Laparoscopic Finney pyloroplasty in the emergency setting: first case report in the literature and technical challenges

Pyloroplasty is currently reserved for emergencies (perforation, bleeding), but may occasionally be performed to treat benign gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Historically, two techniques are available: the Mikulicz pyloroplasty, by which the pylorus is incised longitudinally and sutured vertically, and the Finney pyloroplasty, by which a U-shaped inverted incision is made in the second part of duodenum (D1–D2), followed by a side-to-side gastroduodenostomy. We report our experience in this single case of laparoscopic Finney pyloroplasty (LFP) performed in the emergency setting for a woman with a perforated duodenal ulcer and severe loss of tissue in D1–D2. Due to the presence of severely inflamed perforation edges and the risk of duodenal narrowing with subsequent GOO, Finney technique was favored over direct ulcer repair. The patient achieved a full postoperative recovery free of complications, with a dynamic oral contrast study demonstrating good gastric evacuation. Review of the current literature revealed no similar cases, as LFP has only been performed in the canine model. Although LFP requires a specific surgical skill-set, we believe it can be effective and feasible in cases of duodenal perforation with significant loss of mural substance.