Preventing Bile Reflux Research Articles

Efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid for bile reflux after distal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: A secondary analysis of the PEGASUS-D randomized clinical trial.

Few studies have been conducted on the prevention of bile reflux in gastric cancer patients who have undergone gastrectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in preventing bile reflux after gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer. This study was a secondary analysis of the PEGASUS-D trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Adults with a diagnosis of gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy were enrolled. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to receive 300mg of UDCA, 600mg of UDCA, or placebo at a ratio of 1:1:1. UDCA and placebo were administered daily for 52 weeks. The primary outcomes included bile reflux symptoms at each time point, percentage of participants with bile reflux, and the grade of gastritis. Among 521 participants who underwent randomization, 151, 164, and 150 participants were analyzed from the 300 mg UDCA, 600mg UDCA, and placebo groups, respectively. The difference in symptoms between the three groups was not significant. Bile reflux was less evident in the UDCA group than in the placebo group; however, this difference was significant only in the 300-mg group at 12 months post-operation (odds ratio, 0.44; P = 0.0076). A significant reduction in gastritis was also observed in the 300-mg group at 12 months post-operation (odds ratio, 0.50; P = 0.0368) compared to the placebo group. This study showed that UDCA administration significantly reduced bile reflux and gastritis by approximately 50% at the 12 months-postoperative follow-up in patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Esophagoplasty Using a Jejunum Segment on a Vascular Pedicle

Aim: to substantiate the expediency of using a segment of the jejunum on a vascular pedicle in esophagoplasty. Materials and methods. At the National Medical Research Center of Surgery named after A.V. Vishnevsky, 12 patients underwent esophagoplasty with a combined visceral transplant, of which 9 (75.0 %) received a gastrointestinal graft and 3 (25.0 %) — a colon-jejunum one. Esophagectomy with simultaneous esophageal plastic surgery was performed in 10 (83.3 %) patients, in 4 (40 %) of them — in combination with distal gastric resection. The indication for surgery in 3 patients was cicatricial stricture of the esophagus and stenosis of the pylorus, in 2 — achalasia of the cardia of the terminal stage (in one patient — with ulcerative stenosis of the pylorus). Three more patients underwent esophagectomy due to peptic strictures: esophagogastroanastomosis (n = 1), esophagoenteroanastomosis (n = 1) and esophagus after Nissen surgery (n = 1). Cancer recurrence after proximal gastric resection and gastrectomy in 2 patients was an indication for esophagectomy. Also, 2 (16.7 %) patients were hospitalized in the National Medical Research Center of Surgery named after A.V. Vishnevsky with incomplete esophagoplasty: one person — after Dobromyslov — Torek surgery for spontaneous rupture of the esophagus, and one patient — after the unsuccessful Lewis surgery for esophageal cancer performed in other hospitals. Results. The average duration of post-operative stay was 12.7 ± 6.3 days. The postoperative period was smooth in 10 (83.3 %) patients. The failure of the cervical anastomosis was revealed in 1 (8.3 %) patient on day 5 after esophageal plastic surgery with colon-jejunum graft, which was resolved conservatively without repeated surgery. Relaparotomy was required in one patient on day 7 after surgery for bile peritonitis, the cause of which was destructive acalculous cholecystitis with perforation. All 12 patients were discharged from the clinic with full nutrition through the mouth. In the long-term period, 11 (91.7 %) patients remained under observation, 1 (9.1 %) developed an esophagogastroanastomosis stricture 1.5 months after esophageal plastic surgery, which was resolved by 4 courses of bougation during the first 9 months after surgery. No other complications were noted. Conclusion. The segment of the jejunum on the vascular pedicle, used for esophagoplasty, in the condition of a shortage of plastic material, allows not only to complete the reconstruction at once, but also to restore the natural passage of food and prevent bile reflux.

