INTRODUCTION: Distal gastrectomy remains the predominant therapeutic approach for gastric cancer, with digestive tract reconstruction as an integral procedure. The implementation of Braun anastomosis following Billroth II anastomosis is common in distal gastrectomy. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the clinical utility of Braun anastomosis by comparing the outcomes and quality of life between Billroth II (B-II) and Billroth II with Braun (B-IIB) anastomosis in the treatment of gastric cancer.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort study examined clinical and pathological data from 377 patients who underwent distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer treatment at The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, from October 2016 to October 2021.185 patients received B-II anastomosis, while the other 192 received B-IIB anastomosis, forming the B-II and B-IIB groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics, perioperative variables, short-term and long-term complications, and nutritional indicators at 1 mo and 1 y postsurgery were compared across both groups. Additionally, gastric endoscopy results at 6 mo and 1 y postsurgery were evaluated. Quality of life at 1 y postsurgery was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30.
RESULTS: Baseline characteristics between the two groups revealed no statistically significant differences (all P > 0.05), confirming their equivalence. All 377 patients successfully underwent curative distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer without intraoperative procedural modifications. No intraoperative complications or perioperative mortality occurred. Notable differences included extended operative time (222.1 ± 41.0 vs. 199.4 ± 24.9 min, P < 0.001), reduced postoperative nasogastric tube removal time (1.8 ± 0.9 vs. 2.2 ± 1.1 d, P < 0.001), decreased average gastric drainage volume (100.7 ± 35.2 vs. 112.2 ± 32.0 mL, P = 0.001), and increased incidence of internal hernia and ileus (4.7% vs. 1.1% and 8.3% vs. 3.2%, P = 0.038 and P = 0.035) in the B-IIB group compared to the B-II group. No significant differences were observed in estimated blood loss, lymph node dissection, postoperative flatus time, transition to a semiliquid diet, length of hospital stay, or short-term and long-term complications (all P > 0.05). Nutritional assessments conducted 1 mo and 1 y postsurgery indicated no statistically significant differences in body mass index, total protein, and serum albumin levels between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Gastric endoscopy evaluations at 6 mo and 1 y postsurgery, including food residue grade, gastritis severity, extent of gastritis, and bile reflux, demonstrated no significant discrepancies between the groups (all P > 0.05). At the 1-y follow-up, neither group exhibited tumor recurrences, deaths from tumor-related diseases, postoperative complications, or other diseases. Additionally, quality of life assessments using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core revealed no significant differences across various domains or items between the groups (all P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: A comparative analysis between B-II and B-IIB anastomosis demonstrated no notable variations in intraoperative parameters, postoperative nutritional outcomes, gastric endoscopic results, or postoperative quality of life. Nevertheless, incorporating Braun anastomosis can extend the duration of surgery and may elevate the likelihood of postoperative internal hernia.