SINGLE-LAYER CONTINUOUS SUTURE FOR GASTROJEJUNOSTOMY

A variety of techniques are available for the construction of a gastro jejunostomy. Little information is available regarding the influence o f anastomotic technique on functional outcome, particularly delayed ga stric emptying and other postgastrectomy syndromes. Twenty-seven cases were reviewed in which single-layer continuous suture was used for ga strojejunostomy. Most patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy, subtot al gastrectomy, or gastrojejunal bypass for malignant obstruction. The re were no anastomotic leaks. A regular diet was tolerated at a median of 6 days. There were no cases of delayed gastric emptying, and follo w-up to date demonstrates a low incidence of postgastrectomy morbidity .