BACKGROUND: The authors report a series of three patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric outlet obstruction due to stricturing duodenal ulcer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all cases an intracorporeal resection of the antrum and an antecolic end to side gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II) were performed. Technical details are discussed in the paper. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 260 minutes, mean blood loss was 43 millilitres. There were no postoperative complications and all patients were discharged on the fifth postoperative day. A follow up of three years shows that no patient had recurrence and post-gastrectomy syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic Billroth II gastrectomy is a safe and feasible procedure with benefits such as quick hospital stay, decreased postoperative pain, good cosmesis and reduced morbidity.
BACKGROUND: The authors report a series of three patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric outlet obstruction due to stricturing duodenal ulcer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all cases an intracorporeal resection of the antrum and an antecolic end to side gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II) were performed. Technical details are discussed in the paper. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 260 minutes, mean blood loss was 43 millilitres. There were no postoperative complications and all patients were discharged on the fifth postoperative day. A follow up of three years shows that no patient had recurrence and post-gastrectomy syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic Billroth II gastrectomy is a safe and feasible procedure with benefits such as quick hospital stay, decreased postoperative pain, good cosmesis and reduced morbidity.