Bile reflux after laparoscopic mini/one anastomosis gastric bypass: the problem and prevention

Currently, laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass (LMGB) is a common bariatric surgical operation. One of the reasons for reoperations after LMGB is pathological bile reflux, which, in addition to a noticeable decrease in the quality of life of patients, poses a potential threat to the neoplastic processes in the stomach and esophagus. This study aimed to systematize and analyze modern literature information on terminology, diagnosis and frequency of detection, pathophysiological significance, and methods of preventing bile reflux post-LMGB. Russian and English full-text studies on bile reflux after LMGB in the bibliographic databases of the Russian Science Citation Index, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were analyzed. The frequency of diagnosing bile reflux after LMGB varies from 2.0 to 57.9%, depending on the instrumental diagnostic methods used: flexible endoscopy, 24-hour pH impedance measurements, spectrophotometry of bilirubin in refluxate, and hepatobiliary scintigraphy. The pathogenetic effect of the contents of the small intestine on the mucous membrane of the stomach and esophagus after LMGB is noted because of the direct cytotoxic and receptor-mediated effects of bile acids. The safety of the main stages of LMGB (creation of a gastric pouch and formation of a single anastomosis) is currently being reviewed from the standpoint of minimizing the risk of developing bile reflux. Furthermore, novel techniques have been proposed to reduce the likelihood of intestinal contents entering the stomach and esophagus; however, their effectiveness remains controversial.

Comparison of Billroth II with Braun and Roux‐en‐Y reconstructions after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A meta‐analysis

AbstractRoux‐en‐Y (RY) and Billroth II with Braun (BB) reconstruction are two similar methods of reconstruction after distal gastrectomy (DG). Currently, it is unclear which method is superior. This meta‐analysis was performed to compare the safety and efficacy of BB and RY reconstruction after DG for gastric cancer. A literature search of Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted to identify studies comparing BB with RY after DG for gastric cancer until the end of October 2022. Main outcomes assessed were perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications, functional findings, and nutritional status. Meta‐analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Finally, eight studies with a total of 910 patients were considered for the meta‐analysis. The meta‐analysis results revealed that operation time, anastomosis time, incidence of total complications, and delayed gastric emptying were reduced, and the incidence of bile reflux was increased in patients undergoing BB compared to RY reconstruction. In conclusion, BB has the advantage of reducing operative time, anastomotic time, intraoperative blood loss, overall postoperative complications, and delayed gastric emptying. RY has the advantage of preventing bile reflux and gastritis after surgery.

A Modified Billroth-II with Braun Anastomosis in Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy: Initial Experience Compared with Roux-en-Y Anastomosis.

This retrospective study aimed to compare the feasibility and effectiveness of a modified Billroth-II with Braun (B-II Braun) reconstruction and those of a Roux-en-Y (R-Y) reconstruction after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. From January 2016 to December 2019, 247 patients underwent total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG), with B-II Braun reconstruction for 145 patients and R-Y reconstruction for 102 patients. The patients' data were collected prospectively and reviewed retrospectively. In this study, the median times of the operation were statistically shorter for B-II Braun than for R-Y (167 min [range, 110-331min] vs 191min [range, 123-384min]; p = 0.001), including anastomotic times (33min [range, 30-42min] vs 42min [range, 40-48min]; p = 0.001). After a short-term follow-up period, endoscopy showed 31 cases of bile reflux (21.4%), 15 cases of grade 2 gastritis (10.3%), and 6 cases of grade 2 food residue (4.1%) in the B-II Braun group after 6months. After 1year, 10 patients (6.9%) had grade 2 gastritis and 2 patients (1.4%) had grade 3 gastritis. However, the remnant stomach of the two groups did not differ significantly in the rate of gastric residue (p = 0.112 after 6months; p = 0.579 after 1year, respectively), gastritis (p = 0.726 after 6months; p = 0.261 after 1year, respectively), or bile reflux (p = 0.262 after 6months; p = 0.349 after 1year, respectively). For gastric cancer patients, TLDG with modified B-II Braun reconstruction could be technically feasible. It has an acceptable range of postoperative complications and is effective in preventing bile reflux into the gastric remnant.

ASO Author Reflections: Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy with Modified Billroth-II with Braun Reconstruction Could Be Technically Feasible and Effective in Preventing Bile Reflux.

ASO Author Reflections: Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy with Modified Billroth-II with Braun Reconstruction Could Be Technically Feasible and Effective in Preventing Bile Reflux.

