Total gastrectomy: Is the early postoperative morbidity and mortality influenced by the choice of surgical procedure?

Abstract

Abstract From 1973 to 1982, seventy‐two total gastrectomies were performed. The Siewert‐Peiper gastric replacement procedure was used in 48 cases, while the Rou‐xen‐Y method was performed in 24 cases. Retrospective analysis showed no significant statistical difference between the 2 methods with regard to postoperative morbidity and mortality. There was an overall mortality rate of 11% and a morbidity rate of 45% (10% anastomosis breakdown, 27% pulmonary complications, 1% bowel obstruction, 7% other complications). As the Roux‐en‐Y anastomosis is technically easier to perform compared to the Siewert‐Peiper gastric replacement and as the functional results from the literature are similar, we will, in the future, favor using the Roux‐en‐Y method in our department .