Uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Introduction: Uncut Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy is a modification of the Billroth II procedure with Braun anastomosis, in which a jejunal occlusion is fashioned to avoid the Roux Stasis Syndrome. This review aimed to summarize the current knowledge about the uncut Roux-en-Y anastomosis operation, so that surgeons may be able to make informed decisions about its clinical application. Additionally, we hope that our findings will guide future research on this topic.

Areas covered: The original uncut technique was associated with dehiscence or recanalization of the jejunal occlusion, and was therefore not widely applied. However, with recent improvements in the method of jejunal occlusion, the uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction may be an appropriate alternative for digestive tract reconstruction after distal gastrectomy. This review summarizes the basic research on and clinical applications of uncut Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy from the following several aspects: origin of the uncut reconstruction technique, rationale for uncut reconstruction based on data from animal experiments, clinical results of the uncut reconstruction, recanalization and its countermeasures, and so on.

Expert commentary: The uncut Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy is a controversial yet promising method of gastrointestinal reconstruction after distal gastrectomy. Prospective randomized controlled trials and long-term follow-up outcomes are required to support the modified technique in the future.     

Esophageal cancer after distal gastrectomy

The effect of gastrectomy on the subsequent development of esophageal cancer was investigated. Duodenogastroesophageal reflux is thought to be common in patients after distal gastrectomy, but whether this contributes to the development of esophageal cancer in such patients is controversial. We retrospectively evaluated 153 patients who underwent subtotal esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer between January 2002 and July 2005. They were divided into two groups, according to whether or not they had previously undergone a gastrectomy: group 1, comprising 14 patients who had undergone gastrectomy and group 2, comprising 139 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 (10.5 +/- 4.2 years) than in those who had undergone gastrectomy for a peptic ulcer (28.9 +/- 3.0 years). The interval was also somehow shorter in the patients for whom anastomosis had been performed by Billroth I (21.3 +/- 5.6 years) compared with Billroth II (29.7 +/- 3.2 years), although the difference did not reach its statistical significance (P = 0.11). Moreover, the proportion of lower third tumors in patients after gastrectomy was significantly higher compared with that of the patients with intact stomach. These findings suggest that a history of gastrectomy is associated with more lower-third squamous cell esophageal carcinoma.     

Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy for esophageal cancer after distal gastrectomy

We report the use of gastric remnant for esophageal substitution after distal gastrectomy in a 53-year-old man with esophageal cancer. This patient had a 4-month history of progressive dysphagia for solid food. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a 7.0 cm bulge tumor in the middle-lower esophagus, wherein the upper margin was located 28 cm from the dental arcade. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed wall thickening in the middle-lower esophagus. In this case, radical en bloc esophagectomy with a two-field lymph node dissection was performed in the upper abdomen and mediastinum via a posterolateral right thoracotomy through the fifth intercostal space. Esophagogastric anastomosis was performed mechanically in the apex of the chest using a circular stapler. The gastric remnant was used for reconstruction of the esophago-gastrostomy and placed in the right thoracic cavity. The patient was discharged on the 12th postoperative day without complications. The gastric remnant may be used for reconstruction in patients with esophageal cancer as a substitute organ after distal gastrectomy.     

胃癌病人全胃切除、代胃及人工幽门括约肌重建术的远期疗效观察

目的 观察胃癌病人行全胃切除、代胃及人工幽门括约肌重建术的远期疗效。方法 连续5年对应用此法治疗的106例胃癌患者的营养状况、生存率、术后并发症发生率以及术后生活质量等情况进行定期随访。结果 本组患者5年生存率42．5％，碱性反流性食管炎的发生率为0．9％，术后5年胆石症发生率为5．66％，生活质量优良率为89．6％。结论 全胃切除、代胃及人工幽门括约肌重建术治疗进展期胃癌有较好的远期疗效。     

Surgical results of patients after esophageal resection or extended gastrectomy for cancer of the esophagogastric junction

