A Clinical Study of the Uncut Roux-en-Y Gastrojejunostomy Using a Short Roux Limb after Subtotal Gastrectomy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The restoration of intestinal continuity following subtotal gastrectomy for gastric malignancy as well as benign gastric disease is an important area for research. The aim of this study was to compare the uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction using a short Roux limb (20 to 30 cm) with the uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction using a long Roux limb (more than 40 cm). METHODS: 48 patients (33 men and 15 women) underwent uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction using a short Roux limb (short Roux limb group), and 32 patients (19 men and 13 women) had the Roux-en-Y operation using a long Roux limb (long Roux limb group). We assessed the outcome of these operations on the occurrence of Roux stasis syndrome, the endoscopic findings, and the required period for the nasogastric tube. RESULTS: Roux stasis syndrome occurred in 9 patients (18.8%) in the short Roux limb group, and in 10 patients (31.3%) in the long Roux limb group (p value 0.201). Pathological endoscopic finding were observed in 5 patients (10.4%) in the short Roux limb group, and in 6 patients (18.8%) in the long Roux limb group (p=0.292). CONCLUSION: Comparing the short Roux limb group with the long Roux limb group in uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction after subtotal gastrectomy, We can conclude that uncut Roux-en-Yreconstruction using a short Roux limb is an effective reconstruction procedure to alleviate Roux stasis syndrome, reflux gastritis and esophagitis.