[Gastric substitute following gastrectomy]

Gastric substitute following gastrectomy. Following gastrectomy a variety of different reconstructive alternatives with different advantages and disadvantages have been proposed. Direct termino-lateral esophagojejunostomy with preservation of the duodenal passage or roux-en-Y jejuno-jejunostomy may be considered as current standard route of reconstruction. With current knowledge formation of a jejunal reservoir with a pouch length of 15 cm seems to be advantageous over simple roux-en-Y reconstruction. Preservation of the duodenal passage offers objective biochemical advantages, while its clinical implications have yet to be confirmed. True long term results of randomised studies are still pending. Thus, the technically easier pouch formation using the roux-en-Y reconstruction may currently be favored. Jejunoplicatio as an antirefluxive component of reconstruction is optional. Its value may well lie in the securement of a critical esophagojejunal anastomosis.