Reconstruction after pancreatoduodenectomy: Pancreatojejunostomy vs pancreatogastrostomy

Pancreatic surgeons try to find the best technique for reconstruction after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) in order to decrease postoperative complications, mainly pancreatic fistulas (PF). In this work, we compare the two most frequent techniques of reconstruction after PD, pancreatojejunostomy (PJ) and pancreatogastrostomy (PG), in order to determine which of the two is better. A systematic review of the literature was performed, including major meta-analysis articles, clinical randomized trials, systematic reviews, and retrospective studies. A total of 64 articles were finally included. PJ and PG are usually responsible for most of the postoperative morbidity, mainly due to the onset of PF, being considered a major trigger of life-threatening complications such as intra-abdominal abscess and hemorrhagia. The included systematic reviews reported a significant difference only in the incidence of intraabdominal collections favouring PG. PF, delayed gastric emptying and mortality were not different. Although there was heterogeneity between these studies, all were conducted in specialized centers by highly experienced surgeons, and the surgical care was likely to be similar for all the studies. The disadvantages of PG include an increased incidence of delayed gastric emptying and of main pancreatic duct obstruction due to overgrowth by the gastric mucosa. Exocrine function appears to be worse after PG than after PJ, resulting in severe atrophic changes in the remnant pancreas. Depending on the type of PJ or PG used, the PF rate and other complications can also be different. The best method to deal with the pancreatic stump after PD remains questionable. The choice of method of pancreatic anastomosis could be based on individual experience and on the surgeon’s preference and adherence to basic principles such as good exposure and visualization. In conclusion, up to now none of the techniques can be considered superior or be recommended as standard for reconstruction after PD.     

Modified binding pancreaticogastrostomy vs modified Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic or periampullary tumors

BACKGROUNDLaparoscopic pancreaticoenteric anastomosis is one of the technically challenging steps of minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), especially during the learning curve. Despite multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, the type of pancreatico-enteric anastomosis as a risk factor for post-pancreatectomy complications is debatable. Also, the ideal technique of pancreatic reconstruction during the learning curve of laparoscopic PD has not been well studied.AIMTo compare the short-term outcomes of modified binding pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) and Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) during learning curve of laparoscopic PD.METHODSThe first 25 patients with resectable pancreatic or periampullary tumors who underwent laparoscopic PD with modified binding PG or modified Blumgart PJ between January 2015 and May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed to compare perioperative outcomes during the same learning curve. A single layer of the full-thickness purse-string suture was placed around the posterior gastrotomy in the modified binding PG. In the modified Blumgart technique, only a single transpancreatic horizontal mattress suture was placed on either side of the pancreatic duct (total two sutures) to secure the pancreatic parenchyma to the jejunum. Also, on the ventral surface, the knot is tied on the jejunal wall without going through the pancreatic parenchyma. Post pancreatectomy complications are graded as per the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery criteria.RESULTSDuring the study period, modified binding PG was performed in 27 patients and modified Blumgart PJ in 29 patients. The demographic and clinical parameters of the first 25 patients included in both groups were comparable. Lower end cholangiocarcinoma and ampullary adenocarcinoma were the primary indications for laparoscopic PD in both groups (32/50, 64%). The median operative time for pancreatic reconstruction was significantly lower in the binding PG group (42 vs 58 min, P = 0.01). The clinically relevant (Grade B/C) postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) was significantly more in the modified PJ group (28% vs 4%, P = 0.04). In contrast, intraluminal postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) was more in the binding PG group (32% vs 4%, P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the incidence of delayed gastric emptying between the two groups.CONCLUSIONDuring the learning curve of laparoscopic PD, modified binding PG reduces POPF but is associated with increased intraluminal PPH compared to PJ using the modified Blumgart technique.     

Pancreaticogastrostomy versus pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A meta-analysis of randomized control trials

Background

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (PF) is the leading morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The pancreatoenteric anastomosis method after PD is associated with the occurrence of PF. Evidence shows that pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) is possibly superior to pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) in reducing the incidence of PF after PD; however, this remains to be definitively confirmed.

Methods

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the outcomes of PG versus PJ after PD were retrieved for meta-analysis.

