BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy has been used as a safe and appropriate surgical option in selected patients with malignant and benign disorders of the pancreas and periampullary region. Among the complications of the pancreatoduodenectomy, pancreatic anastomosis failure is the most important and sometimes fatal complication. According to recent reports, the incidence of leakage of pancreatic anastomosis after PD is high (between 5% and 25%). Our objectives were to analize the morbidity and mortality rates related to pancreatic anastomosis technique (duct-to-mucosa VS. telescopic) and to compare the results. METHODS: From January 1987 to December 2002, 64 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenal resection at Brazilian National Cancer Institute. Data were recorded retrospectively on all patients. Forty-two patients underwent pancreatojejunostomy duct-to-mucosa and the telescopic technique was performed in 22 patients. Statistical analyses were performed using the Fischer's test. RESULTS: The pancreatic fistula rate after pancreatojejunostomy duct-to-mucosa and telescopic technique was 12% and 36%, respectively (p = 0.02). The operative mortality rate after duct-to-mucosa technique was 12% and 36% after pancreatojejunostomy telescopic (p = 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: The leakage rate was significantly lower in patients underwent to pancreatojejunostomy duct-to-mucosa, however an operative mortality rate was not significantly different between the two groups.
Anastomosis, surgical; Pancreas; Surgery
