Published online Mar 20, 2024. doi: 10.5662/wjm.v14.i1.89709
Peer-review started: November 9, 2023
First decision: December 12, 2023
Revised: December 21, 2023
Accepted: January 24, 2024
Article in press: January 24, 2024
Published online: March 20, 2024
Processing time: 118 Days and 13.2 Hours
The surgeon performing a distal gastrectomy, has an arsenal of reconstruction techniques at his disposal, Billroth II among them. Braun anastomosis performed during a Billroth II procedure has shown evidence of superiority over typical Billroth II, in terms of survival, with no impact on postoperative morbidity and mortality.
To compare Billroth II vs Billroth II and Braun following distal gastrectomy, regarding their postoperative course.
Patients who underwent distal gastrectomy during 2002-2021, were separated into two groups, depending on the surgical technique used (Billroth II: 74 patients and Billroth II and Braun: 28 patients). The daily output of the nasogastric tube (NGT), the postoperative day that NGT was removed and the day the patient started per os feeding were recorded. Postoperative complications were at the same time noted. Data were then statistically analyzed.
There was difference in the mean NGT removal day and the mean start feeding day. Mean total postoperative NGT output was lower in Braun group (399.17 mL vs 1102.78 mL) and it was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Mean daily postoperative NGT output was also statistically significantly lower in Braun group. According to the postoperative follow up 40 patient experienced bile reflux and alkaline gastritis from the Billroth II group, while 9 patients who underwent Billroth II and Braun anastomosis were presented with the same conditions (P < 0.05).
There was evidence of superiority of Billroth II and Braun vs typical Billroth II in terms of bile reflux, alkaline gastritis and NGT output.
Core Tip: This is a retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of the addition of Braun enteroenteroanastomosis to Bilroth II reconstruction compared to Billroth II alone in terms of the postoperative outcomes of these surgical techniques, following distal gastrectomy. The addition of Braun anastomosis demonstrated superiority in terms of survival without impacting complications or mortality. The study highlights the significance of considering bile reflux and alkaline gastritis in postoperative quality of life after gastrectomy, emphasizing the role of Braun’s anastomosis in reducing bile reflux and associated complications.