Technique Of Pancreaticojejunostomy Research Articles

An improved invagination pancreaticojejunostomy technique associated with a lower incidence of pancreatic fistula: A single-center study

PurposeThis study compared the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) between standard invagination pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) and an improved PJ technique after pancreaticoduodenectomy and evaluated the clinical utility of the improved PJ procedure. MethodsClinical and postoperative data of 363 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from February 2018 to October 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. In our cohort, 155 patients underwent the improved PJ technique (group A), and 208 underwent standard invagination PJ (group B). Data on demographic characteristics, pathological nature, intraoperative factors, and postoperative complications, including POPF, were collected and analyzed. ResultsThere were no significant between-group differences in demographic characteristics (p > 0.05). The improved PJ technique was associated with a significantly lower incidence of clinically relevant POPF (CR-POPF) in the total cohort (11.6 % vs. 26.4 %, p < 0.001) and in the subgroup with high fistula risk scores (16.0 % vs. 38.6 %, p < 0.001). ConclusionThe improved invagination PJ technique reduces the incidence of CR-POPF and improves prognosis.

Application of 3D Printing to Design and Manufacture Pancreatic Duct Stent and Animal Experiments.

Objective: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a common and challenging complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), occurring in 2% to 46% of cases. Despite various pancreaticojejunostomy techniques, an effective method to prevent POPF has not been established. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel 3D-printed biodegradable pancreatic duct stent to simplify the surgical process of pancreaticojejunostomy, reduce anastomotic complexity, and minimize postoperative complications. Methods: Data from 32 patients undergoing total laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy were utilized. Preoperative CT scans were transformed into 3D reconstructions to guide the design and printing of customized stents using polylactic acid (PLA). The stents were assessed for mechanical integrity, surface texture, and thermal stability. Animal experiments were conducted on 16 mini pigs, with the experimental group receiving the novel stent and the control group receiving traditional silicone stents. Results: The 3D-printed stents demonstrated accurate dimensional replication and mechanical reliability. In the animal experiments, the experimental group showed no significant difference in postoperative complications compared to the control group. At 4 weeks post-surgery, CT scans revealed well-healed anastomoses in both groups, with no significant inflammation or other complications. Histological examination and 3D reconstruction models confirmed good healing and device positioning in the experimental group. Conclusion: The 3D-printed biodegradable pancreatic duct stent offers a promising solution for pancreaticojejunostomy, with comparable safety and efficacy to traditional methods. Further research is needed to validate its clinical application.

Dunking Pancreaticojejunostomy With Braun's Jejunojejunostomy: Perioperative Outcomes of a Hundred Pancreaticoduodenectomies.

Background The optimal surgical technique for pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is still debated. Dunking and duct-to-mucosa PJ are the most commonly adopted techniques. Incorporating Braun's jejunojejunostomy (JJ) could reducetheincidence and severity of delayed gastric emptying (DGE). This retrospective descriptive study seeks to clarify the outcomes of dunking PJ with Braun's JJ in 100 PD patients. Methodology We retrospectively reviewed 100 patients who underwent PDs in a single unit of the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital from October 2012 to February 2023. Demographic and historical data, indications, procedure-related data, complications, and mortality data were collected and analyzed. Results The mean age was 50.96 ± 14.97 years, and 64 (64%) were males. The most common indication was ampullary carcinoma (53, 53%) followed by distal cholangiocarcinoma (18, 18%) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (7, 7%). Operative time was 5.83 ± 1.09 hours, intraoperative blood loss was 515 ± 194 mL, and the average time for PJ and Braun's JJ was 22 ± 6 and 15 ± 3 minutes, respectively. Soft pancreas was encountered in 52 (52%) patients and clinically significant postoperative pancreatic fistula (Grade B, C) was seen in 23 (23%). Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage was seen in 21 (21%) patients (Grades A: 3, B: 12, C: 6). DGE (Grade B) occurred in two (2%) patients, and bile leak was observed in 4% of patients (Grades A: 1, B: 2, C: 1). Major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥IIIA) occurred in 24%, and 11 patients died. Conclusions The dunking technique is easily adaptable, less time-consuming, and can be performed in the pancreas of any texture or duct size but is associated with an increased incidence of post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage. Incorporation of Braun's anastomosis lowers DGE, allows early initiation of feeding, and reduces complication rates.

