[Comparing aboral pouch construction with Roux-en-Y reconstruction after total gastrectomy]

Abstract

The aim of this study was the introduction of a new type of gastric substitute, the aboral pouch after total gastrectomy and comparing the motility, nutritional and quality of life parameters of the patients with aboral pouch to the simple Roux-en-Y group in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Between September of 1997 and February of 1999 25 patients entered the study. In the pouch group after Roux-en-Y reconstruction aboral pouch was created as a side to side anastomosis approximately 50 cms distal to the esophagojejunostomy, 15 cms in length. In the control group simple Roux-en-Y reconstruction was performed. During the follow up examinations nutritional measurements, scintigraphic evaluation of the gastrointestinal passage, absorption tests and quality of life interviews were carried out. In the first year of the study 15 patients underwent pouch construction, while 10 patients served as controls. Preliminary results suggest that there is no marked difference in the postoperative adaptation between the two groups. However serum immunoglobulin and serum iron measurements, lipid absorption test and quality of life questionnaires predict a slight superiority of the patients with aboral pouch over the simple Roux-en Y group.