Safe management of the pancreatic remnant with prolamine duct occlusion after extended pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Occlusion of the pancreatic duct system has been used to prevent pancreatic leakage by abolishing pancreatic exocrine secretion in pancreatic surgery. However, ductal occlusion has not proved satisfactory for preventing pancreatic fistulas in pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODOLOGY

Pancreatic duct occlusion with a watertight drainage system around the pancreatic stump was performed following extended PD in 17 patients with (n=12) or without (n=5) a dilated pancreatic duct.

RESULTS

Transient pancreatitis during the early postoperative period occurred in all patients with a nondilated pancreatic duct. No patient developed pancreatic fistula or any other serious complication in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatic duct occlusion may minimize the risk of pancreatic leakage in patients with a nondilated pancreatic duct and a normal pancreas as well as in those with a dilated, obstructed pancreatic duct without compromising the postoperative quality of life. This is a safe and reliable technique for managing the pancreatic remnant in patients undergoing extended PD for advanced pancreaticobiliary malignancy.