In recent years, with the standardization and promotion of laparoscopic techniques, the use of laparoscopic radical total gastrectomy is increasing. The main difficult points of this technique focus on digestive tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy. Esophagojejunal Roux-en-Y anastomosis is the first choice in laparoscopic reconstruction. There are two main methods for totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG). One is esophagojejunal end-to-side anastomosis using circular stapler, and the other is esophagojejunal side-to-side anastomosis using linear staplers. TLTG has its advantages in digestive tract reconstruction including better visualization high safety and less trauma, which makes it a safe, convenient and effective method for reconstruction.
Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; methods ; Gastrectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; methods

Methods of digestive tract reconstruction after distal gastrectomy include Billroth I, Billroth II and Roux-en-Y. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages respectively. Alkaline reflux gastritis (ARG) is one of the complications after distal gastrectomy, which is common after Billroth II. In the past 100 years, the ways of digestive tract reconstruction have been continuously improved and developed to prevent the occurrence of alkaline reflux gastritis, and Roux-en-Y is one of them. Still, there is a high incidence of Roux stasis syndrome resulting from Roux-en-Y, with impact on quality of life. Therefore, the appropriate reconstruction is needed urgently. Braun anastomosis was proposed in 1892 to lower the incidence of afferent syndrome. Because of its effect of diverting some alkaline digestive juice, it was applied to pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal gastrectomy. Some studies have proved its effect of diverting some alkaline digestive juice, but the diverted quantity was rarely shown. Besides, compared with Roux-en-Y, Billroth II with Braun anastomosis is safer and more convenient. Meantime it is likely to have benefits in aspect of preventing anemia and malnutrition. In order to provide evidence to clinical practice, this article summarizes the history and research advance of Billroth II with Braun anastomosis by reviewing previous reports.
Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; Gastrectomy ; methods ; Gastroenterostomy ; methods ; Humans ; Quality of Life ; Stomach Neoplasms ; surgery

PURPOSE: Anastomotic stricture is one of the most common problems in esophagojejunostomy using an end-to-end anastomosing (EEA) instrument following total gastrectomy. Because anastomotic stricture often develops with small- cartridge EEA, a larger EEA may be used to avoid stricture. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the difference of complications between patients treated using the EEA25 and ones using EEA28. METHODS: A total of 283 patients underwent curative total gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis, using EEA25 or EEA28, between January 1992 and December 1999. The differences between the EEA25 and EEA28 groups were investigated by comparing them in terms of reflux esophagitis, dysphagia, and stricture. RESULTS: Stricture developed in five patients (13.8%) in the EEA28 group and in 11 patients (4.45%) in the EEA25 group (P<0.05), dysphagia was experienced less frequently in the EEA25 than in the EEA28 group (P<0.05), and no significant differences were evident with regards to reflux esophagitis. CONCLUSION: The choice of a large EEA to avoid anastomotic stricture did not affect the development of dysphagia or stricture. However, a randomized, prospective study should be done to better define the relationship between the size of EEA and the complications of total gastrectomy.
Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Deglutition Disorders ; Esophagitis, Peptic ; Gastrectomy* ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a difficult procedure to perform on patients who have undergone a Billroth II gastrectomy, Whipple's operation or Roux-en-Y gastrobypass surgery. Our study was designed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of cap-assisted ERCP for beginner endoscopists in cases of surgically altered anatomy. METHODS: From April 2008 to March 2010, 16 patients with biliary diseases and who had previously undergone abdominal surgery such as Billroth II gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y operation were analyzed. A single endoscopist performed all the procedures using a cap-assisted gastroscope, after ERCP training. RESULTS: Cap-assisted ERCP was attempted in 24 sessions of 16 patients. Afferent loop intubation and selective bile duct cannulation was successfully achieved in 19 sessions (79.1%). Among the patients who had undergone a Billroth II gastrectomy, 19 out of 20 sessions were successfully conducted. Only 4 patients who had undergone a previous Roux-en-Y operation failed afferent loop intubation. Duodenal free wall perforation developed in one case. There were no cases of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic cap-assisted ERCP was useful in patients who had previously undergone a Billroth II gastrectomy and this may be helpful for inexperienced endoscopists.
Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; Bile Ducts ; Catheterization ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Gastrectomy ; Gastroenterostomy ; Gastroscopes ; Humans ; Intubation

