Outcomes of Non-Operative Treatment for Duodenal Stump Leakage after Gastrectomy in Patients with Gastric Cancer

Predictive model and prognostic insights into duodenal stump fistula following radical gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Duodenal stump fistula (DSF) is a rare yet serious complication following gastric cancer surgery. The risk factors associated with DSF, as well as the predictive models, remain insufficiently elucidated.

AIM

To identify DSF risk factors following radical gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis, develop a predictive model, and evaluate impact on prognosis.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients undergoing radical gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis for gastric cancer at Juntendo University from 2015 to 2021 (n = 325). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors associated with DSF. Based on the independent risk factors, a predictive nomogram was developed and subsequently evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were utilized to assess the impact of DSF on overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

Among the 325 patients analyzed, DSF was observed in 7 (2.2%) cases. No DSF was observed in 110 patients where the duodenal stump suturing fixation technique to the jejunal wall was used. Multivariate analysis confirmed that age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.17, P = 0.015] and obstructive ventilatory failure (OVF) (OR = 14.03, P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for DSF. The predictive nomogram was constructed based on age and OVF, which exhibited strong performance (area under the curve = 0.90, 95% confidence interval: 0.82-0.99). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in CSS for patients with DSF, whereas no significant differences were observed in OS or DFS.

CONCLUSION

Age and OVF are independent risk factors for DSF, which worsens CSS. A nomogram predicts DSF accurately, and innovative surgical techniques may reduce its occurrence.

Importance of duodenal stump reinforcement to prevent stump leakage after gastrectomy: a large-scale multicenter retrospective study (KSCC DELICATE study)

BACKGROUND

The significance of reinforcement of the duodenal stump with seromuscular sutures and the effectiveness of reinforced staplers in preventing duodenal stump leakage remain unclear. We aimed to explore the importance of duodenal stump reinforcement and determine the optimal reinforcement method for preventing duodenal stump leakage.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2021, with data analyzed between December 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023. This multicenter study across 57 institutes in Japan included 16,475 patients with gastric cancer who underwent radical gastrectomies. Elective open or minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) gastrectomy was performed in patients with gastric cancer.

RESULTS

Duodenal stump leakage occurred in 153 (0.93%) of 16,475 patients. The proportions of males, patients aged ≥ 75 years, and ≥ pN1 were higher in patients with duodenal stump leakage than in those without duodenal stump leakage. The incidence of duodenal stump leakage was significantly lower in the group treated with reinforcement by seromuscular sutures or using reinforced stapler than in the group without reinforcement (0.72% vs. 1.19%, p = 0.002). Duodenal stump leakage incidence was also significantly lower in high-volume institutions than in low-volume institutions (0.70% vs. 1.65%, p = 0.047). The rate of duodenal stump leakage-related mortality was 7.8% (12/153). In the multivariate analysis, preoperative asthma and duodenal invasion were identified as independent preoperative risk factors for duodenal stump leakage-related mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The duodenal stump should be reinforced to prevent duodenal stump leakage after radical gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer.

A perforation of a duodenal diverticulum in a 97-year-old patient after total gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction: a case report

Most duodenal diverticula (DD) are asymptomatic and rarely develop perforations. Perforation is the most serious complication of DD and often requires emergency surgery. A 97-year-old woman who had undergone total gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction 30 years ago was referred to our department with chief complaints of abdominal pain and fever during her hospitalization after femoral neck fracture surgery in the orthopedic department. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed free air and residue in the abdominal cavity and right retroperitoneum, and an emergency laparotomy was performed. The abdominal cavity was mildly contaminated, and a 6-cm DD with a 1-cm perforation in the wall of the diverticulum on the contralateral side of the mesentery of the duodenum was found. Diverticulectomy and duodenal closure were performed and a drainage tube was placed. The patient experienced no complications and was transferred to the orthopedic department on postoperative day 10. Reports of perforation of DD after gastrectomy are very rare. Particular attention should be paid to perforation of DD after Billroth-II and Roux-en-Y reconstructions as they involve the formation of a duodenal stump that differs from the normal anatomy and may be highly invasive surgical procedures, depending on the degree of inflammation and fistula formation.

