Combined antrectomy and Roux-en-Y anastomosis in the surgical treatment of recurrent peptic ulceration.

The results of antrectomy performed for recurrent peptic ulceration after vagotomy and drainage are frequently marred by bilious vomiting. Consequently, there has been interest in combining antrectomy with Roux-en-Y drainage to prevent this complication. The experience of one surgeon in revisional gastric surgery has been studied retrospectively. Thirty-six patients have been reviewed in detail, 24 of whom had a combined antrectomy and Roux-en-Y anastomosis: 16 for recurrent peptic ulceration, 2 for non-ulcer dyspepsia and 6 for bile reflux gastritis. None of these has required reoperation, and 12 of the 16 with recurrent ulcers have had a good result. Four of 12 who underwent antrectomy alone subsequently required biliary diversion. Combining antrectomy with a Roux-en-Y anastomosis prevents postoperative bile reflux gastritis and thereby the need for further revision on this account. The results of this approach compare well with those of other procedures used in the treatment of recurrent peptic ulceration.