Pancreaticoduodenectomies with a duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy anastomosis with and without a stenting tube showed no differences in long-term follow-up.

Background/purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term complications of pancreaticoduodenectomy with a duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy anastomosis without a stenting tube.

Methods: Patients were followed for at least 3 years after pancreaticoduodenectomy. They were classified into two groups: duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy anastomosis with a stenting tube (group A: 24) and without a stenting tube (group B: 21). Outcomes, including complications and dilatation of the pancreatic duct, were reported retrospectively.

Results: The following complication rates were found for group A: morbidity 29.1%, cholangitis 12.5%, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis 4.2%, liver abscess 4.2%, intrahepatic stones 4.2%, abnormal glucose tolerance (progression of diabetes) 20.8%, and dilatation of the pancreatic duct 20.8%. In group B, the rates for morbidity (14.3%) and abnormal glucose tolerance (19%), and dilatation of the pancreatic duct (4.8%) were lower than those in group A, but all results lacked statistical significance.

Conclusions: Pancreaticoduodenectomy with a duct-to-mucosa anastomosis of pancreaticojejunostomy with or without a stenting tube showed no difference in long-term follow-up.