Surgery is the mainstay treatment of operable gastric carcinoma but the optimal extent of lymph node (LN) dissection is controversial. The aim of this observational study is to assess the outcomes after curative D2 compared to D1 gastrectomy of operable gastric carcinoma regarding operative and long term oncological outcomes.

This observational study included 80 consecutive patients presented by operable gastric cancer treated by D2 gastrectomy at Alexandria University hospital between January 2010 and January 2016, (Group I). Another 68 consecutive patients presented by operable gastric cancer treated by D1 gastrectomy earlier during the same period were included as a control (Group II). All patients had undergone preoperative gastroscopy and biopsy, chest and abdomen computed tomography (CT). All surgeries were performed by surgeons experienced in both D1 and D2 dissection and a standardized protocol for D1 and D2 gastrectomy was followed in all patients. The type of gastrectomy (distal or total) was done according to the site of the tumor; distal gastrectomy was done if there is a free safety margin of 4 cm beyond the proximal resection line otherwise total gastrectomy was done. Resection of the spleen and/or pancreatic tail were done if directly invaded by the primary tumor or metastatic LN. Patients with p T2 or greater, or with positive LN received adjuvant chemotherapy. Follow up was done as outpatient visits for average 5 years. Both groups were compared regarding postoperative morbidity and mortality, disease recurrence and survival rates.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients younger than 80 years with a histologically confirmed operable adenocarcinoma of the stomach with complete follow up after surgery for average 5 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Complicated gastric cancer (obstructed or perforated)
• Irresectable or metastatic disease
• Previous or coexisting cancer
• Prior gastric surgery.

This observational study included 80 consecutive patients presented by operable gastric cancer treated by D2 gastrectomy at Alexandria University hospital between January 2010 and January 2016, (Group I). Another 68 consecutive patients presented by operable gastric cancer treated by D1 gastrectomy earlier during the same period were included as a control (Group II).