Four reconstruction methods after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

There is no consensus regarding which reconstruction methods are superior after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG). This study compared four reconstruction methods after LDG for gastric cancer. Literature in EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library was screened to compare Billroth I (B-I), Billroth II (B-II), Roux-en-Y (RY), and uncut Roux-en-Y (URY) anastomoses after LDG for gastric cancer. A Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to compare these methods. Eighteen studies involving 4347 patients were eligible for our NMA. The operative time in RY anastomosis was longer than that in B-I and B-II anastomoses. Blood loss and risk of gastrointestinal motility dysfunction were greater with RY anastomosis than with URY or B-I anastomosis. Furthermore, URY anastomosis was superior to the other 3 reconstruction methods for preventing food residue. For remnant gastritis, RY anastomosis was significantly superior to B-I and B-II anastomoses, whereas URY anastomosis was significantly superior to B-II anastomosis. In addition, RY and URY anastomoses were better than B-I and B-II anastomoses for preventing bile reflux. URY anastomosis tended to be a more favorable reconstruction method after LDG due to its operative simplicity and reduced long-term complications.

Laparoscopic One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Versus Laparoscopic One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass with Braun Anastomosis: What's Better?

Background and Aims: Although laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass (LOAGB) is a promising bariatric procedure, a large number of surgeons have strong objections mainly because of risk of bile reflux, marginal ulceration, malnutrition, and long-term risk of gastric and esophageal cancer. Lateral enteroenterostomy placed distally to a gastrojejunal anastomosis shows efficacy in preventing bile reflux after gastric resection and gastrojejunal anastomosis, but at present its efficacy in a bariatric surgery context has not been evaluated. Patients and Methods: From January 2013 to December 2018, 100 patients have been admitted to our department to be treated by performing LOAGB. Patients have been divided into two groups on the basis of the indications to this surgical procedure; Group A: presence of de novo gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or severe esophagitis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, with or without weight regain; Group B: LOAGB as primary procedure. Another group of 30 patients (Group C) underwent LOAGB with Braun anastomosis as primary bariatric surgical procedure for morbid obesity. We have conducted a retrospective analysis of the surgical outcomes in terms of perioperative mortality, short-, mid-, and long-term postoperative complications and weight loss. Results: Group A: 50 patients; incidence of postoperative GERD, esophagitis, or esophageal ulcers was 26% (13 cases). All these patients have been successfully treated by performing Braun anastomosis. Group B: 20 patients; incidence of de novo reflux was 25% (5 cases); Braun anastomosis was performed with complete resolution of signs and symptoms in all cases. Group C: 30 patients; no cases of de novo reflux, esophagitis, or anastomotic ulcers occurred. Conclusion: Braun anastomosis seems to be a useful surgical tool to prevent the onset of de novo reflux, esophagitis, and anastomotic ulcers.

The Development and Future of Digestive Tract Reconstruction after Distal Gastrectomy: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Billroth I, Billroth II, Roux-en-Y, and Un-cut Roux-en-Y are common reconstruction techniques of distal gastrectomy. Which of these techniques is better has yet to be established. We performed an indirect comparison to evaluate which technique was optimal for preventing reflux symptoms.Methods: The PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov and Web of Science databases were searched to identify clinical trials that compared at least two of the reconstruction skills among Billroth I, Billroth II, Roux-en-Y, and Un-cut Roux-en-Y. Data on reflux gastritis, intraoperative blood loss, bile reflux and postoperative hospital stays were extracted from the included clinical trials for meta-analysis using a random-effects model.Results: Twenty-four articles that included 5419 individuals were assessed as eligible for meta-analysis. The indirect comparison suggested that Roux-en-Y reconstruction significantly reduces reflux gastritis, and it tended to rank first and had the highest probability of preventing bile reflux. No significant differences were found in intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stays.Conclusion: This indirect comparison suggested some superiority of Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy. Further perspective clinical trials are required to provide evidence for the optimal reconstruction skill.

Comparative study of outcomes of Roux-en-Y reconstruction and Billroth Ⅰ reconstruction performed after radical distal gastrectomy

Billroth Ⅰ (BⅠ) reconstruction and Roux-en-Y (RY) reconstruction are both commonly performed after distal gastrectomy (DG). We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate which is the better option. Included in our study were 162 patients who, between April 2011 and October 2015, underwent DG followed by BⅠ reconstruction (n=93) or RY reconstruction (n=69). All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. We compared perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, endoscopic findings, and nutritional status between the 2 groups of patients. Patient characteristics did not differ between the 2 groups, with the exception of the incidence of gastric body tumors, which was significantly higher in the RY group (73.9% vs. 19.4%; p<0.001). Operation time was significantly longer in the RY reconstruction group (p<0.001). There was no significant between-group difference in the grades of GI dysfunction (p=0.122).The endoscopically determined RGB (Residual food, Gastritis, Bile reflux)scores were significantly better in the RY reconstruction group than in the BI reconstruction group (p=0.027, p<0.001,p<0.001,respectively).There was also no significant between-group difference in the change (1-year postoperative value/preoperative value) in body weight, body mass index, serum albumin concentration, or total cholesterol concentration (p=0.484,p=0.613,p=0.760,p=0.890, respectively). RY reconstruction appears not to be advantageous over BⅠ reconstruction in terms of GI function or nutritional status 1 year after surgery. RY reconstruction does appear to be superior in terms of preventing bile reflux but takes more operation time.

