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ARE THERE ADVANTAGES IN DOUBLE TRANSIT RECONSTRUCTION AFTER TOTAL GASTRECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH GASTRIC CANCER? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

HÁ VANTAGENS NA RECONSTRUÇÃO EM DUPLO TRÂNSITO APÓS A GASTRECTOMIA TOTAL EM PORTADORES DE CÂNCER GÁSTRICO? REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Curative treatment for gastric cancer involves tumor resection, followed by transit reconstruction, with Roux-en-Y being the main technique employed. To permit food transit to the duodenum, which is absent in Roux-en-Y, double transit reconstruction has been used, whose theoretical advantages seem to surpass the previous technique.

AIMS:

To compare the clinical evolution of gastric cancer patients who underwent total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y and double tract reconstruction.

METHODS:

A systematic review was carried out on Web of Science, Scopus, EmbasE, SciELO, Virtual Health Library, PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases. Data were collected until June 11, 2022. Observational studies or clinical trials evaluating patients submitted to double tract (DT) and Roux-en-Y (RY) reconstructions were included. There was no temporal or language restriction. Review articles, case reports, case series, and incomplete texts were excluded. The risk of bias was calculated using the Cochrane tool designed for randomized clinical trials.

RESULTS:

Four studies of good methodological quality were included, encompassing 209 participants. In the RY group, there was a greater reduction in food intake. In the DT group, the decrease in body mass index was less pronounced compared to preoperative values.

CONCLUSIONS:

The double tract reconstruction had better outcomes concerning body mass index and the time until starting a light diet; however, it did not present any advantages in relation to nutritional deficits, quality of life, and post-surgical complications.

HEADINGS
Gastric Cancer; Gastrectomy; Gastric Bypass; Anastomosis in Roux-en-Y

RESUMO

RACIONAL:

O tratamento curativo do câncer gástrico envolve a ressecção do tumor, seguida de reconstrução do trânsito, sendo o Y-de-Roux a principal técnica empregada. Para permitir o trânsito alimentar para o duodeno, ausente em Y-de-Roux, tem-se utilizado a reconstrução de duplo trânsito, cujas vantagens teóricas parecem superar a técnica anterior.

OBJETIVOS:

Comparar a evolução clínica de pacientes com câncer gástrico submetidos à gastrectomia total com Y-de-Roux e reconstrução de duplo trânsito.

MÉTODOS:

Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática nas bases de dados: Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Scielo, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, PubMed e Cochrane. Os dados foram coletados até 11 de junho de 2022. Foram incluídos estudos observacionais ou ensaios clínicos avaliando pacientes que utilizaram reconstruções de duplo trânsito (DT) e Y-de-Roux (RY). Não houve restrição temporal ou de idioma. Foram excluídos artigos de revisão, relatos de casos, séries de casos e aqueles com texto incompleto. O risco de viés foi calculado utilizando a ferramenta Cochrane desenvolvida para ensaios clínicos randomizados.

RESULTADOS:

Foram incluídos quatro estudos de boa qualidade metodológica, abrangendo 209 participantes. No grupo RY houve maior redução na ingestão alimentar. No grupo DT, a diminuição do índice de massa corporal (IMC) foi menos pronunciada em comparação aos valores pré-operatórios.

CONCLUSÕES:

A reconstrução de duplo trânsito apresentou melhores resultados em relação ao índice de massa corporal e ao tempo para início de dieta leve, porém não apresentou vantagens em relação aos déficits nutricionais, qualidade de vida e complicações pós-cirúrgicas.

DESCRITORES:
Câncer Gástrico; Gastrectomia; Bypass Gástrico; Anastomose em Y-de-Roux

INTRODUCTION

Despite the decline observed in the last decades, gastric cancer is still the fifth most common neoplasia in the entire world (1.089.103 new cases in 2020) and represents the fourth cause of death, with 768.793 casualties in 20203131. Stock M, Otto F. Gene deregulation in gastric cancer. Gene. 2005;360(1):1-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2005.06.026
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2005.06.0...
,3636. International Agency for Research on Cancer. World Health Organization. The Global Cancer Observatory. Cancer today. Stomach 2023. Available at: https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/cancers/7-Stomach-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed: June 7, 2023.
https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheet...
. Most patients with initial gastric cancer present symptoms of low specificity such as epigastralgia, thus making screening essential to diagnose still with a possibility of cure by surgical or endoscopic resection3535. Wanebo HJ, Kennedy BJ, Chmiel J, Steele Jr G, Winchester D, Osteen R. Cancer of the stomach. A patient care study by the American College of Surgeons. Ann Surg. 1993;218(5):583-92. https://doi.org/10.1097/00000658-199321850-00002
https://doi.org/10.1097/00000658-1993218...
.

Gastric cancer surgical treatment depends on the location of the tumor. Total gastrectomy is the procedure of choice for diffuse gastric cancer, gastric cancer in the upper third of the stomach and, in some cases, in the middle third. Complications may include reflux esophagitis, fistulas, and dehiscence of the esophago-jejunal anastomosis. Additionally, a great nutritional impact is observed including weight loss, malnutrition, and hypovitaminosis, which adversely affects the long-term quality of life for this group of patients22. Andreollo NA, Lopes LR, Coelho Neto JS. Postoperative complications after total gastrectomy in the gastric cancer. Analysis of 300 patients. ABCD Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2011;24(2):126-30. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-67202011000200007
https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-6720201100...
,1212. Japanese |Gastric Cancer Association. Japanese gastric cancer treatment guidelines 2018. Gastric Cancer. 2021;24:1-21. https://doi.org/10.1007/S10120-020-01042-Y
https://doi.org/10.1007/S10120-020-01042...
.

