Anastomotic Methods Research Articles

Differences in glycemic trends due to reconstruction methods after proximal gastrectomy from the perspective of continuous glucose-monitoring.

In recent years, clinicians have focused on the importance of preventing hypoglycemia. We evaluated the impact of different reconstruction procedures after proximal gastrectomy on glycemic variability in non-diabetic patients with gastric cancer. This prospective observational study was conducted between April 2020 and March 2023. Flash continuous glucose-monitoring, a novel method for assessing glycemic control, was used to evaluate the glycemic profiles after gastrectomy. A flash continuous glucose-monitoring sensor was placed subcutaneously at the time of discharge, and glucose trends were evaluated for 2weeks. The anastomotic methods for proximal gastrectomy were esophagogastrostomy in 10 patients and double-tract reconstruction in 10 patients. The time below this range (glucose levels < 70mg/dL) was significantly higher in the double-tract reconstruction group than in the esophagogastrostomy group (p = 0.049). A higher nocturnal time below this range was significantly correlated with an older age and double-tract reconstruction (p = 0.025 and p = 0.025, respectively). These findings provide new insights into reconstruction methods after proximal gastrectomy by assessing postoperative hypoglycemia in non-diabetic patients with gastric cancer.

Novel invagination procedure for pancreaticojejunostomy using double purse string sutures: A technical note.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is one of the most serious complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), and the choice of pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) is considered a key factor affecting the occurrence of POPF. Numerous anastomotic methods and their modifications have been proposed, and there is no method that can completely avoid the occurrence of POPF. Based on our team's experience in pancreatic surgery and a review of relevant literature, we describe a novel invagination procedure for PJ using double purse string sutures, which has resulted in favourable outcomes. To describe the precise procedural steps, technical details and clinical efficacy of the novel invagination procedure for PJ. This study adopted a single-arm retrospective cohort study methodology, involving a total of 65 consecutive patients who underwent PD with the novel invagination procedure for PJ, including the placement of a pancreatic stent, closure of the residual pancreatic end, and two layers of purse-string suturing. Baseline data included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), pancreatic texture, pancreatic duct diameter, operation time, and blood loss. Clinical outcomes included the operation time, blood loss, and incidence of POPF, postoperative haemorrhage, delayed gastric emptying, postoperative pulmonary infection, postoperative abdominal infection, and postoperative pulmonary infection. The mean age of the patients was 59.12 (± 8.08) years. Forty males and 25 females were included, and the mean BMI was 21.61 kg/m2 (± 2.74). A total of 41.53% of patients had a pancreatic duct diameter of 3 mm or less. The mean operation time was 263.83 min (± 59.46), and the mean blood loss volume was 318.4 mL (± 163.50). Following the surgical intervention, only three patients showed grade B POPF (4.62%), while no patients showed grade C POPF. Five patients (5/65, 7.69%) were diagnosed with postoperative haemorrhage. Six patients (6/65, 9.23%) experienced delayed gastric emptying. Four patients (4/65, 6.15%) developed postoperative pulmonary infection, while an equivalent number (4/65, 6.15%) exhibited postoperative abdominal infection. Additionally, two patients (2/65, 3.08%) experienced postoperative pulmonary infection. The novel invagination technique for PJ is straightforward, yields significant outcomes, and has proven to be safe and feasible for clinical application.

Comparison of three different anastomotic methods of sleeve gastrectomy with transit bipartition using an obese rodent model

The long-term effects and safety of single-anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) bypass have not been confirmed. The one anastomosis procedure carries the risk of bile reflux, and Braun anastomosis has the capacity to reduce bile reflux. This study was designed to compare the influences of bile reflux and histological changes in the esogastric sections of rats. Obese Sprague–Dawley rats underwent sleeve gastrectomy with transit bipartition (RYTB) (n = 12), SASI (n = 12), SASI bypass with Braun anastomosis (BTB) (n = 12), esojejunostomy (EJ) (n = 12), and SHAM (n = 8) surgery. During the 12-week follow-up period, weight changes, glucose improvement, and changes in serum nutrition were evaluated. Histological expression and bile acid concentration in the rats in all groups were also evaluated. No significant differences in weight loss and glucose improvements were observed in the RYTB, SASI, and BTB groups. The RYTB and BTB groups had significantly lower bile acid concentration and albumin levels than the SASI group. In addition, mucosal height in the RYTB and BTB groups was significantly lower than in the SASI group. Braun anastomosis had a significant effect on anti-reflux. BTB may be a superior primary procedure due to its potential for parallel bariatric and metabolic improvements, effective anti-reflux effects, simplified operations, and avoidance of severe malnutrition. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Effect of duodenal stump reinforcement on postoperative complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy

