Fistulation method: simple and safe pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND: A pancreatic leak from the pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreatoduodenectomy has a potential risk of serious complications. We devised a simplified fistulation method for pancreaticojejunostomy. METHODS: The fistulation method, which uses a pancreatic drainage tube as a stent without pancreatic duct-to-jejunal mucosa anastomosis, was applied to 162 consecutive patients. They were divided into 3 groups according to the state of the pancreatic remnant: group 1, soft and normal parenchyma (n = 71); group 2, firm and thickened parenchyma (n = 40); group 3, hard and atrophic parenchyma (n = 51). The consistency in relation to the incidence of pancreatic leak and mortality were analyzed. Morphologic changes of the pancreatic remnant in long-term survivors of group 1 were assessed with computed tomography. RESULTS: A pancreatic leak occurred in 3 patients from group 1, in 2 patients from group 2, and in no patients from group 3 (leak rate, 3%). No operative mortality and 5 hospital deaths (3%) unrelated to a pancreatic leak were observed. The parenchyma of the pancreatic remnant was well preserved in 52% of the long-term survivors and the pancreatic duct was not dilated in 63%. CONCLUSIONS: The fistulation method can be performed safely and easily regardless of the state of the pancreatic remnant, and it provides every surgeon with a low incidence of pancreatic leak among patients.