Malfunction and obstruction of gastroenterostomy exit stomas is a gravely serious complication of gastric resection. It is somewhat difficult to ascertain how often this trying complication occurs, since it is probably not reported as frequently as the gratifying results. In a discussion of the problem,* Orr and others stated that every surgeon who has done many gastric resections has had some difficulty with malfunctioning gastrojejunal stomas. In cases of apparent exit stoma obstruction reoperation and exploration have been done at various intervals following the initial gastrectomy. Edema of the stomal walls has been found in many of these cases and has been considered an important factor by many surgical clinics. Correction of the fluid, electrolyte, and protein balance has been proved of value in relieving the edema and correcting the obstruction.
Actual mechanical obstruction of the stoma due to excessive cuff formation at the suture line has been encountered. Kinking