After resection, there are many techniques for reconstructing the digestive transit, being Roux-en-Y (RY) the most commonly used and described in the literature. This procedure involves creating an esophago-jejunal anastomosis, followed by an anastomosis of the biliopancreatic loop 40–60 cm from the esophagojejunostomy through an enteroenteroanastomosis, forming the RY configuration1717. Lehnert T, Buhl K. Techniques of reconstruction after total gastrectomy for cancer. Br J Surg. 2004;91(5):528-39. https://doi.org/10.1002/bjs.4512
https://doi.org/10.1002/bjs.4512...
(Figure 1A).

Figure 1
Gastric reconstruction techniques after total gastrectomy (A: Roux-en-Y; B: Double tract); adapted from Lopes et al.1818. Lopes LR, Cesconetto DM, Coelho-Neto JS, Andreollo NA. The modified Rosanov technique in the reconstruction of digestive tract after total gastrectomy. ABCD Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2011;24(2):176-9. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-67202011000200017
https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-6720201100...

The alimentary transit through the duodenum can be accomplished through double transit (DT) reconstruction, starting with the RY reconstruction, followed by a side-end jejuno-duodenal anastomosis1818. Lopes LR, Cesconetto DM, Coelho-Neto JS, Andreollo NA. The modified Rosanov technique in the reconstruction of digestive tract after total gastrectomy. ABCD Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2011;24(2):176-9. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-67202011000200017
https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-6720201100...
(Figure 1B and Figure 2). This technique has proven to be effective in reducing reflux symptoms and mixing bile and pancreatic juice with food, improving digestion and absorption. By allowing passage through the duodenum, it facilitates the investigation and treatment of biliary diseases that require endoscopic intervention, which is quite common in gastrectomized individuals77. Hong J, Wang SY, Hao HK. A comparative study of double-tract reconstruction and Roux-en-Y after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2019;29(2):82-9. https://doi.org/10.1097/SLE.0000000000000639
https://doi.org/10.1097/SLE.000000000000...
,2222. Namikawa T, Munekage E, Kitagawa H, Okabayashi T, Kobayashi M, Hanazaki K. Double tract reconstruction after gastrectomy facilitates endoscopic access to the biliary tree. Dig Dis Sci. 2013;58(5):1422-7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-012-2498-4
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-012-2498-...
.

Figure 2
Double tract gastric reconstruction technique after total gastrectomy. (Bold white arrow: esophago-jejunal anastomosis; hollow white arrow: jejuno-duodenal anastomosis; white circle: enteroenteroanastomosis).

Despite the theoretical advantages of the DT technique over the RY, there is no consensus in the literature regarding the best method for gastrointestinal reconstruction after total gastrectomy in oncologic patients. Proximal gastrectomy with antral preservation in individuals with tumors in the gastric fundus and body, and reconstruction preserving alimentary transit through the duodenum have been more frequently employed by authors recently. Reviews have shown many advantages, such as safety, better postoperative recovery, better food intake, and maintenance of body weight77. Hong J, Wang SY, Hao HK. A comparative study of double-tract reconstruction and Roux-en-Y after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2019;29(2):82-9. https://doi.org/10.1097/SLE.0000000000000639
https://doi.org/10.1097/SLE.000000000000...
,3737. Yang YS, Chen LQ, Yan XX, Liu YL. Preservation versus non-preservation of the duodenal passage following total gastrectomy: a systematic review. J Gastrointest Surg. 2013;17(5):877-86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-013-2174-9
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-013-2174-...
.

However, studies comparing the two techniques in totally gastrectomized patients, in terms of one being superior to the other, are scarce, especially regarding nutritional impact and long-term quality of life. Therefore, this systematic review aimed at comparing the clinical outcomes of gastric cancer patients who underwent total gastrectomy using RY and DT reconstructions.

METHODS

Search strategy

The present systematic review conforms to the recommendations and criteria outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA)2020. Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG; PRISMA Group. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. BMJ. 2009;339:b2535. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.b2535
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.b2535...
and the Cochrane Handbook66. Higgins JPT, Thomas J, Chandler J, Cumpston M, Li T, Page MJ, et al. Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. New York: John Wiley & Sons; 2019. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119536604
https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119536604...
.

The guiding question was: Can reconstruction using the RY technique be replaced by the DT technique concerning the clinical outcomes of gastric cancer patients undergoing total gastrectomy?

Data sources

The following databases were used to search for articles: Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, SciELO, Virtual Health Library (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde [BVS] in Portuguese), PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. No temporal or language filters were applied, and grey literature was not considered. Data collection was conducted until June 11, 2022.

The keywords, based on the guiding question and the objectives of the problem, were selected from Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) by BVS and the Medical Subject Headings (MESH) terms employed by the other databases. The search terms used were: “Gastric Cancer”, “Gastrectomy”, “Double Transit Method”, and “Roux-en-Y”, each with their respective synonyms.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

The studies were exported to the Rayyan platform, where they underwent independent evaluation by two authors using eligibility criteria. The inclusion criteria adopted were: observational studies or clinical trials; assessment of patients who underwent the DT or RY method after total gastrectomy; and evaluation of clinical outcomes. Review articles, case reports, case series, and incomplete texts were excluded.

