Assessing optimal Roux-en-Y reconstruction technique after total gastrectomy using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45

BACKGROUND Following a total gastrectomy,patients suffer the most severe form of postgastrectomy syndrome.This is a significant clinical problem as it reduces quality of life(QOL).Roux-en-Y reconstruction,which is regarded as the gold standard for post-total gastrectomy reconstruction,can be performed using various techniques.Although the technique used could affect postoperative QOL,there are no previous reports regarding the same.AIM To investigate the effect of different techniques on postoperative QOL.The data was collected from the registry of the postgastrectomy syndrome assessment study(PGSAS).METHODS In the present study,we analyzed 393 total gastrectomy patients from those enrolled in PGSAS.Patients were divided into groups depending on whether antecolic or retrocolic jejunal elevation was performed,whether the Roux limb was“40 cm”,“shorter”(≤39 cm),or“longer”(≥41 cm),and whether the device used for esophageal and jejunal anastomosis was a circular or linear stapler.Subsequently,we comparatively investigated postoperative QOL of the patients.RESULTS Reconstruction route:Esophageal reflux subscale(SS)occurred significantly less frequently in patients who underwent antecolic reconstruction.Roux limb length:“Shorter”Roux limb did not facilitate esophageal reflux SS and somewhat attenuated indigestion SS and abdominal pain SS.Anastomosis technique:In terms of esophagojejunostomy techniques,no differences were observed.CONCLUSION The techniques used for total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction significantly affected postoperative symptoms.Our results suggest that elevating the Roux limb,which is not overly long,through an antecolic route may improve patients’QOL.

Long-term outcomes of postgastrectomy syndrome after total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy using the augmented rectangle technique

BACKGROUND For total laparoscopic distal gastrectomies for gastric cancer,the reconstruction method is critical to the clinical outcome of the procedure.However,which reconstruction technique is optimal remains controversial.We originally reported the augmented rectangle technique(ART)as a reconstruction option for total laparoscopic Billroth I reconstructions.Still,little is known about its effect on long-term outcomes,specifically the incidence of postgastrectomy syndrome and its impact on quality of life.AIM To analyze postgastrectomy syndrome and quality of life after ART using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-37(PGSAS-37)questionnaire.METHODS At Juntendo University,a total of 94 patients who underwent ART for Billroth I reconstruction with total laparoscopic distal gastrectomies for gastric cancer between July 2016 and March 2020 completed the PGSAS-37 questionnaire.Multidimensional analysis was performed,comparing those 94 ART cases from our institution(ART group)to 909 distal gastrectomy cases with a Billroth I reconstruction from other Japanese institutions who also completed the PGSAS-37 as part of a larger national database(PGSAS group).RESULTS Patients in the ART group had significantly better total symptom scores in all the symptom subscales(i.e.,esophageal reflux,abdominal pain,meal-related distress,indigestion,diarrhea,constipation,and dumping).The loss of body weight was marginally greater for those in the ART group than in the PGSAS group(-9.3%vs-7.9%,P=0.054).The ART group scored significantly lower in their dissatisfaction of ongoing symptoms,during meals,and with daily life.CONCLUSION ART for Billroth I reconstruction provided beneficial long-term results for postgastrectomy syndrome and quality of life in patients undergoing total laparoscopic distal gastrectomies for gastric cancer.

Quality of life after total vs distal gastrectomy with Rouxen-Y reconstruction: Use of the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45

AIM To investigate the detrimental impact of loss of reservoir capacity by comparing total gastrectomy(TGRY) and distal gastrectomy with the same Rouxen-Y(DGRY) reconstruction. The study was conducted using an integrated questionnaire, the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale(PGSAS)-45, recently developed by the Japan Postgastrectomy Syndrome Working Party.METHODS The PGSAS-45 comprises 8 items from the Short Form-8, 15 from the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and 22 newly selected items. Uni-and multivariate analysis was performed on 868 questionnaires completed by patients who underwent either TGRY(n = 393) or DGRY(n = 475) for stage I gastric cancer(52 institutions). Multivariate analysis weighed of six explanatory variables, including the type of gastrectomy(TGRY/DGRY), interval after surgery, age, gender, surgical approach(laparoscopic/open), and whether the celiac branch of the vagus nerve was preserved/divided on the quality of life(QOL).RESULTS The patients who underwent TGRY experienced the poorer QOL compared to DGRY in the 15 of 19 main outcome measures of PGSAS-45. Moreover, multiple regression analysis indicated that the type of gastrectomy, TGRY, most strongly and broadly impaired the postoperative QOL among six explanatory variables. CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggested that TGRY had a certain detrimental impact on the postoperative QOL, and the loss of reservoir capacity could be a major cause.

Comparison of effects of six main gastrectomy procedures on patients’ quality of life assessed by Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45

BACKGROUND The effects of various gastrectomy procedures on the patient’s quality of life(QOL)are not well understood.Thus,this nationwide multi-institutional crosssectional study using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45(PGSAS-45),a well-established questionnaire designed to clarify the severity and characteristics of the postgastrectomy syndrome,was conducted.AIM To compare the effects of six main gastrectomy procedures on the postoperative QOL.METHODS Eligible questionnaires retrieved from 2368 patients who underwent either of six gastrectomy procedures[total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction(TGRY;n=393),proximal gastrectomy(PG;n=193),distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction(DGRY;n=475),distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I reconstruction(DGBI;n=909),pylorus-preserving gastrectomy(PPG;n=313),and local resection of the stomach(LR;n=85)]were analyzed.Among the 19 main outcome measures of PGSAS-45,the severity and characteristics of postgastrectomy syndrome were compared for the aforementioned six gastrectomy procedures using analysis of means.RESULTS TGRY and PG significantly impaired the QOL of postoperative patients.Postoperative QOL was excellent in LR(cardia and pylorus were preserved with minimal resection).In procedures removing the distal stomach,diarrhea subscale(SS)and dumping SS were less frequent in PPG than in DGBI and DGRY.However,there was no difference in the postoperative QOL between DGBI and DGRY.The most noticeable adverse effects caused by gastrectomy were mealrelated distress SS,dissatisfaction at the meal,and weight loss,with significant differences among the surgical procedures.CONCLUSION Postoperative QOL greatly differed among six gastrectomy procedures.The severity and characteristics of postgastrectomy syndrome should be considered to select gastrectomy procedures,overcome surgical shortcomings,and enhance postoperative care.

Background factors influencing postgastrectomy syndromes after various types of gastrectomy

BACKGROUND Postgastrectomy syndromes(PGS) after curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer are influenced by not only gastrectomy type but also by background factors. Recently, a nationwide PGS study was performed using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-45(PGSAS-45) questionnaire.AIM To determine the influence of each background factor on PGS for each gastrectomy type using PGS assessment study(PGSAS) data as an additional analysis. METHODS The data of 2368 patients were obtained from the PGSAS. This included patients undergoing distal gastrectomy(DG) with Billroth I reconstruction, DG with Roux-en-Y reconstruction, total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y, proximal gastrectomy, pylorus-preserving gastrectomy(PPG), and local resection. Multiple regression analysis was performed to explore the independent effects of each background factor on the main outcome measures(MOMs) of PGSAS-45 for each gastrectomy type. The background factors included postoperative period, age, sex, surgical approach(laparoscopic or open), and the status of the celiac branch of the vagal nerve.RESULTS The MOMs of DG and PPG were highly affected by background factors, whereas those of total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y, proximal gastrectomy, and local resection were not. Worse PGS were found in females, whereas a longer postoperative period alleviated some of the MOMs. For DG and PPG, a laparoscopic approach and preservation of the celiac branch improved several MOMs.CONCLUSION Various background factors affected PGS, and their influence varied with the type of gastrectomy performed. Laparoscopic surgery and celiac branch preservation can improve PGS in patients undergoing DG and PPG.