Recurrent tumour after radical pancreaticoduodenectomy may cause obstruction of the small bowel loop draining the liver. Roux-loop obstruction presents a particular therapeutic challenge, since the postsurgical anatomy usually prevents endoscopic access. Careful multidisciplinary discussion and multimodality preprocedure imaging are essential to accurately demonstrate the cause and anatomical location of the obstruction. Transhepatic or direct percutaneous stent placement should be possible in most cases, thereby avoiding long-term external biliary drainage. Gastropexy T-fasteners will secure the percutaneous access and reduce the risk of bile leakage. The static bile is invariably contaminated by gut bacteria, and systemic sepsis is to be expected. Enteral stents are preferable to biliary stents, and compound covered stents in a sandwich construction are likely to give the best long-term results. Transhepatic and direct percutaneous enteral stent insertion after jejunopexy is illustrated and the literature reviewed.
Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; Bacteria ; Bile ; Cholestasis ; Drainage ; Gastropexy ; Jaundice, Obstructive ; Jejunostomy ; Liver ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy ; Sepsis ; Stents

Patients with altered anatomy such as a Roux-en-Y anastomosis often present with various pancreaticobiliary problems requiring therapeutic intervention. However, a conventional endoscopic approach to the papilla is very difficult owing to the long afferent limb and acute angle of a Roux-en-Y anastomosis. Balloon-assisted enteroscopy can be used for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with altered anatomy. We experienced six cases of Roux-en-Y anastomosis with biliary problems, and attempted ERCP using single balloon enteroscopy (SBE). SBE insertion followed by replacement with a conventional endoscope was attempted in five of six patients. The papilla was successfully approached using SBE in all cases. However, therapeutic intervention was completed in only three cases because of poor maneuverability caused by postoperative adhesion. We conclude that in patients with Roux-en-Y anastomosis, the ampulla can be readily accessed with SBE, but longer dedicated accessories are necessary to improve this therapeutic intervention.
Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y* ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde* ; Endoscopes ; Extremities ; Gastrectomy* ; Humans

Several reconstruction techniques are available after gastrectomy. Roux-en-Y reconstruction following distal gastrectomy is the reference in terms of long-term functional and endoscopic outcomes. It is the preferred reconstruction for benign lesions and early gastric cancer. In patients with advanced gastric cancer, BillrothII (reconstruction is an acceptable alternative. After total gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y reconstruction is the simplest solution, with satisfactory functional outcome. Addition of a jejunal reservoir seems to improve long-term outcome after total gastrectomy and could be of benefit to patients with good prognosis. After distal or total gastrectomy, hand-sewn anastomoses should be preferred because of lower costs. Mechanical sutures can facilitate transhiatal esophagojejunostomy. After proximal gastrectomy, esophago-gastric anastomosis is the basic reconstruction method. Gastric remnant is made into gastric tube in the operation. The effect of pyloroplasty remains controversial, and further study is needed to improve the quality of life after operation.
Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; methods ; Gastrectomy ; Gastroenterostomy ; methods ; Humans ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Stomach Neoplasms ; surgery

Compared to that with laparoscopic assisted approach, intracorporeal anastomosis with totally laparoscopic radical total gastrectomy has the advantages of smaller incision, and better vision for operation, and may also be fit for patients with large size lesion, high-located lesions, or obesity. It remains controversial though several surgeons have reported the safety and feasibility of intracorporeal anastomosis with totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy. This review describes the recent technical advances in intracorporeal anastomoses with totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy, focusing on the reconstruction skills and indications. Current data on totally laparoscopic total gastric resection for gastric carcinoma revealed that all digestive tract reconstructions were performed with esophagus-jejunum Roux-en-Y anastomosis, and different reconstruction techniques of such Roux-en-Y anastomosis have certain advantages and disadvantages. Surgeons should make choice based on tumor location, esophageal diameter and personal skills in order to achieve maximal benefit to patients.
Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; methods ; Gastrectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; methods ; Stomach Neoplasms ; surgery

There are various types of digestive tract reconstruction techniques after distal gastrectomy. Among them, Billroth I and II are still the predominant option in China at present. In recent years, Roux-en-Y configuration, jejunal interposition, J-pouch interposition (JPI), double-tract reconstruction, pylorus-preserving method, and laparoscopic reconstruction and anastomosis techniques have gained more attention in recent years. Although there is no universal and explicit guideline, the current consensus is that the reconstruction style should be adopted by the principles of digestive tract reconstruction, based on patient's condition, socioeconomic status and surgeon's experience.
Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; Digestive System Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Gastrectomy ; methods ; Gastroenterostomy ; Humans ; Stomach Neoplasms ; surgery

Adult ; Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatic Pseudocyst ; surgery