Delayed plasma cholecystokinin and gallbladder responses to intestinal fat in patients with Billroth I and II gastrectomy

This study was undertaken to examine the intestinal phase of cholecystokinin (CCK) secretion and gallbladder contraction in patients who had undergone partial gastrectomy. Plasma CCK concentrations, measured by radioimmunoassay, and gallbladder contraction, measured by cholescintigraphy, were studied after intestinal administration of fat. Fasting plasma CCK concentrations were in the same range in nine patients who had undergone Billroth I gastrectomy (1.0 +/- 0.2 pmol/L), in nine patients who had undergone Billroth II gastrectomy (1.4 +/- 0.2 pmol/L), and in nine normal subjects (1.5 +/- 0.4 pmol/L). The peak increments in plasma CCK after intestinal fat were significantly (p less than 0.05) lower in patients with partial gastrectomy (5.4 +/- 0.6 pmol/L) compared with normal subjects (7.9 +/- 0.8 pmol/L). The integrated plasma CCK secretion was significantly (p less than 0.01 to p less than 0.05) reduced during the first 30 minutes in patients after Billroth I (74 +/- 11 pmol/1.30 min) and Billroth II gastrectomy (51 +/- 11 pmol/1.30 min) compared with normal subjects (122 +/- 18 pmol/1.30 min). Similarly, the start of gallbladder emptying was significantly (p less than 0.05) delayed in patients after partial gastrectomy. After 1 hour, however, the integrated plasma CCK response and gallbladder emptying were in the same range in Billroth I patients (186 +/- 34 pmol/1.60 min, 60% +/- 7%), Billroth II patients (175 +/- 17 pmol/1.60 min, 63% +/- 7%) and normal subjects (190 +/- 18 pmol/1.60 min, 55% +/- 6%). It is concluded that in patients who have undergone partial gastrectomy plasma CCK and gallbladder responses to intestinal fat are significantly delayed but reach normal levels beyond 30 minutes.     

Calcium regulating hormones and bone mineral content in patients after subtotal gastrectomy

Twenty-nine men who had undergone Billroth I gastrectomy and 19 men who had undergone Billroth II gastrectomy were studied to examine the changes in their calcium regulating hormones and bone mineral content following surgery. The serum calcium and phosphate concentrations in the patients with Billroth I and Billroth II were normal. The Billroth II group had an elevated level of serum alkaline phosphatase and reduced bone mineral content. The 24,25(OH)₂D concentration was reduced (P<0.01) and 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)₂D concentrations were increased (P<0.01,P<0.05, respectively) in the Billroth II group. It was suggested by our study that the Billroth II patients had a reduced bone mineral content and an elevated 1,25(OH)₂D concentration. Therefore, the pathophysiology of postgastrectomy bone metabolic disease is not due to vitamin D deficiency, but may instead be due to reduced calcium absorption in the intestine.     

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and choledocholithotomy in patients with a previous gastrectomy

BACKGROUND:

An increased incidence of cholelithiasis has been widely reported after truncal vagotomy and after gastric resection. In the early phase of patient selection, previous gastrectomy has been considered a relative contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). In this study, we examined the management of LC in patients with previous gastrectomy.

STUDY DESIGN:

LC was attempted on 1,260 consecutive patients. Of these patients, 29 had a previous gastrectomy. Surgical procedures that had been performed included Billroth I gastrectomies (15), Billroth II gastrectomies (10), and total gastrectomies (4). There were 23 cases of cholelithiasis, 4 chronic cholecystitis, 2 gallbladder polyps, 1 porcelain gallbladder, and 1 gallbladder cancer. Nine patients were diagnosed with stones in their common bile duct or common hepatic duct.

RESULTS:

Preoperatively, seven of nine patients with common bile duct stones were subjected to endoscopic sphincterotomy, and the stones were removed successfully from five of these patients. In the remaining two patients, common bile duct stones were removed by laparoscopic choledocholithotomy by choledochotomy. The LC was completed in 26 patients (90%) who had undergone previous gastrectomy. In 449 patients who had previous abdominal surgery without a gastrectomy, only 4 patients (0.9%) required open surgery. In contrast, three patients (10%) with previous gastrectomy required open surgery. No major complications were recorded in this study series, and no residual or retained stones were seen during a followup period of 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Clear visualization of anatomic structures and landmarks, and scrupulous hemostasis are needed to perform a safe LC in these patients. We conclude that in our study patients, a previous gastrectomy is considered an indication for LC and laparoscopic choledochotomy.     

