Combined Antrectomy Reduces the Incidence of Delayed Gastric Emptying after Pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND

There are a few reports that compare the rate of postoperative complications between subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (SSPPD) and antrectomy-combined pancreatoduodenectomy (ACPD), especially with respect to delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

From 2002 to 2013, 628 patients who underwent SSPPD (n = 78) or ACPD (n = 550) were enrolled in this study. The rate of DGE and the nutritional status were compared between patients receiving ACPD and SSPPD.

RESULTS

The overall morbidity rate (p = 0.830) was comparable between both groups; however, the incidence of DGE grade B or C was significantly higher in the SSPPD group than that in the ACPD group (16 vs. 7%, p = 0.007). A multivariate analysis identified SSPPD rather than ACPD (p = 0.007) and portal vein resection and reconstruction (p = 0.028) to be independent risk factors for DGE grade B or C. The changes in the body weight and nutritional parameters 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery were comparable between 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

SSPPD and not ACPD was an independent risk factor for grade B or C DGE, but the postoperative nutritional status was comparable between the 2 groups based on the limited nutritional data. Combined resection of antrum will help reduce the risk of DGE after PD.