OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy of uncutted Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy with jejunal pouch (URYJP) after total gastrectomy.

METHODSTotal gastrectomy was performed on 168 patients of gastric cancer, and 3 methods were used for reconstruction: the uncutted Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy with a jejunal pouch was performed on 69 patients(group A),Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy with the P-type jejunal pouch on 50 patients(group B),and Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy with the Orr-type jejunal pouch on 49 patients (group C). The alimentary tract reconstruction time, morbidity and mortality were compared. The 121 cases that survived for more than 1 year were analyzed for quality of life(QOL),including body weight, intake quantity, prognosis nutritional index (PNI), and Visick scores 6 and 12 months after the operations.

RESULTSAll the patients recovered quickly and no anastomosis leakage or duodenal fistulas were found. It took (30+/-7) minutes to finish the reconstruction in group A, which was significantly shorter than that in group B [(57+/-6) minutes] or in group C [(48+/-6) minutes]. There were no significant differences among 3 groups in the incidence of alkaline reflux gastritis. The incidence of Roux stasis syndrome was 2.2% in group A, which was significantly lower than 17.9% and 19.4% in group B and C. Weight loss and food intake gain in group A was superior to those in group B and C 6 months and 12 months postoperatively. As compared with prognosis nutritional index(PNI) postoperatively, those of 3 groups decreased significantly 6 months postoperatively. At 12 months after operation, the PNI of group A returned to the level before operation, while PNI of both group B and C remained significantly lower than those before operation (both P < 0.05). The Visick score of group A was superior to those of group B and C 6 months and 12 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONSThe new uncutted Roux operation with jejunal pouch can prevent alkaline reflux gastritis and Roux-en-Y stasis syndrome. It may be a standard procedure for reconstruction after total gastrectomy.