Multicentric occurrence of esophageal cancer after gastrectomy: a preliminary report

The effect of gastrectomy on the subsequent development of esophageal cancer was investigated, focusing on its multicentric occurrence. We retrospectively evaluated 28 patients who underwent subtotal esophagectomy for intrathoracic esophageal cancer between 1985 and 1999. They were divided into two groups according to whether or not they had previously undergone a gastrectomy: group 1, comprising 7 patients who had undergone gastrectomy and group 2, comprising 21 patients who had not. Clinical profiles of the patients were obtained from the medical records and the whole resected esophagus was histopathologically examined. The interval between gastrectomy and esophagectomy in group 1 was significantly shorter in the patients who had undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer than in those who had undergone gastrectomy for a peptic ulcer, and also in the patients for whom anastomosis had been performed by Billroth I compared with Billroth II. The patients in group 1 were significantly younger than those in group 2. The multiple occurrence of esophageal cancer was found in 4 of 5 patients (80%) in group 1, and in 2 of 18 patients (11%) in group 2, with significantly higher frequency being seen in group 1. More than two coexisting cancer lesions apart from the primary tumor were detected in all four patients. Histological examination of all the coexisting cancer lesions showed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma confined within the superficial mucosal layer. No significant differences were noted in the location of the coexisting lesions between the oral and anal side of the primary tumors. Squamous dysplasia was randomly observed, especially around the cancer lesions. These findings suggest that gastrectomy precipitated subsequent chronic gastroesophageal reflux which in turn induced the development of squamous dysplasia and carcinoma at multiple locations in the esophagus. Received: April 3, 2000 / Accepted: January 9, 2001     

Early detection of gastric remnant carcinoma. The role of gastroscopic screening

Partial gastrectomy for benign ulcer disease has been associated with carcinoma in the gastric remnant. To detect formation of this cancer in patients having undergone this operation, we initiated a screening protocol using barium contrast studies, flexible gastroscopy, and biopsy. Patients were selected from a group of 233 patients who had undergone partial gastrectomy for benign disease between 1960 and 1975. In this group, operations for duodenal ulcer had been performed in 156 patients (83 Billroth I and 73 Billroth II reconstructions) and subtotal gastrectomy in 77 patients with gastric ulcer (17 Billroth I and 60 Billroth II reconstructions). From July 1980 to July 1985, 163 patients underwent gastroscopy and biopsy with a median postoperative interval of 14.6 years. Through screening, three resectable remnant carcinomas were found. We conclude that routine gastroscopy leads to earlier detection and a higher rate of resectability if gastric remnant carcinoma is found; yearly screening should be performed after a ten-year postresection interval; and gastroscopic biopsy is more accurate than upper gastrointestinal tract barium contrast studies and should be used preferentially to identify gastric remnant carcinoma.     

Cholelithiasis follows total gastrectomy in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

The frequent occurrence of cholelithiasis noted in the follow-up of patients who underwent total gastrectomy because of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome prompted us to study this phenomenon. Cholelithiasis is known to be more common after truncal vagotomy, with or without concomitant subtotal gastric resection, and the prevalence of gallstones in these patients is reported to be 16% to 38%. To date, however, no long-term study has investigated the prevalence of gallstones after total gastrectomy in patients with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Since 1961, 26 patients with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome have undergone total gastrectomy and were enrolled in a Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Research Center protocol that allowed follow-up to assess the development of cholelithiasis. Eight patients had cholecystectomy at the time of total gastrectomy (seven patients had stones), leaving 18 patients with a normal gallbladder and no gallstones at the time of total gastrectomy. Four patients died early, two of surgical complications, one of tumor progression, and one of alcohol-related trauma. During follow-up, cholelithiasis has developed in 10 of 14 patients (71%) at risk; the mean time to gallstones was 6.3 years (range, 1.2 to 12.9 years). The predictable occurrence of cholelithiasis after total gastrectomy in patients with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome suggests that cholecystectomy should be performed at the time of total gastrectomy.     

