- A dictionary of medical eponyms

Roux' operation

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A common method of using small intestines as a means to bypass (re-route) food or gastrointestinal secretions. Anastomosis of the distal divided end of the small bowel to another organ such as the stomach or oesophagus. The proximal end is anastomosed to the small bowel below the anastomosis.

The procedure is used in at least six conditions: chronic pancreatitis, alkaline gastritis, pancreatic pseudocyst, biliary duct obstruction (common duct strictures, choledochal cysts), gastric substitution, and oesophageal substitution.

It was first described by Cesar Roux (1857-1934) as a means to bypass a blocked stomach caused from severe scar tissue after peptic ulcer attacks. The "Y" comes from the vague similarity the stick figure representation of the procedure resembled the letter.

We thank Henrik Aamodt, Norway, for information submitted.

Bibliography

  • C. Roux:
    De la gastroenterostomie. Revue de chirurgie, 1893, 13: 402-403.

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