A modified technique of pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreatoduodenectomy: A preliminary experience

Pancreatoduodenectomy currently represents the treatment of choice for resectable pancreatic and periampullary malignant tumours, symptomatic chronic pancreatitis, duodenal cystic dystrophy, large adenomas, diverticula and benign periampullary tumours. Pancreatojejunostomy failure remains the main complication following pancreatoduodenectomy, even leading to death. To improve the safety of this anastomosis, a modified technique of pancreato-jejunal anastomosis with posterior double-layer suture and Wirsung duct evagination is proposed. We report our experience in eight consecutive patients (4 females, 4 males; average age 66, range 57-74) undergoing Traverso-Longmire pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy using Wirsung duct evagination and posterior double-layer suture technique. There was no mortality; the post-operative recovery was uneventful with no pancreatic anastomotic leakage. The mean postoperative stay was 15 days (range 12-19). This proposed procedure could be considered an additional opportunity in the performance of a pancreato-enteric anastomosis, yielding good results and preserving from post-operative pancreatic ductal obstruction.