Nutritional and life-quality consequences of aboral pouch construction after total gastrectomy: a randomized, controlled study

Aims: The aboral pouch, a new type of gastric substitute, has been introduced after total gastrectomy and compared to simple Roux-en-Y reconstruction in a prospective, randomized study. Anthropometric data, serum nutritional parameters, small intestinal passage, lipid and carbohydrate absorption and quality of life were measured 6 and 12 months after total gastrectomy. Patients and Methods: Between September 1997 and April 2000 46 patients entered the study, 24 to the aboral pouch group and 22 to the control, simple Roux-en-Y group. Results: Interim analysis of the data revealed significantly higher serum cholesterol levels, better lipid absorption and quality of life in patients who underwent aboral pouch construction. Conclusion: Aboral pouch construction is a feasible reconstruction method after total gastrectomy providing better lipid absorption and quality of life for patients after total gastrectomy.