LAPAROSCOPIC BILLROTH-II GASTRECTOMY

Although the use of laparoscopic techniques in gastric surgery had bec ome a focus in upper gastrointestinal surgery, standardized procedures have not yet been developed. The purpose of the study was to develop a standardized technique for laparoscopic Billroth-II resection in a c adaver model. End points were intraoperative complications and patency of the gastro jejunostomy. Laparoscopic partial stomach resection was performed in seven cadavers. The specimen was removed through an enla rged trocar incision. The first part of the jejunum was temporarily ta ken out through the same incision and a side-to-side jejuno-jejunostom y created. The gastrojejunostomy was stapled intracorporally. After su rgery, all cadavers underwent autopsy. No lesions of intraabdominal or gans were found, and the gastrojejunostomy was patent with correct sta pling. No major intraoperative complications were recorded. Using the described technique, a laparoscopic Billroth-II operation can safely b e accomplished. The technique has been successfully performed in three patients in the last month.