131 Background: A recent randomized trial of peritoneal drain (PD) placement after pancreaticoduodenectomy concluded that placement of PDs decreased the frequency and severity of complications. The role of PD placement after total gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is not well-established. Methods: Patients who underwent total gastrectomy for GAC at 7 institutions from the U.S. Gastric Cancer Collaborative from 2000-2012 were identified. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the association of PD placement with postoperative outcomes. Results: 344 patients were identified and anastomotic leak rate was 9%.253 (74%) patients received a PD. Those with PD placed had similar ASA class, tumor size, TNM stage, and need for additional organ resection when compared to their counterparts with no PD. No difference was observed in the rate of any complication (54% vs. 48%;p=0.45), major complication (25% vs. 24%;p=0.90), or 30-day mortality (7% vs. 4%;p=0.51) between the two groups. In addition, no difference in anastomotic leak (9% vs. 10%;p=0.90), need for secondary drainage (10% vs. 9%;p=0.92), or reoperation (13% vs. 8%;p=0.28) was identified. On multivariate analysis, PD placement was not associated with a decrease in frequency or severity of postoperative complications. Subset analysis of patients stratified by whether they underwent concomitant pancreatectomy similarly demonstrated no association of PD placement with reduced complications or mortality. In patients who experienced an anastomotic leak (n=31), placement of PD was similarly not associated with a decrease in complications, need for secondary drainage, or mortality. Conclusions: Peritoneal drain placement after total gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma, regardless of concomitant pancreatectomy, is not associated with a decrease in the frequency and severity of adverse postoperative outcomes, including anastomotic leak and mortality, or decrease in the need for secondary drainage procedures or reoperation. Routine use of peritoneal drains is not warranted.
Improvement of Esophageal Anastomotic Leak by Vacuum-assisted Closure in Three Cases with Gastric Cancer