Study on the application of self-fixing and self-detachable drainage stent in pancreaticojejunostomy

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the self-fixing and self-detachable drainage stent in pancreaticojejunostomy and to provide supportive data for the follow clinical trials. Methods: This is an experimental research in animals which completed from February 2022 to September 2022. A self-fixing and self-detachable pancreaticojejunostomy drainage stent was designed for Hong's pancreaticojejunostomy technique based on the theory of "fistula healing" in pancreaticojejunostomy. Ten biocompatibility tests were completed in vitro before this study. Twenty-five Bama minipigs were selected and double-ligated in the neck of the pancreas to dilate the distal main pancreatic duct. Twenty-three of them were successfully modelled and divided into three groups by a stratified random method: pancreaticojejunostomy drainage stent group (referred to as stent group) with 11 pigs, pancreatic duct to jejunal mucosa anastomosis group (referred to as manual suture group) with 8 pigs, sham operation group with 4 pigs. The anastomic time,amylase content in postoperative abdominal drainage fluid and the tolerable pressure value of pancreaticojejunostomy were compared between the stent group and the manual suture group. An abdominal X-ray fluoroscopy examination was adopted to detect the detach time of the stent. A postoperative pathological examination was performed to verify the healing time,the type of treatment and the stricture rate of pancreaticojejunostomy. Quantitative data was analyzed by independent sample t-test. The classified data were analyzed by Fisher's exact test. Results: There were no significant differences in the diameter of the pancreatic duct and pancreatic texture,the time of pancreaticojejunostomy,the amylase content in postoperative peritoneal drainage fluid,and the tolerable pressure value of the pancreaticojejunostomy between the stent group and the manual suture group(all P>0.05). Abdominal X-ray fluoroscopy showed that the stents gradually detached and were removed from the body 21 days after operation,and all stents were detached in the follow 3 months after operation. Pancreaticojejunostomy healed 7 days after operation based on fistula formation in the stent group,and 14 days in the manual suture group. The incidence of anastomotic stricture within 35 days after operation was 2/8 in the stent group and 6/8 in the manual suture group (Fisher's exact test: P=0.132). Conclusion: The stent method is safer and simpler than the manual suture method in pancreaticojejunostomy of Bama minipigs, with shorter anastomotic healing time and lower stricture rate.

Post operative pancreatic fistula rate following pancreaticojejunostomy with Heidelberg technique versus classical duct to mucosa technique: a comparative study

Background: The best technique for pancreatic anastomosis is still a debate and unanswered by multiple RCTs and meta-analyses, done over past two decades. This study intends to compare the outcomes of pancreatico-jejunostomy (PJ) using Heidelberg technique vs classical duct to mucosa technique Methods: All patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy meeting criteria were included in study. Outcome of PJ done by Heidelberg technique evaluated by occurrence of POPF, as defined by ISGPF and results were compared to historical cohort of patients who had underwent PJ by classical duct to mucosa technique in our institution, Results: PJ reconstruction was done with Heidelberg and classical duct to mucosa technique in 20 patients each. POPF rates in Heidelberg and duct to mucosa techniques when calculated using ISGPS-2005 definition (30% vs. 40%, p=0.677 and 10% vs. 10%, p=0.514 respectively) and ISGPS-2016 definitions (10% vs. 10%, p=0.514). There is no statistical difference between the two techniques in terms of DGE, infection, and days of hospital stay or duration of drain requirement. But Heidelberg technique is superior to DM technique with respect to shorter operating time (p=0.0001) and lower Clavien-Dindo morbidity grades (p=0.0004). Though a statistical significance could not be reached, there is an increased tendency of higher grade POPF with respect to increased age (&gt;57 years), softer texture and smaller duct size (&lt;3 mm). Conclusions: There is no significant difference of CR-POPF rates between Heidelberg and classical duct to mucosa techniques of PJ. However, Heidelberg technique is better in terms of simplicity, reduced operating time and lower post-operative morbidity when compared to duct to mucosa technique.

