Gastrojejunostomy for gastric outlet obstruction in patients with gastric carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the utility of gastrojejunostomy for the palliation of gastric outlet obstruction in irresectable or incurable gastric carcinoma. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 67 patients who underwent a gastrojejunostomy for gastric outlet obstruction caused by gastric carcinoma between 1 January 1996 and 31 May 2003. RESULTS: There were 19 complications after surgery, including 4 patients with unsatisfactory gastrojejunostomy drainage. Sixty patients were discharged from hospital having resumed normal eating. Their median survival after surgery was 9 months. CONCLUSION: Gastrojejunostomy offers worthwhile palliation and may prolong survival in a significant group of patients with irresectable gastric carcinoma and gastric outlet obstruction.