Precise classification of cancers of the esophagogastric junction according to Siewert may be difficult for the presence of Barrett's esophagus or hiatal hernia, which subsequently leads to a difficult choice of the surgical procedure of esophagectomy or gastrectomy. Ninety-six patients with such cancers were operated on in our department in 7 years. Twenty-nine patients (30.2%), classified as type I (group 1), underwent a transthoracic esophagectomy with gastric pull up. Sixty-seven patients (69.8%) classified as type II or III (group 2) underwent an extended gastrectomy. We compared the patients of both groups retrospectively for disease-free survival and postoperative complications. The general performance status of most patients was comparable in both groups and was assigned to the American Society of Anesthesiologists class II or III. Statistically significant differences between the groups were seen for the postoperative reintubation rate [group 1: 31.0% vs. group 2: 9.0% ( P  = 0.009)], median time for surgery [group 1: 6 (3.5–8.5) hours vs. group 2: 4.7 (2.2–11.5) hours ( P  = 0.001)], time in the intensive care unit [group 1: 6 (3–85) days vs. group 2: 3 (1–54) days ( P  = 0.001)], median hospitalization time [group 1: 23 (14–105) days vs. group 2: 18 (10–63) days ( P  = 0.018)]. No statistical difference was observed for the recurrence-free survival of 40% after 3 years ( P  = 0.311), the mortality rate, the morbidity rate ( P  = 0.108), surgical and respiratory complications, and the incidence of anastomotic leakage ( P  = 0.645). We conclude that in selected cases it may be possible to perform an extended gastrectomy for small type I cancers.     

全胃切除后单腔空肠间置代胃术疗效分析

目的探讨全胃切除术后采用40cm长度的顺行性间置空肠代胃术重建消化道的临床效果.方法对39例行间置空肠代胃术患者随访一年,观察其代胃的储存量、排空时间、反流情况、进食量、体能恢复、临床症状、体重及血浆营养参数(血红蛋白、血浆总蛋白).结果术后二周时一次吞服钡剂量为120ml(100～150),代胃排空时间平均40分钟(20～90),未见钡剂反流入食道,无间置肠段梗阻,术后一年时进食米量2～3两/餐,进餐次数为3～4次/日,无倾倒综合症,均可以从事轻～中度的体力活动.入院时与术后一年的血浆营养参数与体重比较有明显差异.(P＜0.01)结论采用40cm长度的顺行性间置空肠代胃术操作简便,临床效果良好.     

Clinical features and treatment of patients with esophageal cancer and a history of gastrectomy: a multicenter,questionnaire survey in Kyushu,Japan

It is still controversial whether patients with a history of gastrectomy have high risk of esophageal carcinogenesis. On the other hand, the treatment strategy for esophageal cancer patients after gastrectomy is complicated. The association between histories of gastrectomy and esophageal carcinogenesis was retrospectively analyzed, and the treatment of esophageal cancer patients after gastrectomy was evaluated based on questionnaire data collected from multiple centers in Kyushu, Japan. The initial subject population comprised 205 esophageal cancer patients after gastrectomy. Among them, 108 patients underwent curative surgical treatment, and 70 patients underwent chemoradiation therapy (CRT). The time between gastrectomy and esophageal cancer development was longer in peptic ulcer patients (28.3 years) than in gastric cancer patients (9.6 years). There were no differences in the location of esophageal cancer according to the gastrectomy reconstruction method. There were no significant differences in the clinical background characteristics between patients with and without a history of gastrectomy. Among the 108 patients in the surgery group, the 5‐year overall survival rates for stages I (n = 30), II (n = 18), and III (n = 60) were 68.2%, 62.9%, and 32.1%, respectively. In the CRT group, the 5‐year overall survival rate of stage I (n = 29) was 82.6%, but there were no 5‐year survivors in other stages. The 5‐year overall survival rate of patients with CR (n = 33) or salvage surgery (n = 10) was 61.2% or 36%, respectively. For the treatment of gastrectomized esophageal cancer patients, surgery or CRT is recommended for stage I, and surgery with or without adjuvant therapy is the main central treatment in advanced stages, with surgery for stage II, neoadjuvant therapy + surgery for stage III, and CRT + salvage surgery for any stage, if the patient's condition permits.     

