Scoring System for Evaluating Functional Disorders Following Laparoscopy-Assisted Distal Gastrectomy

Background Practical questionnaires for evaluating duodenogastric reflux following gastrectomy are currently unavailable. The present study evaluated the usefulness of the frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (FSSG) questionnaire in the diagnosis of duodenogastric reflux after laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG), which minimizes the risk of adhesions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Methods Subjects in this study comprised 163 patients who had undergone LADG (Billroth-I (B-I), n = 57, Roux-en-Y (R-Y), n = 106). All subjects underwent endoscopy at least 6 mo postoperatively. The FSSG questionnaire was administered a few weeks after endoscopy, and FSSG scores were compared with endoscopic findings. Results In the R-Y group, FSSG scores were significantly higher in subjects with remnant gastritis than in those without ( P = 0.002), and a significant correlation was seen between FSSG scores and bile reflux ( P = 0.046). In the B-I group, FSSG scores were significantly higher in subjects with reflux esophagitis than in those without ( P = 0.01), but degree of remnant gastritis and residual food did not correlate significantly with FSSG scores. With a cut-off FSSG score of six points, sensitivity and specificity for predicting remnant gastritis in R-Y reconstruction were 71% and 76%, respectively. Conclusion The FSSG questionnaire is a viable and less invasive alternative to other modalities for evaluating duodenogastric reflux in R-Y reconstruction, but is unsuitable for B-I reconstruction after LADG.