Jejunojejunostomy Research Articles

Dunking Pancreaticojejunostomy With Braun's Jejunojejunostomy: Perioperative Outcomes of a Hundred Pancreaticoduodenectomies.

Background The optimal surgical technique for pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is still debated. Dunking and duct-to-mucosa PJ are the most commonly adopted techniques. Incorporating Braun's jejunojejunostomy (JJ) could reducetheincidence and severity of delayed gastric emptying (DGE). This retrospective descriptive study seeks to clarify the outcomes of dunking PJ with Braun's JJ in 100 PD patients. Methodology We retrospectively reviewed 100 patients who underwent PDs in a single unit of the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital from October 2012 to February 2023. Demographic and historical data, indications, procedure-related data, complications, and mortality data were collected and analyzed. Results The mean age was 50.96 ± 14.97 years, and 64 (64%) were males. The most common indication was ampullary carcinoma (53, 53%) followed by distal cholangiocarcinoma (18, 18%) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (7, 7%). Operative time was 5.83 ± 1.09 hours, intraoperative blood loss was 515 ± 194 mL, and the average time for PJ and Braun's JJ was 22 ± 6 and 15 ± 3 minutes, respectively. Soft pancreas was encountered in 52 (52%) patients and clinically significant postoperative pancreatic fistula (Grade B, C) was seen in 23 (23%). Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage was seen in 21 (21%) patients (Grades A: 3, B: 12, C: 6). DGE (Grade B) occurred in two (2%) patients, and bile leak was observed in 4% of patients (Grades A: 1, B: 2, C: 1). Major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥IIIA) occurred in 24%, and 11 patients died. Conclusions The dunking technique is easily adaptable, less time-consuming, and can be performed in the pancreas of any texture or duct size but is associated with an increased incidence of post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage. Incorporation of Braun's anastomosis lowers DGE, allows early initiation of feeding, and reduces complication rates.

Using video-based assessment (VBA) to document fellow improvement in safely completing the jejunojejunostomy portion of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery.

Surgical assessment instruments are used for formative and summative trainee evaluations. To characterize the features of existing instruments and a novel 12-item objective, procedure-specific assessment tool for Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB-OPSA), we evaluated the progress of a single surgical fellow over 17 consecutive surgeries. Seventeen consecutive RYGB videos completed between 8/2021 and 1/2022 by an academic hospital surgical fellow were de-identified and assessed by four board-certified bariatric surgeons using Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS), General Assessment of Surgical Skill (GASS), and RYGB-OPSA which includes the reflection of transverse colon, identification of ligament of Treitz, biliopancreatic and Roux limbs orientation, jejunal division point selection, stapler use, mesentery division, bleeding control, jejunojejunostomy (JJ) anastomotic site selection, apposition of JJ anastomotic site, JJ creation, common enterotomy closure of JJ, and integrity of anastomosis. The GASS measured economy of motion, tissue handling, appreciating operative anatomy, bimanual dexterity, and achievement of hemostasis. RYGB-OPSA and GASS items were scored "poor-unsafe," "acceptable-safe," or "good-safe." Change in performance was measured by linear trendline slope. Over the course of 17 procedures, significant improvement was demonstrated by three GOALS items, GOALS overall score, GASS bimanual dexterity, and three RYGB-OPSA tasks: JJ creation, jejunal division point selection, and stapler use. Achievement of hemostasis declined but never rated "poor-unsafe." Overall RYGB-OPSA and GOALS trendlines documented significant increase across the 17 procedures. This examination of a bariatric surgery fellow's operative training experience as measured by three surgical assessment instruments demonstrated anticipated improvements in general skills and safe completion of procedure-specific tasks. Effective surgical assessment instruments have enough sensitivity to show improvement to enable meaningful trainee feedback (low-stakes assessments) as well as the ability to determine safe surgical practice to enable promotion to greater autonomous practice.

