[Critical evaluation of the reconstruction of the intestinal continuity after total gastrectomy by the Moricca...

The authors analyze a series of 48 total gastrectomies for gastric carcinomas performed between 1987 and 1994. Seven out of these 48 gastrectomies were performed adopting the double circuit esophagojejunoduodenal plasty according the procedure described in 1976 by Francesco Moricca. The double jejunal loop represents a sort of "digestive reservior" allowing to avoid the sensation of epigastric fullness after eating. Moreover, this technique permits a better absorption of the liquids and the partial mixing of the bolus with the bilio-pancreatic secretion stimulates the duodenal secretin and cholecystochinin release. The possibility of a "dumping syndrome" is diminished by the presence of the double possibility of diversion of the alimentary bolus. On the contrary the segment of jejunum transposed between the esophagus and duodenum is antiperistaltic and this fact can cause sometimes an esophagitis at the lower third of the esophagus due to the prolonged alkaline reflux. This study is aimed at verifying the entity and frequency of the esophagitic complication in patients who underwent a total gastrectomy and at analyzing the procedures adopted to cure this severe complication that seriously affects the wellness and the nutritional status of the gastrectomized patients.