The influence of reconstruction methods on food retention phenomenon in the remnant stomach after a subtotal gastrectomy

Understanding and Managing Metabolic Deficiencies Post Bariatric and Esophagectomy Surgeries: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Gastrectomy and esophagectomy are the most performed surgeries in the treatment of both esophageal and gastric cancers. The type of esophagectomy depends on the type of malignancy, site of the tumor, criteria of resection, and field of resection. The three standard approaches to esophagectomy are the transhiatal approach, the left thoracoabdominal approach, and a three-stage procedure. The transhiatal approach involves abdominal and cervical incisions, while the left thoracoabdominal approach is a one-stage procedure that utilizes a single incision exposing the dissection field. The Ivor Lewis and McKeown esophagectomies are two-stage and three-stage surgeries that include laparotomy with right thoracotomy. Malabsorption often emerges as a significant postoperative complication following esophagectomy and gastrectomy surgeries. Malnutrition linked with these cancers has detrimental effects, including heightened rates of postoperative complications, elevated infection risks, delayed wound healing, reduced tolerance to treatment, diminished quality of life, and heightened mortality rates. Our narrative review summarizes and sheds light on solutions to treat malabsorption disorders and malnutrition after gastric bypass surgery. These solutions include methods such as adjustments, supplements, and treatment. Although more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness, these methods indicate potential for lowering the impact on patients' diets. By considering the beneficial implications of these effects and considering solutions, we aim to improve the management of these adverse effects, ultimately improving the overall health and postoperative outcomes of patients.

Efficacy and safety of long-term transcutaneous electroacupuncture versus sham transcutaneous electroacupuncture for delayed gastric emptying after distal gastrectomy: study protocol for a randomized, patient-assessor blinded, controlled trial

Background

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after distal gastrectomy impacts patients’ nutritional status and quality of life. The current treatments of DGE seem unsatisfactory or need invasive interventions. It is unknown whether transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA) is effective in treating DGE.

Methods

A total of 90 eligible participants who underwent distal gastrectomy will be randomly allocated to either the TEA group (n = 60) or the sham transcutaneous electroacupuncture (sham-TEA) group (n = 30). Each participant will receive TEA on the bilateral acupoints of Zusanli (ST36) and Neiguan (PC6) for 4 weeks. The primary outcomes will be the residual rates of radioactivity in the stomach by gastric scintigraphy and total response rates. The secondary outcomes will be endoscopic features, autonomic function, nutritional and psychological status, serum examination, and quality of life (QoL). The adverse events will also be reported. The patients will be followed up 1 year after the treatment.

Discussion

The findings of this randomized trial will provide high-quality evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of long-term TEA for treating DGE after distal gastrectomy.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000033965. Registered on 20 June 2020

Closure of Petersen's Space Lowers the Incidence of Gastric Food Retention after Distal Gastrectomy with Gastrojejunostomy in Gastric Cancer Patients

Purpose

Delayed gastric emptying usually manifests as gastric food retention. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of gastric food retention after distal gastrectomy with gastrojejunostomy in gastric cancer patients and identify the risk factors for its development.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 245 patients who underwent distal gastrectomy with gastrojejunostomy for gastric cancer at Boramae Medical Center between March 2017 and December 2019. We analyzed the presence of gastric food residue via computed tomography (CT) scans at 3 and 12 months postoperatively and analyzed the risk factors that may influence the development of gastric food retention.

Results

CT scans were performed on 235 patients at 3 months and on 217 patients at 12 months postoperatively. In the group that received closure of Petersen's space, the incidence of gastric food retention was significantly low as per the 3- and 12-month postoperative follow-up CT scans (P=0.028 and 0.003, respectively). In addition, hypertension was related to gastric food retention as per the 12-month postoperative follow-up CT scans (P=0.011). No other factors were related to the development of gastric food retention. In the multivariate analysis, non-closure of Petersen's space (hazard ratio [HR], 2.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–5.38; P=0.010) was the only significant risk factor for gastric food retention at 3 months postoperatively, while non-closure of Petersen's space (HR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.40-5.64; P=0.004) and hypertension (HR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.14–4.63; P=0.020) were both significant risk factors for gastric food retention at 12 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

Closure of Petersen's space has an effect on decrease the incidence of gastric food retention after distal gastrectomy with gastrojejunostomy in gastric cancer patients.

Botulinum Toxin Injection for the Treatment of Delayed Gastric Emptying Following Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy: an Initial Experience

Purpose

To report our experience of endoscopic botulinum toxin injection in patients who experienced severe delayed gastric emptying after pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG).

Materials and Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 6 patients who received the botulinum toxin injection. They presented with severe delayed gastric emptying in the early postoperative period. Endoscopic botulinum toxin was administered as 4 injections of 25−50 IU into each of the 4 quadrants of the prepyloric area.