Anastomotic technique influences outcomes after partial gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma

The proper reconstructive technique after partial gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the stomach is often debated, but few data exist to clarify the issue. We evaluated outcomes after different anastomoses used during partial gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma. We reviewed the hospital records of all 277 patients who underwent operation for gastric cancer at our institution from 1970 to 1996. Of 118 partial gastrectomies performed with curative intent 57 anastomoses were Billroth II gastrojejunostomies, 22 were Billroth I gastroduodenal reconstructions, and 39 were Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomies. There was no difference in the incidence of early gastric emptying problems or early or late postoperative obstruction among the groups. Average hospital stay was 14 days for the Billroth I group, 15 days for those with Billroth II reconstructions, and 22 days for the Roux-en-Y cohort. Documented late gastric outlet obstruction occurred in 29 per cent of patients having Billroth I and in 33 per cent of those with Billroth II anastomoses. Antecolic anastomoses represented 30 (53 per cent) and retrocolic 27 (47 per cent) of the 57 Billroth II reconstructions performed. Late gastric outlet obstructions occurred in seven (23 per cent) patients who had antecolic reconstructions and in just one (4 per cent) with a retrocolic anastomosis (P < 0.05). Five-year cumulative survival was lower for patients having Billroth I reconstructions than for those with Billroth II (P < 0.05). Among patients with Billroth II reconstructions, 5-year cumulative survival was lower for those with antecolic reconstructions compared with those with retrocolic anastomoses (P < 0.05). Although conventional teaching dictates otherwise our data indicate that retrocolic Billroth II anastomoses are preferable to antecolic Billroth II reconstructions after partial gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the stomach, as there is a diminished risk of late gastric outlet obstruction and a greater 5-year survival among patients having the former procedure. Survival is unacceptably low after Billroth I anastomoses.     

胃手术后功能性胃排空障碍的诊断与处理

目的探讨胃手术后功能性胃排空障碍(FDGE)的临床特点和处理方法。方法对1998—2003年224例胃手术的病例资料进行回顾性分析。结果224例患者中有9例(4％)在术后3—10(平均7．2)d时出现FDGE，诊断根据临床表现、胃造影和胃镜检查确定。其中毕Ⅱ式胃肠吻合术患者FDGE的发病率为6．1％，显著高于毕Ⅰ式1．8％。经非手术综合治疗9—56(平均22)d后，8例治愈，1例因并发严重肺部感染死亡死亡。结论FDGE是胃术后的近期并发症，毕Ⅱ式吻合术后易发。通过上消化道造影及胃镜检查一般能明确诊断，确诊后采用非手术综合治疗多可治愈。     

Postoperative Body Mass Index Changes in Gastric Cancer Patients according to Reconstruction Type: Effectiveness of Long Jejunal Bypass on Weight Loss in Obese Patients after Distal Gastrectomy

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the change of body mass index (BMI) in patients after gastrectomy for cancer according to the type of reconstruction. BMI was followed in 260 patients who had undergone curative surgery for gastric cancer from March 2003 to December 2009. The procedures were Billroth I in 63 patients, Billroth II in 52 patients, Roux-en-Y in 54 patients, long Roux-en-Y (bypassed proximal jejunum over 100 cm) in 47 patients, and total gastrectomy in 44 patients. BMI reduction was greatest in the total gastrectomy group at postoperative 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Postoperative 3-year BMI reduction was greatest in the long Roux-en-Y group. BMI reductions of the total gastrectomy and long Roux-en-Y groups were similar during the follow-up period. Among the subtotal gastrectomy groups, BMI reduction was greatest in the long Roux-en-Y group, and there was statistical significance in comparing with Billroth I and II groups, but no statistical difference with the Roux-en-Y group. Given the limitations of patient number and follow-up period, it can be concluded that obese patients with gastric cancer not requiring total gastrectomy may benefit from long Roux-en-Y reconstruction with adequate BMI reduction and accompanying health improvement.     

Foveolar cell vacuolization in operated stomachs

Gastric biopsies from 223 patients were scrutinized for the presence of subnuclear vacuolization in the foveolar epithelium. The results demonstrated that foveolar epithelial vacuolization occurred in seven (15.9%) of 44 patients who had a previous Billroth I gastrectomy and in 56 (87.5%) of 64 patients who had a Billroth II remnant stomach. None of the 21 patients who had a vagotomy and pyloroplasty, and only two (2.1%) of the 94 unoperated controls, had vacuolated foveolar cells. The vacuolization is apparently not related to the patients' sex, and it seems to develop some years following gastric resection. Since both human and experimental studies have demonstrated that the duodenogastric reflux is more frequent in Billroth II than in Billroth I operated stomachs, it appears that subnuclear vacuolization in foveolar gastric cells is a histological marker for protracted duodenogastric reflux.     

