Palliative gastrojejunostomy

Palliative bypass for neoplastic gastric outlet obstruction should be minimally invasive. We designed a laparoscopically assisted approach that appears to meet the need. The proximal jejunum is exteriorized by laparoscopy via an epigastric trocar-site incision. An EEA anvil is installed in the exteriorized jejunum, which is returned to the abdomen. Through this mini-incision, the anterior wall of the stomach is opened for insertion of the EEA stapler, which penetrates the posterior gastric wall. When snapped to the anvil and fired, an antecolic gastrojejunostomy is created. No mortality or anastomotic leak occurred in two cases. The operation and recovery appeared to be faster than historic controls. This operation is minimally invasive and expeditious, ideal for patients requiring palliative bypass. Received: 28 June 1996/Accepted: 26 July 1996