title: Identification of risk factors for the development of complications following extended and superextended lymphadenectomies for gastric cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Extended lymphadenectomy for gastric carcinoma has been associated with high mortality and morbidity rates in several multicentre randomized trials.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using data from 523 patients registered for a prospective randomized trial comparing extended (D2) and superextended (D3) lymphadenectomies, risk factors for overall complications and major surgical complications (anastomotic leakage, intra-abdominal abscess and pancreatic fistula) were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mortality and morbidity rates were 0.8 per cent (four of 523) and 24.5 per cent (128 of 523) respectively. Pancreatectomy (relative risk 5.62 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 1.94 to 16.27)) and prolonged operating time (relative risk 2.65 (95 per cent confidence interval 1.34 to 5.23)) were the most important risk factors for overall complications. A body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or above, pancreatectomy and age greater than 65 years were significant predictors of major surgical complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pancreatectomy should be reserved for patients with stage T4 disease. Age and obesity should be considered when planning surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Aichi Cancer Centre, Nagoya, Japan. ykodera@med.nagoya-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kodera
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sasako
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yamamoto
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sano
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nashimoto
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kurita
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D005743:Gastrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010180:Pancreatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*