Reinforcement methods of duodenal stump after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A review

Duodenal stump fistula is a rare but dangerous complication of gastric cancer surgery. Reinforcement of the duodenal stump was suggested as a useful method to prevent the occurrence of duodenal stump fistula. Although laparoscopic surgery has been established as a safe procedure for gastric cancer, it is acknowledged that the application of duodenal stump reinforcement is a demanding process in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. This review aims to provide a concise description of the proposed reinforcement methods of duodenal stump after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer by summarizing the relevant literature written in English. The thorough knowledge of these reinforcement techniques may help surgeons to find the most suitable reinforcement method of duodenal stump for patients.