The ingenious drainage system controls persistent duodenal stump fistula due to pancreatic fistula after subtotal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer

Duodenal stump fistula (DSF) is a dangerous complication after gastrectomy. There is no consensus on the management of DSF. Sometimes, emergency surgery may be necessary. We present the case who underwent subtotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction for advanced gastric cancer. After that surgery, we diagnosed DSF due to pancreatic fistula, and performed reoperation because of hemodynamic instability due to diffuse peritonitis and sepsis. We resected the stump and closed with handsewn suturing and inserted three intra-abdominal drainage tubes, including a dual drainage tube around the duodenal stump. Although there was a recurrence of DSF, because of the continuous and absolute drainage, the patient improved and discharged on postoperative Day 59. From this experience, diligent debridement and a continuous suction dual drainage system, intraluminal drain of the duodenum, and biliary diversion may be an effective surgical management for DFS.

Duodenal stump fistula managed with percutaneous drainage, percutaneous transcholecystic biliary diversion and transduodenal glue embolization - A case report

Duodenal stump insufficiency is an infrequent but potentially devastating complication of upper gastrointestinal surgery. In the era of image-guided interventions, duodenal stump insufficiency is usually treated rather conservatively or with percutaneous interventions than with surgery. Herein, we present a case of a postsurgical duodenal stump fistula successfully treated in a step-by-step manner with percutaneous drainage of a periduodenal abscess-fistula complex, percutaneous transcholecystic biliary drainage for partial biliary diversion and percutaneous transcatheter fistula embolization via the duodenum with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate.

Trocar puncture with modified sump drainage for duodenal stump fistula after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A retrospective controlled study

Duodenal stump fistula (DSF) is a serious complication of radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Herein, we illustrated an innovative choice for treating duodenal stump fistulas by placing a modified sump drainage through trocar puncture into the DSF-related abscess (DSF-abscess) cavity. We retrospectively analyzed 974 consecutive patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer between 2011 and 2021. Of these patients, 34 who developed postoperative duodenal stump fistulas postoperatively were enrolled into our study, and their clinical data were retrospectively assessed. From January 2011 to December 2017, 15 patients received conventional treatments (percutaneous catheter drainage, PCD group) known as the traditional percutaneous method, and 19 patients from January 2018 to December 2021 received new treatments (Troca's SD group) consisting of conventional therapies and placement of a modified sump drainage through trocar puncture into DSF-abscess cavity. The demographics, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were compared between two groups. Compared with the PCD group, the rates of postoperative complications, duodenostomy creation, subsequent surgery, fistula healing rates of the DSF, and length of postoperative hospital stay were significantly decreased in the Troca SD group. However, there was no significant difference in the abscess recurrence rate and mortality rates. Trocar puncture with a modified sump drainage is an safe, effective, and technically feasible treatment for duodenal stump fistula after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. This novel technique should be further investigated using large-scale RCT research.

Efficacy of endoscopic management for anastomotic leakage after gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer

Background

Anastomotic leakage (AL) after gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients is associated with high mortality rates. Various endoscopic procedures are available to manage this postoperative complication. The aim of study was to evaluate the outcome of two endoscopic modalities, clippings and stents, for the treatment of AL.

Patients and methods

There were 4916 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy between December 2007 and January 2016 at the National Cancer Center, Korea. A total of 115 patients (2.3%) developed AL. Of these, 85 patients (1.7%) received endoscopic therapy for AL and were included in this retrospective study. The endpoints were the complete leakage closure rates and risk factors associated with failure of endoscopic therapy.