Advancements in robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy: Innovations and future directions

In recent years, robot-assisted surgery has advanced significantly and has emerged as a vital approach for the treatment of benign and malignant pancreatic diseases. Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy, one of the most critical pancreatic surgical modalities, is distinguished by its high surgical difficulty and risk. The focus of recent scholarly discussions has been on ensuring the safety and feasibility of the procedure. Drawing from the expertise of our unit's primary diagnostic team, this article provides an overview of the progress in robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy, encompassing patient selections, surgical approaches, identification of significant anatomical structures, and pancreaticojejunostomy techniques.

Novel invagination procedure for pancreaticojejunostomy using double purse string sutures: A technical note.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is one of the most serious complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), and the choice of pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) is considered a key factor affecting the occurrence of POPF. Numerous anastomotic methods and their modifications have been proposed, and there is no method that can completely avoid the occurrence of POPF. Based on our team's experience in pancreatic surgery and a review of relevant literature, we describe a novel invagination procedure for PJ using double purse string sutures, which has resulted in favourable outcomes. To describe the precise procedural steps, technical details and clinical efficacy of the novel invagination procedure for PJ. This study adopted a single-arm retrospective cohort study methodology, involving a total of 65 consecutive patients who underwent PD with the novel invagination procedure for PJ, including the placement of a pancreatic stent, closure of the residual pancreatic end, and two layers of purse-string suturing. Baseline data included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), pancreatic texture, pancreatic duct diameter, operation time, and blood loss. Clinical outcomes included the operation time, blood loss, and incidence of POPF, postoperative haemorrhage, delayed gastric emptying, postoperative pulmonary infection, postoperative abdominal infection, and postoperative pulmonary infection. The mean age of the patients was 59.12 (± 8.08) years. Forty males and 25 females were included, and the mean BMI was 21.61 kg/m2 (± 2.74). A total of 41.53% of patients had a pancreatic duct diameter of 3 mm or less. The mean operation time was 263.83 min (± 59.46), and the mean blood loss volume was 318.4 mL (± 163.50). Following the surgical intervention, only three patients showed grade B POPF (4.62%), while no patients showed grade C POPF. Five patients (5/65, 7.69%) were diagnosed with postoperative haemorrhage. Six patients (6/65, 9.23%) experienced delayed gastric emptying. Four patients (4/65, 6.15%) developed postoperative pulmonary infection, while an equivalent number (4/65, 6.15%) exhibited postoperative abdominal infection. Additionally, two patients (2/65, 3.08%) experienced postoperative pulmonary infection. The novel invagination technique for PJ is straightforward, yields significant outcomes, and has proven to be safe and feasible for clinical application.

A modified single-needle continuous suture of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy in pancreaticoduodenectomy.

The pancreatic reconstruction technique decides the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) in pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This study aims to evaluate the safety of modified single-needle continuous suture (SNCS) of duct-to-mucosa and compare the efficacy with double-layer continuous suture (DLCS) of duct-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) in open PD (OPD). A total of 266 patients that received PD between January 2019 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 130 patients underwent DLCS, and 136 patients underwent SNCS [73 OPD and 63 laparoscopic PD (LPD)]. The primary outcome was clinically relevant POPF (CR-POPF) according to the definition of the revised 2016 International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF). Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to reduce confounding bias. A total of 66 pairs were successfully matched using PSM in OPD. No significant difference was observed in the occurrence of CR-POPF between the two groups (9.1% vs. 21.2%, P=0.052). However, the median duration of operation and PJ was shorter in the SNCS group. The incidence of CR-POPF in LPD was 9.5%. Furthermore, regarding the alternative fistula risk score (a-FRS), the CR-POPF rate were 2.1%, 10.5%, and 15.6% in low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups (P=0.067). The SNCS is a facile, safe, and effective PJ technique and does not increase the incidence of POPF, regardless of a-FRS stratification, pancreatic texture, and main pancreatic duct (MPD) size.

