Easy fixation effects the prevention of Peterson’s hernia and Roux stasis syndrome

Background Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) for gastric cancer has been progressed and popular in Japan, since it was first described in 1994. Several reconstruction methods can be adopted according to remnant stomach size, and balance of pros and cons. Roux-en-Y (R-Y) reconstruction is a one of standard options after LDG. Its complications include Petersen's hernia and Roux stasis syndrome. Here we report our ingenious attempt, fixation of Roux limb and duodenal stump, for decreasing the development of Petersen's hernia and Roux stasis syndrome. Aim To develop a method to decrease the development of Petersen's hernia and Roux stasis syndrome. Methods We performed ante-colic R-Y reconstruction after LDG. After R-Y reconstruction, we fixed Roux limb onto the duodenal stump in a smooth radian. Via this small improvement in Roux limb, Roux limb was placed to the right of the ligament of Treitz. This not only changed the anatomy of the Petersen's defect, but it also kept a fluent direction of gastrointestinal anastomosis and avoided a cross-angle after jejunojejunostomy. 31 patients with gastric cancer was performed this technique after R-Y reconstruction. Clinical parameters including clinicopathologic characteristics, perioperative outcomes, postoperative complication and follow-up data were evaluated. Results The operative time was (308.0 ± 84.6 min). This improvement method took about 10 min. Two (6.5%) patients experienced pneumonia and pancreatitis, respectively. No patient required reoperation or readmission. All patients were followed up for at least 3 year, and none of the patients developed postoperative complications related to internal hernia or Roux stasis syndrome. Conclusion This 10 min technique is a very effective method to decrease the development of Petersen's hernia and Roux stasis syndrome in patients who undergo LDG.