Uncut Roux-en-Y might reduce the rate of reflux gastritis after radical distal gastrectomy: An evidence mapping from a systematic review

Application of λ esophagojejunostomy in total gastrectomy under laparoscopy: a modified technique for post-gastrectomy reconstruction

Objective

Common gastrectomy methods can significantly affect patients' postoperative quality of life. This study investigated the safety, feasibility, and short-term efficacy of λ-type esophagojejunostomy in total gastrectomy under total laparoscopy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and follow-up data of 50 patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastric/gastroesophageal junction who underwent total laparoscopic radical gastrectomy with λ-type esophagojejunostomy at the Beijing Friendship Hospital from January 2021 to July 2022. Data are reported as mean ± standard deviation.

Results

Patients comprised 27 males and 23 females, aged 42 to 76 (60.9 ± 5.6) years. There were 26 cases of gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (16 Siewert type II and 10 Siewert type III) and 24 cases of adenocarcinoma of the proximal gastric body. All patients underwent radical total gastrectomy and D2 lymph node dissection with λ-type esophagojejunostomy for digestive tract reconstruction under total laparoscopy. The total operation time was 235-295 (249.4 ± 48.5) min, digestive tract reconstruction time was (48.2 ± 23.2) min, intraoperative blood loss was (63.4 ± 48.4) mL, recovery time of exhaust was (3.1 ± 2.2) d, first drinking or eating time was (4.1 ± 2.1) d, and hospital stay was (9.3 ± 4.4) d. Three patients had postoperative complications, including one with duodenal remnant leakage combined with abdominal infection. Anastomotic bleeding and postoperative inflammatory intestinal obstruction occurred in one patient each, all of whom were cured by conservative treatment. The Nutritional Risk Index of the whole group was 53.5 ± 8.4 preoperatively, 47.3 ± 5.6 one week postoperatively, 50.3 ± 5.6 six months postoperatively, and 52.4 ± 4.2 at 12 months postoperatively. Roux-en-Y stasis syndrome and bile reflux esophagitis occurred in one patient each (2.0%). There were no occurrences of recanalization of the closed end of the afferent loop of the esophagojejunostomy anastomosis, anastomotic stricture or obstruction, or tumor recurrence.

Conclusion

λ-type esophagojejunostomy is safe and feasible for digestive tract reconstruction after total laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. This digestive tract reconstruction method not only maintains intestinal continuity but also simplifies surgical procedures, allowing patients to recover quickly with an excellent short-term effect.

Purse-string suture with nylon cords and metal clips for the treatment of duodenal fistulae under the endoscope: a case report

Purse-string suture with nylon cords and metal clips under the endoscope is a novel therapeutic technique which is minimally invasive and it is particularly indicated for the closure and repair of gastrointestinal fistula or perforations such as duodenal fistulae. Duodenal fistulae are often caused by medical manipulation, disease progression or trauma. Once this occurs, it leads to a series of pathophysiologic changes and a variety of complications. In most cases, these complications will exacerbate the damage to the organism, and the complications are difficult to treat and can lead to infections, nutrient loss, multi-organ dysfunction and many other adverse effects. In this case report, the use of endoscopic nylon cords combined with purse-string suture and metal clips in the treatment of duodenal fistula is presented and discussed. The patient was treated with endoscopic purse-string suture and the duodenal fistula was significantly improved. The results indicate that endoscopic purse-string suture is an effective strategy for the treatment of duodenal fistulae.

Comparison of uncut Roux-en-Y anastomosis and Billroth-II with Braun anastomosis after distal gastrectomy

Background

This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and patient benefits of uncut Roux-en-Y (URY) anastomosis and Billroth-II with Braun (BB) anastomosis after distal gastrectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients who underwent URY or BB anastomosis after distal gastrectomy between March 2015 and December 2017. Clinical characteristics, survival data, postoperative recovery data, and long-term outcomes were recorded and compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 231 patients were included, with 167 in the URY group and 64 in the BB group. Kaplan-Meier curves for overall survival showed no differences after propensity score matching (p = 0.488). Long-term postoperative quality of life evaluation also showed no significant differences. Compared to the BB group, patients in the URY group had a significantly shorter time to start a liquid diet after propensity score matching (67.6 h vs. 46.5 h, p = 0.003), and a lower occurrence of bile reflux on follow-up gastroscopy (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The URY anastomosis appears to be a feasible method for digestive tract reconstruction after distal gastrectomy, resulting in less bile reflux and better postoperative recovery. However, there is no significant difference between URY and BB anastomosis in terms of overall survival and long-term quality of life.

Uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Choosing an optimal reconstruction method is pivotal for patients with gastric cancer undergoing distal gastrectomy. The uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction, a variant of the conventional Roux-en-Y approach (or variant of the Billroth II reconstruction), employs uncut devices to occlude the afferent loop of the jejunum. This modification is designed to mitigate postgastrectomy syndrome and enhance long-term functional outcomes. However, the comparative benefits and potential harms of this approach compared to other reconstruction techniques remain a topic of debate.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, WanFang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and clinical trial registries for published and unpublished trials up to November 2023. We also manually reviewed references from relevant systematic reviews identified by our search. We did not impose any language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction versus other reconstructions after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The comparison groups encompassed other reconstructions such as Billroth I, Billroth II (with or without Braun anastomosis), and Roux-en-Y reconstruction.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. The critical outcomes included health-related quality of life at least six months after surgery, major postoperative complications within 30 days after surgery according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification (grades III to V), anastomotic leakage within 30 days, changes in body weight (kg) at least six months after surgery, and incidence of bile reflux, remnant gastritis, and oesophagitis at least six months after surgery. We used the GRADE approach to evaluate the certainty of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified eight trials, including 1167 participants, which contributed data to our meta-analyses. These trials were exclusively conducted in East Asian countries, predominantly in China. The studies varied in the types of uncut devices used, ranging from 2- to 6-row linear staplers to suture lines. The follow-up periods for long-term outcomes spanned from 3 months to 42 months, with most studies focusing on a 6- to 12-month range. We rated the certainty of evidence from low to very low. Uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction versus Billroth II reconstruction In the realm of surgical complications, very low-certainty evidence suggests that uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction compared with Billroth II reconstruction may make little to no difference to major postoperative complications (risk ratio (RR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24 to 4.05; I² = 0%; risk difference (RD) 0.00, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.04; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 282 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and incidence of anastomotic leakage (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.44; I² not applicable; RD -0.00, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.02; I² = 32%; 3 studies, 615 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain about these results. Focusing on long-term outcomes, low- to very low-certainty evidence suggests that uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction compared with Billroth II reconstruction may make little to no difference to changes in body weight (mean difference (MD) 0.04 kg, 95% CI -0.84 to 0.92 kg; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 233 participants; low-certainty evidence), may reduce the incidence of bile reflux into the remnant stomach (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.83; RD -0.29, 95% CI -0.43 to -0.16; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 4, 95% CI 3 to 7; 1 study, 141 participants; low-certainty evidence), and may have little or no effect on the incidence of remnant gastritis (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.01 to 5.06; I2 = 78%; RD -0.15, 95% CI -0.23 to -0.07; I2 = 0%; NNTB 7, 95% CI 5 to 15; 2 studies, 265 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No studies reported on quality of life or the incidence of oesophagitis. Uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction versus Roux-en-Y reconstruction In the realm of surgical complications, very low-certainty evidence suggests that uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction compared with Roux-en-Y reconstruction may make little to no difference to major postoperative complications (RR 4.74, 95% CI 0.23 to 97.08; I² not applicable; RD 0.01, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.04; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 256 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and incidence of anastomotic leakage (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.05 to 2.08; I² = 0%; RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.02; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 213 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain about these results. Focusing on long-term outcomes, very low-certainty evidence suggests that uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction compared with Roux-en-Y reconstruction may increase the incidence of bile reflux into the remnant stomach (RR 10.74, 95% CI 3.52 to 32.76; RD 0.57, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.71; NNT for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) 2, 95% CI 2 to 3; 1 study, 108 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and may make little to no difference to the incidence of remnant gastritis (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.69 to 2.01; I² = 60%; RD 0.03, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.08; I² = 0%; 3 studies, 361 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and incidence of oesophagitis (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.26; I² = 0%; RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.03; I² = 0%; 3 studies, 361 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain about these results. Data were insufficient to assess the impact on quality of life and changes in body weight.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Given the predominance of low- to very low-certainty evidence, this Cochrane review faces challenges in providing definitive clinical guidance. We found the majority of critical outcomes may be comparable between the uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction and other methods, but we are very uncertain about most of these results. Nevertheless, it indicates that uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction may reduce the incidence of bile reflux compared to Billroth-II reconstruction, albeit with low certainty. In contrast, compared to Roux-en-Y reconstruction, uncut Roux-en-Y may increase bile reflux incidence, based on very low-certainty evidence. To strengthen the evidence base, further rigorous and long-term trials are needed. Additionally, these studies should explore variations in surgical procedures, particularly regarding uncut devices and methods to prevent recanalisation. Future research may potentially alter the conclusions of this review.

