Gastric adenocarcinoma with germ cell tumor components: a rare case report

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) often occur in male testes and female ovaries. Extragonadal GCTs account for approximately 2% to 5% of all GCTs and mainly occur in the mediastinum, retroperitoneum, and pineal gland. In this study, we reported a rare case of gastric adenocarcinoma with GCT components. The patient’s serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) level was higher than normal. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed a 10-cm × 10-cm tumor between the spleen and the bottom of the stomach. Gastric endoscopy indicated an ulcerative lesion extending from the bottom of the stomach to the antrum. Tissue biopsy identified the tumor as an adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent abdominal tumor resection, subtotal gastrectomy, D2 lymphadenectomy, and splenectomy. Postoperative histopathology showed that the tumor was a moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed positive staining for AFP, glypican-3, and placental alkaline phosphatase. Gastric adenocarcinoma with GCT components is particularly uncommon and rarely reported. Elevated serum AFP and/or β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels, abdominal CT, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry may help diagnose GCTs. Radical surgery resection is the primary treatment method for GCTs. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy are effective for advanced GCTs.

P-OGC93 Weight Loss and Complications in Oesophagectomy and Gastrectomy Patients

Background Oesophagectomy and gastrectomy are major surgeries which often involve patients fasting for prolonged periods of time post operatively thus requiring alternative nutrition regimens. In addition, patients often suffer dysphagia, anorexia, chemotherapy side effects and significant weight loss prior to surgery. Post-operative concerns include delayed gastric emptying, refeeding syndrome and dumping syndrome. Whilst placement of enteral feeding tubes aids the transition back to normal diet there are often still social, physical and dietary challenges that hinder nutrition. The aim of this study was to review weight loss in patients post operatively and to optimise post-operative nutrition. Methods The records of 113 patients who had undergone an oesophagectomy (43) or gastrectomy (64) between June 2018 and November 2019 at a single regional cancer centre were retrospectively examined. These patients’ contemporaneous weights had been recorded at set peri operative timelines and the greatest percentage weight loss calculated. The percentage weight loss was matched to the highest Clavien-Dindo post-operative complication. Results 89 patients had weights routinely reviewed post operatively, with the remainder not having regular post operative weights documented. The median weight loss was 7.53. For patients undergoing a total gastrectomy (27) weight loss ranged from 7.36-29.2%. Median weight loss was 11.45%. Patients who underwent subtotal gastrectomy (26) had between 0.37-18.5% with a median of 7.83% weight loss. Those who underwent an oesophagectomy (36) had between 0 - 28.67% weight loss with the median being 7.21%. 6 patients had their operations abandoned. Post-operative complications, inclusive of Grade II and above, occurred in 16.8% of cases. Majority of complications occurred in those undergoing an oesophagectomy (64%), however complications did not correlate with percentage weight loss. The most common complication was grade IIIb (Grade I: 8, Grade II: 1, Grade IIIa: 1, Grade IIIb: 14, Grade IVa: 2, Grade V: 2). Conclusions Significant post-operative weight loss is common after oesophagectomy or gastrectomy surgery. Postoperative weight loss did not correlate with complications. Furthermore, there did not appear to be a correlation with weight loss and type of procedure. Nutritional status plays an important prognostic role in patients undergoing oesophagectomy or gastrectomy. Optimising nutrition perioperatively and post operatively is important to enhance post-operative recovery and reduce post operative risk. Reviewing a larger cohort of patients would improve the robustness of this study.

P-OGC02 The development of an evidence based algorithm for the provision of nutrition as part of an Enhanced Recover After Surgery (ERAS) pathway in patients undergoing elective Gastrectomy and Oesophagogastrectomy for cancer

Background Following a recent merger or UGI Cancer services, a consensus was needed for the ERAS pathway nutritional elements. ERAS is a way to maintain physiological function following surgery enabling post-operative recovery without adversely affecting morbidity or mortality. It is a coordinated pathway that enables consistent, evidence based multi-modal care. Anaesthesia, nutrition, analgesia, surgical technique and physiotherapy are active and key components of enhanced recovery along with patient involvement and empowerment. ERAS in UGI revealed a significant reduction in LOS in most cases, by around 50% without increasing morbidity and mortality when compared to standard post-operative care. Methods Coupling the service redesign with the publication of guidelines in ERAS and Gastrectomy, it was decided to review the evidence base for ERAS and nutrition support specific to UGI Cancer surgery. In addition to this, aim to review the evidence for and against the use of immunonutrition (IN). Literature searches were conducted using CINAHL and PUBMED databases. The evidence was critiqued and a consensus reached. From this evidence review, an algorithm recommending the instigation of nutrition post Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) surgery as part of an ERAS pathway was developed. Results An algorithm was produced standardising the nutritional care for patients undergoing elective UGI surgery in our centre, which formed part of the ERAS care pathway produced through the ERAS steering group. All patients were screened for risk of malnutrition at the start of their surgical care pathway and regularly throughout their journey, appropriate nutritional support will be provided by a specialist Dietitian to optimise the patient. Conclusions The evidence to support the use of IN is conflicting and is not currently recommended on this ERAS pathway. Nutritional intake in the form of Oral Nutritional Support (ONS) in subtotal gastrectomy can be commenced at Day 2. Nutritional intake in the form of ONS in Total Gastrectomy can be commenced at Day 4. Nutritional intake in the form of ONS in Oesophagogastrectomy can be commenced at Day 5. After ONS tolerated without clinical symptoms, patient can be progressed to Soups, Jellies, Ice creams for 24 hours then to an UGI specific soft menu pre discharge.

