Completion pancreatectomy for postoperative peritonitis after pancreaticoduodenectomy: early and late outcome.

Hypothesis: Completion pancreatectomy in patients with pancreatic leakage associated with postoperative peritonitis after pancreaticoduodenectomy is a viable salvage procedure.

Design: Retrospective analysis from a cohort of consecutive patients admitted between January 1, 1989, and December 31, 1999, for postoperative peritonitis originating from pancreaticojejunostomy leakage.

Setting: Tertiary referral center with surgical intensive care unit specializing in the treatment of intra-abdominal sepsis.