[Preliminary application of modified interposed jejunal anastomosis in digestive tract reconstruction following total...

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and safety of modified interposed jejunal anastomosis following total laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy. Methods: The modification in the digestive tract reconstruction involves transecting the small intestine 2-3 cm below the gastrojejunostomy site and relocating the enteroenterostomy cranially, based on the double-tract anastomosis technique. Specifically, the jejunum and its mesenteric vessels are transected 20-25 cm from the ligament of Treitz. An overlap anastomosis is performed between the esophagus and the distal jejunum, with the common opening closed using a 15 cm barbed suture in a buried manner. A side-to-side gastrojejunostomy is completed under natural anatomical alignment, and the common opening is closed similarly. A side-to-side anastomosis is then created between the small intestine approximately 10 cm below the gastrojejunal anastomosis and the small intestine distal to the ligament of Treitz. Finally, the small intestine is transected 2-3 cm below the gastrojejunal anastomosis without dividing the mesenteric vessels. Results: From April to December 2024, a total of five patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction underwent modified interposed jejunum anastomosis following totally laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy at the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. The median age of the group was 56 (53-74) years, including four males and one female, with a median body mass index of 24 (21-29) kg/m². Three cases were classified as Siewert type II and two as type III. All five patients successfully completed the totally laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with modified interposed jejunum anastomosis. The median operative time was 215 (165-240) minutes, the digestive tract reconstruction time was 75 (65-93) minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was 50 (30-100) ml. The median time to postoperative flatus was 71 (68-88) hours, with no severe complications occurring in any case. The median postoperative hospital stay was 8 (8-9) days. Within three months after surgery, none of the patients reported reflux symptoms such as acid regurgitation or heartburn. Conclusions: Total laparoscopic modified interposed jejunal anastomosis is safe and feasible, with relatively simple operative steps. It effectively prevents reflux while ensuring the passage of food through the remnant stomach and duodenal loop.