Transgastric gastro-jejunal anastomosis with flexible endoscope on a biosynthetic model

Introduction: In the last few years the rapid development of flexible endoscopies has opened new possibilities in minimal invasive procedures. With the help of these techniques the exposure, the risk of complications and the healing period of the patient might be reduced. One of these procedures is the transgastric intervention. Through an incision on the wall of the stomach, the endoscope could be led into the abdominal cavity, where several interventions can be performed. The aim of the study was to examine the technical feasibility and the success of the formation of gastro-jejunal anastomosis. Meanwhile the difficulties of the method could be explored in order to introduce this method in human use. Method: A lifelike biosynthetic model was made from a slaughtered domestic pig’s gastrointestinal tract (stomach and the first few jejunum loops) which was fixed onto a plastic frame. Two single-channel gastroscopes were inserted into the stomach. On the wall of the stomach an approximately 2 centimetres wide incision was made by the electrocoagulator with a needle-knife. Through it the first jejunum loop was grasped by a foreign-body forceps and then was retracted into the stomach. Subsequently the jejunum loop was held safely with the first endoscope. Parallel to it an incision was made on the jejunum by the electrocoagulator. The authors managed to securely unite the open edges of the gastric wall and the jejunum with endoclips. Result: The model was good for practising. The anastomosis is technically feasible and was successfully made on biosynthetic porcine model using the transgastric route. Although the incisions both on the gastric wall and on the jejunum loop were made easily, the fixing of the anastomosis might be questionable. Conclusion: It was revealed that more experiments and the development of new, special instruments are needed in order to conduct the anastomosis safely.