Role of First Assistant on Laparoscopy-assisted Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer Patients

Yang, Song I; Seo, Kyung Won; Yoon, Ki Young; Choi, Seung Ho

Abstract

PURPOSE
Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) has become a feasible and acceptable surgical technique for treating early gastric cancer. However, there are no reports about the role of the first assistant on LADG. The aim of this study is to compare between an experienced first assistant and an inexperienced first assistant surgeon for conducting LADG to treat early gastric cancer.
METHODS
The data from 32 consecutive patients with early gastric cancer and who underwent LADG by one surgeon between May 2008 and December 2008 was reviewed. The operation times of 32 consecutive patients were reviewed. Other indicators such as the transfusion requirements, the time to first flatus, and the postoperative hospital stay were also evaluated between an experienced first assistant and an inexperienced first assistant surgeon.
RESULTS
No significant differences between an experienced first assistant and an inexperienced first assistant surgeon in terms of the patients' clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes were found, but there was a statistically significant difference in the operation times between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
After the operator has overcome the learning curve and standardization has been established, LADGs are minimally affected by the role of the first assistant.