Effect of a Roux-en-Y Reconstruction on Reflux Esophagitis After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Reflux esophagitis is a common complication following distal gastrectomy. Recently, an Roux-en--Y gastrointestinal reconstruction has been used increasingly to prevent reflux esophagitis; however, reflux esophagitis after pancreaticoduodenectomy (also including distal gastrectomy) has never been studied.

In our preliminary retrospective study of 371 patients having PD (158 standard PD and 213 pylorus-preserving PD) at our hospital, after a median follow-up of 20 months (range, 2-110 months), 40 patients (10.8%) developed reflux esophagitis - 15 (9.5%) in the standard PD group, and 25 (11.7%) in the PPPD group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the only significant factors related to reflux esophagitis is Roux-en-Y gastrointestinal reconstruction independent of preservation of the pylorus.

To our surprise, there is no significant difference in occurrence of GERD between patients after standard PD (15 of 158 patient) and PPPD (25 of 313 patients, P=0.49). We postulate reflux esophagitis following a PPPD in patients without past history of GERD is most likely caused by disruption of reflux-preventing systems at the gastroesophageal junction, thereby allowing reflux of gastric acid into esophagus. If the postulation is true, GERD after PPPD should be acidic in nature. To test this hypothesis we propose a prospective randomized study to compare preoperative and postoperative parameters, including esophageal morphology, bile acid concentration, trypsin activity of esophageal refluxate, COX2 mRNA expression of lower esophageal mucosa, and 24 hour pH monitor of lower esophagus.

Moreover, to test the effect of a Roux-en-Y reconstruction to prevent GERD after PD, studied patients will be randomized into Roux-en-Y and control groups to study inter-group differences in incidence of GERD and marginal ulcer after PD.

Acidic GERD should be treated with proton pump inhibitor. In contrast, alkaline GERD should be treated with pro-kinetic agent such as primperan and mopride. With this study, we can learn more about the nature of post-PD GERD following various gastrointestinal reconstructions and can give patient more personalized therapy.