Results

Of the 85 patients, 62 received endoscopic clippings (with or without detachable snares), and 23 received a stent insertion. Overall, the complete leakage closure rate was 80%, and no significant difference was found between the clipping and stent groups (79.0% vs. 82.6%, respectively; P = 0.89). The complete leakage closure rate was significantly lower in the duodenal and jejunal stump sites (60%) than esophageal sites (86.1%) and gastric sites (94.1%; P = 0.026). The multivariate analysis showed that stump leakage sites (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.51; P = 0.031) and the presence of intra-abdominal abscess (aOR, 4.92; P = -0.025) were associated with unsuccessful leakage closures.

Conclusions

Endoscopic therapy using clippings or stents is an effective method for the postoperative management of AL in gastric cancer patients. This therapy can be considered a primary treatment option due to its demonstrated efficacy, safety, and minimally invasive nature.

Intra-cavitary contrast-enhanced ultrasound for diagnosis of duodenal fistula: A case report and review of the relevant literature

BACKGROUND

Duodenal stump fistula is a rare complication after subtotal gastrectomy (Billroth Ⅱ anastomosis). Its clinical symptoms vary with the size of the fistula and the patency of abdominal drainage. Failure in timely diagnosis will lead to serious abdominal infection, massive hemorrhage, and other complications, even life-threatening events.

CASE SUMMARY

A patient developed abdominal pain 6 months after subtotal gastrectomy (Billroth Ⅱ anastomosis) for gastric cancer. Emergency enhanced CT examination showed thickening of the abdominal wall and adjacent abdominal soft tissue, and gas accumulation was also observed. The gas was suspected to be associated with the duodenal stump, and no obvious mass shadow was observed. The abdominal drainage tube was pulled out, and ultrasound guided percutaneous intra-cavitary contrast-enhanced ultrasound displayed the fistula opening and fistula tract dynamically, and guided real-time placement of a catheter for drainage.

CONCLUSION

Intra-cavitary contrast-enhanced ultrasound can accurately diagnose the intestinal fistula, indicate the direction of fistula in real time, accurately locate and guide catheterization, and provide diagnostic and treatment assistance in clinical practice.

Risk Factors for Duodenal Stump Leakage after Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

Purpose

Duodenal stump leakage (DSL) is a potentially fatal complication that can occur after gastrectomy, but its underlying risk factors are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors and management of DSL after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC).

Materials and Methods

Relevant data were collected from several prospective databases to retrospectively analyze the data of GC patients who underwent Billroth II (B-II) or Roux-en-Y (R-Y) reconstruction after laparoscopic gastrectomy from 2 institutions (Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences). The DSL risk factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis regression.

Results

A total of 810 patients were eligible for our analysis (426 with R-Y, 384 with B-II with Braun). Eleven patients had DSL (1.36%). Body mass index (BMI), elevated preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and unreinforced duodenal stump were the independent risk factors for DSL. DSL was diagnosed in 2–12 days, with a median of 8 days. Seven patients received conservative treatment, 3 patients received puncture treatment, and only 1 patient required reoperation. All patients recovered successfully after treatment.

Conclusions

The risk factors of DSL were BMI ≥24 kg/m², elevated preoperative CRP level, and unreinforced duodenal stump. Nonsurgical treatments for DSL are preferred.

Two cases of a perforated duodenal diverticulum after gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction

Background

What type of reconstruction procedure should be applied is one of the important issues in surgery for gastric cancer. We have several options for reconstruction procedure after distal gastrectomy. The Billroth II and Roux-en-Y reconstruction have a duodenal stump while the Billroth I does not have it, which is the biggest structural difference in these procedures. An increase in intraduodenal pressure due to the formation of duodenum stump occasionally causes severe complication such as duodenal stump leakage; however, a duodenal diverticulum perforation after the Roux-en-Y reconstruction has not yet been reported. Herein, we report two cases of a perforated duodenal diverticulum after gastrectomy with the Roux-en-Y reconstruction.