Letters to the Editor

25 May 2008 Dear Editor, MALROTATION ASSOCIATED WITH INFANTILE HYPERTROPHIC PYLORIC STENOSIS IN A NEONATE We would like to share our experience with you about a patient with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). This 29-days-old male patient presented to us with complaints of projectile vomiting for 12 days along with signs of dehydration. Ultrasound of abdomen revealed pyloric olive, typical of IHPS. The patient was managed by rehydration, and, when he was fit for surgery after 2 days, Ramstedt pyloromyotomy was performed successfully. The next day, when the patient was allowed oral sips, he again developed vomiting. He was put on conservative therapy of nasogastric placement, intravenous antibiotics and fluid, but, from the next day onwards, he had started having bilious aspirate. The contrast study was done to look for any site of obstruction but it was inconclusive. The patient was then planned for exploratory laparotomy on clinical suspicion of distal to pylorus obstruction. Laparotomy revealed associated malrotation, which was corrected. The patient fared well in the post-operative period. He was allowed orally on the fifth day and discharged in satisfactory condition on the ninth day post operative. IHPS has been found to be associated with certain malformations like malrotation,1 genitourinary tract abnormalities2 and esophageal atresia,3 but these are probably so less common that they are even missing from the discussion of standard texts.4 We searched extensively for the association of IHPS and malrotation but could get only one study about this association. Most of the work has found that IHPS associated with malrotation is also associated with short bowel,1 which is not like the case of our patient. In other study, IHPS was found secondary to previously diagnosed malrotation or both diagnosed simultaneously.1 Our patient had no evidence of bilious vomiting or bilious aspirate prior to pyloromyotomy, suggesting that probably it was tight enough to prevent bile reflux, which manifested after the operation. Although, as described, IHPS and malrotation have been diagnosed in the same patient, it is probably for the first time that IHPS had preceded the malrotation. The intent of this information is to let others know that, although rare IHPS can be associated with malrotation and can present in this manner so if any patient operated for IHPS do present like this, immediate reoperation can give excellent result.

Colon interposition for oesophageal replacement

The choice of the colon as an oesophageal substitute results primarily from the unavailability of the stomach. However, given its durability and function, colon interposition keeps elective indications in patients with benign or malignant oesophageal disease who are potential candidates for long survival. The choice of the colonic portion used for oesophageal reconstruction depends on the required length of the graft, and the encountered colonic vascular anatomy, the last being characterised by the near-invariability of the left colonic vessels, in contrast to the vascular pattern of the right side of the colon. Accordingly, the transverse colon with all or part of the ascending colon is the substitute of choice, positioned in the isoperistaltic direction, and supplied either from the left colic vessels for long grafts or middle colic vessels for shorter grafts. Technical key points are: full mobilisation of the entire colon, identification of the main colonic vessels and collaterals, and a prolonged clamping test to ensure the permeability of the chosen nourishing pedicle. Transposition through the posterior mediastinum in the oesophageal bed is the shortest one and thereby offers the best functional results. When the oesophageal bed is not available, the retrosternal route is the preferred alternative option. The food bolus travelling mainly by gravity makes straightness of the conduit of paramount importance. The proximal anastomosis is a single-layer hand-fashioned end-to-end anastomosis to prevent narrowing. When the stomach is available, the distal anastomosis is best performed at the posterior part of the antrum for the reasons of pedicle positioning and reflux prevention, and a gastric drainage procedure is added when the oesophagus and vagus nerves have been removed. In the other cases, a Roux-en-Y jejunal loop is preferable to prevent bile reflux into the colon. Additional procedures include re-establishment of the colonic continuity, a careful closure of the mesentery to avoid a further internal hernia, and routine appendectomy. When applying these technical aids, the chances of achieving a viable and well-functioning colon graft are excellent.

