LAPAROSCOPIC BILLROTH-II GASTRECTOMY IN THE CANINE MODEL

The feasibility and safety of laparoscopic Billroth II gastrectomy wer e evaluated in an animate model. After developing the technique in acu te animal experiments, laparoscopic antrectomy and Billroth II anastom osis was performed in six mongrel dogs. Video laparoscopic access to t he peritoneal cavity was accomplished with six ports (five, 10 mm; one , 12-18 mm). The operations were performed without complication in 150 -200 min (mean +/- SEM, 171 +/- 10 min). The animals tolerated solid o ral meals on the 2nd or 3rd postoperative day. One dog developed frequ ent diarrheal stools and lost 3.4 kg prior to sacrifice 18 days postop eratively when a gastroileostomy was discovered. The remaining five an imals did well and were sacrificed at 49-77 days postoperatively. Adhe sions were minimal and the gastrojejunostomy was widely patent in all animals without evidence of leakage or obstruction. Laparoscopic Billr oth II gastrectomy in the canine model is thus feasible and safe. Usin g laparoscopic guidance, it may be more difficult to identify the liga ment of Treitz, which must be assured at the time of operation.