Postoperative functional evaluation after pylorus-preserving nearly-total gastrectomy with jejunal interposition for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pylorus-preserving nearly-total gastrectomy (PPNTG) for gastric cancer is based on the principle that the operation prevents the rapid gastric emptying and reflux that occurs after traditional gastrectomy. In this study, we evaluate the postoperative functional status of patients undergoing PPNTG in comparison with total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction (TG-RY).

METHODOLOGY

Ninety-six patients with gastric cancer underwent PPNTG or TG-RY at Nara Medical University Hospital. Short-term outcomes were analyzed retrospectively through medical records from hospitalization. Long-term outcomes were evaluated via questionnaires concerning postoperative function.

RESULTS

Of the 96 cases, 32 underwent PPNTG and 64 underwent TG-RY. There were no significant differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, or length of stay. Forty-eight patients responded to the questionnaire (PPNTG: 18, TG-RY: 30). The incidence of general malaise, headaches, chest pain, heartburn and cold sweats was significantly lower in the PPNTG group. Nutritional assessment revealed no differences between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

For gastric cancer of the proximal stomach, PPNTG is a safe alternative to TG-RY, and improves patients' long-term quality of life.