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KLASS 01 Trial Update: What You Need to Know About Laparoscopic Gastrectomy

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"A closer look at the corrections in the KLASS 01 trial and what they mean for gastric adenocarcinoma treatment."

In the realm of surgical oncology, precision and accuracy are paramount. The Korean Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery Study (KLASS) group's KLASS 01 trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LADG) with open distal gastrectomy (ODG) for gastric adenocarcinoma. This trial, published in the Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research, initially contained some inaccuracies regarding the number of recruited patients and participating institutions.

An erratum, a correction of errors in a published work, was later issued to address these discrepancies. This article delves into the specifics of the corrections made in the KLASS 01 trial and explores why such attention to detail is critical in medical research and patient care. For readers, understanding these nuances ensures informed perspectives on treatment options.

Gastric cancer, or stomach cancer, remains a significant global health challenge. Distal gastrectomy, the surgical removal of the lower portion of the stomach, is a common treatment for adenocarcinoma located in this region. The KLASS 01 trial sought to determine if a minimally invasive approach (LADG) could offer similar outcomes to the traditional open surgery (ODG), potentially with reduced recovery times and improved patient comfort.

KLASS 01 Trial: Correcting the Record

Surgeon using advanced technology for precision surgery.

The original KLASS 01 publication, as noted in the erratum, contained errors in the reported number of patients and participating centers. These errors, while seemingly minor, prompted a formal correction to maintain the integrity of the trial's findings. Here's a breakdown of the key changes:

The initial report stated that 1,415 patients were recruited for the study. The corrected number is 1,416 patients. While the difference of one patient might seem insignificant, it is vital for accuracy in statistical analysis. The original publication indicated that 704 patients underwent LADG and 711 underwent ODG. The corrected figures show 705 patients were assigned to LADG and 711 to ODG.

Number of Participating Institutions: The initial publication mentioned 12 participating institutions. The corrected number is 13 institutions.

These corrections, while technical, are essential because clinical trials inform treatment guidelines and influence surgical practices. Accurate data ensures that surgeons and oncologists can make well-informed decisions about the best approach for their patients. These changes emphasize the commitment to transparency and accuracy within the KLASS group and the broader medical community.

Why These Corrections Matter for You

For patients facing a diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma, the KLASS 01 trial offers valuable insights into the potential benefits of laparoscopic surgery. While the corrections themselves might seem like minor adjustments, they underscore the importance of rigorous methodology and data accuracy in medical research. These refinements help ensure that the trial's conclusions are reliable and can be used to guide treatment decisions with confidence. It also demonstrates the rigorous oversight and commitment to accuracy that guide clinical research.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4174/astr.2014.87.1.51, Alternate LINK

Title: Erratum: Correction For The Number Of The Recruited Patients And The Participating Institutions. Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial (Phase Iii) To Comparing Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy With Open Distal Gastrectomy For Gastric Adenocarcinoma (Klass 01)

Subject: Surgery

Journal: Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research

Publisher: The Korean Surgical Society

Authors: Hyung-Ho Kim, Sang-Uk Han, Min-Chan Kim, Woo Jin Hyung, Wook Kim, Hyuk-Joon Lee, Seung Wan Ryu, Gyuseok Cho, Chan Young Kim, Han-Kwang Yang, Do Joong Park, Kyo Young Song, Sang Il Lee, Seong Yeob Ryu, Joo Ho Lee

Published: 2014-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the primary goal of the KLASS 01 trial, and which specific surgical procedures does it compare for treating gastric adenocarcinoma?

The KLASS 01 trial compares laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LADG) and open distal gastrectomy (ODG) as surgical treatments for gastric adenocarcinoma. It aims to determine if the minimally invasive LADG is as effective as the traditional ODG, potentially offering benefits like reduced recovery time and improved patient comfort. It does not cover other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, nor does it explore different surgical approaches beyond LADG and ODG.

What were the specific corrections made in the KLASS 01 trial's erratum, and why is it important to correct even seemingly minor discrepancies in clinical trials?

The erratum issued for the KLASS 01 trial corrected the number of patients recruited (from 1,415 to 1,416) and the number of participating institutions (from 12 to 13). Specifically, the LADG arm was updated from 704 to 705 patients. While these changes appear small, they are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the statistical analysis and ensuring the reliability of the trial's conclusions, which are used to inform treatment guidelines.

How does the KLASS 01 trial impact treatment decisions for patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma, and why are accurate data and rigorous methodology essential in this context?

For individuals diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma, the KLASS 01 trial provides crucial information about the efficacy of laparoscopic surgery. The corrections made reinforce the reliability of the trial's findings, allowing surgeons and oncologists to make informed decisions about whether LADG or ODG is more suitable. The trial's emphasis on accurate data and rigorous methodology ensures that treatment decisions are based on the best available evidence.

How do the findings from the KLASS 01 trial influence surgical practices, and what implications might the adoption of LADG have on patient outcomes and healthcare costs?

The KLASS 01 trial focuses specifically on comparing LADG and ODG for distal gastric adenocarcinoma. The trial results influence surgical practices by providing evidence-based insights into the effectiveness and safety of LADG compared to ODG. If LADG demonstrates comparable outcomes with fewer complications, surgeons may increasingly adopt it, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Further studies could build upon KLASS 01 to explore other factors, such as long-term survival rates and quality of life.

Who conducted the KLASS 01 trial, and what does the issuance of an erratum reveal about the research group's commitment to scientific integrity and patient care?

The Korean Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery Study (KLASS) group conducted the KLASS 01 trial, and the erratum reflects their commitment to transparency and accuracy. Errors in clinical trials can undermine the reliability of the results, potentially leading to incorrect treatment recommendations. By issuing an erratum, the KLASS group demonstrates its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of research integrity, ensuring that the trial's conclusions are trustworthy and beneficial for patient care.