Data extraction

Two researchers independently used Microsoft Excel to catalog the following data from selected studies into a spreadsheet: authors, country, sample size, age, gender, education, and outcomes. Data extraction was performed by completing a form, and thereafter, a PRISMA diagram of the selection process was created. Outcome data from the studies were then synthesized and grouped into the categories: “Clinicopathological Characteristics” when related to cancer staging; “Perioperative Procedures and Outcomes” when referring to the performed technique and aspects directly related to its execution; “Postoperative Outcomes” concerning the immediate postoperative period, such as length of hospital stay| and time until diet reintroduction; and “Nutritional Outcomes” when related to long-term nutritional changes, such as variation in body mass index (BMI). The selected data for presentation and comparison were those presented as variables in all included studies, even if there were accidental differences such as disparities in the evaluation period of the variables. The results of each article were organized into tables according to the categorization of the review.

Risk of bias assessment

It was decided to assess the risk of bias using the Cochrane tool designed for randomized clinical trials, RoB266. Higgins JPT, Thomas J, Chandler J, Cumpston M, Li T, Page MJ, et al. Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. New York: John Wiley & Sons; 2019. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119536604
https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119536604...
. A table was created in Microsoft Excel 2019® with the six domains evaluated by the scale and their respective scores. Then, the characteristics of each domain were blindly filled in and matched by Ewerton Lima da Silva, Luís Felipe Gomes Reis de Moraes, and Juliana Mattei de Araújo, with conflicts resolved by Luigi Carlo da Silva Costa and others.

RESULTS

Study selection and evaluation

The initial search identified 764 potential studies on clinical outcomes of patients undergoing the DT method compared to RY for intestinal transit reconstruction after total gastrectomy. Subsequently, duplicates were removed, resulting in 494 articles. Later, 490 studies were excluded after a detailed full-text reading for not meeting the inclusion criteria. Finally, this systematic review resulted in the inclusion of four studies (Figure 3).

Figure 3
PRISMA flow diagram of the records.

Included studies

The four included articles encompass a total of 209 gastric cancer patients, of whom 105 underwent reconstruction by the DT method and 104 by the RY method. Two of the studies were conducted in Serbia, one in Japan, and one in South Korea. Regarding demographic characteristics, male gender was predominantly represented in all studies, while patient age was significant only in the study by Iwahashi et al.1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
. All patients were over 18 years old.

Methodological quality of the selected studies

The quality of the articles was analyzed through the tool Risk of Bias 2 (RoB2) by Cochrane66. Higgins JPT, Thomas J, Chandler J, Cumpston M, Li T, Page MJ, et al. Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. New York: John Wiley & Sons; 2019. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119536604
https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119536604...
, as shown in Table 1. This tool assesses randomized studies and is organized into domains with questions aimed at obtaining important information to assess the risk of bias. The algorithm generates a judgment based on the answers to the proposed questions, with possible results being “low risk of bias”, “high risk of bias”, or “some concerns”. The studies by Iwahashi et al.1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
and Resanovic et al.2525. Resanovic A, Randjelovic T, Resanovic V, Toskovic B. Double tract vs. Roux-en-Y reconstruction in the treatment of gastric cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2018;34(3):643-8. https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348
https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348...
demonstrated excellent methodological quality, given the low risk of bias in the five evaluated domains. However, in the articles by Nebojša et al.1010. Nebojša I, Goran S, Jelena I, Biljana S, Miodrag D, Aleksandar K, et al. Impact of reconstructive procedures with and without preserving the duodenal passage on body weight in patients after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Srp Arh Celok Lek. 2017;145(1-2):26-31. https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH151123004I
https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH151123004I...
and Seo et al.2828. Seo KS, Lee JM, Kim WY. Comparison of reconstructive techniques after total gastrectomy as determined by patient quality of life and nutritional status. J Korean Gastric Cancer Assoc. 2007;7(4):219-27. https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.219
https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.2...
, there were “some concerns” regarding the randomization and intervention processes.

Table 1
Characteristics of the included studies.

Clinicopathological characteristics

The different classifications used to measure tumor stage were the General Rules for Gastric Cancer Study in Surgery and Pathology in Japan, the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), and the TNM classification. Statistical significance was observed by Resanovic et al.2525. Resanovic A, Randjelovic T, Resanovic V, Toskovic B. Double tract vs. Roux-en-Y reconstruction in the treatment of gastric cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2018;34(3):643-8. https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348
https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348...
, where most cases of stage IIA underwent total gastrectomy followed by reconstruction using the DT method.

Other clinicopathological characteristics such as tumor depth, lymph node metastasis, and preoperative comorbidities were not statistically significant in the studies analyzed1010. Nebojša I, Goran S, Jelena I, Biljana S, Miodrag D, Aleksandar K, et al. Impact of reconstructive procedures with and without preserving the duodenal passage on body weight in patients after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Srp Arh Celok Lek. 2017;145(1-2):26-31. https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH151123004I
https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH151123004I...
,1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
,2525. Resanovic A, Randjelovic T, Resanovic V, Toskovic B. Double tract vs. Roux-en-Y reconstruction in the treatment of gastric cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2018;34(3):643-8. https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348
https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348...
,2828. Seo KS, Lee JM, Kim WY. Comparison of reconstructive techniques after total gastrectomy as determined by patient quality of life and nutritional status. J Korean Gastric Cancer Assoc. 2007;7(4):219-27. https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.219
https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.2...
, as illustrated in Table 2.

Table 2
Clinicopathological characteristics of the included studies.

The Japanese study by Iwahashi et al.1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
demonstrated a higher distribution of tumor invasion at T1 and T2 levels for both gastrointestinal tract reconstructions, with a significant absence of lymph node metastases regardless of the reconstruction technique used.