Comparative efficacy of uncut Roux-en-Y and Billroth II anastomosis in gastrointestinal reconstruction following laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer

This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical efficacy of Uncut Roux-en-Y and Billroth II anastomoses in gastrointestinal reconstruction following laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer. The primary objective was to compare the postoperative outcomes, including quality of life and complication rates, between the 2 surgical techniques. One hundred patients diagnosed with distal gastric cancer were enrolled between June 2020 and May 2023. Patients underwent laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy and were categorized into either the Uncut Roux-en-Y or Billroth II anastomosis groups based on the technique used for gastrointestinal reconstruction. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly followed. Surgical parameters, quality of life assessed using the Visick grading index, and postoperative complications were also evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.0. The groups were comparable in terms of demographic and baseline clinical parameters. The Uncut Roux-en-Y group had a significantly longer duration of surgery (P < .001). However, there were no statistically significant differences in other surgical parameters. According to the Visick grading index, patients in the Uncut Roux-en-Y group reported a significantly better quality of life than those in the Billroth II group (P < .05). Additionally, Uncut Roux-en-Y was associated with a significantly lower incidence of dumping syndrome and bile reflux (P < .05). Although Uncut Roux-en-Y anastomosis requires longer surgical time, it offers significant advantages in terms of postoperative quality of life and reduced rates of dumping syndrome and bile reflux. Our findings suggest that Uncut Roux-en-Y may be a superior option for gastrointestinal reconstruction after laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer.

Early Outcomes of Different Reconstruction Procedures in Radical Distal Gastrectomy: A Retrospective Propensity Score Matching Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the short-term effects of Billroth I (B-I), Billroth Ⅱ (B-Ⅱ), Billroth Ⅱ+Braun (B-B), and Roux-en-Y (R-Y) reconstruction procedures in radical distal gastrectomy using propensity score matching (PSM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical data of 1994 patients who underwent radical distal gastrectomy in the past 10 years were retrospectively analyzed. Subsequently, PSM analyses were performed 3 times on the 4 reconstruction procedures, and the matching capacity was set to 0.01. Data regarding control variables and outcome indicators obtained using PSM were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared with the other reconstruction procedures, patients in the B-I group had shorter operation time ( P =0.002), fewer abdominal drainage tubes ( P <0.001), and a lower risk of postoperative gastroparesis ( P =0.001) and gastrointestinal bleeding ( P =0.034), but tended to experience a longer postoperative indwelling time of bladder catheter ( P <0.001), gastrointestinal decompression ( P <0.001), fasting ( P =0.001), and hospital stays ( P =0.005). The B-B group tended to have fewer applications of the abdominal drainage tube ( P =0.014), a lower risk of postoperative gastrointestinal fistula ( P =0.040), shorter postoperative time of gastrointestinal decompression ( P =0.043), fasting ( P <0.001), and a shorter hospital stay ( P <0.001) than the R-Y group. Furthermore, the B-B group had a shorter postoperative time for gastrointestinal decompression ( P =0.014) and fasting ( P <0.001) than the B-Ⅱ group.

CONCLUSION

Billroth I reconstruction has the advantages of simple operation, short operative time, and few early complications, but tends to result in a long recovery time during postoperative hospitalization. The B-B operation is associated with faster postoperative recovery than the R-Y or B-Ⅱ operation.

Tranditional Roux-en-Y vs Uncut Roux-en-Y in Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy: a Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Traditional Roux-en-Y may cause Roux-en-Y stasis syndrome (RSS), and Uncut Roux-en-Y was proposed to solve this problem. However, because afferent loop recanalization may occur after surgery, its clinical application remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of these two gastrointestinal reconstruction methods.

