Analysis of Clinical Efficacy and Quality of Life of Braun Anastomosis in Gastrointestinal Reconstruction in Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and quality of life of B-IIB (Billroth-II with Braun anastomosis) and B-II (Billroth-II anastomosis) in the alimentary tract reconstruction postoperative totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) for gastric cancer.

From February 2016 to January 2022, 158 patients underwent totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy in Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, with Billroth-II with Braun anastomosis for 93 patients and Billroth-II anastomosis for 65 patients. The patients’ data were collected prospectively and reviewed retrospectively.

In this study, the post-op hospital stay of B-IIB group were shorter than B-II group (12.70 ± 3.08 days in the B-IIB group versus 14.12 ± 4.90 days in the B-II group, p < 0.05) and the first post-op flatus time of the B-IIB group were shorter than B-II group (3.49 ± 1.02 days versus 4.08 ± 1.85 days, p < 0.05). Two groups did differ significantly in hemoglobin on postoperative 3 months, albumin at 3 months after operation, and serum sodium on postoperative 3 days and 3 months (p < 0.05), and the B-IIB had an advantage; the complications incidence (Clavien-Dindo grade II or even a higher grade) of the B-IIB group and B-II group were 10.75% and 29.23%, respectively. There being a statistical difference between the two groups. The B-IIB group and the B-II group both had different degrees of weight loss at 3 months after operation compared with preoperative weight. The weight of B-IIB group was 4.04 ± 1.33 kg, which was less than B-II group (8.08 ± 1.47 kg). The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). According to the PGSAS (Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale), the score of the B-IIB group is lower than that of the B-II group for esophageal reflux gastritis, dyspepsia, and dumping syndrome group (1.84 ± 0.92 VS 2.15 ± 0.85, P = 0.031; 1.86 ± 1.10 VS 2.22 ± 0.91, P = 0.034; 1.98 ± 1.06 VS 2.32 ± 0.94, P = 0.037, respectively).

Totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with Billroth-II Braun reconstruction is a safe and technically feasible method for gastric cancer patients, which can reduce the incidence of postoperative reflux esophagitis and dumping syndrome. Compared with Billroth-II reconstruction, it has advantages in maintaining postoperative nutritional status and electrolyte balance and improving quality of life.