PALLIATIVE GASTROJEJUNOSTOMY - A MINIMALLY INVASIVE APPROACH

Palliative bypass for neoplastic gastric outlet obstruction should be minimally invasive. We designed a laparoscopically assisted approach t hat appears to meet the need. The proximal jejunum is exteriorized by laparoscopy via an epigastric trocar-site incision. An EEA anvil is in stalled in the exteriorized jejunum, which is returned to the abdomen. Through this mini-incision, the anterior wall of the stomach is opene d for insertion of the EEA stapler, which penetrates the posterior gas tric wall. When snapped to the anvil and fired, an antecolic gastrojej unostomy is created. No mortality or anastomotic leak occurred in two cases. The operation and recovery appeared to be faster than historic controls. This operation is minimally invasive and expeditious, ideal for patients requiring palliative bypass.