Perioperative procedures and outcomes

The RY reconstruction was significantly faster than the DT method according to reports by Resanovic et al.2525. Resanovic A, Randjelovic T, Resanovic V, Toskovic B. Double tract vs. Roux-en-Y reconstruction in the treatment of gastric cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2018;34(3):643-8. https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348
https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348...
(193.41±13.87 min vs. 216.01±12.89 min) and Seo et al.2828. Seo KS, Lee JM, Kim WY. Comparison of reconstructive techniques after total gastrectomy as determined by patient quality of life and nutritional status. J Korean Gastric Cancer Assoc. 2007;7(4):219-27. https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.219
https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.2...
(248.00±16.00 min. vs. 282.00±30.00 min.). The average time for the DT reconstruction was also longer as stated by Nebojša et al.1010. Nebojša I, Goran S, Jelena I, Biljana S, Miodrag D, Aleksandar K, et al. Impact of reconstructive procedures with and without preserving the duodenal passage on body weight in patients after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Srp Arh Celok Lek. 2017;145(1-2):26-31. https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH151123004I
https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH151123004I...
(179.60±10.15 min. vs. 178.13±11.87 min.), but on the contrary, in Iwahashi et al.’s study1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
, it was shorter (254.00±43.00 min vs. 260.00±69.00 min).

No statistical significance was observed regarding lymph node dissection technique1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
, blood loss during surgery1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
, and splenectomy1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
,2828. Seo KS, Lee JM, Kim WY. Comparison of reconstructive techniques after total gastrectomy as determined by patient quality of life and nutritional status. J Korean Gastric Cancer Assoc. 2007;7(4):219-27. https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.219
https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.2...
in the analyzed studies (Table 3).

Table 3
Perioperative procedures and outcomes of the included studies.

In the study by Iwahashi et al.1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
, more splenectomies were performed in association with the total gastrectomy compared to the results of Seo et al.2828. Seo KS, Lee JM, Kim WY. Comparison of reconstructive techniques after total gastrectomy as determined by patient quality of life and nutritional status. J Korean Gastric Cancer Assoc. 2007;7(4):219-27. https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.219
https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.2...
. Regarding lymph node dissection, Resanovic et al.2525. Resanovic A, Randjelovic T, Resanovic V, Toskovic B. Double tract vs. Roux-en-Y reconstruction in the treatment of gastric cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2018;34(3):643-8. https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348
https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348...
and Seo et al.2828. Seo KS, Lee JM, Kim WY. Comparison of reconstructive techniques after total gastrectomy as determined by patient quality of life and nutritional status. J Korean Gastric Cancer Assoc. 2007;7(4):219-27. https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.219
https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.2...
employed only D2 dissection, while Iwahashi et al.1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
prioritized D1 dissection.

Postoperative outcomes

Analyzing the postoperative hospital stay duration, there was no statistical significance among the authors (Table 4). The incidence of complications was assessed by Resanovic et al.2525. Resanovic A, Randjelovic T, Resanovic V, Toskovic B. Double tract vs. Roux-en-Y reconstruction in the treatment of gastric cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2018;34(3):643-8. https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348
https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348...
and Seo et al.2828. Seo KS, Lee JM, Kim WY. Comparison of reconstructive techniques after total gastrectomy as determined by patient quality of life and nutritional status. J Korean Gastric Cancer Assoc. 2007;7(4):219-27. https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.219
https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.2...
, and the results were not statistically significant either.

Table 4
Postoperative nutritional outcomes of the included studies.

Nutritional outcomes

The time until the introduction of a light diet, studied only by Resanovic et al.2525. Resanovic A, Randjelovic T, Resanovic V, Toskovic B. Double tract vs. Roux-en-Y reconstruction in the treatment of gastric cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2018;34(3):643-8. https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348
https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348...
, was significantly longer for the RY group (6.82±2.33 days vs. 5.73±2.13 days). The other studies did not analyze the number of days until the reintroduction of a light oral diet after surgery (Table 4).

Food intake decreased during the postoperative follow-up period. At three-month follow-up, patients who underwent RY reconstruction showed a reduction in food intake according to Iwahashi et al.1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
and Resanovic et al.2525. Resanovic A, Randjelovic T, Resanovic V, Toskovic B. Double tract vs. Roux-en-Y reconstruction in the treatment of gastric cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2018;34(3):643-8. https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348
https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348...
, with decreases to 67.5% and 65.9% in the DT group and 64.5% and 61.6% in the RY group, respectively. The same parameter was evaluated by Seo et al.2828. Seo KS, Lee JM, Kim WY. Comparison of reconstructive techniques after total gastrectomy as determined by patient quality of life and nutritional status. J Korean Gastric Cancer Assoc. 2007;7(4):219-27. https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.219
https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.2...
, but within a one-year follow-up, detecting a decrease to 74.0% for the DT group and 72.0% for the RY group.

All studies assessed postoperative BMI (Table 5). After a one-year follow-up, the average BMI was statistically higher in the DT group (22.55±1.58 kg/m² vs. 21.14±1.64 kg/m²) as related by Resanovic et al.2525. Resanovic A, Randjelovic T, Resanovic V, Toskovic B. Double tract vs. Roux-en-Y reconstruction in the treatment of gastric cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2018;34(3):643-8. https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348
https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348...
, Iwahashi et al.1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
, and Seo et al.2828. Seo KS, Lee JM, Kim WY. Comparison of reconstructive techniques after total gastrectomy as determined by patient quality of life and nutritional status. J Korean Gastric Cancer Assoc. 2007;7(4):219-27. https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.219
https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.2...
, meaning that the BMI of the RY group had a greater reduction when compared to the preoperative BMI. Nebojša et al.1010. Nebojša I, Goran S, Jelena I, Biljana S, Miodrag D, Aleksandar K, et al. Impact of reconstructive procedures with and without preserving the duodenal passage on body weight in patients after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Srp Arh Celok Lek. 2017;145(1-2):26-31. https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH151123004I
https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH151123004I...
reported no statistical significance between the preoperative and postoperative BMI; however, the RY reconstruction group had a reduction, while the DT group had an increase.

