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Duct-to-mucosa pancreaticogastrostomy is a safe anastomosis following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Payne RF, Pain JA

Department of Surgery, North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke, UK. james.pain@poole.nhs.uk

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic fistula following pancreaticoduodenectomy is relatively common, and remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of two-layered duct-to-mucosa pancreaticogastrostomy as a method for restoring pancreaticoenteric continuity. METHODS: Prospectively collected data from 100 consecutive patients who underwent Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy for tumour were evaluated. All operations were performed by the same surgeon. RESULTS: The perioperative 60-day mortality rate was 1.0 per cent. There were no pancreatic fistulas or anastomotic leaks. Sixteen patients had significant complications that delayed discharge from hospital. Twenty-one patients subsequently required empirical pancreatic exocrine supplements. CONCLUSION: Two-layered duct-to-mucosa pancreaticogastrostomy for restoration of pancreaticoenteric continuity after pancreaticoduodenectomy is associated with a low incidence of complications.

Published 27 December 2005 in Br J Surg, 93(1): 73-7.
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