Short‐Term Outcomes of Upper‐Dome Overlap Single‐Flap Valvuloplasty Versus Kamikawa Anastomosis in Robotic Proximal Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study compared two reconstruction techniques in 50 patients undergoing robotic proximal gastrectomy: the novel Upper-Dome Overlap Single-flap valvuloplasty (UDOS) and the conventional Kamikawa anastomosis. METHODS: Perioperative data, anastomotic time, complication rates, nutritional outcomes, lower oesophageal sphincter pressures, and health-related quality of life scores were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with Kamikawa, the UDOS technique significantly reduced anastomosis time by 39.8% (25.9 vs. 43.0 min). Perioperative safety and early complication rates were comparable. The UDOS group demonstrated a favourable trend in reducing late complications, with a lower incidence of anastomotic stenosis (4.0% vs. 16.0%) and no cases of reflux oesophagitis (0% vs. 8.0%). Both groups achieved similar post-operative nutritional outcomes, lower oesophageal sphincter pressures, and health-related quality of life scores. CONCLUSIONS: UDOS offers a technically more efficient alternative to Kamikawa anastomosis with equivalent perioperative safety and potential benefits for reducing long-term complications, meriting further investigation.