Comparison of Blumgart Anastomosis with Duct-to-Mucosa Anastomosis and Invagination Pancreaticojejunostomy After Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Single-Center Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Gradient inflammation in the pancreatic stump after pancreaticoduodenectomy: Two case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study explored this pathology in the pancreatic stumps and elucidated the mechanisms of POPF following PD.

CASE SUMMARY

Pathological analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were performed on specimens obtained from two patients who underwent complete pancreatectomy for grade C POPF after PD. Gradient inflammation is present in the pancreatic stump. The apoptosis was lower than that in the normal pancreas. Moreover, neutrophil-dominated inflammatory cells are concentrated in the ductal system. Notably, neutrophils migrated through the ductal wall in acinar duct metaplasia-formed ducts. Additionally, evidence indicates that gut microbes migrate from the digestive tract. Gradient inflammation occurs in pancreatic stumps after PD.

CONCLUSION

The mechanisms underlying POPF include high biochemical activity in the pancreas, mechanical injury, and digestive reflux. To prevent POPF and address pancreatic inflammation and reflux, breaking the link with anastomotic dehiscence is practical.

Single Center, Propensity Score Matching Analysis of Different Reconstruction Techniques following Pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Pancreatoduodenectomy is still hampered by significant morbidity. So far, there is no universally accepted technique aimed at minimizing postoperative complications. Herein, we compare three different reconstruction techniques.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of a prospectively maintained database including 283 patients operated between January 2010 and December 2020. Three reconstruction techniques were compared: (1) the Neuhaus-style telescope pancreatojejunostomy, (2) the pancreatogastrostomy, and (3) the modified Blumgart-style, duct-to-mucosa pancreatojejunostomy. The primary endpoint consisted in determining the rates of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas (CR-POPF); the secondary endpoints included 90 days morbidity and mortality rates. A propensity score matching analysis was used.

RESULTS

Rates of CR-POPF did not differ significantly between the groups (Neuhaus-style pancreatojejunostomy 16%, pancreatogastrostomy 17%, modified Blumgart-style pancreatojejunostomy 15%), neither in the unmatched nor in the matched analysis (p = 0.993 and p = 0.901, respectively). Similarly, no significant differences could be observed with regard to major morbidity (unmatched p = 0.596, matched p = 0.188) and mortality rates (unmatched p = 0.371, matched p = 0.209) within the first 90 days following surgery. Propensity-score matching analyses revealed, however, a higher occurrence of post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage after pancreatogastrostomy (p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

Similar CR-POPF rates suggest no crucial role of the applied reconstruction technique. Increased incidence of intraluminal post-pancreatectomy hemorrhages following pancreatogastrostomy demands awareness for meticulous hemostasis.

Comparative Study of Perioperative Outcomes Between Modified Blumgart Duct to Mucosa and Dunking Pancreaticojejunostomy

BACKGROUND

Pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) is the ''Achilles heel" of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) which affects perioperative as well as oncological outcomes. However, there is a lack of information about the superiority of the type of anastomosis in terms of overall morbidity and postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after PD. Here, we compare the outcomes of modified Blumgart PJ with the dunking technique of PJ.

METHODOLOGY

A case-control study of a prospectively maintained database of 25 consecutive patients undergoing modified Blumgart PJ (study group) and 25 patients who underwent continuous dunking PJ (control group) between January 2018 to April 2021 was done. Between groups, comparisons were made for the duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, original fistula risk score, overall complications as graded by Clavien Dindo (CD), POPF, post pancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH), delayed gastric emptying (DGE), and 30-day mortality at 95% confidence level.

RESULTS

Among 50 patients, 30 (60%) were male. The most common indication for PD was ampullary carcinoma (44% in the study group vs. 60% in the control group). The duration of surgery was approximately 41 minutes longer in the study group compared to the control (p = 0.02), while the intraoperative blood loss was similar between the two groups (496.00 ± 226.35 ml vs 508.00 ± 180.67 ml, p = 0.84). While there was no significant difference in mean fistula risk score between the two groups, the POPF (8% vs 32%, p = 0.03), PPH (0% vs 20%, p =0.02), and overall major complications (CD≥ III) according to CD Grading (12% vs 40%, p = 0.02) were significantly lower in the study group. Similarly, the duration of hospital stay in the study group was 4.64 days shorter than the control group (p = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the 30-day mortality between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Modified Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy has better perioperative outcomes in terms of procedure-specific complications like POPF, PPH, overall major postoperative complications, and duration of hospital stay.

Prevention and Treatment of Grade C Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a troublesome complication after pancreatic surgeries, and grade C POPF is the most serious situation among pancreatic fistulas. At present, the incidence of grade C POPF varies from less than 1% to greater than 9%, with an extremely high postoperative mortality rate of 25.7%. The patients with grade C POPF finally undergo surgery with a poor prognosis after various failed conservative treatments. Although various surgical and perioperative attempts have been made to reduce the incidence of grade C POPF, the rates of this costly complication have not been significantly diminished. Hearteningly, several related studies have found that intra-abdominal infection from intestinal flora could promote the development of grade C POPF, which would help physicians to better prevent this complication. In this review, we briefly introduced the definition and relevant risk factors for grade C POPF. Moreover, this review discusses the two main pathways, direct intestinal juice spillover and bacterial translocation, by which intestinal microbes enter the abdominal cavity. Based on the abovementioned theory, we summarize the operation techniques and perioperative management of grade C POPF and discuss novel methods and surgical treatments to reverse this dilemma.

