Intra-luminal thermometry: is tissue type assignment a necessity for thermal analysis?
At present the cause of the temperature difference is not known. However, as the difference between tumour (indicative/contact) and normal tissue is very small and considering also the inaccuracy in the tissue type assignment it can be stated that this study does not provide sufficient evidence to conclude that the statistical difference has clinical relevance. Therefore, it was concluded that at this time there is no need to differentiate between normal and tumour tissue in intra-luminal thermometry.
This study suggests that gastrectomy can be carried out safely in elderly patients. The early and long-term outcomes in elderly patients (over age 70) are comparable to younger patients (under age 70). Age alone should not preclude gastric resection in elderly patients.