Pancreatic function and rehabilitation after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Postoperative pancreatic function and rehabilitation were monitored in 149 patients who had had reconstruction of the digestive tract by Child's method, out of a total 151 patients who had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy. The occurrence of peptic ulcer following Child's method may be prevented by the resection of a wider area of the stomach. Because the source of gut hormone secretion is removed by the pancreaticoduodenectomy, the secretion of this hormone is subsequently reduced and thus metabolic abnormalities also occur. If careful attention however, is paid to the maintenance of residual pancreatic function most patients who undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy can be expected to lead reasonably normal lives.