Table 5
Body mass index postoperative outcomes of the included studies.

After the surgical procedures, the quality of life was examined by different methods by Iwahashi et al.1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
and Resanovic et al.2525. Resanovic A, Randjelovic T, Resanovic V, Toskovic B. Double tract vs. Roux-en-Y reconstruction in the treatment of gastric cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2018;34(3):643-8. https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348
https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348...
, and both identified no statistical significance. Iwahashi et al.1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
assessed the quality of life at two time points, with lower quality of life in the RY group after three months of follow-up (37.80±6.30 vs. 36.60±5.30), which reversed after one year, showing a better outcome for this group (41.00±5.60 vs. 38.20±4.90).

The significant serum nutritional parameters evaluated by Seo et al.2828. Seo KS, Lee JM, Kim WY. Comparison of reconstructive techniques after total gastrectomy as determined by patient quality of life and nutritional status. J Korean Gastric Cancer Assoc. 2007;7(4):219-27. https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.219
https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.2...
were total serum protein and albumin, with lower values found in the group that underwent DT reconstruction. Iwahashi et al.1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
considered in their studies the analysis of retinol-binding serum proteins, triglycerides, calcium, iron, and immunoglobulin fractions at three months, six months, and one year postoperatively, recording similar values between the groups. The remaining studies did not assess these parameters.

DISCUSSION

The articles included in this review are recent publications in the consulted literature, involving randomized or comparative studies on reconstruction techniques after total gastrectomy. These studies predominantly involved male patients, with an average age of 61 years, which, in agreement with the literature, is a population with a higher prevalence of gastric cancer55. Gonçalves FS, Sarges RM, Ramos MA, Souza MJC, Nemer CRB, Menezes RAO. Perfil clínico epidemiológico do câncer gástrico: revisão integrativa. Revista PubSaúde. 2020;3:1-10. https://doi.org/10.31533/pubsaude3.a041
https://doi.org/10.31533/pubsaude3.a041...
,3030. Souza LA. Epidemiologia do cancer de estômago [dissertation]. Ribeirão Preto: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo; 2023. https://doi.org/10.11606/D.17.2022.TDE-03022023-151547
https://doi.org/10.11606/D.17.2022.TDE-0...
. Most patients were already diagnosed at an advanced stage, with approximately one-fifth presenting with metastases at their initial presentation3030. Souza LA. Epidemiologia do cancer de estômago [dissertation]. Ribeirão Preto: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo; 2023. https://doi.org/10.11606/D.17.2022.TDE-03022023-151547
https://doi.org/10.11606/D.17.2022.TDE-0...
.

In Japan, a distinct pattern of gastric cancer patients is observed. In the disease diagnosis, 86.3% of patients presented tumors in early stages (I and II), probably due to the extensive screening for this cancer1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
. Early diagnosis enables the implementation of curative treatment, either surgical or endoscopic, in a larger population segment, leading to an increase in the survival rate2323. National Institute of Health. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results. Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer. Cancer Stat 2022. Available at: https://seer.cancer.gov/report_to_nation/. Accessed: June 7, 2023.
https://seer.cancer.gov/report_to_nation...
.

The traditional curative treatment involves gastrectomy associated with lymphadenectomy due to the high incidence of lymph node involvement33. Assumpção PP, Silva JMC, Calcagno DQ, Barra WF, Ishak G, Kassab P. Oligometastasis in gastric cancer treatment: is there a place for the surgeon? ABCD Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2023;36:e1752. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-672020230034e1752
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-67202023003...
,88. Hong S, Pereira MA, Victor CR, Gregório JVA, Zilberstein B, Ribeiro Junior U, et al. Preoperative chemotherapy versus upfront surgery for advanced gastric cancer: a propensity score matching analysis. ABCD Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2023;36:e1736. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-672020230018e1736
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-67202023001...
,2424. Özer İ, Bostancı EB, Ulaş M, Özoğul Y, Akoğlu M. Changing trends in gastric cancer surgery. Balkan Med J 2017;34(1):10-20. https://doi.org/10.4274/BALKANMEDJ.2015.1461
https://doi.org/10.4274/BALKANMEDJ.2015....
. The dissection of lymph nodes at the D1/D1+ level, by removing only perigastric lymph nodes, is a less radical strategy used in the Japanese cases in this review. Lymphadenectomy at the D2 level was the most commonly employed and involves a more extensive resection of lymph node chains along the celiac trunk, hepatic hilum, and splenic hilum, and spleen removal can also be performed1919. Miranda TS, Parreira HM, Freitas ALR, Franco EM, Miranda Netto FP, Keller GA, et al. Gastrectomia com linfadenectomia a nível de D1 ou D2: uma revisão da literatura. Rev Eletrônica Acervo Científico 2021;18:e4752. https://doi.org/10.25248/REAC.E4752.2021
https://doi.org/10.25248/REAC.E4752.2021...
,2424. Özer İ, Bostancı EB, Ulaş M, Özoğul Y, Akoğlu M. Changing trends in gastric cancer surgery. Balkan Med J 2017;34(1):10-20. https://doi.org/10.4274/BALKANMEDJ.2015.1461
https://doi.org/10.4274/BALKANMEDJ.2015....
.