Objective: To evaluate the influence of duodenal stump reinforcing on the short-term complications after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Methods: A retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted. Clinical data of 1204 patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from April 2009 to December 2018 were collected. The digestive tract reconstruction methods included Billroth II anastomosis, Roux-en-Y anastomosis and un-cut-Roux- en-Y anastomosis. A linear stapler was used to transected the stomach and the duodenum. Among 1204 patients, 838 were males and 366 were females with mean age of (57.0±16.0) years. Duodenal stump was reinforced in 792 cases (reinforcement group) and unreinforced in 412 cases (non-reinforcement group). There were significant differences in resection range and anastomotic methods between the two groups (both P<0.001). The two groups were matched by propensity score according to the ratio of 1∶1, and the reinforcement group was further divided into purse string group and non-purse string group. The primary outcome was short-term postoperative complications (within one month after operation). Complications with Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III a were defined as severe complications, and the morbidity of complication between the reinforcement group and the non-reinforcement group, as well as between the purse string group and the non-purse string group was compared. Results: After PSM, 411 pairs were included in the reinforcement group and the non-reinforcement group, and there were no significant differences in baseline data between the two groups (all P>0.05). No perioperative death occurred in any patient.The short-term morbidity of postoperative complication was 7.4% (61/822), including 14 cases of anastomotic leakage (23.0%), 11 cases of abdominal hemorrhage (18.0%), 8 cases of duodenal stump leakage (13.1%), 2 cases of incision dehiscence (3.3%), 6 cases of incision infection (9.8%) and 20 cases of abdominal infection (32.8%). Short-term postoperative complications were found in 25 patients (6.1%) and 36 patients (8.8%) in the reinforcement group and the non-reinforcement group, respectively, without significant difference (χ2=2.142, P=0.143). Nineteen patients (2.3%) developed short-term severe complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIa), while no significant difference in severe complications was found between the two groups (1.7% vs. 2.9%, χ2=1.347, P=0.246). Sub-group analysis showed that the morbidity of short-term postoperative complication of the purse string group was 2.6% (9/345), which was lower than 24.2% (16/66) of the non-purse string group (χ2=45.388, P<0.001). Conclusion: Conventional reinforcement of duodenal stump does not significantly reduce the incidence of duodenal stump leakage, so it is necessary to choose whether to reinforce the duodenal stump individually, and purse string suture should be the first choice when decided to reinforce.

Anterior hilum anastomosis versus posterior hilum anastomosis in a mouse lung transplantation model.

ObjectivesThe mouse orthotopic lung transplantation (LTx) model is of enormous research value in lung transplantation. This study compares 2 anastomotic methods (anterior and posterior hilum anastomosis) of mouse LTx in term of difficulty, operation time, and postoperative effects.MethodsTwenty mice received LTx with slipknots for anterior hilum anastomosis (AH group), and 28 received LTx with a microvessel clip for posterior hilum anastomosis (PH group), all by a single surgeon. The operation time was recorded and the grafts were evaluated 24 hours after surgery.ResultsThe success rates in the recipient animals were 85% (17/20) in AH group and 89% (25/28) in PH group (P > .05). The recipient operation time and back table time in AH group were longer than those in PH group (52.8 ± 5.0 vs 47.3 ± 5.7 minutes, 27.8 ± 3.9 vs 25.3 ± 2.8 minutes, P < .05), but the warm ischemia time did not differ significantly (13.1 ± 2.1 vs 12.2 ± 2.6 minutes, P = .258), meaning that the time discrepancies predominantly originated from the hilum treatment. In AH group, 2 cases failed due to pulmonary venous thrombosis and atelectasis respectively at 24 hours after LTx, but none failed in PH group. No significant difference was observed in the postoperative performance of the successful recipients (thoracic radiographs, macroscopic appearance, oxygenation index, pulmonary compliance, pathologic changes) between the 2 groups.ConclusionsCompared with anterior hilar anastomosis, posterior hilum anastomosis with a microvessel clip is less complicated and less time-consuming in the management of hilar structures and causes fewer postoperative complications.

