Imbedding pancreaticojejunostomy used in pure laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy for nondilated pancreatic duct.

BACKGROUND: LPD has been cautiously regarded as feasible and safe for resection and reconstruction. However, anastomosis of the remnant pancreas is still thought to be a critical obstacle to the dissemination of LPD in general practice. This study presents a new technique of pancreaticojejunostomy for nondilated pancreatic duct and evaluates its safety and reliability.

METHODS: From July 2014 to June 2015, a total of 52 patients underwent LPD with the new technique. A modified technique of duct-to-mucosa PJ was performed with transpancreatic interlocking mattress sutures, named the imbedding duct-to-mucosa PJ. Then the morbidity and mortality was calculated.

RESULTS: This technique was applied in 52 patients after LPD all with nondilated pancreatic duct (1-3 mm). The mean operation time was 4.6 h (range, 3.5-8.3 h) and the median time for the anastomosis was 37 min (range, 24-53 min). Operative mortality was zero, and morbidity was 21.2 % (n = 11), including hemorrhage (n = 3, 5.8 %), biliary fistula (n = 1, 1.9 %), pulmonary infection (n = 1, 1.9 %), delayed gastric emptying (n = 2, 3.8 %), abdominal abscess caused by biliary fistula or PF formation (n = 2, 3.8 %), and POPF (n = 2, 3.8 %). Two patients developed a pancreatic fistula (one type A, one type B) classified according to the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula.

CONCLUSIONS: The described technique is a simple and safe reconstruction procedure after LPD, especially for patients with nondilated pancreatic duct.