BACKGROUND: Duodenal stump leakage is a challenging condition causing significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors associated with duodenal leak and advocate modification to prevent the incident. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed to include patients who had gastrectomy with excluded duodenum in a single surgical centre in the period of Jan 2003-March 2017. Analysis of associated factors was performed. Patients with duodenal leak were further analyzed and the treatment strategy was reviewed. RESULTS: During the study period, 678 patients had gastrectomy with excluded duodenum. 502 patients had elective gastrectomy and 176 patients had emergency gastrectomy. 52 patients had subsequent duodenal stump leakage (7.7%). The existence of duodenal ulcer, intra-operative contamination, lower pre-operative haemoglobin and duodenostomy were the independent associated factors for duodenal leak. CONCLUSION: This is the largest cohort in studying associated factors regarding duodenal leak in both emergency and elective gastrectomy. The independent associated factors were identified. We advocate a conservative approach for duodenal leak with adequate drainage, nutrition and antibiotics.
BACKGROUND: Duodenal stump leakage is a challenging condition causing significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors associated with duodenal leak and advocate modification to prevent the incident. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed to include patients who had gastrectomy with excluded duodenum in a single surgical centre in the period of Jan 2003-March 2017. Analysis of associated factors was performed. Patients with duodenal leak were further analyzed and the treatment strategy was reviewed. RESULTS: During the study period, 678 patients had gastrectomy with excluded duodenum. 502 patients had elective gastrectomy and 176 patients had emergency gastrectomy. 52 patients had subsequent duodenal stump leakage (7.7%). The existence of duodenal ulcer, intra-operative contamination, lower pre-operative haemoglobin and duodenostomy were the independent associated factors for duodenal leak. CONCLUSION: This is the largest cohort in studying associated factors regarding duodenal leak in both emergency and elective gastrectomy. The independent associated factors were identified. We advocate a conservative approach for duodenal leak with adequate drainage, nutrition and antibiotics.