Anatomical classification of the shape and topography of the operated stomach

The aim of the study was to present the classification of anatomical variants of the operated stomach, based on radiological and historical data. Different anatomical variants of the operated organ were found in 431 out of 2034 patients examined in the years 2006–2010. Four main groups were established: abnormal position along longitudinal (I) and horizontal axis (II), as well as abnormal shape (III) and stomach connections (IV). An additional group (V) encloses mixed forms that combine features of two or more of the main groups. The first group contains the partial and total translocation of the stomach into the thoracic cavity after the partial or total oesophagectomy. Depending on the applied surgical techniques used during the total oesophagectomy, the stomach could be located anteriorly or posteriorly to the pericardial sac. An elongated and gastrectatic form often with signs of pylorostenosis is visible in patients treated by vagotomy. The consequences of fundoplication included: lack of or narrow cardiac angle, and often a mild form of stomach cascade. The most common abnormal shape of the stomach was secondary to gastrectomy and gastric bending. The final organ shape depends on the type of applied surgical procedure that maintains physiological connection with the duodenum or an un-anatomical one, mostly with the jejunal loop. In banding, the body of the stomach forms an hourglass at the level of the artificial adjustable band, typically applied in surgical treatment of obesity (slim surgery). (Folia Morphol 2012; 71, 3: 129–135)