To compare the efficacy of linear staplers versus circular staplers in radical distal gastrectomy combined with Billroth-Ⅱ + Braun anastomosis, and to analyze the impact of these two techniques on patients' postoperative quality of life.

A total of 236 patients with gastric cancer who underwent distal gastrectomy combined with Billroth-Ⅱ + Braun anastomosis at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January to December 2022 were enrolled. They were divided into either a linear stapler group (n=152) and a circular stapler group (n=84) based on the anastomotic method used. The two groups were compared in terms of surgical data, postoperative recovery, complications, and scores on the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale (PGSAS-45). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0 software, with a P value ＜0.05 considered statistically significant.

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in general data, surgical indicators, or the incidence of early and late postoperative complications (P＞0.05). The linear stapler group had significantly shorter time to first postoperative flatus, time to initiation of oral liquid diet, time to drainage tube removal, and hospital stay compared with the circular stapler group (P＜0.05). Based on the PGSAS-45 scores, the linear stapler group had lower scores specifically in the domains of eating discomfort, dissatisfaction with eating, and dissatisfaction with work than the circular stapler group (P＜0.05).

Both types of staplers are safe and feasible, with the linear stapler being more beneficial for the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function and the improvement of quality of life.