro mesh groups. The adhesion degree was significantly lower in the Proceed and PTFE mesh groups when comparing them with the Prolene, Mersilene and Vypro meshes.

BackgroundA steady decline in gastric cancer mortality rate over the last few decades is observed in Western Europe. However it is still not clear if this trend applies to Eastern Europe where high incidence rate of gastric cancer is observed.MethodsThis was a retrospective non-randomized, single center, cohort study. During the study period 557 consecutive patients diagnosed with gastric cancer in which curative operation was performed met the inclusion criteria. The study population was divided into two groups according to two equal time periods: 01-01-1994 – 31-12-2000 (Group I – 273 patients) and 01-01-2001 – 31-12-2007 (Group II – 284 patients). Primary (five-year survival rate) and secondary (postoperative complications, 30-day mortality rate and length of hospital stay) endpoints were evaluated and compared.ResultsRate of postoperative complications was similar between the groups, except for Grade III (Clavien-Dindo grading system for the classification of surgical complications) complications that were observed at significantly lower rates in Group II (26 (9.5%) vs. 11 (3.9%), p = 0.02). Length of hospital stay was significantly (p = 0.001) shorter (22.6 ± 28.9 vs. 16.2 ± 17.01 days) and 30-day mortality was significantly (p = 0.02) lower (15 (5.5%) vs. 4 (1.4%)) in Group II. Similar rates of gastric cancer related mortality were observed in both groups (92.3% vs. 90.7%). However survival analysis revealed significantly (p = 0.02) better overall 5-year survival rate in Group II (35.6%, 101 of 284) than in Group I (23.4%, 64 of 273). There was no difference in 5-year survival rate when comparing different TNM stages.ConclusionsGastric cancer treatment results remain poor despite decreasing early postoperative mortality rates, shortening hospital stay and improved overall survival over the time. Prognosis of treatment of gastric cancer depends mainly on the stage of the disease. Absence of screening programs and lack of clinical symptoms in early stages of gastric cancer lead to circumstances when most of the patients presenting with advanced stage of the disease can expect a median survival of less than 30 months even after surgery with curative intent.

IntroductionTwo types of partial wrap are commonly performed in achalasia patients after Heller myotomy: the posterior 270° fundoplication (Toupet) and the anterior 180° fundoplication (Dor). The optimal type of fundoplication (posterior vs. anterior) is still debated.AimTo compare the long-term rates of dysphagia, reflux symptoms and patient satisfaction with current postoperative condition between two fundoplication groups in achalasia treatment.Material and methodsOur retrospective study included 97 consecutive patients with achalasia: 37 patients underwent laparoscopic posterior Toupet (270°) fundoplication followed by Heller myotomy (group I); 60 patients underwent laparoscopic anterior partial Dor fundoplication followed by Heller myotomy (group II). Long-term follow-up results included evaluation of dysphagia symptoms, intensity of heartburn and patient satisfaction with current condition.ResultsPatients in these two groups did not differ according to age, weight, height, postoperative stay or follow-up period. Laparoscopic myotomy with posterior Toupet fundoplication was effective in 89% of patients, while laparoscopic myotomy with anterior Dor was effective in 93% of patients (p > 0.05). 11% of patients after posterior Toupet fundoplication had clinically significant heartburn vs. 35% of patients after anterior Dor fundoplication (p < 0.05). Overall patient satisfaction with current condition was 88%, with no significant difference between the groups.ConclusionsAccording to our study results, the two laparoscopic techniques were similarly effective in reducing achalasia symptoms, but postoperative clinical manifestation of heartburn is significantly more frequent after anterior Dor fundoplication (35% vs. 11%). The majority of patients (88%) were satisfied with operation outcomes.