Fistulation method: Simple and safe pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreatoduodenectomy

Background, A pancreatic leak from the pancreaticojejunostomy after pancrea toduodenectomy 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 t o 162 consecutive patients. They were divided into 3 groups according to th e stab of the pancreatic remnant: group 1, soft and normal parenchyma (n = 71); group 2, firm and thickened parenchyma (n = 40); group 3, hard and atr ophic parenchyma (n = 51). The consistency in, relation to the incidence of pancreatic leak and mortality were analyzed. Morphologic changes of the pa ncreatic remnant in long-term survivors of group 1 were assessed with compu ted tomography. Results. A pancreatic leak occurred in 3 patients from group 1, in 2 patien ts from group 2, and in no patients from group 3 (leak rate, 3%). No operat ive mortality and 5 hospital deaths (3%) unrelated to a pancreatic leak wer e observed The parenchyma of the pancreatic remnant was well preserved in 5 2% of the long-term survivors and the pancreatic duct was not dilated in 63 %. Conclusions. The fistulation method can be performed safely and easily rega rdless of the stab of the pancreatic remnant, and it provides every surgeon with a low incidence of pancreatic leak among patients.