A gastroduodenostomy is a surgical operation that involves creating a new connection between your stomach and duodenum, which is the first section of your small intestine. Although the duodenum is very small, it plays a crucial role in chemical digestion, so having a healthy connection with the stomach is vital. In today’s blog, we explore why a person may need to undergo a gastroduodenostomy, and how the procedure is performed.
Gastroduodenostomy – Who Needs One And How Is It Performed?
A gastroduodenostomy may become necessary if you are dealing with a stomach condition that is seriously jeopardizing your digestive function or your overall health. The procedure is oftentimes recommended for patients suffering from moderate to severe forms of the following conditions:
- Stomach cancer
- Peptic ulcers
- Gastric outlet obstruction
- Chronic gastritis
- Pyloric valve dysfunction
The gastroduodenostomy procedure can typically be conducted in one of two forms, the Billroth I operation and the Billroth II operation. Here’s a closer look at both procedures:
Billroth I Gastroduodenostomy
This technique typically follows a gastrectomy procedure in which part or all of the stomach cavity has been removed. This helps to restore functional gastrointestinal physiology and ensures that food continues to progress through the duodenal canal as it traverses the small intestine.
Billroth II Gastroduodenostomy
With this type of gastroduodenostomy, the surgeon will create a new digestive connection between the stomach and your jejunum, which is another section of your small intestine. While this technique involves fewer modifications to biliary and pancreatic functions, it means that access to the duodenum will be closed off.
For either procedure, the patient will be placed under general anesthesia and will be in a sleep-like state during the operation. The surgeon then makes an incision in the abdomen to access the stomach cavity. Part of the stomach is removed or resected before being connected to the duodenum or jejunum as the provider sees fit. The surgeon will also perform a ligation of specific gastric arteries and veins to ensure blood flows as needed to the surgically-addressed areas. Once satisfied with the new connection, the patient’s incision site will be closed and they will be taken to a recovery room.
Your gastrointestinal specialist will work tirelessly to reduce your risk of complications during and after the procedure, but because of the trauma of the operation and the new digestive tract that has been created, patients may be at risk of postoperative bleeding, infections, blood clots, gastric reflux, loss of appetite or low blood sugar levels after eating a meal. Your doctor will talk to you about how they’ll work to mitigate these risks and ensure you understand the best ways to have healthy digestion after the procedure.
A gastroduodenostomy can be a lifesaving option for patients suffering from potentially deadly gastrointestinal issues. To learn more about the procedure, or for help with a different gastrointestinal problem, reach out to Dr. Bhatti and the team at Bhatti GI Consultants today at (651) 430-3800.