P-OGC19 The predictive role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in gastric cancer surgery

Background The role of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) prior to major surgery has been an area of growing interest over the last two decades. CPET offers an objective and composite measure of physiological functional reserve, and thus can be used to identify patients at highest risk of peri-operative morbidity and mortality. Although the role of CPET has been investigated with respect to outcomes after oesophagectomy, no clear data exist into the predictive role of CPET specifically relating to gastric cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to identify CPET parameters predictive of adverse outcome in patients undergoing curative gastric resections. Methods Patients who underwent CPET followed by curative total or subtotal gastrectomy for gastric or junctional adenocarcinoma between January 2013 and December 2019 in a single high-volume centre were included in retrospective analysis. CPET variables were categorised as per cut-off values from other surgical populations (AT < 11ml.min-1.kg-1, VO2peak<15ml.min-1.kg-1, VE/VCO2 at AT > 34). Associations between these variables and postoperative outcomes were analysed using chi squared or Fisher’s exact test. Results There were 252 patients included in the study. Patients with VE/VCO2>34 were more likely to return to the intensive care unit (ICU) (p = 0.033) and had a higher chance of in-hospital mortality (p = 0.012). AT < 11ml.min-1.kg-1 or VO2peak<15ml.min-1.kg-1 were not associated either with return to ICU (p = 0.243, p = 0.202) or with in-hospital mortality (p = 1.000, p = 1.000). Conclusions Although much has been published on the importance of CPET assessment prior to major abdominal surgery, there is a paucity of literature specifically looking at its role in patients with gastric cancer. Patients with ventilatory inefficiency (VE/VCO2>34) are more likely to return to ICU or to die during hospital stay after total/subtotal gastrectomy for malignant disease. This information should play a more prominent role when assessing patients’ fitness prior to surgery.

P-OGC11 Vitamin B12 supplementation post gastrectomy. A service audit in St. James’s hospital, Dublin

Background Vitamin B12 deficiency is a well described complication post gastrectomy. It is caused by the loss of parietal cell mass leading to megaloblastic anaemia and possible long term neurological symptoms. Treatment can be with standardised replacement regimens or to monitor B12 levels and replace as required. This study assesses patient understanding of and compliance with B12 supplementation guidelines post total and subtotal gastrectomy. Methods 125 patients who underwent gastrectomy between 2010-2020 were available for study (86 total gastrectomies, 39 subtotal gastrectomies). Patient data was collected by review of the hospital electronic records and individual phone calls. Patients were asked standardised questions to elicit knowledge of the importance of B12 supplementation and compliance with supplementation. Results 92% (79/86) of total gastrectomy patients reported compliance in regular parenteral B12 supplementation. Compliance was significantly lower for subtotal gastrectomies for checking and/or replacing their vitamin B12 at 53.8% (21/39) (p < 0.001). 62.6% of patients stated that they knew it was important to supplement B12 post gastrectomy. 37.8% of participants could explain why this was important and 14.8% had any knowledge of the complications of vitamin B12 deficiency. Patients who were compliant with B12 supplementation had an improved understanding of why supplementation was important compared to those who did not. Conclusions Regular monitoring and supplementation of vitamin B12 levels is important post gastrectomy. This study demonstrates good compliance in those undergoing total gastrectomy. Patient understanding correlates with compliance, suggesting that patient education and knowledge reinforcement may be key to compliance with vitamin B12 supplementation.

P-O02 Management Experiences of Post-gastrectomy Severe Alkaline Reflux Oesophagitis

Background Alkaline reflux oeosphagitis is a recognized complication of procedures that compromise the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), including gastrectomy. Incidence of reflux is dependent on the reconstructive procedure with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy commonly accepted as the optimal method. The authors report their experience of 6 patients who underwent remedial intervention for severe alkaline reflux esophagitis following gastric surgery. Methods A retrospective review of 6 patients who had underwent a previous gastric procedure and developed symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, over a 6-year period (2014-2020). Reflux symptoms were diagnosed by clinical history, radiology, endoscopy and esophageal manometry prior to proceeding to surgical reflux control. Post-operative outcomes following anti-reflux surgery were assessed by means of serial outpatient assessments and endoscopy. Results Six patients were included in this report, 4 males and 2 females with an average age of 73 years (range 58-91). Primary diagnoses encompassed; 4 gastric adenocarcinomas, 1 gastric neuroendocrine tumour and 1 patient with debilitating gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) syndrome. Four patients underwent total gastrectomy and 2 subtotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Onset of post-operative reflux symptoms ranged from 2-weeks to 3-years. Failing medical management, all patients underwent jejunojejunal anastomosis and Roux limb length revision with surgical jejunostomy. At follow up 5 patients had some degree of symptom resolution; 3 complete resolution, 2 initial resolution and 1 with unresolved symptoms. Conclusions Severe alkaline reflux oesophagitis is a recognized complication of gastric procedures compromising the LES. The authors report our experience of managing this complication following gastrectomy with jejunojejunal anastomosis and Roux limb length revision, with a majority of patients having improvement in if not complete resolution of reflux symptoms.