Wrapping pancreaticojejunostomy using the ligamentum teres hepatis during laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: a propensity score matching analysis

Background and ObjectiveIt is controversial whether wrapping around the pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) could reduce the rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), especially in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). This study aims to summarize our single-center initial experience in wrapping around PJ using the ligamentum teres hepatis (LTH) and demonstrate the feasibility and safety of this method.MethodsPatients who underwent LPD applying the procedure of wrapping around the PJ were identified. The cohort was compared to the cohort with standard non-wrapping PJ. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to compare the early postoperative outcomes of the two cohorts. Risk factors for POPF were determined by using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsOverall, 143 patients were analyzed (LPD without wrapping (n = 91) and LPD with wrapping (n = 52)). After 1:1 PSM, 48 patients in each cohort were selected for further analysis. Bile leakage, DGE, intra-abdominal infection, postoperative hospital stays, harvested lymph nodes, and R0 resection were comparable between the two cohorts. However, the wrapping cohort was associated with significantly less POPF B (1 vs 18, P = 0.003), POPF C (0 vs 8, P = 0.043), and Clavien–Dindo classification level III–V (5 vs 26, P = 0.010). No patients died due to the clinically relevant POPF in the two cohorts. No patients who underwent the LTH wrapping procedure developed complications directly related to the wrapping procedure. After PSM, whether wrapping was an independent risk factor for POPF (OR = 0.202; 95%CI:0.080–0.513; P = 0.001).ConclusionsWrapping the LTH around the PJ technique for LPD was safe, efficient, and reproducible with favorable perioperative outcomes in selected patients. However, further validations using high-quality RCTs are still required to confirm the findings of this study.

A modified Blumgart anastomosis with a simple and practicable procedure after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: our center’s experience

BackgroundLaparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD) has become the goal of lots of minimally invasive surgical centers in recent years. Postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF) is still the barrier to attaining the above goal. Thus, improving anastomosis techniques to reduce the rate of POPF has been a hotspot of surgery. Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy is considered one of the best anastomosis procedures, with low rates of POPF. However, the original Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy method is not easy for laparoscopic operation. In consequence, we modified a Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy technique with a simple and practicable procedure and applied to LPD.MethodsWe collected and retrospectively analyzed the perioperative clinical data of patients who underwent modified Blumgart anastomosis from February 2017 to September 2022. The above patients included 53 cases in open pancreaticojejunostomy(OPD) and 58 cases in LPD. After propensity score matching, 44 cases were included for comparison in each group.ResultsAfter propensity score matching, the average time for pancreaticojejunostomy was about 30 min in the LPD group. The Clinically relevant POPF(CR-POPF) rate was 9.1%. The length of postoperative hospitalization was 13.1 days. Compared with the OPD group, The CR-POPF rate in the LPD group are not significant differences. But the postoperative length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LPD group. Besides, there were no other severely postoperative complications between two groups.ConclusionThe modified Blumgart anastomosis technique applied to LPD in our Center not only has simple and convenient properties but also low rate of CR-POPF. And this method may be a good choice for surgeons to begin to carry out LPD.

Application of an innovative pancreaticojejunostomy technique with a modified set of perioperative management in pancreatoduodenectomy: a retrospective cohort study

How to reduce grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) incidence after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is the pursuit of pancreatic surgeons. This study introduced an innovative pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) technique with a complete set of perioperative management. All 144 patients in this single-center retrospective cohort study underwent the same PJ technique and perioperative management. The primary endpoint was grade C POPF incidence. The secondary endpoints were grade B POPF rate, drain fluid amylase level, complications, hospital stay duration, and mortality. Risk factors for clinically-relevant POPF (CR-POPF) were assessed by logistic regression analysis. No patient (0.0%) experienced grade C POPF, while 44 (30.6%) developed grade B. No in-hospital death was recorded. Multivariate analysis found relatively high body mass index, laparoscopic surgery, and soft or moderate pancreatic texture independent risk factors for CR-POPF. Our novel PJ anastomosis with modified perioperative management helped avoid grade C POPF. However, grade B POPF incidence was relatively high to some extent because of the enhanced management itself.

