Application of the Seven-Step Method in Dual-Port Laparoscopic Radical Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

Objective To explore the short-term efficacy and safety of the programmed seven-step method in dual-port laparoscopic radical distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Methods This retrospective study was conducted on patients with distal gastric cancer admitted to Gansu Provincial People's Hospital from January 2020 to January 2022. The seven-step method for dual-port laparoscopic radical distal gastrectomy was performed under strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Postoperative short-term outcomes, including surgery-related and recovery-related-indicators, were analyzed. Results A total of 22 patients successfully underwent dual-port laparoscopic radical distal gastrectomy using the seven-step method. The overall complication rate was 18.18%; however, no surgery-related complications occurred, and there was no conversion to laparotomy or additional trocar insertions required during the procedure. A high level of satisfaction with postoperative wound aesthetics was reported by 81.82% of the patients. The mean number of dissected lymph node was 30.23 ± 4.99, the average operation time was 202.64 ± 27.03 min and the intraoperative blood loss was 82 ± 22.23 mL. The mean time to first ambulation was 38.59 ± 8.19 h, the time to first flatus was 50.36 ± 9.23 h, the average surgical incision length was 4.76 ± 0.63 cm and the average postoperative hospital stay was 8.86 ± 3.04 days. Conclusion The seven-step method for dual-port laparoscopic radical distal gastrectomy is safe and feasible, offering minimal postoperative pain, favorable cosmetic outcomes and rapid recovery.