The flow angle beneath the gastrojejunostomy predicts delayed gastric emptying in Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND

Delayed gastric emptying without mechanical obstruction after Roux-en-Y reconstruction has been defined as Roux stasis syndrome. It occurs in 10-30% of patients after such reconstruction. So far, the cause of this stasis has not been completely identified. This study aimed to reduce Roux stasis using surgical techniques.

METHODS

From November 2007 to October 2010, we performed 101 distal gastrectomies with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. All the gastrojejunostomies were performed with end-to-end anastomoses. Roux stasis was analyzed with respect to tumor location, extent of the dissection, tumor progression, operation time, antecolic/retrocolic reconstruction, and the shape of the gastrojejunostomy. The shape of the gastrojejunostomy was evaluated by contrast gastroradiography 4 days after the operation.

RESULTS

Roux stasis syndrome was observed in 17 of the 101 patients. There was no relationship between the extent of the dissection, tumor progression, or operation time and the occurrence of Roux stasis. There was no difference in the incidence of Roux stasis between antecolic and retrocolic reconstructions. However, the group that displayed a straight anastomotic shape on contrast radiography demonstrated an apparently lower incidence of Roux stasis (p = 0.0003). In addition, Roux-en-Y reconstruction following gastric cancer was more frequently followed by Roux stasis in the antrum than in the midstomach (p = 0.0036). Cases of Roux stasis occurred 11.8 days after surgery on average and resolved within 2 weeks on average.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate the substantial benefits of a straight anastomosis of the gastrojejunostomy for the prevention of Roux stasis syndrome.