Jejunal pouch reconstruction after total gastrectomy is associated with better short-term absorption capacity and quality of life in early-stage gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND: No consensus exists regarding the best reconstruction style after total gastrectomy (TG). Roux-en-Y oesophagojejunostomy is a simple option for gastrointestinal tract reconstruction. Recently, jejunal pouch reconstruction has been suggested as an appropriate approach. We compared the postoperative outcomes of the two surgical approaches using a well-characterized cohort of gastric carcinoma patients. METHODS: A total of 60 patients who underwent TG were divided into two groups according to the reconstruction style. Both groups were compared regarding patient characteristics, perioperative data and quality of life (QoL), which was assessed using the Spitzer QoL index (QLI) and Visick grade. The incidence of long-term surgery-related complications, including reflux oesophagitis, dumping syndrome, and retention syndrome, was also compared to evaluate postoperative restoration. RESULTS: Both study groups were comparable with respect to general patient characteristics. No mortality or no significant differences in surgery-related data were found except in the operation time. Compared to Orr Roux-en-Y reconstruction, pouch reconstruction was associated with a longer procedure time, a lower incidence of dumping/retention syndrome and better QoL parameters (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, jejunal pouch reconstruction after TG was superior to the traditional Roux-n-Y oesophagojejunostomy with respect to improved dietary intake and QoL.