Implantation of amniotic membrane over pancreatic anastomosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy: report of the first case.

The amniotic membrane (AM) has an increasing role as a scaffold for tissue repair due to its unique biological properties. The implantation of AM on pancreatic anastomosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy might improve the anastomotic healing and strengthen its structure, however has never been used in pancreatic surgery. We present the first application of AM after a pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed for a malignant tumor of the pancreatic head. After completing the pancreatic anastomosis, the AM was placed around the pancreatic anastomosis and fixed to it with single stiches. The AM, due to its physical characteristics, could be easily manipulated and adapted to the pancreatic anastomosis. This interesting and unique case shows that covering a pancreatic anastomosis with the AM is safe and technically feasible. The AM has no adverse effects while it may eventually provide a beneficial impact over the anastomotic healing.