Comparison of the modified Blumgart mattress vs. interrupted suture pancreaticojejunostomy in minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy

Aim: The modified Blumgart mattress (BM) and conventional interrupted suture (IS) methods are currently the most widely adopted pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) techniques utilized during minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD). This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative outcomes between the two PJ techniques using robotic and laparoscopic approaches. Methods: This was a retrospective study involving patients who underwent robotic or laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) performed by two surgeons from two institutions. Surgical outcomes of the patients were compared according to the PJ techniques of robotic BM (Rob-BM), robotic IS (Rob-IS), and laparoscopic IS (Lap-IS), which were further analyzed among patients who had a soft pancreas and small pancreatic duct, while those with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were excluded from the study. Results: A total of 230 patients underwent MIPD with 63 Rob-BM, 48 Rob-IS, and 119 Lap-IS for PJ. Within the study population, clinically relevant-postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) rates were comparable between Rob-BM and Rob-IS (6.3% vs. 10.4%, P = 0.283) and between Rob-IS and Lap-IS (10.4% vs. 7.6%, P = 0.661). Comparing patients with soft pancreas and small pancreatic duct, CR-POPF rates were not statistically different among the groups [16.0% (Rob-BM) vs. 10.5% (Rob-IS), P = 0.055, and 10.5% (Rob-IS) vs. 10.1% (Lap-IS), P = 0.543]. In the multivariable analysis for risk factors of POPF, soft pancreatic textures and periampullary pathology other than pancreatic cancer were found to be risk factors. Conclusion: POPF rates after MIPD were not different according to the PJ methods of BM and IS when performed by skilled surgeons.

Chen’s penetrating-suture technique for pancreaticojejunostomy following pancreaticoduodenectomy

BackgroundPostoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most serious complication and the main reason for morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Currently, there exists no flawless pancreaticojejunal anastomosis approach. We presents a new approach called Chen’s penetrating-suture technique for pancreaticojejunostomy (PPJ), which involves end-to-side pancreaticojejunostomy by suture penetrating the full-thickness of the pancreas and jejunum, and evaluates its safety and efficacy.MethodsTo assess this new approach, between May 2006 and July 2018, 193 consecutive patients who accepted the new Chen’s Penetrating-Suture technique after a PD were enrolled in this study. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were evaluated.ResultsAll cases recovered well after PD. The median operative time was 256 (range 208–352) min, with a median time of 12 (range 8–25) min for performing pancreaticojejunostomy. Postoperative morbidity was 19.7% (38/193) and mortality was zero. The POPF rate was 4.7% (9/193) for Grade A, 1.0% (2/193) for Grade B, and no Grade C cases and one urinary tract infection.ConclusionPPJ is a simple, safe, and reliable technique with ideal postoperative clinical results.

Application of a sectional U-shaped reinforcement combined with penetrating pancreaticojejunostomy (U-PPJ) for soft pancreas in laparoscopic pancreatic surgery.