60 Mesenteric defect closure and the rate of internal hernia in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRGB) is an increasingly popular operation as rates of obesity rise. Internal hernias pose a worrying complication. This meta-analysis aimed to determine if internal hernia rates were reduced by closure of the mesenteric defects at primary operation. Method A systematic review was performed identifying all observational and randomised studies comparing internal hernia rates in patients whose mesenteric defects were closed vs not closed during LRGB. Results 14 studies were included, totalling 20,553 patients undergoing LRGB. There was a significant reduction in internal hernia rate at both Petersen’s and the Jejunojejunostomy (J-J) defect when closed at operation. The rate of re-operation for suspected small bowel obstruction was also lower in the closure cohort. There was no difference in anastomotic leak or perioperative bleeding between closure and non-closure patients. Similar efficiency was observed when sutures were used to close the defects compared to clips and staples. Conclusion Mesenteric defect closure is reducing internal hernia rate as well as re-operation for suspected small bowel obstruction. The closure method of choice remains debatable, and further studies are required to determine this.

Surgical technique in constructing the jejunojejunostomy and the risk of small bowel obstruction after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Mechanical problems at the level of the jejunojejunostomy (JJ) have been identified as a cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO) after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The objective of the study was to investigate associations between specific surgical techniques used to construct the JJ and the subsequent risk of SBO. Nationwide Registry, Sweden. The risk of SBO after primary RYGB surgery during 2012-2019 was assessed using data from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry and the Swedish National Patient Register. The impact of unidirectional or bidirectional stapling and length of the mesenteric division (0, 1-4, or ≥5 cm) at the JJ was analyzed with adjustments for known covariates. We analyzed outcomes from 23,448 patients (mean follow-up = 4.3 ± 2.2 yr). In multivariate analysis, bidirectional stapling of the JJ was associated with a reduced 30-day risk of SBO (hazard ratio [HR] = .52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .29-.95, P < .05), whereas limited mesenteric division (1-4 cm) increased the risk of SBO (HR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.14-2.42, P < .01). The long-term incidence of SBO was increased by bidirectional stapling but unaffected by mesenteric division. However, mesenteric division decreased the long-term risk of SBO in patients with a bidirectionally stapled JJ (1-4 cm, HR = .59, 95% CI = .38-.90, P < .05; ≥5 cm, HR = .30, 95% CI = .14-.65, P<.005). The surgical technique for construction of the JJ may affect the incidence of SBO after RYGB surgery.

The Jejunojejunostomy: an Achilles Heel of the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Construction

BackgroundLaparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has for long been the gold standard technique in bariatric surgery, especially in the Scandinavian countries. In a tertiary hospital setting, we observed an increasing number of patients with postprandial abdominal pain and nausea, often associated with complex hypoglycemia.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to characterize the clinical patterns, patient characteristics, and clinical outcomes after surgical revision of dysfunctional RYGB at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden.MethodsThis cohort study included patients with RYGB who underwent revision of the jejunojejunostomy (JJ) after 2013. Information was obtained by reviewing medical records and performing complementary interviews.ResultsLaparoscopic revisional surgery was performed in 115 cases with either adhesiolysis or total revision of the JJ (mean age 41 years, range 19–67 years; 90% women). The median time to assessment after the last revision was 33 months (range 12–75 months). Forty-four (38%) patients reported that they were symptom-free long-term after the intervention, and 32 (28%) patients experienced an improvement in the symptoms that were the indication for revision. However, 31 (27%) patients reported no long-term improvement, and half of them (n = 16) subsequently had a reversal of the anatomy. Eight (7%) patients were lost to follow-up.ConclusionsDysfunction of the JJ appears to be a relatively common cause of postprandial pain and nausea after ante-colic/ante-gastric RYGB. Most patients with symptoms of dysfunction experienced partial or total relief following revisional surgery, but a substantial minority had persistent problems, with one in five eventually undergoing reversal of the anatomy.Graphical

Candy cane syndrome at jejunojejunostomy causing small bowel obstruction following revisional laparoscopic gastric bypass: A case report and review of literature.

