Unconventional Technique of Terminolateral Pancreatojejunostomy 
 Formation

Abstract

Backgraund. Pancreatoduodenal resection (PDR) is the only radical treatment for malignant tumors of the periampullary zone. The development of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most common complication of PDR. The main risk factors for the development of POPF are the narrow main pancreatic duct and the soft, "juicy" pancreatic parenchyma. Thus, it is the stage of formation of a pancretodigestive anastomosis that is of decisive importance for the course of the postoperative period.The aim of the study was to improve immediate surgical treatment outcomes of patients suffering from oncological diseases of the periampullary zone with a soft pancreas and a narrow pancreatic duct.Methods. A novel method to form terminolateral reservoir invagination pancreatojejunostomy has been developed and introduced into clinical practice. The results of treatment of 94 patients with tumors of the periampullary zone were analyzed. Based on preoperative radiological diagnosis and intraoperative findings, such factors of a high risk of POPF development as a soft pancreas and a narrow major pancreatic duct ( 3 mm) were detected in 23 patients (24.4%). In 11 patients who were treated in 2018-2019, a novel method of pancreato-jejunoanastomosis formation was applied. The comparison group consisted of 12 patients who received treatment in 2014-2017; a differentiated approach to the formation of a pancreatodigestive anastomosis was not applied.Results. In patients of the main group, there was a tendency to an increase in the proportion of pylorus-saving PDRs. The only statistically significant difference was the use of reservoir terminolateral pancreatojejunostomy at the reconstructive stage of surgery. Complicated postoperative course was observed in 7 (63.6%) patients of the main group and in all patients of the comparison group (p 0.05). There was also a decrease in the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistulas from 66.6 to 18.2% (p 0.05) in the study group. Repeated surgery was required in 3 (27.2%) patients of the main group and 7 (58.3%) patients in the comparison group (p 0.05). The lethal outcome was recorded in 2 (18.2%) patients of the main group and in 3 (25%) in the comparison group (p 0.05).Conclusion. A soft, loose pancreas and a narrow main pancreatic duct are the most significant risk factors for complications in the postoperative period. Management of this condition requires a differentiated approach to the treatment option of pancreatodigestive anastomosis formation, depending on the characteristics of the pancreas of an individual patient. The proposed technique for the reservoir terminolateral pancreatojejunoanastomosis formation allowed statistically significantly reducing the incidence of complications from 100 to 63.6% and the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistulas from 66.6 to 18.2% in high-risk patients..