Results

After a thorough search of the English literature published until March 23rd, 2014, we identified seven RCTs involving 1095 patients (PG group, 548; PJ group, 547) for final analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that the incidence of PF was significantly lower in the PG group (15.7%) than in the PJ group (23.0%, 126/547; OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.45–0.83, P = 0.002). Furthermore, the incidence of intra-abdominal fluid collection was also lower in the PG group than in the PJ group (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.28–0.65, P < 0.0001). No significant differences were found between the PG and PJ groups in terms of delayed gastric emptying, hemorrhage, overall morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions

PG seemed to be superior to PJ in reducing the incidence of PF and intra-abdominal fluid collection after PD.     

Options of restorative pancreaticoenteric anastomosis following pancreaticoduodenectomy: A review

Pancreatic fistula (PF), haemorrhage and delayed gastric emptying are some of the common causes of morbidity and PF is the single most important cause of mortality following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Authors, who claim to have reduced leak rates, recommend modifications of the standard technique of pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) that are often complex and difficult to standardize for wider applications. Most individual studies, multicenter retrospective analysis and certain prospective studies report a lower leak rate with pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) when compared with PJ. However, the only three randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) to date have failed to demonstrate the superiority of either technique. Here we discuss the various aspects of pancreaticoenteric anastomosis following pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPD) and the standard pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).     

Advantage of pancreaticogastrostomy in detecting recurrent intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma in the remnant pancreas: a case of successful re-resection after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Recently there has been an increase in the number of case reports detailing the recurrence of cancer in the pancreatic remnants following surgical resection of intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC) of the pancreas. A case is presented here to indicate the advantage of pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) in terms of postoperative follow-up after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for IPMC. A 68-year-old man underwent PD for IPMC of the pancreatic head, and the cut margin of the pancreatic duct was diagnosed as having no cancer but moderately dysplastic epithelium by an intraoperative frozen section of histology. Thus, we decided to proceed with a PG rather than pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) in order to facilitate easier postoperative examinations. Eight years and 6 months later, during a routine follow-up examination, duct dilation of the remnant pancreas was detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Upon examination by endoscopic gastroscopy, the anastomotic site was found to be covered with a large amount of mucin from which we easily obtained both cytologic and biopsied specimens, which subsequently proved positive for cancer. In line with our diagnosis of recurrent IPMC, the patient underwent a second surgery (resection of the remnant pancreas, total pancreatectomy) and postoperative histology confirmed that indeed the patient had experienced recurrent IPMC with no nodal involvement or invasion beyond the pancreatic confines. Based on this experience, we decided to recommend PG for all patients deemed to be at high risk for the recurrence of cancer in the pancreatic remnants following PD for IPMC of the pancreatic head.     

Total Reconstruction of the Afferent Loop for Treatment of Radiation-Induced Afferent Loop Obstruction with Segmental Involvement after Pancreaticoduodenectomy with Roux-en-Y Reconstruction

As the literature on afferent loop obstruction (ALO) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is very limited, standardized rules for its management do not exist. Herein, we report the case of a 65-year-old male patient with chronic ALO who had undergone PD with single Roux-en-Y limb reconstruction and adjuvant chemoradiation therapy for pancreatic head adenocarcinoma 2 years earlier. The patient was brought to the operating room with the diagnosis of radiation enteritis of the afferent loop with segmental involvement and concurrent hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) and pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) stricture. Complete mobilization of the afferent loop, removal of the affected segment and reconstruction were performed. Reconstruction of the afferent loop was a one-way option for the surgeons because the Roux-en-Y reconstruction limited endoscopic access to the afferent loop, and the segmental radiation injury of the afferent loop ruled out bypass surgery. However, mobilization of the affected segment through a field of dense adhesions and revision of the HJ and PJ were technically demanding.Key words: Pancreaticoduodenectomy, Roux-en-Y reconstruction, Radiation enteritis, Afferent loop obstruction, Surgery     

Pancreatic polypeptide secretion in patients with chronic pancreatitis and after pancreatic surgery