Introduction and importanceThe literature described Candy cane syndrome (CCS) as causing various symptoms and affecting patients' quality of life. Most of the literature described this syndrome occurrence at gastrojejunostomy (GJ) anastomosis. The literature lacks data on this syndrome occurring at the jejunojejunostomy (JJ).Case presentationWe describe a patient who underwent revision of laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) due to weight regain and presented three days after the procedure with small bowel obstruction (SBO). The patient was admitted as she demonstrated a picture of SBO. A complete workup and contrast study was done and showed dilated bowel loops. The patient was taken for exploratory laparoscopy, which revealed dilated 10–15 cm candy cane near the JJ, causing and obstruction. Resection of the elongated blind pouch was done, and the patient tolerated the surgery with improvement in her symptoms. Preoperative imaging, perioperative management, procedure videos, and follow-up were used to describe the case.Clinical discussionAfter reviewing the literature, eight papers reported CCS, 7 of those articles mentioned the syndrome located at the GJ. CCS located near the JJ can lead to symptoms including SBO. Management is mainly surgical, and prevention of occurrence can be achieved by limiting unnecessary elongated blind pouches.ConclusionCCS is a well-established condition occurring at the GJ following LGB, but it can manifest similarly if an elongated blind limb is left unresected at the JJ.

Recurrent internal hernias after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: An observational study in 1219 patients over 20 years

Abstract Objective Internal hernia (IH) represents a well-known complication and the major cause of bowel obstruction after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for morbid obesity. With the worldwide rise of performed RYGB, IH will become more frequent in the coming years. Lots of studies already addressed this issue to prevent its occurrence and improve its management. The aim of this study is to assess incidence and patterns of recurrence of IH. Methods A retrospective single-centre analysis was performed of prospectively collected follow-up data from patients who underwent a RYGB between January 2000 and December 2017 and who developed IH thereafter. Follow-up data were reviewed until December 2020. Both open (51) and laparoscopic procedures (1168) were included. All RYGB were performed using the antecolic technique with routine closure of the Petersen’s space (PS) and the mesenteric defect beneath the jejunojejunostomy (JJ). Only open mesenteric defects with incarcerated small bowel at the time of operation were considered as IH. Results One hundred thirty four patients presented with IH and all events occurred in the laparoscopic group (11.5%). Among the 134 patients with IH, a recurrence was observed in 35 patients (26.1%) after a median time of 13 months (range, 0-124) since the first IH. Seven patients presented more than 2 episodes of IH, among them one patient with 7 episodes. The median weight loss between the first and the second episode of IH was 0.0kg (range, -11.5-19.0) and the median percentage of excess weight loss achieved since the RYGB at the occurrence of the second IH was 97.2% (range, 55.3-111.2). Location of IH was PS in 70 patients (52.2%) at the time of the first IH and in 23 patients (65.7%) at the time of the second IH. Recurrence of IH at the same location was more frequent at the PS (22.9%) than at the JJ (10.9%). Overall, 185 operations for IH were performed, among them 132 (71.4%) laparoscopically. Only once, a small bowel resection was mandatory (0.5%). Conclusion For patients with laparoscopic RYGB, internal hernias represent a potential complication over a lifetime and have to be suspected even years after the index operation. One quarter of patients will develop a recurrence of IH and Petersen’s space is mostly involved.

Intracorporeal bi-directional pouch jejunojejunostomy following Roux-en-Y anastomosis: a simple reconstruction technique using an endoscopic linear stapler.

IntroductionIntracorporeal pouch jejunojejunostomy (JJ) is a technically challenging procedure during totally laparoscopic gastrectomy (TLG).AimThis study introduced a new method involving the construction of an intracorporeal bi-directional pouch JJ using an endoscopic linear stapler and analyzed the surgical outcomes of this method, including JJ complications.Material and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 168 patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy with intracorporeal bi-directional pouch JJ between November 2017 and October 2018 at Asan Medical Center.ResultsThe construction of an intracorporeal bi-directional pouch JJ took an average of 10 min. No postoperative bleeding or anastomotic strictures related to JJ reconstruction occurred after this procedure. No mortality occurred during follow-up.ConclusionsIntracorporeal bi-directional pouch JJ using an endoscopic linear stapler is a safe and simple procedure. It is a feasible option to reduce JJ stricture after TLG in patients with gastric cancer.

Laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass: a revisional procedure for failed open vertical banded gastroplasty in treatment of morbid obesity: a prospective study

Background The main indications for revision of bariatric surgery are inadequate weight loss, weight regain, or complications, so laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass (LOAGB) is a promising bariatric procedure used as a revisional procedure for failed open vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG). Aim The aim was to evaluate LOAGB as a revisional bariatric procedure for failed open VBG regarding technical feasibility, weight loss, improvement in comorbidities, and complications. Patients and methods This prospective cohort study was carried out at the Gastrointestinal and Laparoscopic Surgery Unit, General Surgery Department, Tanta University, between October 2017 and October 2018. It included 20 patients who underwent LOAGB as a revisional bariatric procedure for failed open VBG. Results The study population included 17 females and three males, with a mean age of 38.25±5.36 years. The mean preoperative BMI was 48.15±4.35 kg/m2. The mean operative time was 145.36±25.19 min, and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.12 days. Neither conversion to open technique or to other bariatric procedures nor mortality occurred. Early complications were encountered in 3 patients (15%). Late complications included four (20%) patients. Severe biliary gastritis occurred in one (5%) patient, who was managed by side-to-side jejunojejunostomy. The mean postoperative excess body weight loss percent (EBWL%) achieved was 47.14±15.24 at 1 year and 60.85±12.17 at 2 years. The mean BMI achieved was 32.72±5.46 at 1 year and 28.14±4.45 at 2 years. Conclusion LOAGB surgery as a revisional procedure for failed open VBG is an effective bariatric surgical procedure producing significant weight loss and resolution or improvement of comorbidities with low perioperative complications.

Surgical management of obstructing clot at the jejunojejunostomy after gastric bypass: a single center experience and literature review.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a proven treatment for morbid obesity and its sequelae. Gastric bypass has a safe risk profile, but postoperative complications can be seen. We report on 10 cases of postoperative bleeding causing an obstructing clot at the jejunojejunostomy (JJ) occurring over a 9-year period. The aim was to document presenting symptoms of obstructing clots at the JJ and to suggest a treatment approach to minimize complications. University Hospital, United States METHODS: The local Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database was queried for all patients undergoing reoperation after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, from July 2009 until December 2019. All patients who were found to have postoperative bleeding causing an obstructing clot at the JJ were selected for retrospective medical-record review. The most common presenting symptoms were Hematocrit drop (10 of 10), nausea (9 of 10), abdominal pain (7 of 10), and hematemesis (4 of 10). There were 12 reoperations in the 10 patients, 10 of which were completed laparoscopically. Infectious complications were the most frequent morbidity in our patients; 4 patients developed abscesses. In all of these, the operative notes described gross spillage into the peritoneal cavity. In later cases, the remnant stomach was decompressed before reoperation, reducing spillage. Despite the low rate of obstructing clots at the JJ, without rapid recognition and reoperation, there is a risk for serious complications. Typical presenting symptoms include nausea and abdominal pain, which help differentiate it from other causes of decreased hematocrit. Diagnosis is commonly made with computerized tomographic (CT) scan. Decompression of a dilated remnant stomach before addressing the clot can prevent intraperitoneal spillage and subsequent abscess formation. Enterotomy creation and removal of clot is recommended, without fear of continued bleeding.

Predominant classic circular-stapled double-tract reconstruction after totally laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy: safe, feasible, time-saving anastomoses by technical tie-up.

The double-tract reconstruction (DTR) could be a preferable option in avoiding the postoperative esophageal reflux and anastomotic stenosis during totally laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (TLPG). An optimal procedure to achieve the DTR in TLPG remains to be established. During March 2018 to April 2019, 15 consecutive patients with gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach underwent intracorporeal DTR after TLPG at our hospital. The intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (E-J), gastrojejunostomy (G-J) and jejunojejunostomy (J-J) were, respectively, performed using circular staplers by the Self-Pulling and Holding Purse-String Suture Technique, Intraluminal Poke Technique and U-shaped Parallel Purse-string Suture Technique (Technical Tie-Up). Demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics, perioperative details and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. The mean operating time was 216.1 ± 18.2min. Total time for three anastomoses was 49.8 ± 6.1min, and the time for E-J, G-J, J-J was 22.4 ± 5.0min, 13 (range 11-16) min, 14.2 ± 2.8min, respectively. The median proximal and distal resection margins were 2.5 (range 2-4) cm and 6 (range 5-7) cm, respectively, which were all tumor-free in 15 patients. No major complications and mortality occurred. During the median follow-up period of 14months (range 7 to 20.5months), there were no postoperative anastomosis-related complications observed, such as anastomotic bleeding, leakage or stenosis. No patients complained the symptoms indicating esophageal reflux and remnant gastritis. Predominant classic circular-stapled double-tract reconstruction is safe, feasible and time-saving in TLPG by the technical tie-up.

