Hepaticojejunostomy with gastric access loop versus conventional hepaticojejunostomy: a randomized trial.

Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) with the provision of "gastric access loop" was developed to shorten the distance traveled by the endoscope to reach hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) anastomotic site. The aim of our study was to assess modified RYHJ with gastric access loop (RYHJ-GA) and compare it with conventional RYHJ (RYHJ-C) regarding short- and long-term outcomes and, moreover, to evaluate the feasibility and results of future endoscopic access of the modified bilio-enteric anastomosis. Patients eligible for RYHJ between September 2017 and December 2019 were allocated randomly to receive either RYHJ-C or RYHJ-GA. Fifty-two patients were randomly assigned to RYHJ-C (n = 26) or RYHJ-GA (n = 26). Three cases in RYHJ-C and 4 cases in RYHJ- GA developed HJ anastomotic stricture (HJAS) (P=0.68). 3 cases of RYHJ-GA had successful endoscopic dilation and balloon sweeping of biliary mud (one case) or stones (2 cases). Revisional surgery was needed in 2 cases of RYHJ-C and 1 case in RYHJ-GA (P=0.68). Modified RYHJ with gastric access loop is comparable to the classic hepaticojejunostomy regarding complications. However, gastric access enables easy endoscopic access for the management of future HJAS. This modification should be considered in patients with a high risk of HJAS during long-term follow-up.The trial registration number (TRN) and date of registration:ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03252379), August 17, 2017.