Comparisons of short-term outcomes of anastomotic methods of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy: out-layer continuous suture versus modified Blumgart method.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most troublesome complication after pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ). This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of 2 different methods of duct-to-mucosa PJ; out-layer continuous suture anastomosis (OCA) and the modified Blumgart method (mBM). This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients who underwent curative-intent, open PD between 2015 and 2020. In mBM, 2 transpancreatic U-sutures were performed between the pancreatic margin and jejunum, with reinforced sutures in the central region. Patient demographics, diagnosis, intraoperative factors, postoperative complications, and POPF defined by the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula were investigated. Clinically relevant POPF (CR-POPF) included grades B and C POPF. A total of 184 patients underwent OCA, and 96 patients underwent mBM. The mBM group had more patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy. The fistula risk scores were comparable between the 2 groups. Both groups showed no significant differences in CR-POPF and overall surgical complication rates. The total operation time was comparable, although the operation time for PJ was shorter in mBM. No significant differences were observed in the postoperative outcomes between each group; the operation time for PJ in mBM was shorter. Therefore, mBM may be considered for utilization in duct-to-mucosa PJ.

309 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CERVICAL ANASTOMOSIS METHODS AND ANASTOMOSIS STRICTURE AFTER ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CANCER

Abstract Esophagectomy with three-field lymph node dissection is the most important part of advanced esophageal cancer therapy, especially for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients. After esophagectomy, cervical anastomosis with gastric tube is required. However, some patients suffer anastomotic stenosis and require endoscopic balloon dilations. In this study, we investigated the relationship between cervical anastomosis methods and anastomosis stricture after esophagectomy for cancer patients. Methods Patients with esophageal cancer undergoing radical esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis were identified from the prospectively maintained database at our institution. From 2013 to 2019, 28 patients received esophagectomy with cervical lymph node dissection in our institution. Association between anastomotic methods, linear stapler vs circular stapler, and other factors (patient characteristics, surgical complications including anastomotic stenosis, and length of postoperative stay) were analyzed. Results Their average age was 63.3 years. Males and SCC cases predominated. Thirteen patients (46%) received cervical anastomosis with the circular stapler (Group C), and 11 patients (39%) received treatment with the linear stapler (Group L). None of the following variables were significant different between the two methods: preoperative chemotherapy (53.8% in group C vs. 45.5% in group L; p = 0.58), length of hospital stay (25.8 vs. 20.7 days; p = 0.15), pulmonary complications (16.7% vs. 0.0%; p = 0.36), and anastomotic leakage (33.3% vs. 9.1%; p = 0.24). However, the rate of anastomotic stenosis without malignancies was significantly higher in group C patients (66.7% vs. 0%, p &amp;lt; 0.01). Conclusion Cervical anastomosis with the linear stapler may be safer and associated with a lower stenosis rate than with the circular stapler. In future, cervical anastomosis with linear stapler after mediastinoscopic esophagectomy would be better for not only esophageal SCC patients but also esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma patients with pulmonary complications.

Comparisons of short-term outcomes of anastomotic methods of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy: Out-layer continuous suture vs. modified Blumgart method

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most common and troublesome complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). To reduce POPF, various types of pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) anastomosis have been introduced. The study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of two different anastomotic methods of duct-to-mucosa PJ, out-layer continuous suture anastomosis (OCA) and modified Blumgart method (mBM). In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent curative-intent open PD between 2015 and 2020 were enrolled. In in-layer anastomosis, duct-to-mucosa anastomosis using 5-6 interrupted sutures were performed. In mBM, two transpancreatic U-sutures was done in both dorsal and ventral side of jejunal loop with reinforced suture in the central part. Patient's demographics, diagnosis and intraoperative factors, postoperative complications, and POPF defined by the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula were investigated. Clinically-relevant POPF (CR-POPF) included grade B, C POPF. OCA was performed in 184 patients (65.7%) and mBM was performed in 96 patients (34.3%). There were no significant differences between the OCA and mBM group in CR-POPF rates (7.1% vs. 7.3%; p = 0.944), and overall surgical complication rates (21.7% vs. 30.2%; p = 0.097). Total operation time (242 vs. 233 minutes; p = 0.103) were comparable, but operation time for PJ is shorter in mBM (20.0 vs. 18.1 minutes; p < 0.001). No significant differences were shown in postoperative outcome between OCA and mBM groups, but operation time for PJ in mBM was shorter. Since mBM is safe, relatively simple, and time-saving technique, it can be a good choice when duct-to-mucosa PJ is performed.

