
CHAPTER 24 • Finney Pyloroplasty 271
3. CLOSING
◆ The incision is closed in layers using 2-0 polyglactin in a running fashion. The subcutane-
ous tissue is reapproximated with a running 3-0 polyglactin suture. The skin can be stapled
together or closed with a running subcuticular suture of 4-0 undyed absorbable monofi la-
ment and adhesive strips.
STEP 4: POSTOPERATIVE CARE
◆ The patient should have already received a preoperative dose of a prophylactic antibiotic
such as cefazolin. Two additional doses should be given after the operation. Hydration will
be maintained with an intravenous infusion of a balanced dextrose and electrolyte solution.
Intravenous analgesics are used until the patient resumes enteral feeds. The decision to
decompress the stomach with a nasogastric tube is up to the individual surgeon, and the
current tendency is to use these tubes sparingly. Certainly, if the repair was deemed to be
tenuous, a nasogastric tube could prove to be very helpful. After 2 to 3 days (on average),
enteral feeds can be slowly and gradually resumed. The presence of bile in the gastric aspi-
rate does not necessarily represent a persistent postoperative paralytic ileus, because it could
be the result of the pyloroplasty itself, and it should not be a reason for undue delays in
resumption of enteral feeds. Pain, abdominal distention, tachycardia, and guarding should
prompt the surgeon to order a contrast study to investigate for leaks in the suture line.
STEP 5: PEARLS AND PITFALLS
◆ As mentioned previously, avoidance of tension on the suture line is essential. This is accom-
plished by a generous Kocher maneuver. Avoid approximating the antrum and duodenum
in such a manner that both structures have to be excessively rolled inward to approximate
the anterior layers. This can be achieved by placing the posterior seromuscular stitches as
posterior as possible (taking care not to involve the ampulla of Vater in the suture line),
giving ample room to perform the incisions in both the duodenum and antrum and
complete the anastomosis with minimal tension.
◆ As with any pyloroplasty, alkaline refl ux, alkaline gastritis, and dumping syndrome can be
problematic. Suture line leaks can result from undue tension or the approximation of
acutely infl amed or poorly perfused tissues.
SELECTED REFERENCES
1. Mercer DW: Stomach. In Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers MB, Mattox KL (eds): Sabiston Textbook
of Surgery, 17th ed. Philadelphia, Saunders, 2004, pp 1265-1317.
2. Warner BW: Pediatric surgery. In Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers MB, Mattox KL (eds): Sabiston
Textbook of Surgery, 17th ed. Philadelphia, Saunders, 2004, pp 2097-2132.