Surgical treatment for upper or middle esophageal carcinoma occurring after gastrectomy: a study of 52 cases

Fifty-two patients presenting with upper or middle esophageal carcinoma after gastrectomy between 1980 and 2003 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, there were five cases of total gastrectomy, six cases of proximal partial gastrectomy and 41 cases of distal subtotal gastrectomy. The interval between gastrectomy and the diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma ranged from 2 to 22 years. Surgical procedures included resection of the esophageal lesion with esophageal replacement using non-reversed or reversed gastric tubes (2 and 3 cases respectively), and short or long segment colon (5 and 40 cases respectively); two cases underwent a palliative procedure (jejunostomy). Complications included cervical anastomotic leaks (3 cases), pulmonary infection (3 cases), atelectasis (2 cases) and cordis arrhythmia (5 cases), all of which responded to treatment. In our group, resection of the esophageal lesions and reconstruction of the esophagus was performed in 45 cases (86.5%), exclusion and bypass procedure of esophageal carcinoma and following radiotherapy and chemotherapy in four (7.7%), eternal jejunostomy for intestinal nutrition in two (3.9%) and death occurred in one case (1.9%) due to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Esophageal resection combined with lymph node dissection is indicated for the treatment of upper or middle esophageal carcinoma following gastrectomy. While esophageal substitutes can include non-reversed or reversed gastric tubes as well as short or long segment colon interpositions, we usually recommend the use of colon interposition. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rate of cases with resection of the esophageal lesions and reconstruction of the esophagus was 84.6%, 57.7% and 26.7% respectively.     

Novel method for esophagojejunal anastomosis after laparoscopic total gastrectomy: Semi-end-to-end anastomosis

AIM: To test a new safe and simple technique for circular-stapled esophagojejunostomy in laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LATG).METHODS: We selected 26 patients with gastric cancer who underwent LATG and Roux-en-Y gastrointestinal reconstruction with semi-end-to-end esophagojejunal anastomosis.RESULTS: LATG with semi-end-to-end esophagojejunal anastomosis was successfully performed in all 26 patients. The average operation time was 257 ± 36 min, with an average anastomosis time of 51 ± 17 min and an average intraoperative blood loss of 88 ± 46 mL. The average postoperative hospital stay was 8 ± 3 d. There were no complications and no mortality in this series.CONCLUSION: The application of semi-end-to-end esophagojejunal anastomosis after LATG is a safe and feasible procedure, which can be easily performed and has a short operation time in terms of anastomosis.     

Manometric study of the lower esophageal sphincter and esophagus in subtotal gastrectomy patients

SUMMARY.  There is controversy in the literature regarding the motor function behavior of the lower esophageal sphincter and esophagus following partial gastrectomy. We studied 26 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma of the distal corpus and/or antrum who underwent radical subtotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. There were 15 women (57.69%) and 11 men (42.31%) with a mean age of 57.2 years; 21 were White (80.8%) and five were of African descent (19.2%). Before the surgery and 3 months afterwards, every patient underwent manometric and endoscopic examinations. The lower esophageal sphincter showed reductions in mean respiratory pressure (19.41–15.59 mmHg, P = 0.02) and maximum expiratory pressure (8.13–5.54 mmHg, P = 0.02) without significant alteration in diaphragmatic crura pressure (32.92–30.64 mmHg, P = 0.37). An increase in peristaltic wave amplitude (91.43–124.86 mmHg, P < 0.01) and peristaltic wave conduction velocity (3.29 cm/s to 4.23 cm/s; P = 0.024) were detected in esophageal function. The presence of erosive esophagitis decreased from 10 (38.46%) patients to none ( P = 0.002). We concluded that following surgery the lower esophageal sphincter function was impaired, through decreased pressure in the esophageal component without alteration in diaphragmatic crura pressure. On the other hand, there was significant increase in peristaltic wave amplitude and velocity, and improvement of the erosive esophagitis. The authors suggest that subtotal gastrectomy, with gastroesophageal junction preservation, and Roux-en-Y reconstruction should be the preferred operation for distal gastric cancer to minimize esophageal dysfunction and gastroesophageal reflux disease.     

Comparison of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction and laparoscopic total gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer with stage cT1–2

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and nutritional benefits of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) with double-tract reconstruction (DTR) in comparison with laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG).The demographic, clinical, and pathological data and postoperative nutritional status of patients undergoing LPG with DTR (n = 21) or LTG (n = 26) at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital between January 2016 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed and compared.The operative time in the LPG group was slightly longer than that in the LTG group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Blood loss was not significantly different between groups. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was higher in the LTG group than in the LPG group (P = .02). The time to first flatus, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications were comparable between the groups. During the 3-year postoperative follow-up, a statistically significant decrease in hemoglobin level was observed in the LTG group. There were no differences between the two groups of patients before and after the operation regarding albumin levels. The mean vitamin B₁₂ level was higher in the LPG group than in the LTG group from 12 to 18 months postoperatively.LPG with DTR is an acceptable procedure for patients with upper gastric cancer. LPG with DTR has numerous potential advantages in preserving the physiological and nutritional functions of the remnant stomach and the conservation of the gastric reservoir.     