Comparison between the Techniques of Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistulas for Haemodialysis: A Retrospective Analytical Study

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has become a major health issue worldwide. CKD patients require Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) throughout their life. Haemodialysis is one of the options for RRT. Arterio-Venous Fistula (AVF) creation is required for haemodialysis. The radiocephalic fistula is the initial option for creating vascular access. Fistula can be created by anastomosing cephalic vein to radial artery either by End-To-Side (ETS) or Side-To-Side (STS) techniques. Aim: To compare the efficacy rate of radiocephalic AVF using ETS or STS anastomotic methods. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analytical study conducted at SDM college of medical sciences and hospital, Dharwad from March 2017 to February 2020. A total of 43 CKD patients were enlisted for the above duration from the hospital records. These patients were included in the study since they underwent radiocephalic AVF creation. AVF creation at other anatomical sites for rest of the CKD patients was excluded. Out of 43 patients, 24 of them underwent ETS technique and 19 STS technique; 15 patients from the former group and 17 from the latter were followed-up for a period of three months. Eleven patients were lost to follow-up. Demographic variables were analysed with frequency, mean and standard deviation. Its association with two different operative techniques was analysed using Fisher’s-exact test. Outcome of the two operative procedures was analysed using Student’s t-test. Results: Effectively 15 patients from ETS group and 17 from STS group were compared. Three (20%) in ETS group and 5 (29.41%) in STS group had primary failure. Mean of maturation time in weeks in ETS group was 4.73±2.73 weeks and in STS group was 5.29±3.75 weeks. Three months patency rate in ETS group was 12 (80%) and in STS group was 12 (70.58%). Student’s t-test was performed comparing the above parameters and no statistical significance was noted. Conclusion: Comparison of two techniques of radiocephalic AVF creation proves that both the techniques are beneficial with no superiority of one over other.

MECHANICAL ESOPHAGEAL ANASTOMOSES

This article gives an overview of mechanical esophageal anastomosis. The results of the esophageal anastomoses formation by using circular and linear stitching devices (staplers) by Russian and foreign authors are presented in chronological order. The faults of staplers, complications associated with them are described. The importance of the problem related to the choice of anastomotic technique to reduce the risks of specific complications such as leakage and stricture of esophageal anastomosis was remarked by authors. The advantages and disadvantages of the currently known esophageal anastomotic methods have been analyzed. It was noted that mechanical side-to-side anastomoses are associated with low frequency of leakage, stricture, postoperative mortality, that’s why they have become preferable, especially in the mini-invasive reconstructive surgery. The authors concluded that the question about the feasibility of mechanical esophageal anastomoses formation is not answered, the evaluation of the properties of modern staplers and the search for the best esophageal anastomotic method are relevant for modern surgery.

Influence of different anastomotic methods on gastric function

Segmental gastrectomy is a common function preserving operation, and its combination with sentinel lymph node navigation technology shows a broad prospect in the treatment of early gastric cancer. Commonly anastomosis methods include the follows: (1) Hand-sewn anastomosis: this method is relatively simple, reduces the use of stapler, and can effectively reduce surgical cost. However, laparotomy or small-incision assisted laparoscopic surgery is required to accomplish anastomosis, so the surgical wound is relatively large. (2) Delta anastomosis: this anastomosis is entirely endoscopic, requiring no small incision with less surgical trauma. However, due to the presence of residual cavities in the small curvature of the side-to-side anastomosis, and the possibility of excessive incision of the posterior wall of the stomach, which may shorten the pyloric sleeve, there is an increased risk of gastric stasis after the operation. (3) Hybrid technique: this anastomosis method is safe and effective. However, it requires total endoscopic gastric anterior wall suture, which represents higher requirements for surgeons. Therefore, surgeons experienced in minimally invasive surgeries are recommended to perform this anastomosis. (4) Puncture technique: this anastomotic method is end-to-end anastomosis with low risk of gastric stasis, and is applicable for entirely endoscopic anastomosis. However, the stapler is not typically used for gastrointestinal surgery, which brings certain limitations to clinical promotion. These anastomoses have their own advantages and disadvantages, and their effects on gastric function are also controversial. In conclusion, the development of segmental gastrectomy is still in its infancy, and prospective multicenter randomized controlled trials are awaited to confirm the safety of oncology and standardize the techniques.