Case presentation

The first case was a 66-year-old man who presented to our hospital with an acute onset right-upper-quadrant abdominal pain. He had undergone laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with the Roux-en-Y reconstruction for the early gastric cancer 15 months before. A large periampullary diverticulum had been detected during the checkup before the gastrectomy. Abdominal contrast-enhanced CT showed a retroperitoneal fluid collection with gas present at the second part of the duodenum. Therefore, a perforated duodenal diverticulum with abdominal abscess was diagnosed, and an emergency laparotomy was performed. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed because of severe duodenal inflammation and surrounding tissue damage. The second case was a 52-year-old man who had undergone open distal gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer. Multiple non-ampullary duodenal diverticula had also been identified during the preoperative checkup. On the 2nd postoperative day, he presented with a sudden-onset abdominal pain with peritoneal irritation signs, and intestinal fluid was identified through the intraperitoneal drainage tube placed in a suprapancreatic site during his previous gastrectomy. Therefore, an emergency laparotomy was performed. During laparotomy, a perforated diverticulum at the second part of the duodenum was detected. The perforated duodenum diverticulum was directly sutured with drainage of the retroperitoneal space.

Conclusions

It is necessary to recognize that the Roux-en-Y reconstruction after gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients with duodenal diverticulum might cause a perforation of the diverticulum.

Single Purse-String Suture for Reinforcement of Duodenal Stump During Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

Background: Duodenal stump leakage (DSL) is a serious surgical complication after radical gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y or BillrothII reconstruction. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic single purse-string suture for reinforcement of duodenal stump.

Methods: A total of 183 patients harboring gastric adenocarcinoma following laparoscopic radical gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y or BillrothIIreconstruction and single purse-string suture for reinforcement of duodenal stump were retrospectively enrolled from Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University (Shanghai, China) between January 2014 and December 2016. Operative variables and short-term complications were documented and analyzed. Clavien-Dindo classification system was used to identify surgical complications.

Results: Among 183 patients, 108 (59.02%) patients received distal gastrectomy and 75 (40.98%) received total gastrectomy. 88 (48.09%) patients underwent Roux-en-Y reconstruction and 95 (51.91%) patients underwent Billroth-II reconstruction. The mean time of laparoscopic single purse-string suture was 5.01 ± 1.33 min (range from 3.6 to 10.2 min). Postoperative early complication occurred in 26 cases of the patients. There were 4 cases of system-related complications (2.19%), including 3 cases of pulmonary infection (1.64%) and 1 cases of cardiovascular event (0.55%); and 22 cases of surgery-related complications (12.02%), including 6 cases of intra-abdominal infection (3.28%), 4 cases of pancreatic leakage (2.19%), 4 cases of wound complications (2.19%), 3 cases of gastroparesis (1.64%), 2 cases of intra-abdominal bleeding (1.09%), 2 cases of ileus (1.09%), 1 cases of lymphatic leakage (0.55%), and no duodenal stump leakage.

Conclusion: Reinforcement on duodenal stump using laparoscopic single purse-string suture during laparoscopic radical gastrectomy is simple and effective and could avoid the incidence of duodenal stump leakage to some extent.

Duodenal stump reinforcement might reduce both incidence and severity of duodenal stump leakage after laparoscopic gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Although duodenal stump leakage (DSL) is a relatively rare complication after gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y (R-Y) reconstruction, it is difficult to treat and can be fatal. We investigated the impact of duodenal stump reinforcement on DSL after laparoscopic gastrectomy with R-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective study of 965 patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic distal or total gastrectomy (LDG or LTG) with R-Y reconstruction compared surgical outcomes between two groups, the duodenal stump reinforcement group (reinforcement group) (n = 895) and that without duodenal stump reinforcement (non-reinforcement group) (n = 70).

RESULTS

Mean operative duration was significantly longer in the reinforcement than in the non-reinforcement group (LDG; 291 min versus 258 min, p < 0.001, LTG; 325 min versus 285 min, p < 0.001). DSL occurred less frequently in the reinforcement than in the non-reinforcement group (0.67% vs. 5.71%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, non-reinforcement was an independent risk factor for DSL in multiple logistic regression analysis with adjustment for potential confounding factors. Patients with DSL in the non-reinforcement group all required re-operation, while all but one patient with DSL in the reinforcement group recovered with conservative management.

