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Laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy resolved symptoms in a patient with superior mesenteric artery syndrome and duodenal stricture.

Laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy resolved symptoms in a patient with superior mesenteric artery syndro…
Photo by CDC / Unsplash
Key Takeaway
Consider laparoscopic bypass for fixed fibrotic strictures after conservative therapy fails, but await larger series for long-term efficacy data.

This case report and literature review details the management of a 40-year-old man diagnosed with superior mesenteric artery syndrome, duodenal bulb–descending ulcerative stricture, and duodenal stasis syndrome. The patient initially underwent long-term conservative therapy, which failed to resolve his condition. Consequently, he underwent a laparoscopic side-to-side gastrojejunostomy with Braun anastomosis. The study notes that superior mesenteric artery syndrome and ulcer-induced strictures may create a dual-level obstruction forming a vicious cycle, necessitating intervention when conservative measures fail.

At the one-year follow-up, the patient achieved complete symptom resolution. Additionally, favorable weight recovery was observed. The report does not provide specific absolute numbers for weight change or statistical measures for these outcomes, as this is a single-patient case. No adverse events, serious adverse events, discontinuations, or specific tolerability data were reported in this instance.

Key limitations of this evidence include the small sample size of one patient and the lack of comparative data against other surgical techniques. The authors state that further evidence from larger clinical series is required to confirm long-term efficacy. Therapeutic strategies for these conditions remain debated among conservative, endoscopic, and surgical approaches. However, this case suggests that minimally invasive bypass surgery may offer more durable outcomes in patients with fixed fibrotic strictures where conservative management has failed.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedApr 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
Duodenal stasis syndrome is a clinical condition characterized by impaired emptying of the proximal duodenum, arising from either functional motility disorders or mechanical obstruction. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is the most recognized mechanical cause; however, its coexistence with ulcer-related duodenal strictures is rare and presents considerable diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A 40-year-old man presented with recurrent postprandial epigastric distension and vomiting for more than 30 years. Endoscopy revealed complex ulcers with stenosis involving the duodenal bulb and descending segment, and CT angiography demonstrated markedly reduced aortomesenteric angle (AMA) and distance (AMD), consistent with SMAS. Given the failure of long-term conservative therapy, laparoscopic side-to-side gastrojejunostomy with Braun anastomosis was performed, resulting in complete symptom resolution and favorable weight recovery at one-year follow-up. This case illustrates how SMAS and ulcer-induced strictures may create a dual-level obstruction forming a vicious cycle, and emphasizes the need for integrated evaluation using CT angiography and high-resolution endoscopy. Therapeutic strategies remain debated among conservative, endoscopic, and surgical approaches, whereas minimally invasive bypass surgery offers more durable outcomes in patients with fixed fibrotic strictures. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for SMAS and associated lesions in patients with long-standing upper gastrointestinal obstruction. Complementary assessment using CT angiography and endoscopy is essential for identifying complex obstructive mechanisms. In selected patients with combined vascular compression and fixed duodenal stenosis, laparoscopic bypass reconstruction may represent an effective therapeutic option, although further evidence from larger clinical series is required to confirm its long-term efficacy.
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