Semi-embedded valve anastomosis a new anti-reflux anastomotic method after proximal gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction

BackgroundThere is a high probability of gastroesophageal reflux after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction (AEG). Various anti-reflux anastomotic methods are emerging in clinical practice; however, none of them have been widely accepted. We have innovated a new type of anti-reflux anastomotic method, named semi-embedded valve anastomosis. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and anti-reflux effect of the new anastomotic method.MethodsThe clinical data of 28 patients with Siewert II AEG who were treated by semi-embedded valve anastomosis were collected. The key point of the operation is to reconstruct a simulated valve and form an anti-reflux barrier similar to the physiological mechanism. The gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GerdQ) and classification of gastroesophageal reflux under electron microscopy were used to evaluate gastroesophageal reflux after the operation.ResultsThe mean operative duration was 164.3 ± 19.0 min, the median intraoperative haemorrhage volume was 65 ml, the average number of lymph nodes dissected was 23 ± 2.6, the time for valve construction was 15.8 ± 3.2 min, the time for anastomotic reconstruction was 35.4 ± 4.8 min, the median time to first flatus was 3 d, and the median hospitalization duration was 12 d. There was one case of postoperative anastomotic stenosis. The GerdQ score [median (range)] was as follows: 2 (0–6), preoperation; 0 (0–8), 1 month postoperation; 2 (0–12), 3 months postoperation; and 3 (0–12), 6 months postoperation. The Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test was carried out at different times after the operation and the day before the operation, and the differences were not significant. There was one case of grade B gastroesophageal reflux according to the Los Angeles classification system among the gastrofibroscopic re-examination reports of 28 cases.ConclusionSemi-embedded valve anastomosis is safe and feasible after proximal gastrectomy for Siewert II AEG and has good anti-reflux effects.

Subtotal stomach in esophageal reconstruction surgery achieves an anastomotic leakage rate of less than 1%.

AimThe objective of this retrospective, single‐institution study was to assess the safety and feasibility of reconstruction using subtotal stomach (SS) with esophagectomy for patients with esophageal cancer (EC). Although several different gastric‐tube‐making and anastomotic methods have been reported, the incidence rate of anastomotic leakage with EC surgery is generally reported over 10%. Complications should be avoided, and patient quality of life (QOL) should be maintained postoperatively. We have used SS reconstruction and hand‐sutured cervical esophagus‐subtotal gastric anastomosis at the neck wound in EC surgery. Short‐ and long‐term outcomes in cases using SS are not well known.MethodsBetween January 2008 and September 2019, 300 patients underwent esophagectomy for EC and reconstruction using SS. The primary endpoint was the rate of anastomotic leakage. Secondary endpoints were postoperative morbidities, QOL, and changes in patients’ body weight and skeletal muscle weight.ResultsAnastomotic leakage was observed in two patients (0.67%), and pneumonia was observed in nine patients (3.0%). Fifteen patients (5.0%) had an anastomotic stenosis requiring a bougie. Nausea occurred in 11 patients (3.7%), and dumping syndrome occurred in seven patients (2.3%). Dysphagia and early feeling of abdominal fullness scores tended to be high after surgery but gradually decreased after 6 months. Good results were obtained for reflux feeling scores. Body weight changed with an average decrease of −2 ± 3.71 kg (P = .071) over 5 years.ConclusionReconstruction using SS resulted in an extremely low rate of anastomotic leakage and good QOL postoperatively in patients with EC.

Non-suturing microvascular anastomosis in maxillofacial reconstruction- a comparative study