CONCLUSIONS

Duodenal stump reinforcement in laparoscopic gastrectomy with R-Y reconstruction may reduce the risk of DSL development and minimize its severity.

Treatment of Labial Fistula Communicating with the Duodenal Stump After Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND Anastomotic failure after gastroenterological surgery is usually treated by intraperitoneal drainage and a mature ductal fistula. A ductal fistula may develop into a labial fistula. Although a ductal fistula is controllable, a labial fistula is intractable. We report a case of a labial fistula that communicated with the duodenal stump after gastrectomy. This condition was successfully treated by intraluminal drainage with continuous suction (IDCS) via a rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap (RAMF). CASE REPORT A 70-year-old male underwent distal gastrectomy with intentional lymphadenectomy because of advanced gastric cancer. Digestive reconstruction was completed by the Billroth II method. Pancreatic leakage, intraperitoneal abscess, and anastomotic failure of gastrojejunostomy occurred after surgery. The duodenal stump was ruptured at postoperative day (POD) 26, and ductal fistula associated with the duodenum was observed. Unfortunately, this ductal fistula developed into a labial fistula at POD 90, and a high output of duodenal juice was observed. Additional surgery was proposed at POD 161. The broken stump and labial fistula were covered by a pedunculated RAMF, and a dual drainage system (a combination of a Penrose drain and a 2-way tube) travelled through the RAMF. The tip position of the drainage system was located in the duodenum, and the IDCS was effectively introduced. The secondary ductal fistula finally matured through the RAMF, and was subsequently closed at POD 231. The intractable labial fistula was successfully treated, and the patient was discharged at POD 235. CONCLUSIONS A high-output labial fistula, which communicated with the duodenal stump after gastrectomy, was refractory in our patient. Effective IDCS through an RAMF was useful for replacement of the labial fistula with a secondary ductal fistula.

Management of duodenal stump fistula after gastrectomy for malignant disease: a systematic review of the literature

Background

Duodenal stump fistula (DSF) remains one of the most serious complications following subtotal or total gastrectomy, as it endangers patient’s life. DSF is related to high mortality (16–20%) and morbidity (75%) rates. DSF-related morbidity always leads to longer hospitalization times due to medical and surgical complications such as wound infections, intra-abdominal abscesses, intra-abdominal bleeding, acute pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis, severe malnutrition, fluids and electrolytes disorders, diffuse peritonitis, and pneumonia. Our systematic review aimed at improving our understanding of such surgical complication, focusing on nonsurgical and surgical DSF management in patients undergoing gastric resection for gastric cancer.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were used to search all related literature.

Results

The 20 included articles covered an approximately 40 years-study period (1979–2017), with a total 294 patient population. DSF diagnosis occurred between the fifth and tenth postoperative day. Main DSF-related complications were sepsis, abdominal abscess, wound infection, pneumonia, and intra-abdominal bleeding. DSF treatment was divided into four categories: conservative (101 cases), endoscopic (4 cases), percutaneous (82 cases), and surgical (157 cases). Length of hospitalization was 21–39 days, ranging from 1 to 1035 days. Healing time was 19–63 days, ranging from 1 to 1035 days. DSF-related mortality rate recorded 18.7%.

Conclusions

DSF is a rare but potentially lethal complication after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Early DSF diagnosis is crucial in reducing DSF-related morbidity and mortality. Conservative and/or endoscopic/percutaneous treatments is/are the first choice. However, if the patient clinical condition worsens, surgery becomes mandatory and duodenostomy appears to be the most effective surgical procedure.

Duodenal fistula: The most lethal surgical complication in a case series of radical gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Despite all advances regarding the surgical treatment of gastric cancer (GC), duodenal stump fistula (DF) continues to negatively affect postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to assess DF regarding its incidence, risk factors, management and impact on overall survival.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 562 consecutive patients who underwent gastrectomy for GC between 2009 and 2017. Clinicopathological characteristics analysis was performed comparing DF, other surgical fistulas and patients with uneventful postoperative course.