Aim. We investigated polypeptide (PP) secretion under basal conditions, in response to bombesin infusion and to meal ingestion in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and patients after different types of pancreatic surgery. Methods. Included were patients with CP without (n=20) and with (n=30) exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, patients after duodenum preserving resection of the head of the pancreas (DPRHP; n=20), after Whipple’s procedure (n=19), following distal pancreatectomy (DP; n=12), and healthy controls (n=36). Results. In CP patients basal and bombesin stimulated PP levels were significantly (p<0.01) reduced compared to controls only when exocrine insufficiency was present. Meal-stimulated PP secretion was significantly (p<0.01?0.05) reduced in CP patients both with and without exocrine insufficiency. Plasma PP peak increments after bombesin and meal ingestion correlated significantly with exocrine function. Basal PP, meal, and bombesin-stimulated PP secretion had low sensitivities of 22%, 42%, and 60% respectively, in detecting chronic pancreatitis. In patients after pancreatic surgery that included pancreatic head resection (DPRHP or Whipple operation) basal and stimulated PP secretion were significantly (p<0.01?0.05) reduced. Conclusion. Basal and meal or bombesin-stimulated PP levels are significantly reduced in patients with CP only when exocrine insufficiency is present. Determination of plasma PP levels has low sensitivity and is not useful in detecting chronic pancreatitis without exocrine insufficiency. In patients after pancreatic surgery, PP secretion is dependent on the type of operation (head vs tail resection).     

Wrapping double-mattress anastomosis for pancreaticojejunostomy in minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy can significantly reduce postoperative pancreatic fistula rate compared with conventional pancreaticojejunostomy in open surgery: An analysis of a propensity score-matched sample

BackgroundMinimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD), including laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) and robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD), is technically demanding because of pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ). Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most serious complication of MIPD and open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD). Contrary to expectations, conventional PJ in MIPD did not improve POPF rate and length of hospital stay. High POPF rates are attributed to technical issues encountered during MIPD, which include motion restriction and insufficient water tightness. Therefore, we developed wrapping double-mattress anastomosis, the Kiguchi method, which is a novel PJ technique that can improve MIPD. Herein, we describe the Kiguchi method for PJ in MIPD and compare the outcomes between this technique and conventional PJ in OPD.MethodsThe current retrospective study included 83 patients in whom the complete obstruction of the main pancreatic duct by pancreatic tumors was absent on preoperative imaging. This research was performed from September 2016 to August 2020 at Fujita Health University Hospital. All patients were evaluated as having a soft pancreatic texture, which is the most important factor associated with POPF development. Briefly, 50 patients underwent OPD with conventional PJ (OPD group). Meanwhile, 33 patients, including 15 and 18 who had LPD and RPD, respectively, underwent MIPD using the Kiguchi method (MIPD group). After a 1:1 propensity score matching, 30 patients in the OPD group were matched to 30 patients in the MIPD group.ResultsThe patients’ preoperative data did not differ. The grade B/C POPF rate was significantly lower in the MIPD group than in the OPD group (6.7% vs 40.0%, p = 0.002). The MIPD group had a significantly shorter median length of hospital stay than the OPD group (24 vs 30 days, p = 0.004).ConclusionThe novel Kiguchi method in MIPD significantly reduced the POPF rate in patients without complete obstruction of the main pancreatic duct.     

No mortality after 150 consecutive pancreatoduodenctomies with duct-to-mucosa pancreaticogastrostomy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The mortality rate after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) remains 0-5% at major surgical centers with the major cause of operative death being a leak at the pancreaticojejunal anastomosis. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) at a single institute. METHODS: One hundred fifty consecutive patients with pancreato-biliary diseases undergoing duct-to-mucosa PG following PD between 1995 and 2005 were evaluated. One hundred forty patients underwent a pylorus-preserving PD and 10 patients underwent a conventional PD (Whipple operation). External drainage of pancreatic juice was performed in 77 cases. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 378 min and the mean blood loss was 1,640 ml. Blood transfusion was not required in 97 patients (65%). The morbidity rate was 50% (75/150), but the mortality rate was 0%. Pancreatic fistulae occurred in 11 patients (7%). Gender, age, operative procedure, portal vein resection, external drainage of the pancreatic juice, operative time, blood loss and blood transfusion did not affect the rate of pancreatic fistula. The rate of pancreatic fistulae tended to be lower in pancreatic carcinoma (3%) than non-pancreatic carcinoma (11%). CONCLUSIONS: Duct-to-mucosa PG is a safe procedure for reconstruction following PD.     

Surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer: Currently debated topics on morbidity,mortality, and lymphadenectomy

This review will examine several aspects of pancreatic surgery. Over the past twenty years, the need for a standardized postoperative complication report after resective pancreatic surgery has led to the definition both of a postoperative complication severity score, a postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) severity grading, a fistula risk score (FRS) and a postoperative morbidity index to establish the burden of complications. Unfortunately, three problems have hindered the success of standardization: first, the failure to define a minimum postoperative follow-up period that needs to be reported; second, the lack of a clear definition of POPF-related morbidity and mortality; third, the often-incomplete reporting of postoperative complications. The debate on the extent of lymphadenectomy to associate to pancreaticoduodenectomy started in the late 1980s when, based on retrospective studies, Japanese surgeons reported better survival after extended” than after “standard” lymphadenectomy. Subsequently, eight prospective randomized controlled trials showed that “extended” lymphadenectomy offers no advantage over “standard” lymphadenectomy. Several consensus conference and reviews tried to define the optimal extent of lymphadenectomy to be associated to pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy (DP). At least nineteen lymph nodes (LN) are required for optimal tumor staging, but eleven LN are considered the minimum to prevent under staging. There is no general agreement about aborting PD in LN16-positive patients; some authors perform PD in fit patients. Based on retrospective studies, a significant increase of R0 resections, a decrease of recurrence rate, a decrease of local recurrence rate and an increase of median or overall disease-free survival were reported after mesopancreas excision.     

Robotic-assisted central pancreatectomy: A minimally invasive approach for benign and low-grade lesions

BackgroundCentrally located pancreatic lesions are often treated with extended pancreaticoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy resulting in loss of healthy parenchyma and a high risk of diabetes and exocrine insufficiency. Robotic central pancreatectomy (RCP) is a parenchyma sparring alternative that has been shown safe and feasible [[1], [2]].MethodsIn this article, we describe our operative technique and the perioperative outcomes of a series of RCP for low-grade or benign pancreatic tumors.ResultsSix patients (5 female and 1 man) with a median age of 51.5 (44–68) years underwent a RCP for 2 serous cystadenomas, 2 mucinous cystic tumors, 1 neuroendocrine tumor, and 1 autoimmune pancreatitis. There were no conversions, intraoperative complications, or perioperative transfusions. Median operative time and was 240 (230–291) minutes and median blood loss was 100 (100–400) ml. The median hospital stay was 8 (5–27) days. There were no mortalities, reoperations, or readmissions. One patient developed a grade B pancreatic fistula which was successfully managed conservatively. All resections had free margins and the median tumor size was 2.5 (1.5–3.5) cm. After a mean follow-up of 46 months, no patients presented new-onset diabetes or exocrine insufficiency.ConclusionsRCP represents the least invasive option for both the patient and the pancreatic parenchyma. With a standardized technique, RCP results in low postoperative morbidity and excellent long-term pancreatic function. Although our results are excellent, POPF still represents the main complication of central pancreatectomy with an incidence ranging from 0 to 80% depending on multiple factors such as the surgeon, technique, and pancreatic texture.     

200例胰十二指肠切除术后早期并发症危险因素分析(英文)

目的胰十二指肠切除术是目前许多壶腹周围良恶性疾病的首选治疗方式。本研究目的是寻找出胰十二指肠切除术后的早期并发症发生的危险因素。方法回顾分析1996年10月至2002年9月共200例胰十二指肠切除术的临床资料。其中包括标准胰十二指肠切除术176例,加做扩大腹膜后淋巴结廓清术者为24例,无保留幽门括约肌者。对于胰腺质地硬且胰管扩张患者采用端侧粘膜对粘膜胰肠吻合,而胰腺质软且胰管扩张不明显患者行对端套入胰腺空肠吻合。通过单因素及多因素方法分析早期并发症发生的相关因素。结果术后并发症发生率为21%(42/200),胰肠吻合口瘘最为常见。高龄(优势比2.162),术前合并糖尿病(优势比4.0862),术前血清总胆红素水平高于171.1μmol/L(优势比7.556),端端胰肠吻合(优势比2.616)以及术中输血量超过1000 mL(优势比2.410)是术后早期并发症发生的独立危险影响因素。而胆肠吻合口留置 T 管(优势比0.100)可以显著减少术后早期并发症的发生。结论已经发表的关于胰十二指肠切除术早期并发症危险因素的相关文献之间的可比性不强。对于不同的专业组及患者,胰十二指肠切除术应当个体化,以期获得最好的治疗效果。     

