Pyloric Sympathectomy: A Novel Way to Get Pylorus Relaxation? Report of Two Bariatric Cases

Abstract

Objective: This case report aimed to demonstrate a possible neuromuscular effect of pyloric sympathectomy on the pylorus motility, leading to its permanent relaxation, observed in two bariatric surgical cases, one primary and the other, revisional. Background: Pyloric sphincter is a physiological barrier to free gastric emptying. In sleeve gastrectomy and in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass revisions, that put the remnant stomach in transit, the pylorus can contribute to generate a high intragastric pressure, which could lead to acute gastric fistulas and/or chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease. The possibility of functionally relaxing the pylorus, promoting intragastric pressure reduction, could represent a protective maneuver against these complications. Methods: We describe herein a surgical maneuver applied in two cases of bariatric surgeries, with the intention of facilitating antrum-duodenal region exposure, in a sleeve gastrectomy and in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass conversion to SADI-S. For this, a ligation of terminal peripyloric vessels was done, allowing a passage of a tape, which surrounded the pylorus, for its traction. In both cases, 30-day and 1-year endoscopic evaluations were done, to assess esophagitis signs, anastomosis healing and anatomical pouch aspect. A clinical evaluation was also done, to assess gastroesophageal symptoms (validated questionnaire). Results: In the postoperative endoscopic evaluations, no esophagitis were observed in any case and the gastric pouches had normal aspect, with the expected anatomical findings, compatible with the surgeries performed. The anastomosis healed without problems, in the revisional case. Interestingly, in both cases, it was observed a complete pyloric sphincter relaxation, which lasted until 1-year endoscopic evaluation. There were no fistulas, nor esophagitis in any of these cases. Clinically, there were no symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (validated questionnaire). Conclusion: The observation of a pyloric durable atomy, that followed peripyloric dissection and vessels ligation (arterial branches), with its concomitant sympathectomy, can represent a new way of decompressing gastric chamber, either in primary or revisional bariatric surgeries. This maneuver can be protective against acute fistulas and gastroesophageal disease. Additional studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.