Comparing the short-term results of the improved triangular anastomosis technique for complete laparoscopic radical resection of sigmoid colon cancer and laparoscopic-assisted small incision colon reconstruction: A CONSORT study

The laparoscopic approaches using the triangular anastomosis technique for sigmoid colon cancer (SCC) are rare. This CONSORT study explored the short-term effects of laparoscopic radical resection of SCC with modified triangular anastomosis technique and laparoscopic-assisted small incision colon cancer reconstruction surgery. From April 2019 to January 2021, a total of 86 patients with SCC who were admitted to Luopu County People’s Hospital were selected and received radical resection. Patients were divided into 2 groups using a random number table method: in the control group, patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted small-incision reconstruction surgery, and patients in the observation group underwent complete laparoscopic surgery with modified triangular anastomosis technique. The 2 groups were compared in perioperative related indicators and postoperative complications. After 3 months follow-up, local tumor recurrence and metastasis, abdominal wall puncture and implantation, and death were observed. Compared to the control group, shorter operation time, gastrointestinal reconstruction time, postoperative exhaust time, hospitalization time, and less intraoperative blood loss, and lower probability of complications were observed in the observation group (P < .05). However, there was no significant difference in the number of lymph node dissections between the 2 groups (P > .05). After 3 months of follow-up, no local tumor recurrence, distant tumor metastasis, abdominal wall puncture implantation, and death were found in the 2 groups of patients. It is indicated that the improved triangular anastomosis technique for complete laparoscopic radical resection of SCC is effective in treatment for SCC.     

Proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction versus total gastrectomy for proximal early gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:The incidence of proximal gastric cancer in the gastric fundus, cardia, and other parts is increasing rapidly. The purpose of this study was to systematically compare the short-term and long-term clinical effects of proximal gastrectomy with double tract reconstruction (PG-DTR) to total gastrectomy (TG) for proximal early gastric cancer (EGC).Methods:A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted through searching the literature in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKI, WAN FANG, and VIP databases. All clinical controlled trials and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PG-DTR and PG were included. Simultaneously, the relevant data were extracted, and the software RevMan version 5.1 was used for the meta-analysis.Results:Eight studies with a total of 753 patients were eligible for the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, early complications (anastomotic fistula and anastomotic bleeding), late complications (reflux symptoms and anastomotic stenosis), and 5-year survival rate between PG-DTR and TG. However, the levels of partial nutritional indicators (vitamin B12 supplements and vitamin B12 deficiency) were significantly higher in the PG-DTR group than in the TG group.Conclusion:This study showed ample evidence to suggest that PG-DTR improved the postoperative nutritional status without compromising patient safety while providing the same surgical characteristics and postoperative morbidity as TG.     

A case of using the remnant stomach as substitute after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer with history of distal gastrectomy

A 63-year-old man who had a distal subtotal gastrectomy and retrocolic end-to-side gastrojejunostomy was admitted because of a mid-thoracic esophageal cancer. He underwent a two-stage subtotal esophagectomy and reconstruction using the remnant stomach without microvascular anastomosis. We preserved the splenic artery, splenic vein, and the short gastric artery. The remnant stomach was pulled up together with the pancreas through the anterior sternal route. The superiority of this technique is that microvascular anastomosis is not needed because a sufficient blood supply from the splenic artery and only two anastomoses are needed, compared with three or four anastomoses when using the colon. This technique is also likely to be safer for patients requiring an esophagectomy after a distal gastrectomy.     