预防胰十二指肠切除术后胰瘘的相关研究

胰瘘是胰十二指肠切除术后常见并发症,严重影响着患者的生命健康。胰瘘的预防是决定手术成败的关键,预防措施需贯穿整个围手术期。手术无疑是预防胰瘘发生的重点,也是国内外学者研究的热点。本文就胰十二指肠切除术中胰腺断端重建方式、手术设备以及手术团队合作等方面的研究进展作一综述。     

A systematic review on robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy

BackgroundRobotic surgery might have several advantages in respect of the laparoscopic approach since might make more feasible the execution of a complex procedure such as pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The aim of the present systematic review is to evaluate the current state of the literature on robotic PD.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed, from January 1st 2003 to July 31st 2012, for studies which reported PDs performed for neoplasm and in which at least one surgical reconstructive or resective step was robotically performed.ResultsThirteen studies, representing 207 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The definition of the robotic approach was heterogeneous since the technique was defined as robotic, robotic-assisted, robot-assisted laparoscopic and robotic hybrid. Resection and reconstruction steps of robotic PD were also heterogeneous combining sequentially different approaches: totally robotic technique, laparoscopic–robotic resection and robotic reconstruction, laparoscopic resection and robotic reconstruction, hand port-assisted laparoscopic resection and robotic reconstruction, laparoscopic–robotic resection and reconstruction through mini-laparotomy. As regard the type of PD 66% were classic Whipple operations and 34% pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomies. The management of pancreatic stump was a pancreaticogastrostomy in 23%, end-to-side pancreaticojejunostomy in 67%, and fibrin glue occlusion of the main pancreatic duct in 10% of cases. The overall procedure failure (rates of conversion to open surgery) was 14%. The overall morbidity rate was 58% and the reoperation rate was 7.3%.ConclusionsThere have been an increasing number of recent case series suggesting increased utilization of robotic PD over the past decade. The technical approach is heterogenous. For highly selected patient, robotic PD is feasible with similar morbidity and mortality compared to open or purely laparoscopic approaches. Data on cost analysis are lacking and further studies are needed to evaluate also the cost-effectiveness of the robotic approach for PD in comparison to open or laparoscopic techniques. The current state of the art analysis on robotic DP can be also useful in planning future trials.     

Parenchyma-sparing pancreatectomies for benign or border-line tumors of the pancreas

Standard pancreatic resections, such as pancreaticoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, or total pancreatectomy, result in an important loss of normal pancreatic parenchyma and may cause impairment of exocrine and endocrine function. Whilst these procedures are mandatory for malignant tumors, they seem to be too extensive for benign or border-line tumors, especially in patients with a long life expectancy. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in parenchyma-sparing pancreatic surgery with the aim of achieving better functional results without compromising oncological radicality in patients with benign, border-line or low-grade malignant tumors. Several limited resections have been introduced for isolated or multiple pancreatic lesions, depending on the location of the tumor: central pancreatectomy, duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection with or without segmental duodenectomy, inferior head resection, dorsal pancreatectomy, excavation of the pancreatic head, middle-preserving pancreatectomy, and other multiple segmental resections. All these procedures are technically feasible in experienced hands, with very low mortality, although with high morbidity rate when compared to standard procedures. Pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function is better preserved with good quality of life in most of the patients, and tumor recurrence is uncommon. Careful patient selection and expertise in pancreatic surgery are crucial to achieve the best results.     