Laparoscopic techniques have been widely used in pancreatic surgery, such as laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) and laparoscopic central pancreatectomy (LCP). Laparoscopic pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ) is a common procedure for LPD and LCP, and is also the most critical. The quality of LPJ is associated with the occurrence of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF). Although LPJ technology has been greatly improved, CR-POPF cannot be completely avoided especially to soft pancreas, which is an important reason for the high risk of laparoscopic pancreatic surgery. To date, there is a lack of standard LPJ approaches. Here, we report a U-shaped suture reinforcement for soft pancreatic section combined with penetrating pancreaticojejunostomy (PPJ) technique, called U-PPJ. Twenty-three patients with soft pancreas who underwent laparoscopic pancreatic surgery adopting U-PPJ method between 2017 and 2022 were enrolled (LPD = 19, LCP = 4). Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative indexes were collected and analyzed. The results showed that all patients treated with U-PPJ were discharged without drainage tube or a small amount of exudate in the drainage tube does not require clinical treatment, but only needs to be removed after 2 days of observation. The average operation time was 417.35min. The intraoperative blood loss was 171.74ml. The pancreatic duct diameter was 3.41mm. The average postoperative hospitalization days were 11.83days. The average postoperative drainage tube removal time was 13.26days. The incidence of postoperative B-grade pancreatic fistula was 4.3%, and no C-grade pancreatic fistula occurred. In our experience, U-PPJ can be completed by a skilled surgeon in less than 20min. U-PPJ is safe, reliable, convenient and has a low incidence of CR-POPF in soft pancreas, which is worthy of clinical application. It also provides more options for laparoscopic pancreatic surgery. Since this is a retrospective study with a small number of cases, more prospective multicenter studies are needed to further verify its safety and efficacy.

Usefulness of the new articulating laparoscopic instrument in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy has been developed in two tracts of robotic and laparoscopic surgeries. Laparoscopic approach remains a frequently performed surgical method that accounts for a significant portion of minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, biliary and pancreatic reconstruction stages are still demanding procedures because of the inherent limitations of conventional laparoscopic instruments. Therefore, recently developed articulating laparoscopic instruments have greater dexterity similar to robotic instruments seem to be able to compensate for the weak points of conventional laparoscopic instruments. In this article, we demonstrate the hepaticojejunostomy and duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy technique using the new articulating laparoscopic instrument.

Invited Commentary: Perspective on Technique for Robotic Pancreaticojejunostomy.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons ():10.1097/XCS.0000000000000479, December 15, 2022. | DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000000479

Technique for Robotic Pancreaticojejunostomy.

Minimally invasive, robotic techniques for hepatobiliary procedures offer the potential for accelerated recovery and reduced opioid usage. Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy is a technically challenging procedure with a complex reconstruction. In this regard, standardization of the pancreaticojejunostomy technique is critical for safe adoption of robotic technology in pancreatic surgery. We demonstrate the primary steps and associated principles to perform a robotic pancreaticojejunostomy using a modified Blumgart/Nagakawa technique. Key steps to this procedure include: 1) exposure and positioning of the pancreatic remnant and jejunal limb; 2) transpancreatic suture placement using augmented sutures with bulldog clamps for organization; 3) duct-to-mucosa anastomosis with well-defined order of suture placement and knot-tying for optimal exposure, tissue handling, and technical ease; 4) completion of the anterior row of transpancreatic sutures using Lapra-TY clips for gentle, but firm tissue apposition; and 5) placement of omental flap and surgical drains in proximity to the reconstruction. We described our technique for performing a robotic pancreaticojejunostomy, which compensates for the technical limitations of the robotic approach. These adjustments in combination with the magnified surgical vision and augmented skill associated with the robotic platform allow for safe and reliable performance of the pancreaticojejunostomy technique.

One-half layer pancreaticojejunostomy with the rear wall of the pancreas reinforced: A valuable anastomosis technique.

BACKGROUNDPostoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is one of the most common and serious complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). To effectively reduce the incidence of POPF, we designed a new type of pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ), which was termed one-half layer PJ with the rear wall of the pancreas reinforced.AIMTo explore the clinical application value of this new technique.METHODSWe compared 62 patients who had undergone PD by either the traditional duct-to-mucosa anastomoses or the new one-half layer PJ with the rear wall of the pancreas reinforced method at our hospital from May 2015 to September 2019. All 62 patients were operated by the same surgeon experienced in both procedures. We retrospectively analyzed patient characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and surgical results.RESULTSThere was no significant difference between the two groups in basic information except the postoperative hospital stays, 14.7 ± 5.4 d in the traditional duct-to-mucosa anastomoses group and 12.0 ± 4.2 d in the one-half layer PJ group (P = 0.042). In terms of postoperative complications, the one-half layer PJ group had a lower rate of POPF than the traditional group. The overall number of cases with POPF was 8 (24.2%) in the traditional group and 2 (6.9%) in the one-half layer group (P = 0.017). Additionally, the rate of grades B and C POPF was lower in the one-half layer group (3.4%) compared with that (12.1%) in the traditional group (P = 0.010). One patient died due to hemorrhage caused by severe pancreatic fistula in the traditional group.CONCLUSIONOne-half layer PJ with the rear wall of the pancreas reinforced is a safe and feasible procedure that can successfully reduce the rate of POPF. It may be a promising technique for PJ after PD.

Incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula after using a defined pancreaticojejunostomy technique for laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: A prospective multicenter study on 1033 patients

ObjectiveThis prospective multicenter study aimed to study the incidence of postoperative pancreatice fistula using a defined technique of pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). BackgroundPJ is a technically challenging and time-consuming procedure in LPD. Up to now, only a few small sample size studies have been reported on various PJ techniques in LPD, none of which has widely been accepted by surgeons. MethodsThis prospective study enrolled consecutive patients who underwent LPD using a defined technique of PJ at four institutions in China between January 2017 and December 2020. ResultsOf 1045 patients, after excluding 12 patients (1.2%) due to conversion to open surgery, 1033 patients were analysed. The males comprised of 57.12% (590/1033), and females 42.88% (443/1033), with a mean age of 59.00 years. The mean ± s.d. operation time was (270.2 ± 101.8) min. The median time for PJ was 24min (IQR = 20.0–30.0). The overall incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula was 12.6%, including 67 patients (6.5%) with Grade A biochemical leak, 50 patients (4.8%) with Grade B, and 13 patients (1.3%) with Grade C pancreatic fistulas. The overall incidence of major complications (Clavien-Dindo score ≥3) was 6.3% and the 30-day mortality was 2.8%. ConclusionThe pancreaticojejunostomy technique for LPD was safe, simple and reproduceable with favorable clinical outcomes. However, further validations using high-quality RCTs are still required to confirm the findings of this study.

Effect of Modified Blumgart Anastomosis on Surgical Outcomes After Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Surgeons continue to be concerned about complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy, especially postoperative pancreatic fistula. Among the factors that cause postoperative pancreatic fistula, the pancreaticojejunostomy technique has stood out in recent studies. In this study, we aimed to compare the surgical outcomes, especially POPF, of the modified Blumgart and the traditional anastomosis techniques in patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. A total of 144 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy were divided into 2 groups according to the performed pancreaticojejunostomy technique (modified Blumgart anastomosis, n = 91 and traditional anastomosis, n = 53). Preoperative clinicodemographic data, perioperative findings, and postoperative results were compared between the groups. Additionally, factors associated with clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula were analyzed. The modified Blumgart anastomosis group had lower clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula rate than traditional anastomosis group (n = 8 (8.8%) versus n = 14 (26.4%), P = .005). On the contrary, the biochemical leakage rate was higher in the modified Blumgart anastomosis group (n = 30 (33%) versus n = 9 (17%), P = .037). While postoperative pancreatic fistula-related reoperation rate was lower (n = 2 (2.2%) versus n = 7 (13.2%), P = .013), the length of hospital stay was also shorter (11 days (5-47 days) versus 21 days (6-46 days), P < .001) in the modified Blumgart anastomosis group. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that modified Blumgart anastomosis was an independent and negative predictive factor for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (odds ratio = 0.274, 95% confidence interval = 0.103-0.728, P = .009). Compared to the traditional anastomosis, modified Blumgart anastomosis decreases the rate of transition from biochemical leakage to clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula and postoperative pancreatic fistula-related reoperation and also shortens the length of hospital stay. In addition, modified Blumgart anastomosis is an independent and negative predictive factor for the development of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula.