PANCREATOGASTROSTOMY WITH ONE CONTINUOUS SEROMUSCULAR CIRCULAR SUTURE

Objective One of the most feared complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). In the current study, we demonstrate a new technique for pancreaticogastrostomy (PG), using one continuous seromuscular circular suture without trans pancreas sutures for PG. Material and Methods During the period December 2012 to December 2014, 32 consecutive patients underwent PD (either pylorus-preserving or classical Whipple's) carried out using the above suture-less PG. Indication for PD was pancreatic duct carcinoma. Procedures were carried out by the same surgeon, same approach and anastomotic method in order to avoid technical changes. Results Postoperative mortality was zero and morbidity was 21.8% (n=7). Pancreatic leakage (Grade A/B) occurred in 2 (6.2%) patients. These pancreatic leaks were managed nonoperative by maintaining the closed drains. The most common postoperative complication delayed gastric emptying (Grade B/C) in 3 (9.3%) patients. Conclusion We conclude that the suture-less PG possesses several advantages over conventional PG and pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ). This technic seems to lessen the risk of a pancreatic leak, probably by diminishing the possibility of suture damage to the pancreas and by embedding the transected stump into the posterior gastric wall. This novel PG is a valid and valuable procedure, especially for soft, nonfibrotic pancreas.