Results

All botulinum toxin injections were successful without any complications, enabling 5 patients to tolerate soft solid diets and one to tolerate a soft fluid diet within 10 days. The endoscopic criteria of 4 patients improved. Symptom recurrence caused 2 patients to undergo repeat injections that were successful. The median follow-up period was 27 months, and all patients could ingest normal regular diets at the last follow-up.

Conclusions

Endoscopic botulinum toxin injection is a feasible treatment option for early delayed gastric emptying after PPG.

Postgastrectomy Syndromes and Nutritional Considerations Following Gastric Surgery

Postgastrectomy syndromes result from altered form and function of the stomach. Gastrectomy disrupts reservoir capacity, mechanical digestion and gastric emptying. Early recognition of symptoms with prompt evaluation and treatment is essential. Many syndromes resolve with minimal intervention or dietary modifications. Re-operation is not common but often warranted for afferent and efferent loop syndromes and bile reflux gastritis. Preoperative nutritional assessment and treatment of common vitamin and mineral deficiencies after gastrectomy can reduce the incidence of chronic complications. An integrated team approach to risk assessment, patient education, and postoperative management is critical to optimal care of patients with gastric cancer.

J-pouch versus Roux-en-Y reconstruction after gastrectomy: functional assessment and quality of life (randomized trial)

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life and functional emptying of J-pouch versus Roux-en-Y reconstruction after total gastrectomy for malignancy.

Methods

This study was designed as a prospective, nonblinded, randomized, parallel clinical trial (Trial Number: MN Ostrava, 200604). With informed consent, patients undergoing gastrectomy for malignancy were randomized to J-pouch or Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The time taken for a test semisolid meal labeled with ^99mTc-sulfur colloid to exit the reconstructed parts was measured by dynamic scintigraphy 1 year after resection. Quality of life was measured using the Eypasch questionnaire at the same time as functional emptying assessment. This trial was investigator-initiated.

Results

In all, 72 patients were included into the study. The time taken for the test meal to exit the postgastrectomy reconstruction was 16.5±10.0 minutes (mean ± standard deviation) in the Roux-en-Y group and 89.4±37.8 minutes in the “J-pouch” group; the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Emptying of the J-pouch appeared to be a linear decreasing function compared to the exponential pattern seen in the Roux-en-Y group. The quality of life measurement showed scores of 106±18.8 points (mean ± standard deviation) in the Roux-en-Y group compared to 122±22.5 points in the J-pouch group; the difference was statistically significant (P=0.0016). There were no important adverse events.

Conclusion

After total gastrectomy, a J-pouch reconstruction empties more slowly and is associated with higher quality of life compared to Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Whether these two observations have a direct causative link remains unanswered.

Management of Helicobacter pylori infection after gastric surgery

The Maastricht IV/Florence Consensus Report and the Second Asia-Pacific Consensus Guidelines strongly recommend eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in patients with previous gastric neoplasia who have undergone gastric surgery. However, the guidelines do not mention optimal timing, eradication regimens, diagnostic tools, and follow-up strategies for patients undergoing gastrectomy and do not indicate if eradication of H. pylori reduces the risk of marginal ulcer or stump cancer in the residual stomach after gastrectomy. The purpose of this review is to provide an update which may help physicians to properly manage H. pylori infection in patients who have undergone gastric surgery. This review focuses on (1) the microenvironment change in the stomach after gastrectomy; (2) the phenomenon of spontaneous clearance of H. pylori after gastrectomy; (3) the effects of H. pylori on gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia after gastrectomy; (4) incidence and clinical features of ulcers developing after gastrectomy; (5) does eradication of H. pylori reduce the risk of gastric stump cancer in the residual stomach? (6) does eradication of H. pylori reduce the risk of secondary metachronous gastric cancer in the residual stomach? and (7) optimal timing and regimens for H. pylori eradication, diagnostic tools and follow-up strategies for patients undergoing gastrectomy.

Premedication with erythromycin improves endoscopic visualization of the gastric mucosa in patients with subtotal gastrectomy: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Food residue in the remnant stomach after subtotal gastrectomy (STG) interferes with endoscopic observation. We investigated whether intravenous erythromycin improves gastric mucosa visualization in patients with STG.

METHODS

This study was conducted from April 2012 to October 2012 as a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Patients who received STG with complete resection (stage T1-2N0M0) were included. Exclusion criteria were diabetes mellitus, neurologic disease, myopathy, recent viral enteritis history, concomitant therapy influencing gastrointestinal motility and severe comorbidity. Patients were instructed to consume a soft diet for dinner between 1800 and 2000 h, and endoscopies were performed between 0900 and 1200 h. Patients were assigned randomly to receive either erythromycin (125 mg in normal saline 50 cc) or placebo saline. The endoscopy was performed 15 min after infusion. Grade of residual food was rated as follows: G0, no residual food; G1, a small amount of residual food; G2, a moderate amount of residual food; G3, a moderate amount of residual food that hinders observation of the entire surface, even with body rolling; G4, a great amount of residual food such that endoscopic observation is impossible.

