Management of the pancreatic stump following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the procedure of choice in patients with periampullary and pancreatic cancers. Dramatic improvements in morbidity and mortality rates following pancreaticoduodenectomy have been reported in the past 5 years. Consequently, the indications for pancreaticoduodenectomy are becoming more liberal, with some authors suggesting its use as a palliative procedure in pancreatic cancer and as definitive treatment for benign diseases such as chronic pancreatitis. Complications are frequently related to the pancreatic stump and can have a fatal outcome. Several methods of managing the pancreatic stump have been described, with variable results. Modifications of standard techniques have evolved over time in an effort to reduce the incidence of major complications. The results of these methods, the role of perioperative adjuncts and the long-term outcome of pancreaticoenteric anastomosis are reviewed.