This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Incidence and management of pancreatic leakage after pancreatoduodenectomy. BJS 2005; 92: 1117-1123.
Published: 1st June 2005
Authors: S. M. M. de Castro, O. R. C. Busch, T. M. van Gulik, H. Obertop, D. J. Gouma
Background
Optimal management of severe pancreatic leakage after pancreatoduodenectomy can reduce morbidity and mortality. Completion pancreatectomy may be adequate but leads to endocrine insufficiency. This study evaluated an alternative management strategy for pancreatic leakage.
Method
Outcome after disconnection of the jejunal limb, resection of the pancreatic body and preservation of a small pancreatic remnant, performed between 1997 and 2002, was compared with that after completion pancreatectomy performed between 1992 and 1996.
Results
Pancreatoduodenectomy was performed in 459 consecutive patients. Pancreatic leakage occurred in 41 patients (8·9 per cent); its incidence did not change over the study period. Non‐surgical drainage procedures were performed in 14 patients, of whom one died, and surgical drainage in eight patients, of whom two died. Completion pancreatectomy was performed in nine patients with no deaths. A pancreatic remnant was preserved in ten patients, of whom three died. A remnant tail had to be resected in two patients and three patients still developed endocrine insufficiency (‘brittle’ diabetes).
Conclusion
The incidence of pancreatic leakage did not change over the study interval. Preservation of a small pancreatic tail was associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates than those of completion pancreatectomy. Copyright © 2005 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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