RESULTS

When good visibility was defined as G0+G1, visibility was significantly better in the erythromycin group (61 + 19 %) than in the placebo group (38 + 12 %, p < 0.001). However, this effect was not seen in patients within 6 months after gastrectomy. The risk factor for food stasis in the placebo group (n = 58) was food stasis at last endoscopy. The only factor predicting erythromycin response in the erythromycin group (n = 56) was elapsed time since surgery. Adverse effects included nausea [11 (19.7 %)] and vomiting [1 (1.8 %)] in the erythromycin group and vomiting [3 (5.2 %)] in the placebo group. However, they were transient and tolerable.

CONCLUSIONS

Premedication with erythromycin improves mucosal visualization during endoscopy in patients with STG. (

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01659619).

Proper preparation to reduce endoscopic reexamination due to food residue after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Reducing food residue by proper preparation methods before endoscopy after distal gastrectomy can increase the quality of examination and decrease patient discomfort. We evaluated the risk factors for food residue and proper methods of preparation for endoscopy after distal gastrectomy.

METHODS

Follow-up endoscopy with questionnaires was performed on 1,001 patients who underwent distal gastrectomy at Asan Medical Center between December 2010 and July 2011.

RESULTS

Endoscopic examination failed in 94 patients (9.4 %) as a result of large amounts of food residue. Rates of failure were significantly higher in patients who ate a regular diet rather than a soft diet at last dinner before examination (13.9 vs. 6.1 %, p = 0.050), and in those who ate lunch rather than not eating lunch on the day before examination (14.6 vs. 7.7 %, p = 0.020). Multivariate analysis showed that the rate of failed examination was lower in patients who had a history of abdominal surgery (p = 0.011), those who ate a soft (p < 0.001) or liquid (p = 0.003) diet as a last meal rather than a regular diet, those who underwent Billroth I rather than Billroth II reconstruction (p = 0.035), patients with longer fasting time (p = 0.009), and those with a longer gastrectomy-to-endoscopy time interval (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who undergo follow-up endoscopy after surgery should fast more than 18 h and ingest a soft or liquid diet on the day before examination.

Postgastrectomy syndromes

The first postgastrectomy syndrome was noted not long after the first gastrectomy was performed. The indications for gastric resection have changed dramatically over the past 4 decades, and the overall incidence of gastric resection has decreased. This article focuses on the small proportion of patients with severe, debilitating symptoms; these symptoms can challenge the acumen of the surgeon who is providing the patient's long-term follow-up and care. The article does not deal with the sequelae of bariatric surgery.

Risk factors for food residue after distal gastrectomy and a new effective preparation for endoscopy: the water-intake method

Background/Aims

Food residue is frequently observed in the gastric remnant after distal gastrectomy, despite adequate preparation. We devised a water-intake method to reduce food residue in the gastric remnant by drinking large quantities of water in a short time. The aims of this study were to identify the risk factors for food residue and to study the effectiveness of this new method for endoscopy preparation.

Methods

A cohort of 708 patients who underwent distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer was reviewed prospectively. Sixty patients with large amounts of food residue were randomly divided into two groups: a water-intake group (n=40) and a prolonged fasting group (n=20).

Results

The incidences of a large amount of food residue were 15.7%, 5.8%, 7.5%, and 2.8% at 3, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively, after distal gastrectomy. Independent risk factors for food residue were endoscopy at 3 months, diabetes mellitus, a body mass index of <19.5, and laparoscopic surgery. The proportion of successful preparations at follow-up endoscopy was higher for the water-intake group (70%) than for the prolonged fasting group (40%, p=0.025).

Conclusions

The water-intake method can be recommended as a preparation for endoscopy in patients who have had repetitive food residue or risk factors after distal gastrectomy.

Computer simulation of flow and mixing at the duodenal stump after gastric resection

AIM: To investigate the flow and mixing at the duodenal stump after gastric resection, a computer simulation was implemented.

METHODS: Using the finite element method, two different Billroth II procedure cases (A and B) were modeled. Case A was defined with a shorter and almost straight duodenal section, while case B has a much longer and curved duodenal section. Velocity, pressure and food concentration distribution were determined and the numerical results were compared with experimental observations.

RESULTS: The pressure distribution obtained by numerical simulation was in the range of the recorded experimental results. Case A had a more favorable pressure distribution in comparison with case B. However, case B had better performance in terms of food transport because of more continual food distribution, as well as better emptying of the duodenal section.

CONCLUSION: This study offers insight into the transport process within the duodenal stump section after surgical intervention, which can be useful for future patient-specific predictions of a surgical outcome.