Teflon Buttress Inhibits Recanalization of Uncut Stapled Bowel

William S. Richardson, Hadar Spivak, James E. Hudson, Mark A. Budacz, John G. Hunter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

The uncut Roux limb operation is designed to have the benefits of a Roux limb but still have electrical continuity from proximal to distal bowel, thus eliminating the risk of Roux stasis syndrome. The main complication has been recanalization of the uncut staple line leading to bile reflux. This study aims to employ a new technique, which will not allow recanalization of an uncut staple line but will not interfere with normal bowel myoelectric activity. Fourteen mongrel dogs, 25 to 35 kg, underwent a midline laparotomy under general anesthesia. An uncut staple line was placed 25 cm from the ligament of Treitz. In seven animals an uncut staple line alone was placed, and in the other seven animals the bowel was stapled between a sandwich of Teflon reinforcing strips such that the staples were held on both sides of the bowel by the Teflon. A jejunojejunostomy was placed 6 cm proximal to die staple line. Insulated bipolar electrical leads were placed around the staple line. After the electrical leads were monitored 2 days to 3 months postoperatively for bowel myoelectric activity, the animals were killed and the operative sites inspected. No animal suffered morbidity or mortality from the procedure. All seven unreinforced staple lines recanalized and all seven reinforced staple lines remained competent. The duodenal pacemaker potentials were transmitted through the staple line in five animals (3 controls and 2 with Teflon reinforcement) within 1 week postoperatively. The uncut staple line does not reliably transmit the duodenal pacemaker potentials. The staple line does not recanalize when it is reinforced with a permanent material, increasing the utility of the "uncut" Roux limb operation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)424-429
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Gastrointestinal Surgery
Volume4
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Postgastrectomy syndrome
  • Roux stasis syndrome
  • Roux-en-Y
  • Uncut Roux limb

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Gastroenterology

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