Epidemiology and surgical treatment of gastric cancer in Latvia

The aim of the study was to evaluate short- and long-term results of surgical treatment of gastric cancer performed in Latvia Oncology Centre. Retrospectively data was collected from 461 patients who underwent gastrectomy with curative intent in the Latvia Oncology Centre from January 2001 to December 2005. The data was subjected to statistical analysis. On average, 92.2 (range 81-102) R0-R1 gastrectomies were performed each year. Post-operative complications occurred in 75 patients (16.3%); in-hospital mortality was 3.3%. The overall 5-year survival was 50.8%. In 444 cases (96.3%) there was histopathologic confirmation of R0-resection with a 5-year survival of 52.5% (P < 0.001). Considering pT category, 5-year survival (median) was 88.6% (not reached) for pT1 patients, 65% (not reached) for pT2, 42.3% (35.7 months) for pT3 and 27% (14.2 months) for pT4 (P < 0.001). Considering the pN category, 5-year survival (median) was 67% (not reached) for pN0 patients, 30% (22.1 months) for pN1 and 29% (14.2 months) for pN2-3 (P < 0.001). Short- as well as long-term results are comparable with Western experiences, but not for pN+ patients where no difference between pN1 and pN2 cases was observed