Relationships between Length of the Antral Cuff and Postgastrectomy Disorders and Gastric Empting Function in Patients after Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer

Objectives: To clarify the optimal length of the antral cuff (LAC) in patients after pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG), we investigated relationships between LAC and postgastrectomy disorder (PGD) such as postprandial abdominal fullness (PAF), and between LAC and gastric empting function (GEF) in PPG patients. Background: The main cause of PGD in PPG patients has been considered to be LAC. Relationships between LAC and PGD and GEF in PPG patients are still unknown. Methods: Of 50 patients who underwent PPG in our hospital from January 2001 to December 2015 were divided into 2 groups [Group A, short LAC of 1.5 to 2.5 cm (n = 24);Group B, long LAC of 2.6 to 3.5 cm (n = 26)]. The relationships among LAC, PGD, and GEF were retrospectively studied. Results: LAC was clearly shorter in group A than group B (P < 0.01). PAF, appetite and food consumption per meal were clearly more favorable in group B than in group A (P < 0.01, respectively). Symptomatic reflux esophagitis (RE), early dumping syndrome, decreased percent body weight for pre-illness, endoscopic RE and endoscopic gastritis in the remnant stomach were more frequent in group A than group B. Gastric stasis in the remnant stomach was clearly more frequent in group A than group B (P < 0.01). GEF with the solid diet in group A was clearly more delayed than in group B (P Conclusions: Patients with a short LAC showed worse postoperative QOL and delayed GEF with the solid diet compared with a long LAC.

Endoscopic treatment of efferent loop syndrome with insertion of double pigtail stent

Efferent loop syndrome is a very rare postgastrectomy syndrome that can occur following Billroth-Ⅱor Rouxen-Y reconstruction.The most common loop syndrome after gastric surgery is afferent loop syndrome;however,efferent loop syndrome has been reported in rare cases.Here,we report a case of efferent loop obstruction that occurred after postoperative adhesiolysis of a small-bowel obstruction.The patient had undergone a partial gastrectomy with BillrothⅡanastomosis and gastric ulcer perforation 30 years prior.The efferent loop obstruction was successfully resolved by the insertion of a double pigtail stent.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first case in the literature describing the treatment of efferent loop obstruction.

Factors affecting the quality of life of patients after gastrectomy as assessed using the newly developed PGSAS-45 scale: A nationwide multi-institutional study

AIM To identify certain clinical factors other than the type of gastrectomy which affect the postoperative quality of life(QOL) of patients after gastrectomy.METHODS The postgastrectomy syndrome assessment scale(PGSAS)-45 was designed to assess the severity of symptoms, the living status and the QOL of gastrectomized patients. It consists of 45 items, of which 22 are original items while 23 were retrieved from the SF-8 and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale questionnaires with permission. A nationwide surveillance study to validate PGSAS was conducted and 2368 gastric cancer patients who underwent various types of gastrectomy at 52 medical institutions were enrolled. Of these, 1777 patients who underwent total gastrectomy(TG) reconstructed with Roux-Y(n = 393), distal gastrectomy(DG) reconstructed with Billroth-I(n = 909), or DG reconstructed with Roux-Y(n = 475) were evaluated in the current study. The influence of the type of gastrectomy and other clinical factors such as age, sex, duration after surgery, the symptom severity, the degree of weight loss, dietary intake, and the ability for working on the postoperative QOL(i.e., dissatisfaction for daily life subscale, physical component summary and mental component summary of the SF-8) were examined by multiple regression analysis(MRA). In addition, importance of various symptoms such as esophageal reflux, abdominal pain, meal-related distress, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation and dumping on the postoperative living status and QOL were also appraised by MRA.RESULTS The postoperative QOL were significantly deteriorated in patients who underwent TG compared to those after DG. However, the extent of gastrectomy was not an influential factor on patients' QOL when adjusted by the MRA. Among various clinical factors, the symptom severity, ability for working, and necessity for additional meals were the most influential factorsto the postoperative QOL. As for the individual symptoms, meal-related distress, dumping, abdominal pain, and esophageal reflux significantly affected the postoperative QOL in that order, while the influence of indigestion, diarrhea and constipation was insignificant. CONCLUSION Several clinical factors such as the symptom severity(especially in meal-related distress and dumping), ability for working and necessity for additional meals were the main factors which affected the patients' wellbeing after gastrectomy.