Gastrojejunal sleeve as a revisional surgery for a failed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Background Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is one of the best solutions for morbid obesity, but secondary weight regain is seen in about 15–25% of cases. In this prospective study, we assessed the short-term success of gastrojejunal sleeve along with jejunojejunostomy distalization as a revisional procedure in cases of failed RYGBP. Patients and methods This study included 13 cases of failed RYGBP done at least 3 years earlier; all were assessed using three-dimensional virtual gastrography. All patients were followed up for 2 years. Results Mean BMI decreased from 44.2±6.04 to 30.7±4.06 kg/m2; mean excess weight loss was 28.1±23%; and comorbidities improved in 62.5% of cases. Mean operative time was 204±33 min, while the mean postoperative hospital stay was 3 days. No mortalities, conversions, or major complications were observed among the patients included in this study. Conclusion Gastrojejunal sleeve with jejunojejunal distalization is a safe, feasible, and effective revisional procedure for a failed RYGBP.

Robot-Assisted Total Gastrectomy: Preliminary Evaluation

Background: Laparoscopic total gastrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy is a technically demanding surgical procedure with steep learning curve that has limited its widespread use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the robotic approach in total gastrectomy for cancer. We present our experience of 17 consecutive patients who underwent robotic total gastrectomy with intracorporal sutured Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy and jejuno jejunostomy between 2014 and 2017. Methods: Data were collected, and patients' demographics and outcomes were examined retrospectively. Results: Seventeen patients with a median age of 68 years (range 32-81) were identified (10 males, 7 females). Mean operative time was 198 minutes (range 108-277) including mean anastomosis time of 25 minutes (range 18-35). There was no conversion to open surgery or requirement for perioperative blood transfusion. Median length of hospital stay was 9 days (range 2-30). Two patients developed postoperative complications including one anastomotic leakage treated conservatively and one internal hernia requiring surgical revision. There was no 90-day mortality or readmission. Conclusion: Robot-assisted total gastrectomy is feasible and reproducible. It overcomes several laparoscopic technical difficulties especially regarding anastomosis. It has the potential to become an alternative to open gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Nevertheless, further follow-up and randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate mid-term and long-term outcomes of this approach.

Safety evaluation on initial 100 consecutive procedures of self-pulling and latter transected esophagojejunostomy

