title: Initial results with a stapled gastrojejunostomy for the laparoscopic isolated roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The gastric pouch to jejunum anastomosis is a critical step in the performance of an isolated Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. When performing this procedure laparoscopically, intracorporeal suturing of the gastric pouch to Roux-en-Y jejunum anastomosis is technically demanding, time consuming, and perhaps the most prohibitive part of the operation. We devised a unique, effective, and simple method to perform this anastomosis using an EEA stapler. This report describes this technique and its follow-up in our series of patients undergoing a laparoscopic isolated Roux-en-Y gastric bypass utilizing this technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective analysis was performed identifying the technical success, leak rate, and postoperative incidence of anastomotic stenosis and its management in a consecutive series of patients undergoing a laparoscopic isolated Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with a gastrojejunal anastomosis constructed with a 21-mm or 25-mm EEA stapler.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-eight patients underwent laparoscopic isolated Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Mean age was 40.9 years (range 22 to 64) and mean body mass index was 52.3 kg/m(2) (range 31 to 76 kg/m(2)). There were no mortalities. Three patients (6.3%) were converted to an open procedure, but only 1 because of an inability to perform the gastrojejunal anastomosis (short jejunal mesentery). There was 1 leak (2.1%) from the gastrojejunal anastomosis. It was successfully managed nonoperatively. Thirteen patients (27.1%) patients developed an anastomotic stenosis requiring endoscopic balloon dilatation. Seven of the 13 patients required only a single dilatation and have had no recurrence of dysphagia. Six of the 13 patients needed 2 to 4 dilatations, and all are swallowing normally. None have required surgical revision. After 12 months of follow-up, the mean weight loss was 115 pounds and mean decrease in body mass index was 18.5 kg/m(2).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The stapled EEA gastrojejunal anastomosis for the laparoscopic isolated Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is safe and effective. Anastomotic stenosis occurs in approximately one quarter of patients, but it can be managed well with endoscopic balloon dilatation.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Matthews
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Sing
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: DeLegge
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Ponsky
authors.forename: B T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Heniford
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007583:Jejunum / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013270:Stomach / Q000601:surgery*; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D016896:Treatment Outcome