FOR THE FIRST TIME IN RUSSIA, NEW SURGICAL TECHNIQUE FOR STOMACH CANCER MASTERED AT THE NATIONAL MEDICAL RESEARCH RADIOLOGICAL CENTRE

Surgeons at the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute – branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution of the “National Medical Research Radiological Centre” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation — have become the first in the country to successfully perform laparoscopic removal of the upper part of the stomach with the creation of an anti-reflux tunnel anastomosis (connection). This breakthrough opens new opportunities for organ-preserving surgeries and improving patients’ quality of life.

Earlier this year, Chinese colleagues published the results of using a method of partial upper stomach resection with a new type of reconstructive component. The key element of this approach was the creation of an artificial valve that prevents the backflow of gastric acid into the esophagus and upper respiratory tract, thus eliminating the risk of serious complications. The technique allows for a high level of organ preservation, reduces the risk of postoperative complications, and significantly accelerates rehabilitation, promoting faster reintegration of the patient into everyday life.

Russian surgeons improved upon the proposed method by opting for a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach instead of a traditional open surgery and by developing new stitching techniques. This solution not only provided effective protection against reflux but also reduced the invasiveness of the procedure.

“We didn’t just apply the Chinese technique — we enhanced it,” said Vladimir Khomyakov, Head of the Thoracoabdominal Department at the P. Hertsen MORI and the surgeon who performed the operation. “Using specialized instruments under laparoscopic guidance, we created a tunnel-like connection (anastomosis) between the esophagus and the stomach. But instead of a single continuous stitch with one thread, as our colleagues do, we used several separate stitches with different threads. In our opinion, this makes the structure more stable and safe.”

On the second day after the surgery, the patient was already transferred to a regular ward and began eating.

“I’m a retired officer and have been in many hospitals, but the atmosphere here truly amazed me,” the patient said. “From the junior staff and nurses to the surgical team and my attending physician Anna Valentinovna Chayka — they all treat me like family. At some point I even thought: are they sure I wasn’t mistaken for someone else?” he laughed. “God bless them all. They’ve brought me back to life!”

It’s worth noting that mutual contact and knowledge exchange between Moscow and Shanghai has become a valuable tradition, helping to advance cancer treatment methods for patients in both countries. “Regular teleconferences, live broadcasts from operating rooms, and joint clinical case reviews all contribute to deepening our expertise in this field,” emphasized Andrey Kaprin, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Director General of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Russian Ministry of Health.