Abstract
Background Digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy (PG) has been extensively discussed. Herein, we introduce a novel method of PG with piggyback jejunal interposition reconstruction single-tract reconstruction (PJIRSTR) for Siewert II and III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) with a diameter <4 cm, and investigate its safety, practicability, and short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of this procedure. Method The clinical data of 33 patients with Siewert II or Siewert III AEG who underwent PJIRSTR in Shanxi Cancer Hospital from July 2013 to November 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Data of clinicopathologic characteristics, postoperative and surgical outcomes, and follow-up findings, especially postoperative reflux esophagitis and postoperative reflux symptoms, were analyzed.Results The mean operation time was 136.7±22.4 (range: 110-180) min, including 32.3 ± 5.0(range: 26-45) min of the digestive tract reconstruction; the mean estimated blood loss was 87.6±18.1 mL; the mean number of dissected lymph nodes was 14.7±5.1; and the mean duration of postoperative hospitalization was 7.5±1.2 days. The early complication rate was 9% (n=3), including one case each of anastomotic bleeding, incision infection, and ileus. The late complication rate was 6% (n=2): both patients had gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (Visick grade II), but only one patient had Los Angeles grade B reflux esophagitis by endoscopy. Conclusion PJIRSTR is a safe, feasible, and innovative reconstruction method after PG for patients with Siewert II and III AEG with a diameter <4 cm. Furthermore, it has excellent efficiency in terms of preventing reflux symptoms and reflux esophagitis after surgery.