Ninety-five percent duodenectomy. An experimental study.

Subtotal excision of the duodenum with preservation of the pancreas and bile and pancreatic ducts was achieved in five dogs without complications. Reconstruction was performed by direct anastomosis of the jejunum to the duodenal strip remaining attached to the head of the pancreas. Radiologic, metabolic, and histologic parameters 4 months postoperatively documented the success of this procedure. We suggest that this technique may be used to further investigate the role of the duodenum in digestive physiologic functions and may have clinical applications for benign diseases of the duodenum.