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The diversion of bile away from the gastric outlet that has been altered by pyloroplasty or some type of gastric resection may be indicated in an occasional patient with persistent and severe symptomatic bile gastritis.
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A firm diagnosis of postoperative reflux gastritis should be established. Endoscopic studies should demonstrate gross as well as microscopic evidence of severe gastritis of greater intensity than is routinely observed from the regurgitation of duodenal contents through an altered gastric outlet. A gastric analysis is performed in a search for evidence of previous complete vagotomy. Barium studies and serum gastrin determination are routinely performed. In addition to a firm clinical diagnosis of postoperative reflux bile gastritis, there should be evidence of persistent symptoms despite long-term intensive medical therapy. The operative procedure is designed to completely divert the duodenal contents away from the gastric outlet. Ulceration will occur unless the gastric acidity is controlled by a complete vagotomy combined with antrectomy.
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Constant gastric suction by Levin tube is maintained. Systemic antibiotics may be given. The blood volume should be restored, especially in patients with long-standing complaints and loss of considerable weight.
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General anesthesia combined with endotracheal intubation is satisfactory.
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The patient is placed in a supine position with the feet 12 in. lower than the head.
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The skin of the lower thorax as well as the abdomen is prepared in a routine manner.
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The incision is made through the old scar of the previous gastric procedure. The incision should extend up over the xiphoid since exploration of the esophagogastric junction may be required to determine the adequacy of a previous vagotomy. Care is taken to avoid accidental opening of loops of intestine that may be adherent to the peritoneum.
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Even when a previous vagotomy has been performed, it is advisable to search for overlooked vagal fibers, especially the posterior vagus nerves, unless firm adhesions between the undersurface of the left lobe of the liver and upper stomach make such a search too hazardous.
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The site of the previous anastomosis is freed up to permit careful inspection and palpation for evidence of ulceration or stenosis, or evidence of a previous unphysiologic procedure such as a long loop, angulation, or partial obstruction of the jejunostomy. A patulous gastroduodenotomy may be found (Figure 1).
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