Surgical treatment of gastric cancer in Latvia: Results of centralized experience

BackgroundAlthough the mortality for gastric cancer is decreasing in Western Europe and United States, it still remains high in Eastern Europe. This study was aimed at evaluating short- and long-term results of surgical treatment of gastric cancer performed in Latvia Oncology Center.MethodsRetrospectively collected data from 461 patients who underwent gastrectomy with curative intent in Latvia Oncology Center from January 2001 to December 2005 were analyzed statistically.ResultsAn average (range) of 92.2 (81–102) R0–R1 gastrectomies was performed each year. Post-operative complications occurred in 75 patients (16.3%); in-hospital mortality was 3.3%. The overall 5-year survival was 50.8%. In 444 cases (96.3%) there was histopathologic confirmation of R0-resection with a 5-year survival of 52.5% (P < 0.001). Considering pT category, 5-year survival was 88.6% for pT1 patients, 65% for pT2, 42.3% for pT3 and 27% for pT4 (P < 0.001). Considering pN category, 5-year survival was 67% for pN0 patients, 30% for pN1 and 29% for pN2-3 (P < 0.001).ConclusionsClinico-pathologic characteristics of patients who underwent resection with curative intent are comparable to other Western experiences. Short- as well as long-term results are also similar if not for pN+ patients where no difference between pN1 and pN2 cases was observed.