AimThe aim of the study is to compare the advantages and disadvantages of non-suturing anastomotic methods over conventional microsuturing for microvascular venous anastomosis. Materials and methodsAll patients reporting to the institute for hard and soft tissue reconstruction (Primary/secondary) were enrolled in the study. Patients with systemic comorbidities, peripheral vascular diseases, or anatomical aberration of the indicated donor site were excluded from the study. The patients selected for the study were randomly allocated to five groups of different techniques of venous anastomosis, namely Group I (conventional microsuturing), II (fibrin sealant reinforced microsuturing), III (couplers), IV (staplers), V (Laser Assisted Vascular Anastomosis (LAVA)). Intraoperative anastomotic time, flap ischaemic time, patency and leakage were the parameters that were assessed for all five groups. Results80 Patients were randomly allocated to five groups and each group comprised 16 patients. The mean ischaemic time and standard deviation of Group I and Group II were 256.19 ± 10.622 min and 255.19 ± 11.083 min, and for groups III, IV, and V were 193.38 ± 9.972 min, 139.06 ± 6.413 min, and 139.31 ± 6.364 min respectively (p < 0.001). Mean anastomotic time and standard deviation were 19.813 ± 1.5366 min in Group I and 20.281 ± 1.6514 min in Group II. The non-sutured anastomosis groups III, IV, and V showed a mean anastomotic time of 5.375 ± 0.9876 min, 4.175 ± 0.7664 min, and 3.856 ± 0.867 min respectively (p value < 0.001). In Groups I and II, 18.8% of patients had delayed patency and in Groups III, IV and V, immediate patency was observed in all subjects (p value 0.030). In Groups I and II, 18.8% and 6.3 % of patients respectively had leakage, whereas all patients in Groups III, IV, V had no leakage from the anastomotic site (p value 0.119). ConclusionBased on the results of the study, non-suturing techniques should be preferred over microsuturing technique whenever appropriate for venous anastomosis.

P171 Does microscopic involvement of the surgical margins after ileocececal resection in Crohn’s disease patients predicts early recurrence?

Abstract Background Past research has identified different factors which are associated with post-operative recurrence of Crohn’s disease (CD). However, controversy remained whether the microscopic presence of CD in the margins of the resected specimen increases the risk of recurrence. The main aim of our study was to determine whether microscopic presence of CD in the resected specimen margin in patients who underwent ileocecal resection predicts disease recurrence. The secondary aim was to identify other risk factors for recurrence. Methods We retrospectively evaluated all CD patients who underwent ileocecal resection in our unit between 2000 and 2015. The diagnoses of CD and information regarding the margins’ involvement were retrieved from pathology reports. Recurrence was indicated according to medical records or according to specific phone questionnaire. Demographic and clinical parameters where compared between patients with and without histopathological evidence of CD in the resected margins. Results 202 CD patients were included: 49 patients with histopathological evidence of CD in the resected margins and 153 patients without involvement. The main demographic characteristics were similar. Patients who received preoperative medical treatment had statistically significant higher rate of uninvolved margins (90.8 vs. 77.6%, p = 0.03). Technical aspects including surgical approach, conversion rates to open surgery, and anastomotic methods were similar. Likewise, the post-operative course regarding medical treatment, endoscopic and clinical recurrence, and reoperation rates was also similar. We found a statistically significant shorter time for disease recurrence in laparoscopic surgery (HR 1.6, CI 1.1–2., p = 0.02(, stapled anastomosis (HR 1.7, CI 1.2–2.6, p = 0.01), if stricturoplasty was done in addition to the ileocecal resection (HR 1.7, CI 1.1–2.6, p = 0.02(, and in patients with perianal disease (HR 1.7, CI 1.1–2.6, p = 0.02(. Male gender and conversion from laparoscopic to open surgical technique had increased HR but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion The presence of microscopic CD at the resection margins was not associated with disease recurrence. We found that male gender, perianal disease, laparoscopic approach, conversion to laparotomy and stapled anastomosis were associated with early disease recurrence. Our results support a conservative approach in the determination of the extent of resection in CD patients having ileocecal resection.

Application of Hong's pancreaticojejunostomy in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy on 184 patients

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Hong's pancreaticojejunostomy in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out on 184 patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy using Hong's pancreaticojejunostomy (the Hong’s pancreaticojejunostomy group) compared with 100 patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy using traditional pancreaticojejunostomy (the traditional pancreaticojejunostomy group) at Department of Second Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, from April 2016 to December 2018. The differences between the two anastomotic methods in operation time, pancreaticojejunostomy time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications, and incidences of pancreatic fistula were compared. Results The operation time, pancreaticojejunostomy time and intraoperative blood loss of the Hong's pancreaticojejunostomy group were significantly less than the traditional pancreaticojejunostomy group [(278.2±49.3) min vs. (337.3±67.4) min, (33.7±6.6) min vs. (46.8±8.5) min, (123.1±44.7) ml vs. (203.8±138.6) ml], respectively, (all P 0.05). Conclusions Hong's pancreaticojejunostomy was safe, rapid and effective compared with traditional pancreaticojejunostomy. It did not increase the incidence of pancreatic fistula. Key words: Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Laparoscopes; Pancreaticojejunostomy

Prevalence of Anastomotic Leaks and Diagnostic Methods in Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background: Staple line leak is a major complication of sleeve gastrectomy. Intraoperative methylene blue and computer tomography (CT) scan tests are routinely used to evaluate the leakage; however...

