Risk Factor and Surgical Outcome of Petersen’s Hernia After Gastrectomy in Gastric Cancer

BackgroundPetersen’s hernia is a life-threatening complication after gastrectomy. This study is dedicated to identify risk factors for Petersen’s hernia and compare clinical outcomes between patients receiving early or delayed surgical interventions.MethodsData from all patients who received gastrectomy due to gastric cancer were collected. Clinical characteristics were compared between Petersen and non-Petersen groups, bowel necrosis and non-necrotic groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to generate two comparative groups. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed for risk factor evaluation.ResultsA total of 24 cases of Petersen’s hernia were identified from 1,481 cases of gastrectomy. PSM demonstrated that lower body mass index [BMI; odds ratio (OR) = 0.2, p < 0.01] and distal gastrectomy (OR = 6.2, p = 0.011) were risk factors for Petersen’s hernia. Longer time interval from emergence visit to laparotomy (p = 0.042) and elevated preoperative procalcitonin (p = 0.033) and C-reactive protein (CRP; p = 0.012) were associated with higher risk of bowel necrosis in Petersen’s hernia. Early surgical intervention resulted in less bowel necrosis rate (p = 0.012) and shorter length of necrotic bowel (p = 0.0041).ConclusionsLow BMI and distal gastrectomy are independent risk factor for Petersen’s hernia after gastrectomy. Curtailing observing time and executing prompt surgery are associated with bowel viability and better outcome in patients with Petersen’s hernia.

A comparison of postoperative outcomes after open and laparoscopic reduction of Petersen's Hernia: a multicenter observational cohort study

Background The aim of this multicenter cohort study was to compare the clinical courses between open and laparoscopic Petersen’s hernia (PH) reduction. Method We retrospectively collected the clinical data of patients who underwent PH repair surgery after gastrectomy for gastric cancer from 2015–2018. Forty patients underwent PH reduction operations that were performed by six surgeons at four hospitals. Among the 40 patients, 15 underwent laparoscopic PH reduction (LPH), and 25 underwent open PH reduction (OPH), including 4 patients who underwent LPH but required conversion to OPH. Results We compared the clinical factors between the LPH and OPH groups. In the clinical course, we found no differences in operation times or intraoperative bowel injury, morbidity, or mortality rates between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, the number of days on a soft fluid diet (OPH vs. LPH; 5.8 vs. 3.7 days, p = 0.03) and length of hospital stay (12.6 vs. 8.2 days, p = 0.04) were significantly less in the LPH group than the OPH group. Regarding postoperative complications, the OPH group had a case of pneumonia and sepsis with multi-organ failure, which resulted in mortality. In the LPH group, one patient experienced recurrence and required reoperation for PH. Conclusion Laparoscopic PH reduction was associated with a faster postoperative recovery period than open PH reduction, with a similar incidence of complications. The laparoscopic approach should be considered an appropriate strategy for PH reduction in selected cases.

Laparoscopic Petersen’s Hernia Reduction Was Associated With A Better Clinical Course Than Open Reduction After Gastrectomy: A Multicenter Observational Cohort Study

Background The aim of this multicenter cohort study was to compare the clinical courses between open and laparoscopic Petersen’s hernia (PH) reduction.Materials and method We retrospectively collected the clinical data of patients who underwent PH repair surgery after gastrectomy for gastric cancer from 2015-2018. Forty patients underwent PH reduction operations that were performed by six expert surgeons at four hospitals. Among the 40 patients, 15 underwent laparoscopic PH reduction (LPH), and 25 underwent open PH reduction (OPH), including 4 patients who underwent LPH but required conversion to OPH.Results We compared the clinical factors between the LPH and OPH groups. In the clinical course, we found no differences in operation times or intraoperative bowel injury, morbidity, or mortality rates between the two groups (p>0.05). However, the number of days on a soft fluid diet (OPH vs. LPH; 5.8 vs. 3.7 days, p=0.03) and length of hospital stay (12.6 vs. 8.2 days, p=0.04) were significantly less in the LPH group than the OPH group. Regarding postoperative complications, the OPH group had a case of pneumonia and sepsis with multi-organ failure, which resulted in mortality. In the LPH group, one patient experienced recurrence and required reoperation for PH.Conclusion Laparoscopic PH reduction was associated with a faster postoperative recovery period than open PH reduction, with a similar incidence of complications. The laparoscopic approach should be considered an appropriate strategy for PH reduction.

