In a retrospective study the authors deal with the results of resection treatment of advanced forms of gastric cancer, in particular stages III A and III B in relation to the age of the operated patients. The definite classification was based on histological examination of the preparation. Stage III A is the most advanced stage when curative resection is still possible. In practice stages III A and B are very difficult to differentiate. The investigation confirms marked differences between the survival of patients in both stages and a high peroperative morbidity and mortality in the group above 65 years of age. In stage III A they recommend a particular extensive surgical operation, as a rule total gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy without systemic splenectomy and resection of the cauda of the pancreas. In stage III B the relatively optimal operation is palliative resection, i.e. without adherence to safe resection principles and without any lymphadenectomy. In order to prevent inadequate surgery the authors emphasize the importance of preoperative examination which make the staging of the disease more accurate – in particular endosonography and possibly staging laparoscopy. In practice classification of advanced forms of gastric cancer is most important. The latter is provided by peroperative cryobiopsy of selected groups of regional lymph nodes.

        Key words: gastric cancer – advanced forms – staging – stage III A, III B – curative resection – lymphadenec-