Our Summary

This research paper shares a rare case of a man who developed a serious complication called jejunogastric intussusception (JGI) after a type of stomach surgery known as the Whipple’s procedure. JGI happens when part of the small intestine slides into the stomach, which can cause serious symptoms like abdominal pain and vomiting blood.

The patient, a 68-year-old man who had previously had surgery for duodenal cancer, was admitted to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain and was vomiting blood. A scan of his abdomen suggested that he had developed JGI. The doctors quickly performed surgery and were able to manually move the loop of intestine back into place. They didn’t find any signs of cancer. The man recovered well after the surgery.

The paper’s authors emphasize that although JGI is very rare, it can be deadly if it’s not treated quickly. They suggest that surgery is the most effective treatment for JGI.

FAQs

  1. What is jejunogastric intussusception (JGI) and what symptoms does it cause?
  2. What treatment is suggested for jejunogastric intussusception (JGI)?
  3. How common is jejunogastric intussusception (JGI) after a Whipple’s procedure?

Doctor’s Tip

If you are undergoing a Whipple procedure, it’s important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions closely to prevent complications like JGI. Make sure to report any new or worsening symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain or vomiting blood, to your healthcare provider immediately. It’s also important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and address any issues promptly.

Suitable For

The Whipple procedure, also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy, is typically recommended for patients with certain types of pancreatic, bile duct, or duodenal cancers. It may also be recommended for patients with benign tumors or cysts in the pancreas, bile duct, or duodenum. Additionally, the Whipple procedure may be recommended for patients with chronic pancreatitis or certain types of pancreatic or bile duct abnormalities or blockages.

Patients who undergo the Whipple procedure should be in good overall health and have a strong likelihood of benefiting from the surgery. They should have a good performance status and be able to tolerate the risks and potential complications associated with the procedure. Additionally, patients should have a supportive care team in place to help them through the recovery process.

Overall, the Whipple procedure is a complex surgery that is typically recommended for patients with specific types of conditions or diseases affecting the pancreas, bile duct, or duodenum. It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with their healthcare provider to determine if the Whipple procedure is the most appropriate treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before the Whipple procedure:

  • The patient is diagnosed with a condition that requires the Whipple procedure, such as pancreatic cancer or tumors in the pancreas, bile duct, or duodenum.
  • The patient undergoes preoperative testing and preparation, which may include blood tests, imaging scans, and consultations with a surgeon and anesthesiologist.
  • The patient may need to make dietary and lifestyle changes in preparation for the surgery.
  • The patient undergoes the Whipple procedure, which involves removing a portion of the pancreas, duodenum, bile duct, and sometimes part of the stomach.

After the Whipple procedure:

  • The patient is closely monitored in the hospital for several days to ensure proper healing and to manage pain and potential complications.
  • The patient gradually resumes eating and drinking, starting with clear liquids and progressing to solid foods.
  • The patient may require a temporary feeding tube to support nutrition and healing.
  • The patient may experience side effects such as fatigue, weight loss, digestive issues, and changes in appetite.
  • The patient undergoes follow-up appointments and tests to monitor recovery and check for signs of cancer recurrence.
  • Over time, the patient may experience improvements in symptoms and quality of life, but long-term management and monitoring are necessary to address potential complications and ensure overall well-being.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Here are some questions a patient should ask their doctor about the Whipple procedure:

  1. What is the Whipple procedure and why do I need it?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications of the Whipple procedure?
  3. How long will the recovery process be and what can I expect during this time?
  4. How often do complications like JGI occur after the Whipple procedure?
  5. What symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate a complication like JGI?
  6. How will you monitor me for potential complications after the surgery?
  7. What is the treatment plan if a complication like JGI does occur?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the Whipple procedure to reduce the risk of complications?
  9. How will the Whipple procedure affect my long-term health and quality of life?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to the Whipple procedure that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Lyu YX, Xu YM. Journal: BMC Gastroenterol. 2020 Apr 10;20(1):101. doi: 10.1186/s12876-020-01259-2. PMID: 32276605