Closure of Petersen’s defect in gastrectomy for gastric cancer: an interrupted time series analysis from a high-volume institution in China

Purpose Petersen’s hernia (PH) is a serious complication after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate whether closure of Petersen’s defect (PD) can decrease the rates of PH and suspected Petersen’s hernia (SPH). Methods Patients who underwent gastrectomy with PD were enrolled. From January 2014 to January 2017, we performed gastrectomy without PD closure (non-closure group). From February 2017 to June 2018, we closed PDs during gastrectomy (closure group). The rates of PH and SPH were compared between the two groups. The last follow-up was updated in August 2020. Results Among a total of 1213 patients, 12 patients (1.0%) developed PH, and 23 patients (1.9%) developed SPH. The rate of PH in the closure group was significantly lower than that in the non-closure group (1/385, 0.3% versus 11/828, 1.3%, p = 0.042, log-rank test). The rate of SPH in the closure group was significantly lower than that in the non-closure group (1/385, 0.3% versus 22/828, 2.7%, p = 0.008, log-rank test). Non-closure of PD was a risk factor for PH and SPH (odds ratio (OR) 7.72, 95% CI 1.84–32.35, p = 0.006). Conclusions PD closure is recommended after gastrectomy for gastric cancer, as the rates of PH and SPH were significantly decreased.

Fixation of Roux Limb and Duodenal Stump Effects the Prevention of Peterson’s Internal Hernia and Roux Stasis Syndrome After Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy

Background Roux-en-Y (R-Y) reconstruction is a standard option for reconstruction after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG). Though this technique takes more time than Billroth I (B-I) reconstruction, leakage is rare, and it is useful for management of a small remnant stomach. Complications occur and include Petersen’s hernia and Roux stasis syndrome. Petersen’s hernia is a rare complication that results in significant morbidity and poor quality of life.Here we report a case series of a simple and effective method for preventing Petersen’s hernia and Roux stasis syndrome.Methods We performed ante-colic R-Y reconstruction after LDG. After R-Y reconstruction, we fixed the alimentary limb onto the duodenal stump in a proper radian. Via this small improvement in the Roux limb, the alimentary limb was placed to the right of the ligament of Treitz. This not only changed the anatomy of the Petersen’s defect, but it also kept a fluent direction of gastrointestinal anastomosis and avoided a cross-angle after jejunojejunostomy.Results From July 2015 to March 2017, we performed this technique in 31 consecutive patients. The operative time was (308.0 ± 84.6 minutes). Fixation of the alimentary limb onto the duodenal stump took about 10 minutes. Two (6.5%) patients experienced pneumonia and pancreatitis, respectively. No patient required reoperation or readmission. All patients were followed up for at least 2 years, and none of the patients developed postoperative complications related to internal hernia or Roux stasis syndrome.Conclusions This 10 minute technique is a very effective method to reduce the onset of Petersen’s hernia and Roux stasis syndrome in patients who undergo LDG.

Imaging appearance on CT post laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass using bioabsorbable prosthesis with fibrin glue fixation to prevent a Petersen’s space hernia

Imaging post bariatric surgery is becoming more common over the past decade due to increasing incidence of obesity in the population and subsequent treatment. In recent years, the use of topical haemostatic agents and bioabsorbable prostheses has increased leading to higher likelihood of encountering these agents on post-operative imaging. Imaging in the post-operative period is occasionally performed to assess for complications such as obstruction, leak and abscess formation. Familiarity with these agents is crucial in preventing incorrect diagnosis. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is favoured over the open approach as it is safer and more effective, with a mortality rate of 0.5% and morbidity around 7–14 %. The main cause of late post-RYGB complications is the development of internal hernias such as a Petersen’s hernia. During the procedure, a space between the alimentary loop of the small bowel and the transverse mesocolon is created and is called the Petersen’s defect. Subsequently, a part of the small bowel can herniate through this orifice. As this operation is becoming more common, the incidence of internal herniation has been increasing. This case report describes a new bariatric surgical technique and the associated post-operative radiological appearances on CT. The surgical technique has been pioneered in Sydney, Australia and involves a laparoscopic RYGB using bioabsorbable prosthesis with fibrin glue fixation to prevent a Petersen’s space hernia.