Value of splenectomy in patients with Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction

The incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) has been increasing recently in both Western and Eastern countries. However, an optimal treatment strategy for Siewert type II AEG is still unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the value of splenectomy in patients with Siewert type II AEG. From September 2002 to November 2011, 42 patients underwent total gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection for Siewert type II AEG and were included in this study. We used the index of estimated benefit from lymph node dissection (IEBLD) to assess the efficacy of lymph node dissection of each station. Surgical complications were graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification. The overall 5-year survival rate of the 42 patients was 57.5 %. The incidence of splenic hilar lymph node metastasis was 4.8 % and the 5-year survival rate of patients with splenic hilar lymph node involvement was zero. Consequently, the IEBLD of splenic hilar lymph nodes was zero. Postoperative morbidities occurred in 25 patients (59.5 %). Pancreas-related complications were the most frequently observed (28.5 %), followed by intraabdominal abscess (14.3 %) and anastomotic leakage (9.5 %). Splenic hilar lymph node dissection may be omitted without decreasing curability in patients with Siewert type II AEG, although a prospective study is necessary for more conclusive results.