Long term results of Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy

One hundred and twenty-three patients with benign diseases involving the bile ducts, curable by biliary bypass, underwent a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, and the long term results of this operation were evaluated to ascertain if hepaticojejunostomy is a safe and durable procedure. There were no operative deaths. A peptic ulcer developed postoperatively in two patients. Only one instance of anastomotic stenosis was observed at follow-up study, averaging 5.5 years. Six of the 11 patients with postoperative biliary symptoms had intrahepatic lithiasis, a possible indication that the symptoms were due to temporary obstruction of the anastomosis by residual stones. A refined operative technique has improved the results which over-all are highly satisfactory.