Closure of Petersen's defect in gastrectomy for gastric cancer: an interrupted time series analysis from a high-volume institution in China

Incidence and risk factors of symptomatic Petersen's hernias in bariatric and upper gastrointestinal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the actual incidence of symptomatic Petersen's hernias (PH) as well as identify risk factors for their occurrence.

METHODS

Search was performed in Medline (via PubMed), Web of Science, and Cochrane library, using the keywords "Petersen Or Petersen's AND hernia" and "Internal hernia." Only studies of symptomatic PH were eligible. Fifty-three studies matched our criteria and were included. Risk of bias for each study was independently assessed using the checklist modification by Hoy et al. Analysis was performed using random-effects models, with subsequent subgroup analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 81,701 patients were included. Mean time interval from index operation to PH diagnosis was 17.8 months. Total small bowel obstruction (SBO) events at Petersen's site were 737 (0.7%). SBO incidence was significantly higher in patients without defect closure (1.2% vs 0.3%, p < 0.01), but was not significantly affected by anastomosis fashion (retrocolic 0.7% vs antecolic 0.8%, p = 0.99). SBO incidence was also not significantly affected by the surgical approach (laparoscopic = 0.7% vs open = 0.1%, p = 0.18). However, retrocolic anastomosis was found to be associated with marginally, but not significantly, increased SBO rate in patients with Petersen's space closure, compared with the antecolic anastomosis (p = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

PH development may occur after any gastric operation with gastrojejunal anastomosis. Contrary to anastomosis fashion and surgical approach, defect closure was demonstrated to significantly reduce SBO incidence. Limitations of this study may include the high heterogeneity and the possible publication bias across the included studies.

Risk Factor and Surgical Outcome of Petersen's Hernia After Gastrectomy in Gastric Cancer

Background

Petersen’s hernia is a life-threatening complication after gastrectomy. This study is dedicated to identify risk factors for Petersen’s hernia and compare clinical outcomes between patients receiving early or delayed surgical interventions.

Methods

Data from all patients who received gastrectomy due to gastric cancer were collected. Clinical characteristics were compared between Petersen and non-Petersen groups, bowel necrosis and non-necrotic groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to generate two comparative groups. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed for risk factor evaluation.

Results

A total of 24 cases of Petersen’s hernia were identified from 1,481 cases of gastrectomy. PSM demonstrated that lower body mass index [BMI; odds ratio (OR) = 0.2, p < 0.01] and distal gastrectomy (OR = 6.2, p = 0.011) were risk factors for Petersen’s hernia. Longer time interval from emergence visit to laparotomy (p = 0.042) and elevated preoperative procalcitonin (p = 0.033) and C-reactive protein (CRP; p = 0.012) were associated with higher risk of bowel necrosis in Petersen’s hernia. Early surgical intervention resulted in less bowel necrosis rate (p = 0.012) and shorter length of necrotic bowel (p = 0.0041).

Conclusions

Low BMI and distal gastrectomy are independent risk factor for Petersen’s hernia after gastrectomy. Curtailing observing time and executing prompt surgery are associated with bowel viability and better outcome in patients with Petersen’s hernia.

Current status of internal hernia after gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Internal hernia is a well-known postoperative complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. However, it has not been considered a recognized complication for gastric cancer.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature in the past decade to clarify the current status of internal hernia after gastrectomy including its incidence, high-risk factors, and treatment.

RESULTS

The incidence of internal hernia after gastrectomy was found to be between 0.2 and 5.63%, and the median interval time was less than 2 years. High-risk factors include laparoscopic approach, non-closure of all the mesenteric defects, and Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The rate of bowel resection was significantly higher than that of adhesive small bowel obstruction.

CONCLUSION

The true incidence of internal hernia after gastrectomy is generally underestimated. Closure of all the mesenteric defects is one of the most effective methods to prevent postoperative internal hernia. Early surgical exploration is necessary when internal hernia is suspected.