Esophageal cancer in patients with a history of distal gastrectomy

HYPOTHESIS: There is an association between a history of distal gastrectomy and the development of esophageal cancer. Surgical treatment of esophageal cancer in patients with a history of gastrectomy is more complicated but will not result in increased mortality in an experienced center. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Tertiary care center for the treatment of esophageal cancer. PATIENTS: Forty patients with a history of gastrectomy and 1266 patients with intact stomachs who underwent esophagectomy for cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients' demographic characteristics, tumor characteristics, operative morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival. RESULTS: There were more squamous tumors located in the lower third of the esophagus in those who had a history of gastrectomy compared with those with intact stomachs (16 [41%] of 40 patients vs 318 [25%] of 1266 patients; P=.04). This difference was more pronounced after Billroth I vs Billroth II gastrectomy (8 [73%] of 11 patients vs 8 [29%] of 28 patients; P=.03). Twenty-four patients (60%) in the gastrectomy group and 738 (58%) in the nongastrectomy group underwent surgical resection (P=.87). The operative time (300 [160-465] vs 220 [90-520] minutes; P<.001) was longer and more blood loss (1000 [300-2500] vs 700 [150-7000] mL;P<.001) was encountered for esophagectomy after previous gastrectomy (data are given as median [range]). A colon interposition was the substitute conduit of choice in the gastrectomy group (20 [83%] of 24 patients), and the stomach was the preferred loop in those with intact stomachs (729 [99%] of 738 patients). Postoperative complication rates were similar. In-hospital mortality rates also did not differ for those with a history of gastrectomy vs those without such a history (12% for both,P>.99). Median survival after resection was 13.8 and 12.5 months for patients who did and did not undergo prior gastrectomy, respectively (P=.62). CONCLUSIONS: A history of gastrectomy (especially the Billroth I type) is associated with more lower-third squamous cell esophageal carcinomas. Surgical resections in patients with such a history were more complicated but resulted in similar outcomes.     

Effects of vagotomy and gastrectomy on pancreatic glucagon release.

The effects of gastrectomy and vagotomy on pancreatic glucagon release were investigated clinically. The study included 20 men and eight women, who ranged in age from 28 to 69 years, and who were divided into the following four groups: 1) patients with gastroduodenal ulcers treated with partial gastrectomy, by the Billroth I method, whose hepatic branch was preserved (n = 7). 2) Patients with gastroduodenal ulcers treated with partial gastrectomy, by the Billroth II method, whose hepatic branch was preserved (n = 7). 3) Patients with gastric carcinoma treated with subtotal gastrectomy, by the Billroth I method. In these cases lymphadenectomy required section of the hepatic branch (n = 7). 4) Patients with gastric carcinoma treated with subtotal gastrectomy, by the Billroth II method. In these cases lymphadenectomy required section of the hepatic branch (n = 7). Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed in 10 patients, before operation, and in 28 gastrectomized and vagotomized patients. In the preoperative patients and in the first group, oral glucose (50g) suppressed pancreatic glucagon release, but in the other groups pancreatic glucagon levels were markedly increased.     

Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography after Billroth II gastrectomy--safe provision in a district general hospital

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) is available in many district general hospitals in the UK. Most of the published literature on ERCP in cases with Billroth II gastrectomy reflects teaching hospital experience. The aim of this study was to evaluate this procedure in the district general hospital setting, over a 10-year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Details of 41 consecutive patients, whom had previously undergone Billroth II gastrectomy and were referred for ERCP were analysed for presenting symptoms and outcome of their ERCP. All procedures were carried out by a single radiologist using a conventional Olympus side-viewing duodenoscope. RESULTS: 48 examinations and 44 therapeutic procedures were carried out in 41 cases. Afferent loop intubation and cannulation of ampulla was successful in 87.5% and 98%, respectively. Two episodes of minor bleeding occurred after sphincterotomy, not requiring blood transfusion. One case of afferent loop perforation (2%) was repaired surgically. There were no cases of pancreatitis or death in this series. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The results show that ERCP after a Bilroth II gastrectomy can be safe and successful in the majority of cases when carried out by clinicians with a special interest, including those in a district general hospital However, experience with this procedure will diminish due to fewer indications for Billroth II gastrectomy and emergence of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. It may be advisable to concentrate this technique in a few designated centres with skill and expertise.     