Comparison of an Uncut Roux-en-Y Gastrojejunostomy with a Billroth I Gastroduodenostomy after Totally Laproscopic Distal Gastrectomy

Purpose: An uncut Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy has been known to be effective in preventing bile reflux gastritis in the remnant stomach and the Roux stasis syndrome. Materials and Methods: To evaluate the usefulness of a totally laparoscopic uncut Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy (TLuRYGJ) after a distal gastrectomy, we reviewed the medical records of 19 consecutive patients that underwent a TLuRYGJ at our institution, and 11 consecutive patients who underwent a totally laparoscopic Billroth I gastrectomy (TLB-I) during the same period. Results: Postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms related to the postgastrectomy syndrome and the Visick classification at six months after surgery were not different in the two groups; however, there was no case of symptomatic bile reflux gastritis and only one case of delayed gastric empting, for which medication was required, in the TLuRYGJ group. The endoscopic findings of the remnant stomach for bile reflux gastritis at six months after surgery were better in the TLuRYGJ group than in the TLB-I group. Conclusion: A TLuRYGJ was found to be effective in preventing bile reflux gastritis and the Roux stasis syndrome.

Posterior Esophagopexy with Dome Formation to Prevent Reflux in Interposed Jejunal Pouch Reconstruction After Total Gastrectomy

Jejunal pouch interposition (JPI) reconstruction after total gastrectomy has proven effective for improving postoperative quality of life; however, evaluation of bile reflux into the esophagus shows that the reflux of digestive juice is not sufficiently prevented. Therefore, in addition to the conventional reconstruction technique, we created an artificial pouch to prevent the reflux of digestive juice from the jejunal pouch into the esophagus, and performed a new surgical technique based on the Hill's posterior gastropexy. No postoperative complications were observed and the postoperative measurement showed a decrease in the duration of bile reflux into the esophagus. Thus, our new surgical procedure seems to effectively prevent bile reflux.

Oesophageal and gastric bile exposure after gastroduodenal surgery with Henley's interposition or a Roux-en-Y loop.

The degree which the various reconstruction techniques prevent bile reflux after gastroduodenal surgery has been poorly studied. Bile exposure in the intestinal tract just proximal to the jejunal loop was measured with the Bilitec 2000 device for 24 h after gastroduodenal surgery in three groups of patients. Group 1 comprised 24 patients with a 60-cm Henley's loop after total gastrectomy. Group 2 included 31 patients with a 60-cm Roux-en-Y loop after total (22 patients) or subtotal (nine) gastrectomy. Group 3 contained 21 patients with a 60-cm Roux-en-Y loop anastomosed to the proximal duodenum as part of a duodenal switch operation for pathological transpyloric duodenogastric reflux. Bile exposure, measured as the percentage time with bile absorbance greater than 0.25, was classified as nil, within the range of a control population of healthy subjects, or pathological (above the 95th percentile for the control population). Reflux symptoms were scored and all patients had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Bile was detected in the intestine proximal to the loop in none of 24 patients in group 1, eight of 31 in group 2 and 12 of 21 in group 3 (P < 0.001). The mean reflux symptom score increased with the degree of bile exposure, and the proportion of patients with oesophagitis or gastritis correlated well with the extent of bile exposure (P < 0.001). A long Henley's loop was more effective in preventing bile reflux than a long Roux-en-Y loop. Bilitec data correlated well with the severity of reflux symptoms and the presence of mucosal lesions.

Effects of bile reflux and intragastric microflora changes on lesions of remnant gastric mucosa after gastric operation.

To investigate the effects of bile reflux and intragastric microflora changes on lesions of remnant gastric mucosa after gastric operation. Concentration of bile acid and total bacterial counts (TBC) in gastric juice were measured in 49 patients with peptic ulcer before and after gastrectomy. One year after the operation, sample of gastric mucosa taken from all the patients were used for histological examination. The concentration of gastric bile acid was significantly increased in group B-I, or B-II and SV+A than that in group HSV (P<0.05-0.01). The abnormal histological changes in the remnant gastric mucosa were more common in the first 2 groups than in the last group. The type of gastrectomy can affect bile reflux. The abnormal histological changes in the remnant gastric mucosa are closely related to the elevation of bile acid concentration and increase of TBC in gastric juice. HSV can effectively prevent bile reflux and keep the gastric physiological functions stable.

