SPADE Clinical Trial.

In the researchers' words

Purpose: This multicenter, prospective, single-arm phase 2 clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and clinical outcomes of the SPADE operation (Spade-Shaped Anastomosis) in patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer located in the upper stomach . Background: While proximal gastrectomy (removing only the upper part of the stomach) offers nutritional advantages over total gastrectomy, it often leads to significant postoperative reflux esophagitis * The SPADE technique was developed to prevent this by creating an artificial anti-reflux mechanism (angle of His and pseudo-fornix) using double suture anchoring between the esophagus and the stomach Study Plan: Participants: The study will enroll approximately 159 patients with tumors (size ≤ 4 cm) located in the upper third of the stomach who are eligible for gastric function-preserving surgery . Intervention: All participants will undergo laparoscopic or robotic proximal gastrectomy followed by the SPADE reconstruction method . Primary Objective: The primary goal is to determine the incidence of endoscopic reflux esophagitis at one year postoperatively . Secondary Objectives: Investigators will also monitor postoperative reflux symptoms, nutritional parameters (such as weight, hemoglobin, and vitamin B12 levels), surgical complications, quality of life, and…