Published online Apr 28, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i16.5110
Peer-review started: September 30, 2014
First decision: October 29, 2014
Revised: November 13, 2014
Accepted: February 5, 2015
Article in press: February 5, 2015
Published online: April 28, 2015
Post-gastrectomy anastomosis site obstruction is a relatively rare complication after a subtotal gastrectomy. We present a case of a 75-year-old man who underwent a truncal vagotomy, omental patch, gastrojejunostomy, and Braun anastomosis for duodenal ulcer perforation and a gastric outlet obstruction. Following the 10th postoperative day, the patient complained of abdominal discomfort and vomiting. We diagnosed post-gastrectomy anastomosis site obstruction by an upper gastrointestinal series and an upper endoscopic examination. We inserted a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) at the anastomosis site. The stent was fully expanded after deployment. On the day following the stent insertion, the patient began to eat, and his abdominal discomfort was resolved. This paper describes the successful management of post-gastrectomy anastomosis site obstruction with temporary placement of a SEMS.
Core tip: Post-gastrectomy anastomosis site obstruction is a relatively rare complication in patients following gastric surgery; however, it could cause serious discomfort and carries a risk of deterioration of the condition of the patient if a re-operation is required. We report successful management for post-gastrectomy anastomosis site obstruction with temporary placement of a self-expandable metallic stent.