To evaluate the feasibility and the short-term safety of self-pulling and latter transected esophagojejunostomy(SPLT) in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG). One hundred patients with gastric cancer received TLTG-SPLT at General Surgery Department of Huashan Hospital (Fudan University) from June 2014 to January 2017(SPLT group). The clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical and postoperative outcomes were collected retrospectively and compared with the conventional group undergoing TLTG plus overlap or functional end-to-end anastomosis from October 2013 to December 2015. D2 lymph node dissection was regularly performed for all the patients. In SPLT group, a sterile hemp rope was held to ligate and drag down the esophagus to maintain "self-pulling" after the duodenum was transected by the first stapler, allowing the detachment of the posterior mediastinum. Then a hole 2-3 cm above the ligature rope was made on the right-posterior wall of the esophagus. When the mesenteric tension was checked, another hole was made at the anti-mesenteric border of the jejunum 20 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. A side-to-side esophagojejunostomy (E-J) was then performed between the right-posterior wall of esophagus and the anti-mesenteric wall of the jejunum with the second linear stapler, forming an entry hole. The "latter transection" was applied with the third stapler inserted from the assistant's Trocar, which facilitated the esophagus and the afferent loop jejunum to be simultaneously transected above the level of the entry hole. After that, a side-to-side jejunojejunostomy(J-J) with another 2 staplers was carried out between the afferent loop stump and the Roux limb 40 cm below E-J, in which the E-J entry hole could also work as the entrance for the stapler. The TLTG-SPLT was therefore completed and the specimen was removed through the incision from the umbilical Trocar site. There were 66 male and 34 female patients in the SPLT group with median age of 64 years. The clinicopathologic baseline data of two groups were comparable(all P>0.05). All the patients underwent operations successfully, and none was converted to open surgery. No positive margin was found in either group. Mean operation duration was (178.2±35.9) minute in SPLT group, including (22.9±7.1) minute of reconstruction, which both were significantly shorter than those in conventional group [(204.4±55.8) minute, P=0.003; (30.5±7.2) minute, P=0.000]. Less blood loss [(74.3±72.5) ml vs. (104.2±71.6) ml, P=0.017] and earlier time to the first flatus [(1.9±1.6) days vs. (2.7±1.3) days, P=0.001] were observed in SPLT group. There were no significant differences in postoperative hospital stay and pathological findings between the two groups(all P>0.05). Postoperative operation-associated complications were found in 7 cases of SPLT group. Of these 7 patients, 1 case developed gastrointestinal bleeding, 3 pancreatic leakage, 2 chyle leakage, who all were discovered within postoperative 1 week and were cured by conservative treatment, while the other 1 case developed anastomotic fistula complicated with peritoneal infection who received laparoscopic exploration and peritoneal scavenge and drainage, then discharged 34 days later. Six patients in conventional group developed postoperative operation-associated complications, including 1 case of anastomotic bleeding, 3 cases of pancreatic leakage, 1 case of chyle leakage and 1 case of peritoneal infection. Morbidity of postoperative operation-associated complication was not significantly different between two groups [7.0%(7/100) vs. 11.5%(6/52), χ2=0.414, P=0.520]. Fifty patients from two groups underwent endoscopic examination at postoperative 6-month and 12-month, and no obvious anastomotic stenosis and esophageal reflux were observed. SPLT is a safe procedure with feasibibility in intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy.

Jejunojejunostomy Intussusception After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Do We Need to Treat?

Jejunojejunostomy (J-J) intussusception is a rare complication that occurs in 0.4% of patient after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Although reduction or resection with revision of the area of intussusception appears to be effective, in less acute patients, the best treatment options are controversial. Here, we present a rare case of jejunojejunostomy intussusception after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass that resolved after single balloon enteroscopy. A 30-year-old female patient presented to our facility with left upper quadrant abdominal pain of few days duration associated with nausea and vomiting. Past history was significant for partial gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery of 10 years duration, and multiple other abdominal surgeries for enterocutanous fistula. On admission, her vitals were stable, and abdominal exam showed soft, non-distended abdomen with tenderness at the left upper quadrant, with no peritoneal signs. Complete blood count, lipase, and lactate were normal. Serum electrolytes were significant for hypokalemia secondary to vomiting. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed J-J intussusception at the Roux-en-Y anastomosis (Image 1). She was scheduled for a single balloon enteroscopy for further evaluation. Endoscopic examination showed no evidence of intussusception or any obstruction of anastomosis sites and limbs. The patient tolerated the procedure well without complications. After the procedure, the patient underwent a follow up CT of abdomen and pelvis that showed no residual intussusception. Although her intussusception might be resolved with air insufflation during the single balloon enteroscopy, spontaneous resolution might be another possibility. On hospital day 3, the patient was tolerating a regular diet and her symptoms completely resolved. Jejunojejunostomy intussusception after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is uncommon, and might resolve with a single balloon enteroscopy or spontaneously. Watchful waiting could be an appropriate option in less acute cases.Figure: Image 1: IV Contrast enhanced Axial (A) and coronal (B) computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen demonstrating intussusception at the Roux-en-Y anastomosis (red arrow).

Clinical research progress of mesenteric internal hernia after Roux-en-Y reconstruction

