Non-Flap Tunnel Technique (NFTT): A Novel Minimally Invasive Reconstruction Method After Proximal Gastrectomy for Gastric and Esophagogastric Junction Cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

The incidence of upper-third gastric cancer and esophagogastric junction cancer is increasing, prompting wider adoption of proximal gastrectomy (PG) to preserve postoperative nutritional status and quality of life. Although the double-flap technique (DFT) is effective in preventing reflux after PG, procedural complexity and flap manipulation may contribute to longer reconstruction time and anastomotic stenosis, especially in robotic-assisted procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the non-flap tunnel technique (NFTT) as a simplified alternative to DFT with respect to operative efficiency and anastomotic integrity.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent minimally invasive PG at a single institution between January 2019 and November 2024. Surgical outc

SUBMITTER: Hayami M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12757150 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature