Billroth-II modified with hinged anti-peristaltic afferent loop versus Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A propensity-score match analysis

Surgery. 2024 Mar 26:S0039-6060(24)00076-X. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2024.02.013. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of modified Billroth-II with a hinged anti-peristaltic afferent loop by comparing it with the Roux-en-Y method.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 344 patients with gastric cancer who underwent distal gastrectomy between 2016 and 2021. Propensity score matching was conducted to balance baseline characteristics.

Results: After propensity score matching, there were 117 patients in each group. The Billroth-II group was significantly better regarding operating time (184.7 vs 225.3 minutes), postoperative hospital stays (7.9 vs 9.2 days), and time to semi-solid diet tolerance (2.8 vs 3.8 days). The Billroth-II group demonstrated comparable results with the Roux-en-Y group in weight loss, hemoglobin changes, reflux esophagitis, food residue, and gastritis severity. Presentation of bile in gastric remnant was significantly higher in the Billroth-II group (42.9% vs 10.3%).

Conclusion: There were no significant differences in functional outcomes between Billroth-II and Roux-en-Y reconstructions. The Billroth-II was superior to Roux-en-Y in operating time, hospital stays, and time to semi-solid diet tolerance. The Billroth-II could be considered an acceptable alternative reconstruction after distal gastrectomy.