A new pouch reconstruction method after total gastrectomy (pouch-double tract method) improved the postoperative quality of life of patients with gastric cancer

Purpose Many reconstruction methods after total gastrectomy (TG) lead patients to dumping syndrome, reflux esophagitis, and poor postoperative quality of life (QOL). To improve patients' postoperative QOL after TG, we introduce a new reconstruction method named "pouch-double tract" (PDT). Methods A prospective randomized study was performed between 2005 and 2007 in 29 patients who were diagnosed as stage I or II gastric cancers preoperatively. Patients were followed until the end of 2009. Conventional Roux-en-Y reconstruction (RY) was performed in 15 patients, and PDT was used in 14 patients. Postoperative patients' nutritional assessments and patients' QOL were compared between the groups. Results PDT did not increase morbidity or mortality compared with RY. Patients in the PDT group did not complain of dumping and showed better postoperative food intake. Body weight recovered better in PDT than in RY. Conclusion PDT is safe and associated with better nutritional status compared with the RY.