BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term pancreatic endocrine function following pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy. METHODS: Records of 52 patients who had survived for three or more years following pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy were studied retrospectively. Serum HbA(1c) levels had been measured prior to and at 3- to 6-month intervals after surgery. RESULTS: Three of 42 patients with normal preoperative serum HbA(1c) levels (<or=5.8%), and five of 10 patients with elevated preoperative serum HbA(1c) levels (>5.8%) showed deterioration of glucose tolerance. Five of these eight patients developed a pancreatic fistula postoperatively. However, the average serum HbA(1c) levels of patients with normal preoperative serum HbA(1c) levels have remained within the normal range for 3-10 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic endocrine function was maintained for a long-term period after pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy. Impaired glucose tolerance appeared to be associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula formation. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term pancreatic endocrine function following pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy. METHODS: Records of 52 patients who had survived for three or more years following pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy were studied retrospectively. Serum HbA(1c) levels had been measured prior to and at 3- to 6-month intervals after surgery. RESULTS: Three of 42 patients with normal preoperative serum HbA(1c) levels (<or=5.8%), and five of 10 patients with elevated preoperative serum HbA(1c) levels (>5.8%) showed deterioration of glucose tolerance. Five of these eight patients developed a pancreatic fistula postoperatively. However, the average serum HbA(1c) levels of patients with normal preoperative serum HbA(1c) levels have remained within the normal range for 3-10 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS:Pancreatic endocrine function was maintained for a long-term period after pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy. Impaired glucose tolerance appeared to be associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula formation. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.