Published online Mar 7, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i9.2731
Peer-review started: October 10, 2014
First decision: October 29, 2014
Revised: November 19, 2014
Accepted: December 14, 2014
Article in press: December 16, 2014
Published online: March 7, 2015
Processing time: 150 Days and 17.2 Hours
AIM: To investigate a new modification of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD)-a mesh-like running suturing of the pancreatic remnant and Braun’s enteroenterostomy.
METHODS: Two hundred and three patients underwent PD from 2009 to 2014 and were classified into two groups: Group A (98 patients), who received PD with a mesh-like running suturing for the pancreatic remnant, and Braun’s enteroenterostomy; and Group B (105 patients), who received standard PD. Demographic data, intraoperative findings, postoperative morbidity and perioperative mortality between the two groups were compared by univariate and multivariate analysis.
RESULTS: Demographic characteristics between Group A and Group B were comparable. There were no significant differences between the two groups concerning perioperative mortality, and operative blood loss, as well as the incidence of the postoperative morbidity, including reoperation, bile leakage, intra-abdominal fluid collection or infection, and postoperative bleeding. Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and delayed gastric emptying (DGE) were identified more frequently in Group B than in Group A. Technique A (PD with a mesh-like running suturing of the pancreatic remnant and Braun’s enteroenterostomy) was independently associated with decreased clinically relevant POPF and DGE, with an odds ratio of 0.266 (95%CI: 0.109-0.654, P = 0.004) for clinically relevant POPF and 0.073 (95%CI: 0.010-0.578, P = 0.013) for clinically relevant DGE.
CONCLUSION: An additional mesh-like running suturing of the pancreatic remnant and Braun’s enteroenterostomy during PD decreases the incidence of postoperative complications and is beneficial for patients.
Core tip: How to reduce postoperative morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a pressing problem. A new modification of PD, mesh-like running suturing of the pancreatic remnant and an additional Braun’s enteroenterostomy, was performed in our center. The procedure significantly reduced the postoperative complications, including pancreatic fistula and clinically relevant delayed gastric emptying. These surgical techniques are safe and effective, and are easily mastered by surgeons, which improves outcomes of PD and offers major economic and social benefits.