T L Hwang1, Y Y Jan, M F Chen. 1. Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS: This report presents the results of two methods for minimizing complications following a Whipple operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the past five years, continuous duct to mucosal suture with end to side anastomosis of the pancreaticojejunostomy was utilized in 30 patients. Another 50 patients received interrupted duct to mucosal suturing with end to side anastomosis of the pancreaticojejunostomy in the past five to ten years. RESULTS: None of the first set of 30 patients suffered leakage after the operation. Ten of the 50 patients (20%) developed leakage postoperatively and 3 (6%) died. The group with continuous duct to mucosal suture had significantly less complications than those with interrupted duct to mucosal suturing (P < 0.05). Late follow up of the patients with continuous duct to mucosal suture using echogram, no one had stricture of the anastomosis. CONCLUSION: The continuous duct to mucosal suture of the pancreaticojejunostomy is a very safe procedure, minimizing the operative morbidity and mortality of the Whipple operation.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: This report presents the results of two methods for minimizing complications following a Whipple operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the past five years, continuous duct to mucosal suture with end to side anastomosis of the pancreaticojejunostomy was utilized in 30 patients. Another 50 patients received interrupted duct to mucosal suturing with end to side anastomosis of the pancreaticojejunostomy in the past five to ten years. RESULTS: None of the first set of 30 patients suffered leakage after the operation. Ten of the 50 patients (20%) developed leakage postoperatively and 3 (6%) died. The group with continuous duct to mucosal suture had significantly less complications than those with interrupted duct to mucosal suturing (P < 0.05). Late follow up of the patients with continuous duct to mucosal suture using echogram, no one had stricture of the anastomosis. CONCLUSION: The continuous duct to mucosal suture of the pancreaticojejunostomy is a very safe procedure, minimizing the operative morbidity and mortality of the Whipple operation.