Late results of jejunal interposition.

In 62 patients the late results of isoperistaltic jejunal interposition in reconstructive ulcer surgery are analyzed 1.5 to 9.5 years postoperatively (mean 3.1 years); a follow up was possible in 58 patients. 38 (65.5%) had a Visick I or II result; 16 (28%) a fair result (Visick III) and 4 a poor result (Visick IV). 12 of the 58 followed up patients developed a jejunal stomal ulceration in the mean time. These ulcerations were mostly (60%) asymptomatic, superficial and nonbleeding. The histology of the gastric remnant remained unchanged in the most patients and didn't show any benefit of bile diverting operation. The gastric acidity was high especially in the stomal ulcer patients, the gastric output was low. Only 64% of the patients with jejunal interposition showed a gastric bacterial overgrowth compared to 92% resp. 84% in the Billroth resection groups. The incidence of stomal ulceration (20.6%) is the result of the high unbuffered acid of the gastric remnant. Similar reports are found in the literature. Even an additional vagotomy doesn't prevent the ulcer formation sufficiently in every case. In conclusion reflux-preventive jejunal interposition is shown to be heavily ulcer-prone, it should be used in reconstructive ulcer surgery very carefully only with short (15 cm) segments and additional vagotomy.