Over the years, more than 50 reconstruction models of the digestive tract after total stomach excision were proposed by various authors, indicating, on the one hand, the rich imagination of surgeons, but on the other hand, that there is no technique with universal acceptance. Cesar Roux deserves credit as in 1893 he described the RY reconstruction which is currently the most widely used by surgeons on all continents22. Andreollo NA, Lopes LR, Coelho Neto JS. Postoperative complications after total gastrectomy in the gastric cancer. Analysis of 300 patients. ABCD Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2011;24(2):126-30. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-67202011000200007
https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-6720201100...
,1717. Lehnert T, Buhl K. Techniques of reconstruction after total gastrectomy for cancer. Br J Surg. 2004;91(5):528-39. https://doi.org/10.1002/bjs.4512
https://doi.org/10.1002/bjs.4512...
,1818. Lopes LR, Cesconetto DM, Coelho-Neto JS, Andreollo NA. The modified Rosanov technique in the reconstruction of digestive tract after total gastrectomy. ABCD Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2011;24(2):176-9. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-67202011000200017
https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-6720201100...
.

It is still a controversial issue in clinical research, though, whether reconstruction after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer should be done with or without some type of reservoir or placement of the duodenum in the alimentary transit77. Hong J, Wang SY, Hao HK. A comparative study of double-tract reconstruction and Roux-en-Y after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2019;29(2):82-9. https://doi.org/10.1097/SLE.0000000000000639
https://doi.org/10.1097/SLE.000000000000...
,1717. Lehnert T, Buhl K. Techniques of reconstruction after total gastrectomy for cancer. Br J Surg. 2004;91(5):528-39. https://doi.org/10.1002/bjs.4512
https://doi.org/10.1002/bjs.4512...
,1818. Lopes LR, Cesconetto DM, Coelho-Neto JS, Andreollo NA. The modified Rosanov technique in the reconstruction of digestive tract after total gastrectomy. ABCD Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2011;24(2):176-9. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-67202011000200017
https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-6720201100...
,3737. Yang YS, Chen LQ, Yan XX, Liu YL. Preservation versus non-preservation of the duodenal passage following total gastrectomy: a systematic review. J Gastrointest Surg. 2013;17(5):877-86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-013-2174-9
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-013-2174-...
.

The oldest reference found in the literature regarding the placement of the duodenum in the alimentary transit after total gastrectomy dates from 1958. It was a technique described by Rosanov, a Russian surgeon, performing reconstruction in RY with a latero-terminal jejuno-duodenal anastomosis1818. Lopes LR, Cesconetto DM, Coelho-Neto JS, Andreollo NA. The modified Rosanov technique in the reconstruction of digestive tract after total gastrectomy. ABCD Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2011;24(2):176-9. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-67202011000200017
https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-6720201100...
. Subsequently, in 1965, Kajitani et al.1313. Kajitani K, Sato J. Evaluation of the procedures of total gastrectomy and proximal gastrectomy. J Jpn Surg Soc. 1965;66:1285-7. demonstrated the advantages of the technique in Japan. Moricca2121. Moricca F. A new methods of gastroplasty after total gastrectomy. J Chir (Paris). 1976;111(5-6):617-20. PMID: 95630. described a similar procedure in Italy, in 1976, emphasizing its simplicity and complication-free nature. In Brazil, Safatle2626. Safatle NF. Antiperistaltic duodenojejunal pouch in the reconstruction of the digestive transit after subtotal, total gastrectomy and in postgastrectomy syndrome. Technic. Arq Gastroenterol. 1984;21(2): 59-67. PMID: 6517735. proposed the isoperistaltic duodeno-jejunal pouch technique in 1984. However, few authors have used the technique and described their results99. Huguier M, Lancret JM, Bernard PF, Baschet C, Le Henand F. Functional results of different reconstructive procedures after total gastrectomy. Br J Surg. 1976;63(9):704-8. https://doi.org/10.1002/bjs.1800630909
https://doi.org/10.1002/bjs.1800630909...
,2727. Scarabelli L, Bonandrini L. Rosanov’s procedure after total gastrectomy for cancer. Minerva Med. 1975;66(68):3589-91. PMID: 1187004.,3434. Vernhet J, Bonnel F. Apropos of the recovery of digestive continuity after total gastrectomy. Critical study of the Rosanov method. Arch Fr Mal App Dig. 1971;60(3):158..

Lopes et al.1818. Lopes LR, Cesconetto DM, Coelho-Neto JS, Andreollo NA. The modified Rosanov technique in the reconstruction of digestive tract after total gastrectomy. ABCD Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2011;24(2):176-9. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-67202011000200017
https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-6720201100...
, in 2011, conducted laboratory and clinical evaluations on 43 patients who underwent total gastrectomy six months postoperatively. Among them, 32 had RY reconstruction, 11 underwent a modified Rosanov technique, a type of DT reconstruction, and 22 individuals served as a control group without surgery. Measurements included hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, serum iron, ferritin, and steatocrit of serum albumin. No postoperative complications were recorded in this casuistry. Clinical assessments investigated BMI, nausea and vomiting, heartburn, reflux, postprandial abdominal distension, anorexia, and daily number of evacuations. The authors concluded that preserving duodenal transit offers advantages such as better mixing of food with enzymes, increased fat absorption, lower prevalence of symptoms like abdominal distension, diarrhea, heartburn, and anorexia, and an improved pattern of laboratory tests.

