OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antidiarrheal effect of ethanol extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch root (GFR) in vivo and jejunal contraction in vitro. METHODS: In vivo, 50 mice were divided into negative control, positive control (verapamil), low-, medium- and high-dose GFR (250, 500, 1,000 mg/kg) groups by a random number table, 10 mice in each group. The antidiarrheal activity was evaluated in castor oil-induced diarrhea mice model by evacuation index (EI). In vitro, the effects of GFR (0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, and 10 g/L) on the spontaneous contraction of isolated smooth muscle of rabbit jejunum and contraction of pretreated by Acetylcholine (ACh, 10 µmol/L) and KCl (60 mmol/L) were observed for 200 s. In addition, CaCl₂ was accumulated to further study its mechanism after pretreating jejunal smooth muscle with GFR (1 and 3 g/L) or verapamil (0.03 and 0.1 µmol/L) in a Ca²⁺-free-high-K⁺ solution containing ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). RESULTS: GFR (500 and 1,000 mg/kg) significantly reduced EI in castor oil-induced diarrhea model mice (P<0.01). Meanwhile, GFR (0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, and 10 g/L) inhibited the spontaneous contraction of rabbit jejunum (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Contraction of jejunums samples pretreated by ACh and KCl with 50% effective concentration (EC₅₀) values was 1.05 (0.71-1.24), 0.34 (0.29-0.41) and 0.15 (0.11-0.20) g/L, respectively. In addition, GFR moved the concentration-effect curve of CaCl₂ down to the right, showing a similar effect to verapamil. CONCLUSIONS GFR can effectively against diarrhea and inhibit intestinal contraction, and these antidiarrheal effects may be based on blocking L-type Ca²⁺ channels and muscarinic receptors.
Mice ; Rabbits ; Animals ; Antidiarrheals/adverse effects* ; Jejunum ; Glycyrrhiza uralensis ; Castor Oil/adverse effects* ; Calcium Chloride/adverse effects* ; Diarrhea/drug therapy* ; Plant Extracts/adverse effects* ; Verapamil/adverse effects* ; Muscle Contraction

Laparoscopic techniques are more and more poplular in proximal gastrectomy. The traditional esophagogastric anastomosis may lead to severe reflux esophagitis after surgery, affecting patient's quality of life. In recent years, multiple methods of digestive tract reconstruction after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy capable of resisting reflux have been applied to the clinic. Combining the results of the latest clinical studies and our clinical experience, we elaborate the views on digestive tract reconstruction after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy. Esophagogastric anastomosis (posterior esophagogastric anastomosis, anterior esophagogastric anastomosis, gastric tube reconstruction, lateral esophagogastric anastomosis, Kamikawa anastomosis and modified Kamikawa anastomosis, etc.) and esophagojejunal anastomosis (interposition jejunum, interposition jejunum with pouch, and double-channel anastomosis, etc.) are mainly discussed. Of course, the anti-reflux mechanisms of different surgical procedures are not the same, the anti-reflux effects are variable, and the surgical difficulties under laparoscopy are also different. Therefore, how to choose a rational reconstruction method after proximal gastrectomy needs to be comprehensively considered based on patient's own situation and technical level of the surgeons.
Anastomosis, Surgical/methods* ; Esophagitis, Peptic/surgery* ; Gastrectomy/methods* ; Humans ; Jejunum/surgery* ; Laparoscopy ; Quality of Life ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms/surgery*

With the development of instrument, equipment and surgical skills, especially the emergence of a series of high-level medical evidence, the laparoscopic techniques in the field of gastric surgery has been further expanded. Totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) has certain technical difficulties, and more challenges are reflected in the digestive tract reconstruction. The use of linear staplers has reduced the difficulty of digestive tract reconstruction to a certain extent and has strongly promoted the transition from laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy to TLTG. However, for TLTG, there are still many details that should be carefully concerned, so as to effectively avoid the surgical pitfalls and ensure the fluency and safety of the procedure. In this article, we discuss the surgical details based on our own experiences, including how to obtain surgical field exposure well, how to manage specific accidents when using linear stapler for esophagojejunostomy, how to prevent intra-abdominal hernias and Roux stasis syndrome, and how to prevent the stapled lines of the esophageal or jejunal stumps from direct contact with aorta.
Anastomosis, Surgical/methods* ; Gastrectomy/methods* ; Humans ; Jejunum/surgery* ; Laparoscopy/methods* ; Stomach Neoplasms/surgery*