Use of a clinical pathway in laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer

AIM: To evaluate the implementation of a clinical pathway and identify clinical factors affecting the clinical pathway for laparoscopic gastrectomy.METHODS: A standardized clinical pathway for gastric cancer (GC) patients was developed in 2001 by the GC surgery team at the Asan Medical Center. We reviewed the collected data of 4800 consecutive patients treated using the clinical pathway following laparoscopic gastrectomy with lymph node dissection for GC involving intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomosis. The patients were treated between August 2004 and October 2013 in a single institution. To evaluate the rate of completion and risk factors affecting dropout from the clinical pathway, we used a multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: The overall completion rate of the clinical pathway for laparoscopic gastrectomy was 84.1% (n = 4038). In the comparison between groups of intracorporeal anastomosis and extracorporeal anastomosis patients, the completion rates were 83.88% (n = 1740) and 84.36% (n = 2071), respectively, showing no statistically significant difference. The main reasons for dropping out were postoperative complications (n = 463, 9.7%) and the need for patient observation (n = 299, 6.2%). Among the discharged patients treated using the clinical pathway, the number of patients who were readmitted within 30 d due to postoperative complications was 54 (1.1%). In a multivariate analysis, the intraoperative events (OR = 2.558) were the most predictable risk factors for dropping out of the clinical pathway. Additionally, being male (OR = 1.459), advanced age (OR = 1.727), total gastrectomy (OR = 2.444), combined operation (OR = 1.731), and ASA score (OR = 1.889) were significant risk factors affecting the dropout rate from the clinical pathway.CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic gastrectomy appears to be a good indication for the application of a clinical pathway. For successful application, patients with risk factors should be managed carefully.     

Toxicity and outcomes after chemoradiation for esophageal cancer in patients age 75 or older

Randomized trials of chemoradiation for esophageal cancer have included very few patients age ≥ 75. In this retrospective study, we describe the outcomes and toxicity of full‐dose chemoradiation in elderly patients with esophageal cancer. Patients, age ≥ 75, treated with full‐dose chemoradiation for esophageal carcinoma from 2002 to 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty‐four patients were identified with a median age of 79.5 (range 75–89). The median Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status was 1 (range 0–3) and the median Adult Comorbidity Evaluation‐27 score was 1 (range 0–3). Twenty‐eight patients received definitive and six received neoadjuvant chemoradiation. The median radiation dose delivered was 50.4 Gray (range 3.6–68.4 Gray). Platinum‐based chemotherapy was used in 79.4% of patients. Fifty percent of the patients completed all planned radiation therapy (RT) and chemotherapy; 85.3% completed RT. Acute toxicity ≥ grade 4 occurred in 38.2% of patients, and 70.6% of the patients required hospitalization, emergency department visit, and/or RT break. Median follow‐up was 14.5 months among 7 survivors, and median survival was 12.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.7 to 24.1 months). The actuarial overall survival at 2 years was 29.7% (95% CI: 16.6 to 52.6%). There were four treatment‐related deaths. The median time to any recurrence was 10.4 months. Nineteen patients had a local and/or distant recurrence. In conclusion, elderly patients experienced substantial morbidity from chemoradiation, and long‐term survival was low. Future efforts to improve treatment tolerability in the elderly are needed.     

Delayed esophageal reconstruction for aortoesophageal fistula caused by an aortic arch aneurysm with microvascular anastomosis of the left gastric artery and vein

SUMMARY: We report a case of aorto esophageal fistula (AEF) with delayed esophageal reconstruction employing microvascular anastomosis. We demonstrate here that our method is useful for delayed esophageal reconstruction following AEF.     

老年食管癌病人微创手术中不同胸腔内吻合方法的比较

目的 比较老年食管癌病人经右胸微创、腹正中切口食管癌根治术中分别采用倒穿刺法和常规法进行胸腔内吻合的可行性、安全性及优劣势.方法 回顾性分析2017年1月至2020年1月42例60岁以上经右胸微创、腹正中两切口食管癌手术病人的临床资料.根据胸部吻合方法的不同将42例病人分为A、B两组,每组各21例.A组采用倒穿刺法完成...     

Meta-analysis of short-term outcomes after laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy

INTRODUCTIONMany surgeons are interested in laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer because it has been proved that laparoscopic surgery has several advantages over conventional open surgery[1-3]. Since 1991, laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) has been adopted by Kitano[4] for the treatment of early gastric cancer, and it has been performed worldwide, especially in Japan and Korea. In 1997, Goh et al[5] published the early results of 118 LADGs; they sent a questionnaire to…