RESULTS

DF occurred in 15 (2.7%) cases, and 51 (9%) patients had other surgical fistulas. Tumor located in the lower third of the stomach (p = 0.021) and subtotal gastrectomy (p = 0.002) were associated with occurrence of DF. The overall mortality rate was 40% for DF and 15.7% for others surgical fistulas (p = 0.043). The median time of DF onset was on postoperative day 9 (range 1-75). Conservative approach was performed in 8 patients and surgical intervention in 7 cases. Age (OR 7.41, p = 0.012) and DF (OR 9.06, p=0.020) were found to be independent risk factors for surgical mortality. Furthermore, patients without fistula had better long-term survival outcomes comparing to patients with any type of fistulas (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

DF is related with distal tumors and patients submitted to subtotal gastrectomy. It affects not only the postoperative period with high morbidity and mortality rates, but may also have a negative impact on long-term survival.

Role of Laparoscopic Management for Postgastrectomy Complications

BACKGROUND

The role of laparoscopy for the management of various types of postgastrectomy complications has not yet been well studied. We describe laparoscopic management of postgastrectomy complications and present a comparison between laparoscopy and other modalities in terms of basic characteristics and postreoperation clinical course.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 82 patients with postgastrectomy complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIa) at a single institution between April 2009 and November 2016. We excluded 15 patients with pulmonary, wound-related, and/or ambiguous complications and eventually studied 67 patients who were divided into nonoperative intervention (NI), laparoscopic reoperation (LR), and open reoperation (OR) groups. Clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

Among the 67 patients studied, 31, 21, and 15 belonged to the NI, LR, and OR groups, respectively. Complications included bleeding in 29, leakage in 26, intestinal obstruction in 6, and intra-abdominal abscesses in 6 patients. Among the 21 patients in the LR group, bleeding was reported in 11, leakage in 5, intestinal obstruction in 3, and intra-abdominal abscesses in 2 patients. No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of clinicopathological characteristics. Regarding surgical outcomes, the NI and LR groups required a mean of 11 days before discharge-a period that was significantly shorter than that required by the OR group (20.5 ± 14.3 days). All patients belonging to the LR group were successfully treated and discharged 11.3 ± 6.0 days after reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic management of postgastrectomy complications is a safe and effective procedure primarily because it is associated with a smaller incision, more rapid recovery, and shorter length of hospitalization than that associated with an open laparotomy.

Laparoscopic Reinforcement Suture (LARS) on Staple Line of Duodenal Stump Using Barbed Suture in Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: a Prospective Single Arm Phase II Study

Purpose

Laparoscopic gastrectomy is accepted as a standard treatment for patients with early gastric cancer in Korea, Japan, and China. However, duodenal stump leakage remains a fatal complication after gastrectomy. We conducted a prospective phase II study to evaluate the safety of the new technique of laparoscopic reinforcement suture (LARS) on the duodenal stump.

Materials and Methods

The estimated number of patients required for this study was 100 for a period of 18 months. Inclusion criteria were histologically proven gastric adenocarcinoma treated with laparoscopic distal or total gastrectomy and Billroth II or Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The primary endpoint was the incidence of duodenal stump leakage within the first 30 postoperative days. The secondary endpoints were early postoperative outcomes until discharge.

Results

One hundred patients were enrolled between February 2016 and March 2017. The study groups consisted of 65 male and 35 female patients with a mean age (years) of 62.3. Of these, 63 (63%) patients had comorbidities. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 38. The mean operation time was 145 minutes including 7.8 minutes of mean LARS time. There was no occurrence of duodenal stump leakage. Thirteen complications occurred, with one case of reoperation for splenic artery rupture and one case of mortality.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this prospective phase II study, LARS can be safely performed in a short operation period without development of duodenal stump leakage. A future randomized prospective controlled trial is required to confirm the surgical benefit of LARS compared to non-LARS.