Surgical treatment of Roux stasis syndrome

We wondered whether the slow gastric emptying of the Roux stasis syndrome could be improved by performing a corrective “uncut” Roux operation. Five dogs had a standard Roux gastrectomy and placement of serosal electrodes on the proximal jejunum and Roux limb. After recovery, baseline myoelectrical and gastric emptying data were collected. The animals then underwent a second operation: take down of the Roux limb, restoration of jejunal continuity, and construction of an “uncut” Roux limb. After the animals recovered, the tests were repeated. The slow frequency of pacesetter potentials (PPs) in the standard Roux limb (mean ± standard error of the mean 14 ± 0.4 cpm) was unchanged after the uncut Roux operation (14 ± 0.5 cpm, P >0.05). However, a greater percentage of PPs propagated aborally in the uncut Roux limb (81% ± 4%) than in the standard Roux limb (53% ± 7%, P <0.05). Nonetheless, gastric emptying of a 250 ml 10% dextrose liquid meal was not speeded by the uncut Roux operation (uncut Roux = 36% ± 5% emptied by 20 minutes vs. standard Roux = 35% ± 7%; P >0.05). Bile acid concentrations in gastric aspirates were minimal after both operations (0.7 ± 0.2 μmol/L vs. 0.6 ± 0.1 μmol/L; P >0.05). The conclusion was that more PPs propagated in the aborad direction in the uncut Roux limb than in the standard Roux limb, but gastric emptying was not speeded by the uncut Roux operation. Both operations were equally effective in preventing bile reflux into the gastric remnant.

Long-term follow-up of patients with Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy for gastric disease.

A consecutive series of Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomies with a mean follow-up of 11.9 years was reviewed to characterize the long-term results of patients having this operation to treat or prevent bile reflux gastritis. Development of postprandial abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or bezoar formation (Roux stasis syndrome) in the postoperative follow-up period has prompted questions about the role of Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy to treat or prevent bile reflux gastritis. Long-term clinical follow-up (mean, 11.9 years) data for 24 patients was collected by reviewing medical records, interviewing patients directly through telephone contact, or both. All patients who had symptoms in the follow-up period were evaluated by upper gastrointestinal series, endoscopy, or both. A modified Visick scale was used for clinical ratings. Of the 22 evaluable patients, follow-up was complete in 20; the clinical condition that prompted surgery was corrected in 21 (95%). Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy was successful for treating or preventing bile reflux gastritis in all 22 patients. Despite this success, clinical failure (Visick scale III or IV) was documented in 8 patients (36%). Seven of the 8 patients had clinical failure within 6 months of operation, with the Roux stasis syndrome developing in 6 of them (27%). This consecutive series of Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomies performed by one surgeon has the longest follow-up to date. Although the Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy is safe and often successful, the procedure appears to be limited by a substantial rate of clinical dissatisfaction. Surgeons should be cautious in using it to treat primary or remedial gastrointestinal disease.

Primary Roux-Y gastrojejunostomy versus gastroduodenostomy after antrectomy and selective vagotomy

One hundred twenty-one patients with prepyloric ulcer disease entered a randomized clinical trial comparing gastroduodenostomy with Roux-Y gastrojejunostomy after antrectomy and selective gastric vagotomy. The postoperative course and morbidity were quite similar in the two study groups, as was the postoperative infectious complication rate. Forty-four of the patients with a Billroth I reconstruction and 52 of those with a Roux-Y reconstruction were followed up with a clinical assessment at least 6 months after the operation. The postgastrectomy symptoms were quite frequent, but did not differ between the two study groups. Seventy-five percent of the patients with a Billroth I gastroduodenostomy had symptoms corresponding to Visick grades 1 and 2, compared with 81% of those with Roux-Y reconstruction. Although the latter procedure was very effective in preventing bile reflux to the gastric remnant, no difference was observed in the gastric emptying rate after the two operations.

Surgical management of alkaline reflux gastritis.

Fifty-six patients were treated surgically for alkaline reflux gastritis, in each a consequence of subtotal gastrectomy and vagotomy for ulcer disease. Of these, 41 available for follow-up, 18 of whom had had Henley loop jejunal interpositioning and the remaining 23 Roux-en-Y (long-loop) gastroenterostomy. The conditions of most patients improved with respect to reflux symptoms of pain, vomiting, and weight loss, but the patients with Roux-en-Y procedure had uniformly better results that did those with the Henley loop. Although the Henley loops in this series of patients may have been too short to be completely effective in preventing bile reflux into the stomach, we prefer the Roux-en-Y diversion because it is technically easier and safer.