Analysis of risk factors for the development of gallstones after gastrectomy

BACKGROUND: The incidence of gallstones is higher in people who have undergone gastrectomy than in the general population, but the cause of this is unknown. METHODS: Between January 1992 and January 2003, 749 patients underwent ultrasonography of the gallbladder after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. A total of 2327 examinations were carried out. The incidence of gallstones was compared in subgroups of patients classified according to the type of reconstruction, extent of gastrectomy, whether the duodenum was excluded and type of lymph node dissection. RESULTS: The incidence of gallstones was significantly higher after total compared with partial gastrectomy (27.9 versus 7.8 per cent at 5 years; P < 0.001). Reconstruction with duodenal exclusion was associated with a significantly higher incidence than non-exclusion (25.1 versus 8.2 per cent at 5 years; P < 0.001). Patients who had lymph node dissection in the hepatoduodenal ligament had a significantly higher incidence of gallstones than those who did not (28.2 versus 7.5 per cent at 5 years; P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis that included type of reconstruction and lymph node dissection, lymph node dissection in the hepatoduodenal ligament was identified as the most significant risk factor for gallstone development (odds ratio 3.66 (95 per cent confidence interval 2.16 to 6.22); P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Lymph node dissection in the hepatoduodenal ligament, total gastrectomy and exclusion of the duodenum are risk factors for gallstones after gastrectomy.     

非离断式Roux—en—Y吻合在远端胃癌根治术后消化道重建中的应用

目的评价非离断式Roux-en-Y吻合用于远端胃癌根治术后消化道重建的临床效果。方法回顾性分析2005年3月至2008年3月间天津医科大学肿瘤医院行远端胃癌根治术且有完整随访资料的419例患者．根据其不同的消化道重建方式分为：UncutRY组（非离断式Roux-en-Y吻合）127例,BI组（BillrothI式）138例,M—BⅡ组（改良BillrothII式）108例,RY组（Roux—en-Y吻合）46例。结果UncutRY组患者手术时间[（132．6±19．2）min]和术后住院时间[（10．4±1．2）d]较RY组[（142．5±11．7）min和（12．1±3．7）d]缩短（P〈0．05）;术后反流性胃炎发生率（3．2％,4／127）较BI组（24．6％,34／138,P〈0．05）和M．BII组（25．9％,28／108,P〈0．05）下降;吻合口溃疡发生率（0／127）较M—BⅡ组（4．6％,5／108,P〈0．05）下降;Roux-en-Y潴留综合征（RSS）发生率（0／127）较RY组（17．4％,8／46,P〈0．05）下降。结论非离断式Roux．en．Y在保留传统Roux—en—Y术式减少碱性反流优点的同时．克服了RSS的弊病,是胃大部切除术后理想的消化道重建术式。     

Reconstructive Procedure after Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer that Best Prevents Duodenogastroesophageal Reflux

Billroth I and II reconstructions are commonly performed after distal gastrectomy. Both may cause duodenogastric and duodenogastroesophageal reflux, conditions reported to have carcinogenetic potential. The aim of this study was to investigate which reconstructive procedure would most effectively prevent bile reflux into the gastric remnant and esophagus after distal gastrectomy. A group of 92 patients who underwent curative distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer were subjected and classified into three groups retrospectively by the reconstructive procedure undertaken: group A, Roux-en-Y (Roux-Y) reconstruction (n = 29); group B, Billroth I reconstruction (n = 41); group C, Billroth II reconstruction (n = 22). The bile reflux periods (percent time) for the gastric remnant and esophagus were measured with the Bilitec 2000 under standardized conditions. The percent time for the gastric remnant was significantly less in group A than in group B or C. In 61% of all patients, bile reflux into the esophagus was found to be more than 5.0% of the time; it was less in group A than in group B or C (p = 0.057). A questionnaire revealed a good correlation between the incidence of reflux symptoms and the percent time for the gastric remnant and esophagus. Roux-Y reconstruction is superior to either Billroth I or II reconstruction for preventing bile reflux into the gastric remnant and esophagus after distal gastrectomy.     

