14104 Background: In Japan, reconstruction with Billroth I using Albert-Lembert suture had been usually performed in distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. However stapling instruments have within recent years gained wide acceptance not only in total gastrectomy but also in distal gastrectomy. We have introduced circular stapling instrument for anastomosis reconstructed with Billroth I since June 2001. Methods: 111 and 222 patients with gastric cancer underwent distal gastrectomy reconstructed with Billroth I using Albert-Lembert suture from June 1999 to May 2001 (Group A) and using circular stapling instrument from June 2001 to December 2003 (Group B) for anastmosis in our institute, respectively. Albert-Lembert suture was performed as end-to-end gastroduodenostomy followed by resection of proximal line stapled across with liner cutter instrument. The procedure of anastomosis using circular stapling instrument was as followed; the distal duodenum was clamped with the purse-string instrument, divided proximally, the anvil was attached, the purse-string was tied down, the circular stapler without anvil was inserted through a gastrotomy, brought out through a stab wound at the anastomosis site, the instrument was closed and fired, and gastrectomy involving the site of gastrotomy was closed with linear cutter instrument. The followed-up periods of all patients from surgery were more than 2 years. We retrospectively compared the incidence of anastomosis-related complications within 2 years from surgery consisting of anastomotic bleeding, leakage, and stenosis. P-values were calculated statistically using χ2-test. Results: Anastomotic bleeding occurred in 1 (0.45%) patient of Group B, but in none of Group A (P=0.48). Anastomotic leakage occurred in 2 patients (1.80%) of Group A, but in none of Group B (P=0.045). Anastomotic stenosis occurred in 2 patients (0.90%) of Group B, but in none of Group A (P=0.32). All complications were recovered and all patients left hospital in the safety. Conclusions: Our data indicated that circular stapling instrument for anastomosis of Billroth I gastrectomy for gastric cancer significantly reduced the incidence of anastomotic leakage compared with Albert-Lembert suture. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Is Roux-en-Y or Billroth-II reconstruction the preferred choice for gastric cancer patients undergoing distal gastrectomy when Billroth I reconstruction is not applicable? A meta-analysis