Ulcer anastomotic

Recurrent anastomotic ulcers when they occur are usually found on the jejunal side of the anastomosis (Fig. 5.8a). In patients who present with persistent or complex duodenal or anastomotic ulcer, especially if associated with diarrhoea, weight loss, and liver metastasis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome should be suspected. The syndrome consists of recurrent intractable peptic ulcers caused by hypergastrinae-mia produced by gastrin-secreting tumours of the pancreas (75%) or duodenum (15%) (Hirschowitz 1997). Tumour localisation is critical to aid in the identification of patients with potentially respectable disease (Berg and Wolfe 1991). Twenty percent of patients have multiple endocrine neoplasia type I which includes parathyroid, pituitary, and adrenal tumours. 

These include ulcers in the distal duodenum, the presence of a double pyloric canal (Fig. 5.8b,c), or multiple recurrent anastomotic ulcers. Other findings include a non-dilated non-obstructed stomach filled with diluted barium due to hypersecretion, dilatation of the duodenum and proximal small bowel, sluggish gastric peristalsis, and thickening of gastric and duodenal folds (Berg and Wolfe 1991 Hirschowitz 1997). 

Fig. 5.8a-c. Other benign gastroduodenal ulcers a Recurrent anastomotic ulcer in a patient with previous gastroenterostomy. Note that the ulcer is just on the jejunal side of the anastomosis, b Double pyloric canal on a double contrast barium meal in a patient with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and c endoscopic view of a double pyloric canal (separate patient)... 

Breakdown of suture lines and leakage are a common complication of the early postoperative phase. Afferent loop syndrome is a specific problem of Billroth II procedures and is caused by mechanical obstruction usually from adhesions. Internal hernias, extrinsic compression, bowel stenosis may also occur. Bezoar formation in the gastric remnant, anastomotic ulcers, incisional hernia of the abdominal wall and hiatal hernia are all also potential complications. Stenosis of the gastrojejunostomy after Billroth II procedures leads to obstruction (Fig. 13.14). Fistula after Billroth II is rare (Fig. 13.15). Tumour of the gastric renmant can be due to recurrence or present as a primary carcinoma of the stump (Fig. 13.16). 

The availability and use of intravenous Hz receptor antagonist or PPI therapy has, to a large extent, obviated the need for emergency gastrectomy and similarly decreased the incidence of recurrent bleeding from either the ulcer site or anastomotic margins. 

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