A new option for intracorporeal circular-stapled esophagojejunostomy in laparoscopic total gastrectomy: Roux-en-Y reconstruction with its efferent loop located at the left side of the patient to prevent twisting of the esophagojejunostomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) has not gained widespread acceptance because of the difficult reconstruction technique, especially for esophagojejunostomy. Although various modified procedures using a circular stapler for esophagojejunostomy have been reported, an optimal technique has not yet been established. In addition, in intracorporeal techniques, twisting of the esophagojejunostomy, which might be the cause of stenosis, is often encountered because application of the shaft is restricted. To prevent twisting of the esophagoejunostomy, we underwent LTG with Roux-en-Y reconstruction with its efferent loop located at the left side of the patient.

METHODOLOGY: From November 2013 to November 2014, a series of 9 patients underwent LTG with Roux-en-Y reconstruction using the transorally inserted anvil (OrVil™, Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA), whose efferent loop was located at the left side of the patient.

RESULTS: No twisting of the esophagojejunostomy was encountered in all cases. In addition, no stenosis or leakage of the esophagojejunostomy occurred.

CONCLUSIONS: This reconstruction system may be a feasible surgical procedure in LTG.