Thus, the methods of reconstructing the digestive tract after total gastrectomy aim to maintain a natural and adequate food passage, providing postoperative quality of life for patients in the short, medium, and long terms3737. Yang YS, Chen LQ, Yan XX, Liu YL. Preservation versus non-preservation of the duodenal passage following total gastrectomy: a systematic review. J Gastrointest Surg. 2013;17(5):877-86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-013-2174-9
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-013-2174-...
.

The evaluated reconstruction techniques, DT and RY, have not yet addressed the nutritional deficiency after total gastrectomy. Gastric cancer itself leads to malnutrition due to anorexia, which can occur due to mechanical obstruction by the tumor or even a state of cachexia, which involves the exaggerated release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and leptin dysregulation3333. Tisdale MJ. Mechanisms of cancer cachexia. Physiol Rev. 2009;89(2):381-410. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00016.2008
https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00016.20...
. Weight loss is more pronounced after total gastrectomy because the stomach’s physiological functions of storage and digestion are impaired, reducing food intake and consequently BMI1515. Kiyama T, Mizutani T, Okuda T, Fujita I, Tokunaga A, Tajiri T, et al. Postoperative changes in body composition after gastrectomy. J Gastrointest Surg. 2005;9(3):313-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gassur.2004.11.008
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gassur.2004.11...
,1616. Kubota T, Shoda K, Konishi H, Okamoto K, Otsuji E. Nutrition update in gastric cancer surgery. Ann Gastroenterol Surg. 2020;4(4):360-8. https://doi.org/10.1002/AGS3.12351
https://doi.org/10.1002/AGS3.12351...
.

The studies herein agree that the decrease in BMI is a constant after total gastrectomy, with greater declines observed in RY reconstruction compared to DT. However, the Korean study observed that patients who underwent RY reconstruction exhibited higher levels of albumin and total serum proteins three years after the procedure2828. Seo KS, Lee JM, Kim WY. Comparison of reconstructive techniques after total gastrectomy as determined by patient quality of life and nutritional status. J Korean Gastric Cancer Assoc. 2007;7(4):219-27. https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.219
https://doi.org/10.5230/jkgca.2007.7.4.2...
. Regarding the time until the reintroduction of a light diet, an outcome assessed by Resanovic et al.2525. Resanovic A, Randjelovic T, Resanovic V, Toskovic B. Double tract vs. Roux-en-Y reconstruction in the treatment of gastric cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2018;34(3):643-8. https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348
https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348...
, DT reconstruction proved to be superior, having a shorter period.

DT reconstruction also involves ease of subsequent access to the duodenum and the biliopancreatic system, facilitating the treatment of biliary complications that may be related to disease progression11. Abbas AM, Strong AT, Diehl DL, Brauer BC, Lee IH, Burbridge R, et al. Multicenter evaluation of the clinical utility of laparoscopy-assisted ERCP in patients with Roux-en Y gastric bypass. Gastrointest Endosc. 2018;87(4):1031-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gie.2017.10.044
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gie.2017.10.04...
,2222. Namikawa T, Munekage E, Kitagawa H, Okabayashi T, Kobayashi M, Hanazaki K. Double tract reconstruction after gastrectomy facilitates endoscopic access to the biliary tree. Dig Dis Sci. 2013;58(5):1422-7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-012-2498-4
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-012-2498-...
. There are techniques for duodenal access after RY reconstruction, such as single and double balloon enteroscopy. However, the altered anatomy and the reversed angle of view compared to the usual make it challenging to perform procedures in the biliopancreatic system when compared to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography3232. Tanisaka Y, Ryozawa S, Mizuide M, Fujita A, Ogawa T, Harada M, et al. Biliary cannulation in patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy: an analysis of the factors associated with successful cannulation. Intern Med. 2020;59(14):1687-93. https://doi.org/10.2169/internalmedicine.4245-19
https://doi.org/10.2169/internalmedicine...
.

The reconstruction of the biliopancreatic loop presents benefits regarding appetite and in preventing the development of postprandial hyperglycemia, commonly observed in the RY anastomosis due to the rapid increase in hormones such as insulin, cholecystokinin, and somatostatin after meals1414. Kalmár K, Németh J, Kelemen D, Agoston E, Horváth OP. Postprandial gastrointestinal hormone production is different, depending on the type of reconstruction following total gastrectomy. Ann Surg. 2006;243(4):465-71. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.sla.0000205740.12893.bc
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.sla.000020574...
. Kalmár et al.1414. Kalmár K, Németh J, Kelemen D, Agoston E, Horváth OP. Postprandial gastrointestinal hormone production is different, depending on the type of reconstruction following total gastrectomy. Ann Surg. 2006;243(4):465-71. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.sla.0000205740.12893.bc
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.sla.000020574...
, studying glucose metabolism and these hormones in total gastrectomized patients, found that glucose metabolism disorders are more evident in RY reconstruction. Additionally, the response of cholecystokinin and somatostatin differed significantly in favor of preserving duodenal alimentary transit after total gastrectomy. It was concluded that levels of cholecystokinin close to physiological ones found in alimentary reconstruction with the duodenum may contribute to preserved physiological satiety after total gastrectomy1414. Kalmár K, Németh J, Kelemen D, Agoston E, Horváth OP. Postprandial gastrointestinal hormone production is different, depending on the type of reconstruction following total gastrectomy. Ann Surg. 2006;243(4):465-71. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.sla.0000205740.12893.bc
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.sla.000020574...
.