There still remain some problemsin digestive tract reconstruction after robotic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer at present, such as great surgical difficulties and high technical requirements. Based on the surgical experience of the Gastric Surgery Department of Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University and the literatures at home and abroad, relevant issues are discussed in terms of robotic radical distal gastrectomy (Billroth I, Billroth II, and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy), proximal gastrectomy (double-channel and double-muscle flap anastomosis), and total gastrectomy (Roux-en-Y anastomosis, functional end-to-end anastomosis, FEEA, π-anastomosis, Overlap anastomosis, and modified Overlap anastomosis with delayed amputation of jejunum, i.e. later-cut Overlap). This article mainly includes (1) The principles of digestive tract reconstruction after robotic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. (2) Digestive tract reconstruction after robotic radical distal gastrectomy: Aiming at the weakness of traditional triangular anastomosis, we introduce the improvement of the technical difficulty, namely "modified triangular anastomosis", and point out that because Billroth II anastomosis is a common anastomosis method in China at present, manual suture under robot is more convenient and safe, and can effectively avoid anastomotic stenosis. (3) Digestive tract reconstruction after robotic proximal gastrectomy: It mainly includes double channel anastomosis and double muscle flap anastomosis, but these reconstruction methods are relatively complicated, and robotic surgery has not been widely carried out at present. (4) Digestive tract reconstruction after robotic total gastrectomy: The most classic one is Roux-en-Y anastomosis, mainly using circular stapler for end-to-side esophagojejunal anastomosis and linear stapler for side-to-side esophagojejunal anastomosis, for which we discuss the solutions to the existing technical difficulties. With the continuous innovation of robotic surgical system and anastomosis instruments, and with the gradual improvement of anastomosis technology, it is believed that digestive tract reconstruction after robotic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer will have a good application prospect in gastric cancer surgery.
Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y/methods* ; Gastrectomy/methods* ; Humans ; Jejunum/surgery* ; Laparoscopy ; Robotic Surgical Procedures ; Robotics ; Stomach Neoplasms/surgery*

Anastomosis, Surgical ; Gastrectomy/adverse effects* ; Humans ; Jejunum/surgery* ; Laparoscopy ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of capsule endoscopy in children with small intestinal diseases with hematochezia as the chief complaint. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data and capsule endoscopy findings of 93 children with hematochezia who were admitted to Children's Hospital of Fudan University from May 2015 to January 2019 and underwent capsule endoscopy. According to the capsule endoscopy findings of the jejunum and the ileum, they were divided into a positive lesion group with 39 patients and a negative lesion group with 54 patients. Related clinical data and the features of lesion on capsule endoscopy were analyzed for the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, sex, duration of capsule endoscopy, gastric transit time, and small intestinal transit time between the positive lesion and negative lesion groups (P>0.05). The positive lesion group had a significantly lower level of hemoglobin than the negative lesion group (P<0.05). Hemoglobin level was negatively correlated with the rate of positive lesions on capsule endoscopy (r=-0.342, P=0.001). Among the 39 patients with positive lesions on capsule endoscopy, the detection of Meckel's diverticulum was the highest (41%), followed by inflammatory bowel disease (21%). CONCLUSIONS Capsule endoscopy has a certain value in detecting small intestinal diseases, especially diseases in the jejunum and the ileum, in children with lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Capsule Endoscopy ; Child ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Intestinal Diseases ; Jejunum ; Meckel Diverticulum ; Retrospective Studies

The most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract are gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and smooth muscle neoplasms; however, other soft tissue tumors may also present in the intestines and cause diagnostic dilemmas. We report the case of a 27-year old primigravid, with no known complications, who underwent cesarean section for cephalopelvic disproportion. Intraoperatively, a well-demarcated, solid mass measuring 1.5 x 1.0 x 0.7 cm was noted at the jejunum. The patient underwent segmental resection of the mass. Microscopic examination of the mass reveals a non-encapsulated, solid mass composed of bland spindle cells and dense, hyalinized collagen in whorls and bundles. Dystrophic calcifications and a lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate are seen within the collagen bundles. Immunohistochemical staining with desmin, CD117, and DOG-1 was done, which are all negative. The case was signed out as calcifying fibrous tumor (CFT). Inclusion of CFTs in the differential diagnoses for mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract is important, as these neoplasms are benign and have an excellent prognosis.
Jejunum ; Neoplasms