METHODS

A total of 108 patients who received laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) were enrolled; 57 were randomly divided into the Uncut Roux-en-Y (URY) group, and 51 were divided into the Roux-en-Y (RY) group. Patients were followed up for 1 year to evaluate variables, including the following: (1) Assessments for RSS; (2) Preoperative and postoperative Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores; (3) Postoperative gastroscopy to assess the occurrence of reflux esophagitis (Los Angeles classification), residual gastritis and bile reflux 1 year after surgery; and (4) Upper gastrointestinal radiography to evaluate whether recanalization occurred in patients in the URY group after surgery.

RESULTS

At 1 year after surgery, a total of 42 patients (73.7%) developed afferent loop recanalization. The incidence of RSS was not different between the two groups (OR, 1.301 [95% CI, 0.482 to 3.509]; P = 0.603P = 0.603). The GSRS score was higher in the URY group (P < 0.001). Postoperative gastroscopy showed that the incidence of bile reflux (P < 0.001) and the grade of residual gastritis (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the URY group, but the grade of reflux esophagitis was not significantly different (P = 0.447, [95% CI, 0.437 to 0.457]P = 0.397).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with traditional Roux-en-Y anastomosis, due to the high recanalization rate, the URY group developed more severe gastrointestinal symptoms, the incidence of bile reflux and the grade of residual gastritis increased and the incidence of postoperative RSS was not reduced.

Long-Term outcomes of uncut roux-en-Y anastomosis in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy: A retrospective analysis

Background

Uncut Roux-en-Y (U-RY) has been increasingly used in radical gastric cancer surgery, but it is still in the exploratory stage. There is insufficient evidence for its long-term efficacy.

Methods

From January 2012 to October 2017, a total of 280 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer were eventually included in this study. Patients undergoing U-RY were assigned to the U-RY group, while patients undergoing BillrothII with Braun (B II + Braun) were assigned to the B II + Braun group.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, first exhaust time, time to liquid diet, and length of postoperative hospital stay (all P > 0.05). Endoscopic evaluation was performed 1 year after surgery. Compared to B II + Braun group, the uncut Roux-en-Y group had significantly lower incidences of gastric stasis [16.3% (15/92) vs. 28.2% (42/149), χ ² = 4.448, P = 0.035], gastritis [13.0% (12/92) vs. 24.8% (37/149), χ ² = 4.880, P = 0.027] and bile reflux [2.2% (2/92) vs. 20.8% (11/149), χ ² = 16.707, P < 0.001], and the differences were statistically significant. The questionnaire was completed 1 year after surgery,the QLQ-STO22 scores showed that, the uncut Roux-en-Y group had a lower pain score(8.5 ± 11.1 vs. 11.9 ± 9.7, P = 0.009) and reflux score(7.9 ± 8.5 vs. 11.0 ± 11.5, P = 0.012), and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in overall survival (P = 0.688) and disease-free survival (P = 0.505) between the two groups.

Conclusion

Uncut Roux-en-Y has the advantages of better safety, better quality of life and fewer complications, and is expected to be one of the best methods for digestive tract reconstruction.

Totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy with Uncut Roux-en-Y for gastric cancer may improve prognosis: A propensity score matching comparative study

Background

Laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) with Roux-en-Y (RY) is often accompanied by a series of complications. Uncut RY (URY) can effectively reduce Roux stasis syndrome (RSS) in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. To determine whether totally LTG (TLTG) with URY for gastric cancer (GC) can replace RY in short-term and long-term prognosis.

Methods

This comparative retrospective study selected GC patients from 2016 to 2022. The patients were divided into URY group and RY group. Cox multivariate proportional hazard regression analysis was used to explore the independent prognostic factors. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce bias.

Results

A total of 100 GC patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared to RY group, URY group showed significant advantages in operation time and length of hospital stay. In addition, URY group can significantly reduce short-term and long-term complications, especially RSS. The 1-, 3- and 5-year progression free survival (PFS) of URY group and RY group were 90.4% vs. 67.8% (P=0.005), 76.6% vs. 52.6% (P=0.009) and 76.6% vs. 32.8% (P<0.001), respectively. After PSM, the advantage of URY in PFS was verified again, while there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) between the two groups. Cox multivariate analysis suggested that lower RSS was associated with better PFS.

Conclusions

TLTG with URY for GC helps control disease progression, speed up recovery and reduce short and long-term complications, especially RSS.