Tunnel anastomosis: a modified flap technique in esophagogastrostomy as a novel antireflux technique after proximal gastrectomy

Abstract

Background

The prevalence of proximal gastric cancer (PGC) has been increasing rapidly worldwide. Postoperative reflux esophagitis after conventional esophagogastrostomy (EG) is a major problem that haunts surgeons. This study designed a novel antireflux technique called tunnel anastomosis in EG after proximal gastrectomy (PG). This study aimed to present the detailed procedures of tunnel anastomosis and to assess its safety and feasibility by comparing the surgical outcomes, reflux, and nutritional status of patients undergoing tunnel anastomosis and those undergoing double-tract jejunal interposition reconstruction (DTJIR).

Methods

A total of 1718 patients undergoing gastrectomy were enrolled in this study. However, only 150 patients undergoing PG were ultimately analyzed, of which 21 patients underwent tunnel anastomosis and 129 patients underwent DTJIR. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce biases.

Results

After 1:1 PSM, there were 21 patients in both groups. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups regarding surgical approach, blood loss, operative time, reconstruction time, postoperative hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality. The incidence of reflux esophagitis in both groups was 9.5% (2/21) according to the endoscopic examination at the 12-month postoperative follow-up. No patient in the tunnel group was classified as grade B or higher according to the Los Angeles classification. Patients in the tunnel and DTJIR groups exhibited comparable postoperative nutritional status when assessing the body weight, albumin levels and prognostic nutritional index value at 3 and 6 months after surgery.

Conclusion

Tunnel anastomosis is a safe technique that offers a robust antireflux effect and can be performed in some suitable patients with PGC.