Reconstructive procedure after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer that best prevents duodenogastroesophageal reflux

Billroth I and II reconstructions are commonly performed after distal gastrectomy. Both may cause duodenogastric and duodenogastroesophageal reflux, conditions reported to have carcinogenetic potential. The aim of this study was to investigate which reconstructive procedure would most effectively prevent bile reflux into the gastric remnant and esophagus after distal gastrectomy. A group of 92 patients who underwent curative distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer were subjected and classified into three groups retrospectively by the reconstructive procedure undertaken: group A, Roux-en-Y (Roux-Y) reconstruction (n = 29); group B, Billroth I reconstruction (n = 41); group C, Billroth II reconstruction (n = 22). The bile reflux periods (percent time) for the gastric remnant and esophagus were measured with the Bilitec 2000 under standardized conditions. The percent time for the gastric remnant was significantly less in group A than in group B or C. In 61% of all patients, bile reflux into the esophagus was found to be more than 5.0% of the time; it was less in group A than in group B or C (p = 0.057). A questionnaire revealed a good correlation between the incidence of reflux symptoms and the percent time for the gastric remnant and esophagus. Roux-Y reconstruction is superior to either Billroth I or II reconstruction for preventing bile reflux into the gastric remnant and esophagus after distal gastrectomy.     

Comparative studies of plasma secretin response after reconstructive surgery of the stomach and pancreas.

The postprandial plasma secretin response was examined in ten normal persons, seven patients with a Billroth I and seven with a Billroth II anastomosis after subtotal gastrectomy, seven with a Roux-en-Y anastomosis, two with an interposed jejunal anastomosis, and five with a modified Child's anastomosis after pancreatoduodenectomy. The postprandial plasma secretin response in patients with Billroth I anastomosis was better than that in patients with a Billroth II anastomosis but was less than that of normal subjects. Although no postprandial secretin response was noted in Roux-en-Y anastomosis after total gastrectomy, a response was seen in patients with the interposed jejunal anastomosis because the digested food passed through the duodenum, but it was less than that for Billroth I and II patients and normal controls. After a modified Child's reconstruction, the postprandial secretin response was similar to that of patients with the Billroth II, which preserved the duodenum. A patient with a modified Child's reconstruction was examined 12 years after surgery and had the same response as other patients with the modified Child's reconstruction and those with a Billroth II anastomosis within 2 months after surgery. After ingestion of hydrochloride solution, the plasma secretin release in patients with a Billroth I and II anastomosis after subtotal gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y anastomosis after total gastrectomy had a better response than after a meal, but this was less than in normal subjects. The authors suggest that careful selection of intestine for the gastrointestinal anastomosis, which contains many secretin secretory cells, is important to obtain endogenous secretin release. For gastrojejunostomy after pancreatoduodenectomy, a method preserving the pylorus is better than the usual gastrojejunostomy because it maintains gastric acid. The ingestion of secretin stimulants, such as hydrochloride, may help to prevent pancreatic dysfunction after gastrectomy and other surgical reconstructions.     

Early international results of laparoscopic gastrectomies

Background: The first totally laparoscopic Billroth II gastrectomy was performed in 1992. To date, laparoscopic gastrectomy has been performed by a small number of surgeons around the world and the laparoscopic approach has been extended to Billroth I and total gastrectomy. The aim of this study is to review the state of laparoscopically performed gastrectomies in the international scene. Methods: Questionnaires were prepared and sent to every surgeon in the world known by the authors or their contacts to have performed a laparoscopic gastrectomy. A questionnaire survey was started in July 1994 and completed by November 1994. Data collected included age, sex, type of gastric resection, technique of reconstruction after resection, average duration of surgery, time to liquid and solid intake, postoperative hospital stay, complications, and opinions of the surgeons. Results: Sixteen surgeons contributed to this study. A total number of 118 cases of laparoscopic gastrectomies, comprising Billroth I (11), Billroth II (87), vagotomy and antrectomy (10), and total gastrectomy (10) had been performed. The indications were gastric and/or duodenal ulcers and benign and malignant gastric tumors. Conclusions: Laparoscopic gastrectomy was found to be superior to the open technique by 10 of 16 surgeons because of faster recovery, less pain, and better cosmesis. The procedure was an expensive and long operation according to four. Two surgeons were uncertain of any benefit because of limited experience. Received: 7 August 1996/Accepted: 28 October 1996