Postoperative Complications and Functional Results After Subtotal Gastrectomy with Billroth II Reconstruction for Primary Gastric Cancer

Abstract

Subtotal gastrectomy is considered the preferred treatment for gastric cancer with antral location. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of early postoperative complications and late functional results in patients who underwent subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth II reconstruction for primary gastric adenocarcinoma. The results of 310 patients were analyzed with regard to postoperative complications and death rates. Functional results as they relate to the gastric resection were evaluated in 195 disease-free patients. Of the 310 patients, 77 developed postoperative general and surgical complications (24.8%) and 13 consequently died (in-hospital mortality: 4.2%). Although infrequent (6 cases, 1.9%), anastomotic leak was the most serious complication (4 cases died during the postoperative phase). Considering functional results, weight loss continued for the first trimester after surgery, after which it stabilized. Loss of appetite was rarely observed; early after the operation the majority of patients were consuming a normal diet and regularly consumed less than five meals per day (83.6%). Dumping syndrome was uncommon and usually resolved within one year (12.3% at three months, 9.5% after one year, 5.2% after two years). On the other hand, postprandial abdominal fullness was frequently observed (43.1% at three months, 36.1% after one year, 21.3% after three years, and 16.5% after five years). Billroth II reconstruction after subtotal gastrectomy is associated with a limited risk of anastomotic complications. Anastomotic leak, although infrequent, is a life-threatening complaint and requires prompt recognition and aggressive surgical treatment. The incidence of late complications was low and the majority of patients recovered from them within one year after surgery, although the occurrence of postprandial abdominal fullness was not completely irrelevant.

Early postoperative anastomotic hemorrhage after gastrectomy for gastric cancer

“…Compared with leakage and stricture, anastomotic hemorrhage is rare and usually self-limited [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. However, massive bleeding is lethal if not treated imme-…”

Deep venous thrombosis after gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma: A case report

“…Currently, g astrectomy and extended lymphadenectomy is the optimal choice for late g astric carcinoma [1] . Postoperative complications after total gastrectomy included hemorrhage, anastomotic leakage, fistula, and obstruction [2][3][4][5][6] . However, DVT is an uncommon complication after gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma.…”

Morbidity of Partial Gastrectomy in Primary Ovarian Cancer Cytoreduction

“…8.9 This allows gynecologic oncologists to debulk ovarian cancer without dealing with both the surgical and postoperative difficulties associated with a Billroth II operation. 10 The mortality of Billroth II is 4.2%, with morbidities such as anastomotic leak, subdiaphragmatic abscess, and dumping syndromes occurring in up to 24% of patients. 10 Wedge resections can be done safely for tumors even in elderly patients.…”