Predictive factors for body weight loss and its impact on quality of life following gastrectomy

AIM To determine the predictive factors and impact of body weight loss on postgastrectomy quality of life(QOL). METHODS We applied the newly developed integrated questionnaire postgastrectomy syndrome assessment scale-45, which consists of 45 items including those from the Short Form-8 and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale instruments, in addition to 22 newly selected items. Between July 2009 and December 2010, completed questionnaires were received from 2520 patients with curative resection at 1 year or more after having undergone one of six types of gastrectomy for Stage Ⅰ gastric cancer at one of 52 participating institutions. Of those, we analyzed 1777 eligible questionnaires from patients who underwent total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y procedure(TGRY) or distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I(DGBI) or Roux-en-Y(DGRY) procedures. RESULTS A total of 393, 475 and 909 patients underwent TGRY, DGRY, and DGBI, respectively. The mean age of patients was 62.1 ± 9.2 years. The mean time interval between surgery and retrieval of the questionnaires was 37.0 ± 26.8 mo. On multiple regression analysis, higher preoperative body mass index, total gastrectomy, and female sex, in that order, were independent predictors of greater body weight loss after gastrectomy. There was a significant difference in the degree of weight loss(P < 0.001) among groups stratified according to preoperative body mass index(< 18.5, 18.5-25 and > 25 kg/m2). Multiple linear regression analysis identified lower postoperative body mass index, rather than greater body weight loss postoperatively, as a certain factor for worse QOL(P < 0.0001) after gastrectomy, but the influence of both such factors on QOL was relatively small(R2, 0.028-0.080).CONCLUSION While it is certainly important to maintain adequate body weight after gastrectomy, the impact of body weight loss on QOL is unexpectedly small.

Defecation disorders are crucial sequelae that impairs the quality of life of patients after conventional gastrectomy

BACKGROUND Defecation disorders are obscure sequelae that occurs after gastrectomy,and its implication on daily lives of patients have not been sufficiently investigated.AIM To examine the features of defecation disorders after gastrectomy and to explore its implication on daily lives of patients in a large cohort using the Postgast rectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale(PGSAS)-45.METHODS We conducted a nationwide multi-institutional study using PGSAS-45 to examine the prevalence of postgastrectomy syndrome and its impact on daily lives of patients after various types of gastrectomy.Data were obtained from 2368 eligible patients at 52 institutions in Japan.Of these,1777 patients who underwent total gastrectomy(TG;n=393)or distal gastrectomy(DG;n=1384)were examined.The severity of defecation disorder symptoms,such as diarrhea and constipation,and their correlation with other postgastrectomy symptoms were examined.The importance of defecation disorder symptoms on the living states and quality of life(QOL)of postgastrectomy patients,and those clinical factors that affect the severity of defecation disorder symptoms were evaluated using multiple regression analysis.RESULTS Among seven symptom subscales of PGSAS-45,the ranking of diarrhea was 4th in TG and 2nd in DG.The ranking of constipation was 5th in TG and 1st in DG.The symptoms that correlated well with diarrhea were dumping and indigestion in both TG and DG;while those with constipation were abdominal pain and mealrelated distress in TG,and were meal-related distress and indigestion in DG.Among five main outcome measures(MOMs)of living status domain,constipation significantly impaired four MOMs,while diarrhea had no effect in TG.Both diarrhea and constipation impaired most of five MOMs in DG.Among six MOMs of QOL domain,diarrhea impaired one MOM,whereas constipation impaired all six MOMs in TG.Both diarrhea and constipation equally impaired all MOMs in DG.Male sex,younger age,division of the celiac branch of vagus nerve,and TG,independently worsened diarrhea,while female sex worsened constipation.CONCLUSION Defecation disorder symptoms,particularly constipation,impair the living status and QOL of patients after gastrectomy;therefore,we should pay attention and adequately treat these relatively modest symptoms to improve postoperative QOL.