近端胃癌保功能手术后消化道重建及术后功能评价#br#

早期胃癌相对于进展期胃癌,淋巴结转移发生率低、预后较好,因此功能保留胃切除手术被广泛探索,并运用于早期癌患者的治疗中。对于食管胃结合部早期腺癌,根治性近端胃切除术与全胃切除相比,5年总生存率未见明显差异,同时具有术后胃部分功能保留、患者营养状态好的优点。近端胃癌根治术后消化道重建的方法有很多,如食管 管状胃吻合、空肠间置吻合、双通道吻合、Kamikawa吻合等,以及我国学者开展的giraffe吻合、胃间置吻合,这些重建方式降低了近端胃根治术后反流性食管炎等的发生。但目前尚缺乏重建标准方案。该文回顾了关于近端胃切除术后重建方式的文献,梳理消化道重建方式的演变和研究进展,期望为系统评估近端胃癌切除术后保留胃功能手术的改进及选择提供参考。     

胰腺癌累及肠系膜上动脉外科手术切除的应用价值探讨

目的:探讨肠系膜上动脉局部切除在胰腺癌外科治疗中的应用,并评估其可行性.方法:回顾分析2例胰腺癌局部广泛侵润病例,行部分肠系膜上动脉、门静脉和肠系膜上静脉联合切除并重建的手术方法及术后恢复情况,评价其临床效果.结果:2例胰腺癌患者手术过程顺利,病例1SMA部分切除,消化道重建采用child吻合法.病例2行全胰切除,将受侵的SMV、PV、SMA联同胰体癌、全胰、十二指肠、部分空肠及相应区域和腹膜后脂肪组织及淋巴结整块切除,应用脾动脉与肠系膜上动脉端端吻合.肠系膜上动脉分别阻断45min和67min,门静脉阻断31min和55min.术后行B超检查血管通畅,门静脉血流为1550mL/min和1620mL/min,术后6个月随访,显示血管重建(脾动脉和肠系膜上动脉)吻合通畅,l例无瘤生存3年2个月,另1例无瘤生存11月.结论:在胰腺癌肿瘤局部侵润肠系膜上静脉、门静脉和肠系膜上动脉时联合切除并行血管修复或脾动脉和肠系膜上动脉重建是一种有效的手术方法.     

Clinical risk factors of delayed gastric emptying in patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The clinical risk factors of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) in patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains controversial. Herein, we conducted a systematic review to quantify the associations between clinical risk factors and DGE in patients after conventional PD or pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD).

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library) for studies published from 1970 to 2012 was performed. Cohort, case–control studies, and randomized controlled trials that examined clinical risk factors of DGE were included.

Results

Eighteen studies met final inclusion criteria (total n = 3579). From the pooled analyses, preoperative diabetes (OR 1.49, 95% CI, 1.03–2.17), pancreatic fistulas (OR 2.66, 95% CI, 1.65–4.28), and postoperative complications (OR 4.71, 95% CI, 2.61–8.50) were significantly associated with increased risk of DGE; while patients with preoperative biliary drainage (OR 0.68, 95% CI, 0.48–0.97) and antecolic reconstruction (OR 0.17, 95% CI, 0.07–0.41) had decreased risk of DGE development. Gender, malignant pathology, preoperative jaundice, intra-operative transfusion, PD vs. PPPD and early enteral feeding were not significantly associated with DGE development (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that preoperative diabetes, pancreatic fistulas, and postoperative complications were clinical risk factors predictive for DGE. Antecolic reconstruction and preoperative biliary drainage result in a reduction in DGE. Knowledge of these risk factors may assist in identification and appropriate referral of patients at risk of DGE.     

Replaced Common Hepatic Artery from Superior Mesenteric Artery during Pancreaticoduodenectomy

The hepatic arterial anatomy is highly variable. A 67 year female with pancreatic mass and replaced common hepatic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The anomalous vessel was discovered on preoperative CT scan and MRI. The vessel was dissected and preserved as it passed dorsal to the pancreas. Preservation of the blood supply to the liver and biliary tree is important after PD to prevent biliary fistula and hepatic ischaemia. Key words: Replaced common hepatic artery, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, Whipple.     

Randomized clinical trials in pancreatic cancer

The authors reviewed 59 prospective, randomized, controlled trials for pancreatic carcinoma that were published between 1977 and 2000. Of the 11 surgical trials, two each studied extent of resection (standard versus pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy) and lymphadenectomy (standard versus extended lymph node dissection), five trials compared different types of pancreaticenteric reconstruction, and one each evaluated the role of prophylactic gastrojejunostomy and chemical splanchnicectomy in the setting of advanced disease.