Propensity-score-matched analysis of a multi-institutional dataset to compare the postoperative complications after distal gastrectomy between Billroth I and Roux-en-Y.

Abstract

292 Background: Billroth I (B-I) or Roux-en-Y (R-Y) are common reconstruction technique after distal gastrectomy, each with advantages and disadvantages and which is the most successful remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to clarify the difference of postoperative complications between the two techniques. Methods: A multi‐institutional retrospective database comprising clinical information of 3484 patients who received resection of gastric cancer from 2010 to 2014 at nine institutions. Using propensity scores to strictly balance the significant variables, and we compared the overall and severity postoperative complications. We considered Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ II postoperative complications clinically relevant, and grade ≥ III severe postoperative complications. Results: After matching, we enrolled 1086 patients (n=543 in each group). The incidence of postoperative complications in the R-Y group was significantly higher vs the B-I group (28% vs 17%, respectively; P<0.0001). The incidence of intra-abdominal abscess (4.2% vs 1.7%, P=0.0120), pancreatic fluid leakage (3.1% vs 1.1%, P=0.0204), bowel obstruction (2.8% vs 0.7%, P=0.0109), and delayed gastric emptying (5.0%s 0.9%, P<0.0001) in the R-Y group was significantly higher vs the B-Ⅰ group, respectively; but not significant difference in leakage (3.2% vs 3.3%, respectively; P=0.8636). The incidence of severe postoperative complications in the R-Y group was also significantly higher vs the B-I group (15% vs 6.3%, respectively; P<0.0001). Multivariable analysis for severe postoperative complications found that R-Y reconstruction was an independent risk factor (odds ratio, 2.20, P=0.0005). Subgroup analysis found that R-Y reconstruction was associated with a greater risk of severe postoperative complications in most subgroups, but not the subgroup of patients receiving intraoperative transfusions. Conclusions: R-Y reconstruction was associated with increasing overall postoperative complications, as well as grade ≥ III severe postoperative complications.