The Long Term Results of Esophagogastrostomy with Valvulofundoplasty

Abstract

The long-term results of valvulofundoplastic esophagogastrostomy to prevent reflux esophagitis after proximal gastrectomy were evaluated. Thirty-four patients were divided into two groups, 18 three years or more after the operation (group A) and 18 less than three years after the operation (group B). Severe heartburn was seen in two patients of group B, in whom reflux esophagitis was seen endoscopically and the antireflux valve was apart from the anastomotic stoma. Patients in group A had only mild complaints. Group A patients also recover better in terms of body weight and dietary habit than those in group B. After 3-4 years, the size of the antireflux valve was reduced to about 80-85% of those measured in the postoperative period. Thus, it seems that an antireflux valve remains effective even after long interval. We think this procedure is easy and yet effective enough to prevent complications of poximal gastrectomy, such as reflux esophagitis.