Postoperative internal hernia is a rare clinical complication which often occurs after digestive tract reconstruction. Roux-en-Y anastomosis is a common type of digestive tract reconstruction. Internal hernia after Roux-en-Y reconstruction, which occurs mainly in the mesenteric defect caused by incomplete closure of mesenteric gaps in the process of digestive tract reconstruction, is systematically called, in our research, as mesenteric internal hernia after Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Such internal hernia can be divided, according to the different structures of mesentric defect, into 3 types: the type of mesenteric defect at the jejunojejunostomy (J type), the type of Petersen's defect (P type), and the type of mesenteric defect in the transverse mesocolon (M type). Because of huge differences in the number of cases and follow-up time among existing research reports, the morbidity of internal hernia after LRYGB fluctuates wildly between 0.2% and 9.0%. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of mesenteric internal hernia after Roux- en-Y reconstruction may result in disastrous consequences such as intestinal necrosis. Clinical manifestations of internal hernia vary from person to person: some, in mild cases, may have no symptoms at all while others in severe cases may experience acute intestinal obstruction. Despite the difference, one common manifestation of internal hernia is abdominal pain. Surgical treatment should be recommended for those diagnosed as internal hernia. A safer and more feasible way to conduct the manual reduction of the incarcerated hernia is to start from the distal normal empty bowel and trace back to the hernia ring mouth, enabling a faster identification of hernia ring and its track. The prevention of mesenteric internal hernia after Roux-en-Y reconstruction is related to the initial surgical approach and the technique of mesenteric closure. Significant controversy remains on whether or not the mesenteric defect should be closed in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y anastomosis. This article is to review the reports and researches on internal hernia resulting from the mesenteric defect after Roux-en-Y digestive tract reconstruction in recent years, so as to promote understanding and attention on this disease. And more active preventive measures are strongly suggested to be taken in operations where digestive tract reconstruction is involved.

Comparison of short‐ and long‐term complications and survival following jejunojejunostomy, jejunoileostomy and jejunocaecostomy in 112 horses: 2005–2010

There is disagreement among surgeons over whether jejunoileostomy (JI) or jejunocaecostomy (JC) is the better method of anastomosis following proximal ileal resection. To compare short- and long-term complications and outcome in horses undergoing jejunojejunostomy (JJ), JI and JC and to test the hypotheses that a higher proportion of horses undergoing JI would have short-term complications and mortality compared with horses undergoing JC or JJ and that JC would be associated with a higher long-term mortality and occurrence of colic. Retrospective cross-sectional study. Medical records of horses undergoing celiotomy for a small intestinal obstruction and JJ, JI or JC from 2005 to 2010 were reviewed. Post operative complications were recorded. Short-term outcome was alive vs. dead at hospital discharge and was analysed using a Chi-squared test. Long-term follow-up was obtained and a Kaplan-Meier estimate of the survivor function was performed. There were 112 horses included. A higher proportion of JI horses had a repeat celiotomy during hospitalisation compared with horses undergoing JC. The number of horses alive at hospital discharge was not different between groups: JJ 79% (95% confidence interval [CI] 68-90%), JI 78% (95% CI 61-96%), JC 83% (95% CI 71-96%). Among horses discharged with long-term follow-up, more horses had colic after JC compared with JJ or JI. Long-term post discharge survival based on the Kaplan-Meier survivor function was lower for horses undergoing JC than JJ or JI (P = 0.04). While there was no difference in short-term outcome between groups, more horses with JI underwent a repeat celiotomy during hospitalisation. Horses with a JC were more likely to have long-term complications with colic. Horses that were subjected to euthanasia because of colic within 12 months of hospital discharge either had a JC or repeat celiotomy. The results suggest that, when possible, a JI may be the preferred method of anastomosis based on more favourable survival and lower occurrence of colic long term.

Development, Feasibility, Validity, and Reliability of a Scale for Objective Assessment of Operative Performance in Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery

There is no objective scale for assessment of operative skill in laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP). The objective of this study was to develop and demonstrate feasibility of use, validity, and reliability of a Bariatric Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (BOSATS) scale. The BOSATS scale was developed using a hierarchical task analysis (HTA), a Delphi questionnaire, and a panel of international experts in bariatric surgery. The feasibility of use, reliability, and validity of the developed scale were demonstrated by reviewing 52 prospectively collected video recordings of LGBP performed by novice and experienced surgeons. A total of 214 discrete steps were identified in HTA. A total of 12 and 17 panel members completed the first and second round of the Delphi questionnaire, respectively. Consensus among the panel was achieved after the second round (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85). The BOSATS scale demonstrated high inter-rater (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.954; p < 0.001) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.99; p < 0.001). Significant differences between BOSATS scores of experienced and novice surgeon groups were noted for the creation of jejunojejunostomy (JJ), gastric pouch, linear stapled gastrojejunostomy (GJ), circular stapled GJ, and hand-sewn GJ. Moderate to high correlations between BOSATS scale and Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills Global Rating Scale (OSATS GRS) were seen for JJ (rho = 0.59; p = 0.001), gastric pouch (rho = 0.48; p = 0.0004), linear stapled GJ (rho = 0.70; p = 0.0001), and hand-sewn GJ (rho = 0.96; p < 0.0001). The BOSATS scale is a feasible to use, reliable, and valid instrument for objective assessment of operative performance in LGBP. Implementation of this scale is expected to facilitate deliberate practice and provide a means for future certification in bariatric surgery.

Hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy using knotless unidirectional barbed absorbable suture during laparoscopic gastric bypass

This report describes the authors' institutional experience using knotless unidirectional barbed absorbable suture to close the common enterotomy of the jejunojejunostomy (JJ) and to create a hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy (GJ) during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. A retrospective review of morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass with a hand-sewn GJ between April 2011 and 2012 was performed. The authors' traditional technique (TT) consisted of using standard monofilament absorbable suture to close the common JJ enterotomy in a single running layer and to create the GJ with a two-layer anastomosis. A novel technique (NT) was introduced using knotless unidirectional barbed monofilament absorbable suture to perform both tasks. A comparison between these two techniques was performed. In this study, 84 patients with a mean body mass index of 41.7 ± 4.7 kg/m(2) underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass using a hand-sewn technique. For the 84 patients, 75 primary procedures (89.3 %) and 9 revisional procedures (10.7 %) were performed. In 38 procedures (45.2 %), the TT was used, whereas 46 cases (54.8 %) were managed using the NT. For the primary procedures, the average operating room times were slightly faster in the NT group (178.9 ± 44.4 vs 154.2 ± 74.7 min; p = 0.08). The average hospital length of stay was comparable between the two groups (2.3 ± 0.7 vs 2.6 ± 1.4 days; p = 0.25). A 30-day follow-up assessment was obtained for all 84 patients, without a significant difference in the overall complication rate between the two groups (TT 18.4 % vs NT 13 %; p = 0.77). No complications were secondary to the JJ closure or gastrojejunostomy. The complications included bleeding (n = 1), small bowel obstruction (n = 1), dehydration (n = 2), esophagitis (n = 1), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 1). No anastomotic leak or stenosis occurred in either group. The mean percentage of excess weight loss at 1 month was 21.3 % ± 5.4 %, without a significant difference between the two groups. In the study cohort, the use of knotless unidirectional barbed suture instead of traditional monofilament absorbable suture had similar 30-day outcomes and appears to be a feasible option for laparoscopic bowel closure and anastomosis creation.

Blood clot obstruction of the jejunojejunostomy after laparoscopic gastric bypass

BackgroundAcute jejunojejunostomy (JJ) obstruction after laparoscopic gastric bypass secondary to the formation of an intraluminal blood clot is a rare event. We analyzed our experience with such complications from a large consecutive patient series at a university hospital that is a referral center for bariatric surgery. MethodsA retrospective review of patient data in a register of all patients who had undergone gastric bypass from June 2004 to March 2011 was performed. Reoperations were analyzed for the cause and findings. The patients received routine postoperative administration of low-molecular-weight heparin. ResultsOf 1066 patients, 5 (.5%; 4 women and 1 man), who had undergone laparoscopic gastric bypass, with a median body mass index of 42 kg/m2 (range 40–46), underwent reoperation for obstruction of the JJ secondary to a blood clot. The indications for reoperation were signs of bleeding, nausea, or findings on abdominal computed tomography. The time of reoperation was 1, 1, 2, 3, and 11 days after the primary procedure. All patients underwent reoperation by laparoscopy, with evacuation of the blood clot through an opening of the suture or staple lines without additional revision of the JJ. The gastric remnant was decompressed using a percutaneously placed gastrostomy tube. One patient had gastric leakage from the staple lines (blowout) that necessitated several later revisions for subcutaneous abscesses. Another patient developed acute pancreatitis. ConclusionBlood clots can cause early obstruction of the JJ after gastric bypass. Awareness of this potentially rapidly progressive and life-threatening complication will allow immediate intervention and reduce the risk of serious sequelae.