Pylorus-preserving pancreatectomy: functional results.

The pylorus-preserving technique is reported as improving the functional results of pancreatectomy but it is complicated in the early postoperative period by delayed recovery of gastric function in a proportion of patients. We have examined early and late gastrointestinal function in a prospective study of 16 patients having this procedure. The late results appear better than reported results for conventional Whipple resection and the delay in early recovery does not appear to have any late sequelae, provided that it does not require gastric bypass for relief.