PURPOSE: The perigastric vagus nerve may play an important role in preserving function after gastrectomy, and intraoperative neurophysiologic tests might represent a feasible method of evaluating the vagus nerve. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of neurophysiologic evaluations of the function and viability of perigastric vagus nerve branches during gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients (1 open total gastrectomy, 1 laparoscopic total gastrectomy, and 11 laparoscopic distal gastrectomy) were prospectively enrolled. The hepatic and celiac branches of the vagus nerve were exposed, and grabbing type stimulation electrodes were applied as follows: 10–30 mA intensity, 4 trains, 1,000 µs/train, and 5× frequency. Visible myocontractile movement and electrical signals were monitored via needle probes before and after gastrectomy. Gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 weeks and 3 months, respectively. RESULTS: Responses were observed after stimulating the celiac branch in 10, 9, 10, and 6 patients in the antrum, pylorus, duodenum, and proximal jejunum, respectively. Ten patients responded to hepatic branch stimulation at the duodenum. After vagus-preserving distal gastrectomy, 2 patients lost responses to the celiac branch at the duodenum and jejunum (1 each), and 1 patient lost response to the hepatic branch at the duodenum. Significant procedure-related complications and meaningful postoperative diarrhea were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative neurophysiologic testing seems to be a feasible methodology for monitoring the perigastric vagus nerves. Innervation of the duodenum via the celiac branch and postoperative preservation of the function of the vagus nerves were confirmed in most patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0000823
Diarrhea ; Duodenum ; Electrodes ; Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Information Services ; Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring ; Jejunum ; Methods ; Needles ; Prospective Studies ; Pylorus ; Vagus Nerve

BACKGROUND/AIMS: High-resolution methods have advanced esophageal and anorectal manometry interpretation but are incompletely established for intestinal manometry. We characterized normal fasting duodeno-jejunal manometry parameters not measurable by standard techniques using clustered closely-spaced recordings. METHODS: Ten fasting recordings were performed in 8 healthy controls using catheters with 3–4 gastrointestinal manometry clusters with 1–2 cm channel spacing. Migrating motor complex phase III characteristics were quantified. Spatial-temporal contour plots measured propagation direction and velocity of individual contractions. Coupling was defined by pressure peak continuity within clusters. RESULTS: Twenty-three phase III complexes (11 antral, 12 intestinal origin) with 157 (95% CI, 104–211) minute periodicities, 6.99 (6.25–7.74) minute durations, 10.92 (10.68–11.16) cycle/minute frequencies, 73.6 (67.7–79.5) mmHg maximal amplitudes, and 4.20 (3.18–5.22) cm/minute propagation velocities were recorded. Coupling of individual contractions was 39.1% (32.1–46.1); 63.0% (54.4–71.6) of contractions were antegrade and 32.8% (24.1–41.5) were retrograde. Individual phase III contractions propagated > 35 fold faster (2.48 cm/sec; 95% CI, 2.25–2.71) than complexes themselves. Phase III complexes beyond the proximal jejunum were longer in duration (P = 0.025) and had poorer contractile coupling (P = 0.025) than proximal complexes. Coupling was greater with 1 cm channel spacing vs 2 cm (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal manometry using clustered closely-spaced pressure ports characterizes novel antegrade and retrograde propagation and coupling properties which degrade in more distal jejunal segments. Coupling is greater with more closely-spaced recordings. Applying similar methods to dysmotility syndromes will define the relevance of these methods.
Catheters ; Fasting ; Intestines ; Jejunum ; Manometry ; Muscle Contraction ; Myoelectric Complex, Migrating ; Periodicity

After gastrojejunostomy, a small space can occur between the jejunum at the anastomosis site, the transverse mesocolon, and retroperitoneum, which may cause an intestinal hernia. This report presents a rare case of intestinal ischemic necrosis caused by retroanastomotic hernia after subtotal gastrectomy. A 56-year-old male was admitted to Kangwon National University Hospital with melena, abdominal pain, and nausea. His only relevant medical history was gastrectomy due to stomach cancer. Endoscopic findings revealed subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth-II reconstruction and a bluish edematous mucosal change with necrotic tissue in afferent and efferent loops including the anastomosis site. Abdominopelvic CT showed strangulation of proximal small bowel loops due to mesenteric torsion and thickening of the wall of the gastric remnant. Emergency laparotomy was performed. Surgical findings revealed the internal hernia through the defect behind the anastomosis site with strangulation of the jejunum between 20 cm below the Treitz ligament and the proximal ileum. Roux-en-Y anastomosis was performed, and he was discharged without complication. Retroanastomotic hernia, also called Petersen's space hernia, is a rare complication after gastric surgery, cannot be easily recognized, and leads to strangulation.
Abdominal Pain ; Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; Emergencies ; Gangwon-do ; Gastrectomy ; Gastric Bypass ; Gastric Stump ; Hernia ; Humans ; Ileum ; Ischemia ; Jejunum ; Laparotomy ; Ligaments ; Male ; Melena ; Mesocolon ; Middle Aged ; Nausea ; Necrosis ; Stomach Neoplasms