Laparoscopic resection of gastric cancer in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia accompanied by neutropenia

Aim: We report an unusual case of early gastric cancer and T-cell-type chronic lymphocytic leukemia accompanied by severe neutropenia that was successfully treated by laparoscopic gastrectomy. Case Report: A 76-year-old female was referred to our Hospital for resection of a gastric adenoma that was suspicious for malignancy. Routine preoperative laboratory studies showed severe neutropenia and increased atypical lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. One day before surgery, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was administered. Laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy was performed. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and she was discharged after 10 days. The histopathological findings revealed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (pT1a, pN0, and stage IA). Conclusion: Laparoscopic gastrectomy may be considered a primary approach in patients with neutropenia because it is associated with lower risk of postoperative infection and a lower mortality rate compared to open resection.