Published online Jun 15, 2022. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i6.1141
Peer-review started: November 14, 2021
First decision: December 9, 2021
Revised: December 19, 2021
Accepted: May 13, 2022
Article in press: May 13, 2022
Published online: June 15, 2022
Braun anastomosis is usually performed after Billroth II reconstruction on laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy because it is believed to benefit patients. But we found that patients who underwent Braun anastomosis still had serious complications after operation. Thus, studies are needed to confirm that.
To determine whether the addition of Braun anastomosis to Billroth II reconstruction on laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy benefits patients.
To study the role of Braun anastomosis in laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy.
The clinical data of the addition of Braun anastomosis to Billroth II reconstruction on laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for patients with distal gastric cancer were compared. Patient follow-up data were analyzed. Operation time, blood loss, anal exhaust time and prevalence rate of reflux gastritis between the groups were examined.
Postoperative complications were reported in 3 of the 33 patients in the Billroth II reconstruction group and 4 out of 60 patients in the Billroth II reconstruction combined with Braun anastomosis group. The total incidence of postoperative complications indicated no significant difference between the two groups. During follow-up, 11 patients in the Billroth II reconstruction group and 29 patients in the Billroth II reconstruction combined with Braun anastomosis group had reflux gastritis. The total incidence of reflux gastritis showed no significant difference (66.7% vs 51.7%, P = 0.109). Five multi-item functional scales (physical, emotional, role, cognitive and social function), three multi-item and six single-item symptom scores showed no significant difference between these two groups.
The addition of Braun anastomosis to Billroth II reconstruction on laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy did not show any benefit to patients with distal gastrectomy.
A prospective study with more patients is required to verify the conclusions of this study.