Anastomosis after Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy.

Esophagectomies are a notoriously difficult procedure that have undergone drastic changes over the last decade. In particular, the adoption of minimally invasive esophagectomies (MIEs) as the gold standard. We examine the evolution of the MIE, the support for this method, and our preferred methods for the creation of anastomoses following the resection. The submission of techniques that, after many years of practice, have become our standard methods for anastomosing the Neo-esophagus to the remnant esophagus both at the neck, and within the thorax. No matter which MIE technique is chosen, these anastomotic methods are readily available. Each is provided with step-by-step instructions, performed with standard laparoscopic instruments, and in a safe and reproducible manner.

Amylase level in cervical drain fluid and anastomotic leakage after cervical oesophagogastrostomy.

Anastomotic leakage after oesophageal cancer surgery is a serious complication. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility of anastomotic leakage by repeatedly measuring amylase levels in the fluid obtained from the drainage tube inserted at the cervical anastomotic site. Ninety-nine patients who underwent oesophagectomy and cervical oesophagogastrostomy between April 2014 and March 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. A drainage tube was placed at the anastomotic site, and amylase levels were measured daily from postoperative day (POD) 1 until oral feeding or confirmation of anastomotic leakage. The amylase levels were analysed with a linear mixed model. The mean age of the patients was 64.9 ± 9.0 years, and there were 89 (89%) male patients. Almost all pathologies (92%) were squamous cell carcinomas. The anastomotic methods were as follows: 63 (63%) circular stapled, 33 (33%) hand-sewn and 3 (3%) semistapled. Anastomotic leakage was confirmed in 10 (10%) patients. The amylase levels increased until POD 2 in both the leakage and non-leakage groups, but the levels subsequently decreased in the non-leakage group, whereas the levels peaked on POD 3 in the leakage group. On performing the linear mixed model analysis, anastomotic leakage was significantly associated with the trends in postoperative amylase levels in the drainage tube (P < 0.001). Trends in the serum C-reactive protein levels and white blood cell count were not significantly associated with anastomotic leakage. Amylase level trends measured in the cervical drain fluid can be a useful indicator of anastomotic leakage after cervical oesophagogastrostomy.

Triangulating stapling vs functional end-to-end stapling for cervical esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSeveral studies have reported that the triangulating stapling method decreases the incidence of anastomotic stricture after esophagectomy. Our previous randomized controlled trial, however, could not confirm the superiority of the triangulating stapling (TS) method over the circular stapling (CS) method in terms of postoperative anastomotic stricture rate. Recently, the functional end-to-end stapling (FEES) method for cervical anastomosis after esophagectomy was developed, and lower anastomotic stricture rates with FEES have been reported than for our previously experienced anastomotic methods. To investigate the optimal anastomotic method, we now compare the TS method with the FEES method for cervical anastomosis regarding decrease in anastomotic stricture after esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer.MethodsThis is a randomized, single-center clinical trial designed to examine the superiority of the FEES method over the TS method for esophageal cancer patients. The primary endpoint is reduction of anastomotic stricture of cervical esophagogastric anastomosis within 12 months after esophagectomy. Secondary endpoints include overall postoperative morbidity within the first 12 months after esophagectomy, incidence of anastomotic leakage, aspiration pneumonia, or reflux esophagitis, and quality of life assessment as measured by the FACT-E at 12 months after esophagectomy. The incidence rate of anastomotic stricture of the TS method was 20% and this rate of the FEES method was estimated to be 4% in our preliminary study. We calculated sample size with a beta error of 0.20 and an alpha error of 0.05. We have been enrolling 125 patients in this trial to either the TS group or the FEES group since January 2017.DiscussionThis study should help to define the optimal anastomotic method for cervical esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer.The FEES method, if proven to be superior to the TS method, can be implemented routinely for esophageal cancer patients with gastric-conduit reconstruction after esophagectomy.Trial registrationUniversity Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN 000025632). Registered on 13 January 2017.