By promoting better BMI and body weight levels, the DT reconstruction assists in maintaining body weight, as demonstrated by the evidence33. Assumpção PP, Silva JMC, Calcagno DQ, Barra WF, Ishak G, Kassab P. Oligometastasis in gastric cancer treatment: is there a place for the surgeon? ABCD Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2023;36:e1752. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-672020230034e1752
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-67202023003...
. Such observation can be justified by preserving a physiological duodenal pathway, which favors the hormonal regulation and the mixing of bile and pancreatic juices with ingested food, optimizing absorption and microbiota control3737. Yang YS, Chen LQ, Yan XX, Liu YL. Preservation versus non-preservation of the duodenal passage following total gastrectomy: a systematic review. J Gastrointest Surg. 2013;17(5):877-86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-013-2174-9
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-013-2174-...
.

Malabsorption by the digestive tract can be assessed through steatorrhea, a common finding in patients undergoing total gastrectomy44. Bae J, Park JW, Yang HK, Kim JP. Nutritional status of gastric cancer patients after total gastrectomy. World J Surg. 1998;22(3):254-60; discussion 260-1. https://doi.org/10.1007/s002689900379
https://doi.org/10.1007/s002689900379...
. The evaluation of fecal steatocrit is an easy way to estimate digestion and absorption in the tract, as suggested by an experimental study conducted on rats subjected to total gastrectomy followed by tract reconstruction. The control group had fecal steatocrit values similar to those with double transit, 4.14% and 4.46% respectively, while the mean for the RY reconstruction group was 28.17%2929. Sevá-Pereira G, Lopes LR, Brandalise NA, Andreollo NA. Fat absorption after total gastrectomy in rats submitted to Roux-en-Y or Rosanov-like double-transit technique. Acta Cir Bras. 2006;21(6):380-4. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-86502006000600005
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-8650200600...
.

Regarding the aspects related to the performed procedure, differences and disagreements were found among the included studies. Those conducted in Serbia agreed that the RY reconstruction technique was significantly faster than the DT1010. Nebojša I, Goran S, Jelena I, Biljana S, Miodrag D, Aleksandar K, et al. Impact of reconstructive procedures with and without preserving the duodenal passage on body weight in patients after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Srp Arh Celok Lek. 2017;145(1-2):26-31. https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH151123004I
https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH151123004I...
,2525. Resanovic A, Randjelovic T, Resanovic V, Toskovic B. Double tract vs. Roux-en-Y reconstruction in the treatment of gastric cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2018;34(3):643-8. https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348
https://doi.org/10.12669/PJMS.343.14348...
. However, the work of Iwahashi et al.1111. Iwahashi M, Nakamori M, Nakamura M, Naka T, Ojima T, Iida T, et al. Evaluation of double tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer: prospective randomized controlled trial. World J Surg 2009;33(9):1882-8. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/S00268-009-0109-...
in Japan yielded results showing a longer reconstruction time for RY, although the difference was not statistically significant.

This review has limitations that must be taken into account when extrapolating conclusions to clinical practice, as it considered only four studies. Additionally, the populations evaluated in the studies were predominantly Serbian patients, with the remaining divided between Koreans and Japanese, making them distinct in terms of demographic, cultural, and genetic factors. Furthermore, the included studies have methodological divergences that complicate the comparison of results, such as those related to quality of life, which were not assessed using the same tools, the investigation of different biochemical outcomes, and the variation in the periods selected for evaluating the patients. It is important to note that concerns raised in the risk of bias assessment in some studies do not diminish the credibility of the biochemical, metabolic, and nutritional outcomes obtained.

More refined studies are needed, exploring other nutritional parameters and conducting late assessments of steatorrhea, such as fecal steatocrit and other measures of the absorptive capacity of the gastrointestinal tract. This is essential for the formation of a more robust body of evidence capable of guiding the choosing of one technique or the other, benefiting nutritional impact and quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Although this review did not demonstrate clear results that lead us to conclude an overall improvement in nutritional aspects, the DT reconstruction after total gastrectomy showed better outcomes compared to the RY reconstruction in terms of BMI gain and an earlier start of a light diet. The DT reconstruction is a straightforward procedure that does not excessively prolong the operation time, reduces the risk of duodenal stump fistula, facilitates postoperative access to the biliary and pancreatic pathways, and allows the passage of food to the duodenum. However, the findings are not sufficient to support an effective advantage of DT, as essential postoperative aspects such as nutritional deficit, quality of life, and complications were not influenced by the type of reconstruction.

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  • Financial Source: None

Central Message

  • Most patients were male, at the average age of 64 years, and presented lymph node metastases. Patients in the Japanese study generally had tumors in initial stages due to the wide populational screening. The nutritional deficiency post-gastrectomy has not yet been resolved by the reconstruction techniques assessed, but the double tract reconstruction had advantages in relation to the time until starting a light diet, body mass index, and possibility of posterior access to the duodenum and/or the biliopancreatic system.

Perspectives

  • Neither the Roux-en-Y nor the double tract reconstructions have solved the nutritional deficits resulting from total gastrectomy. Therefore, it is not possible to determine which method is more advantageous than the other. The current systematic review aimed at comparing the outcomes found in both techniques, thus facilitating the surgeon’s decision, each reconstruction offering its advantages and disadvantages. Only four articles fitting the inclusion criteria were found, which indicates a lack of studies and the need to foster scientific interest in the topic.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    13 May 2024
  • Date of issue
    2024

History

  • Received
    29 Nov 2023
  • Accepted
    14 Feb 2024
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