Splenic vein reconstruction is unnecessary in pancreatoduodenectomy combined with resection of the superior mesenteric vein-portal vein confluence according to short-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Superior mesenteric vein-portal vein confluence resection combined with pancreatoduodenectomy (SMPVrPD) is occasionally required for resection of pancreatic head tumors. It remains unclear whether such situations require splenic vein (SV) reconstruction for decompression of left-sided portal hypertension (LSPH).

METHODS: The data from 93 of 104 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic head malignancies were reviewed. Surgical outcomes in three groups-standard PD (control group), PD combined with vascular resection and SV preservation (SVp group), and SMPVrPD with SV resection (SVr group)-were compared. The influence of division and preservation of the two natural confluences (left gastric vein-portal vein and/or inferior mesenteric vein-SV confluences) on portal hemodynamics were evaluated using three-dimensional computed tomographic portography.

RESULTS: No mortality occurred. The morbidity rates were not significantly different among the three groups (18/43, 8/21, and 7/29, respectively; p = 0.306). In the SVr group, three patients had gastric remnant venous congestion, and three had esophageal varices without hemorrhagic potential. No patients had splenomegaly, or severe or prolonged thrombocytopenia. These LSPH-associated findings were less frequently observed when the two confluences were preserved.

CONCLUSIONS: SMPVrPD without SV reconstruction can be safely conducted. Additionally, preservation of these two confluences may reduce the risk of LSPH.