Abstract:
Objective: To explore the role of continuous anastomosis of pancreatic duct and jejunal mucosa in preventing pancreatic leakage after pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Methods: Data from 25 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy with three-layer anastomosis of the pancreatic neck and jejunum between January 2003 and January 2007 were retrospectively investigated. The outer layer was created between the pancreatic capsule and the serosa of the jejunum; the middle layer was created between the pancreatic parenchyma and the seromuscular wall of the jejunum; the inner layer was placed between the pancreatic duct and a small opening in the antimesenteric border of the jejunal mucosa, with interrupted absorbable sutures.
Results: Twenty-four patients recovered well, without pancreatic leakage or other serious complications. One patient suffered from extensive abdominal hemorrhage and died of multiple organ failure.
Conclusion: Anastomosis of the pancreatic duct and jejunal mucosa with absorbable thread in duct-to-mucosa sutures is a safe procedure after pancreaticoduodenectomy and it prevents pancreatic leakage.