The Sugiura procedure for bleeding esophageal varices: a modification

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Esophageal varices are a serious complication of portal hypertension, often leading to life-threatening bleeding.
• The traditional Sugiura procedure is an effective but complex operation for controlling such bleeding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe modifications to the Sugiura procedure that aim to simplify and shorten the surgical intervention.
• To present preliminary outcomes of the modified Sugiura procedure in patients with bleeding esophageal varices.

Main Methods:

• The modified Sugiura procedure involves a single thoracoabdominal incision.
• Key steps include splenectomy, extensive paraesophagogastric devascularization, and esophageal transection and anastomosis.
• Surgical staplers are utilized to facilitate the esophageal anastomosis.

Main Results:

• The modified approach successfully controlled bleeding esophageal varices in the studied patients.
• The use of a single incision and stapler technology simplified the surgical process.
• The overall operation time was reduced compared to the traditional method.

Conclusions:

• The modified Sugiura procedure offers a simplified and potentially faster surgical option for managing bleeding esophageal varices.
• Preliminary results suggest this modified approach is effective and warrants further investigation.