Comparisons of short-term outcomes of anastomotic methods of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy: out-layer continuous suture versus modified Blumgart method

Purpose

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most troublesome complication after pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ). This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of 2 different methods of duct-to-mucosa PJ; out-layer continuous suture anastomosis (OCA) and the modified Blumgart method (mBM).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients who underwent curative-intent, open PD between 2015 and 2020. In mBM, 2 transpancreatic U-sutures were performed between the pancreatic margin and jejunum, with reinforced sutures in the central region. Patient demographics, diagnosis, intraoperative factors, postoperative complications, and POPF defined by the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula were investigated. Clinically relevant POPF (CR-POPF) included grades B and C POPF.

Results

A total of 184 patients underwent OCA, and 96 patients underwent mBM. The mBM group had more patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy. The fistula risk scores were comparable between the 2 groups. Both groups showed no significant differences in CR-POPF and overall surgical complication rates. The total operation time was comparable, although the operation time for PJ was shorter in mBM.

Conclusion

No significant differences were observed in the postoperative outcomes between each group; the operation time for PJ in mBM was shorter. Therefore, mBM may be considered for utilization in duct-to-mucosa PJ.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Clinical Trial Comparing Cattell-Warren and Blumgart Anastomoses Following Partial Pancreatoduodenectomy: PANasta Trial

Whether a Blumgart anastomosis (BA) is superior to Cattell-Warren anastomosis (CWA) in terms of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) following pancreatoduodenectomy.

Importance

Complications driven by POPF following pancreatic cancer resection may hinder adjuvant therapy, shortening survival. BA may reduce complications compared to CWA, improving the use of adjuvant therapy and prolonging survival.

Methods

A multicenter double-blind, controlled trial of patients undergoing resection for suspected pancreatic head cancer, randomized during surgery to a BA or CWA, stratified by pancreatic consistency and duct diameter. The primary end point was POPF, and secondary outcome measures were adjuvant therapy use, specified surgical complications, quality of life, and survival from the date of randomization. For a 10% POPF reduction, 416 patients were required, 208 per arm (two-sided α = 0·05; power = 80%).

Results

Z-score at planned interim analysis was 0.474 so recruitment was held to 238 patients; 236 patients were analyzed (112 BA and 124 CWA). No significant differences in POPF were observed between BA and CWA, odds ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) 1·04 (0.58-1.88), P = 0.887, nor in serious adverse events. Adjuvant therapy was delivered to 98 (62%) of 159 eligible patients with any malignancy; statistically unrelated to arm or postoperative complications. Twelve-month overall survival, hazard ratio (95% CI), did not differ between anastomoses; BA 0.787 (0.713-0.868) and CWA 0.854 (0.792-0.921), P = 0.266, nor for the 58 patients with complications, median (IQR), 0.83 (0.74-0.91) compared to 101 patients without complications 0.82 (0.76-0.89) (P = 0.977).

Conclusions

PANasta represents the most robust analysis of BA versus CWA to date.

Duct-to-mucosa versus other types of pancreaticojejunostomy for the prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula following pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pancreatic fistula is a common and serious complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy has been used in many centers to reconstruct pancreatic digestive continuity following pancreatoduodenectomy, however, its efficacy and safety are uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy versus other types of pancreaticojejunostomy for the reconstruction of pancreatic digestive continuity in participants undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy, and to compare the effects of different duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy techniques.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Library (2021, Issue 1), MEDLINE (1966 to 9 January 2021), Embase (1988 to 9 January 2021), and Science Citation Index Expanded (1982 to 9 January 2021).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy with other types of pancreaticojejunostomy (e.g. invagination pancreaticojejunostomy, binding pancreaticojejunostomy) in participants undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. We also included RCTs that compared different types of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy in participants undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently identified the studies for inclusion, collected the data, and assessed the risk of bias. We performed the meta-analyses using Review Manager 5. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and the mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For all analyses, we used the random-effects model. We used the Cochrane RoB 1 tool to assess the risk of bias. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for all outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 11 RCTs involving a total of 1696 participants in the review. One RCT was a dual-center study; the other 10 RCTs were single-center studies conducted in: China (4 studies); Japan (2 studies); USA (1 study); Egypt (1 study); Germany (1 study); India (1 study); and Italy (1 study). The mean age of participants ranged from 54 to 68 years. All RCTs were at high risk of bias. Duct-to-mucosa versus any other type of pancreaticojejunostomy We included 10 RCTs involving 1472 participants comparing duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy with invagination pancreaticojejunostomy: 732 participants were randomized to the duct-to-mucosa group, and 740 participants were randomized to the invagination group after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Comparing the two techniques, the evidence is very uncertain for the rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula (grade B or C; RR 1.45, 95% CI 0.64 to 3.26; 7 studies, 1122 participants; very low-certainty evidence), postoperative mortality (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.49; 10 studies, 1472 participants; very low-certainty evidence), rate of surgical reintervention (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.95; 10 studies, 1472 participants; very low-certainty evidence), rate of postoperative bleeding (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.42; 9 studies, 1275 participants; very low-certainty evidence), overall rate of surgical complications (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.36; 5 studies, 750 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and length of hospital stay (MD -0.41 days, 95% CI -1.87 to 1.04; 4 studies, 658 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The studies did not report adverse events or quality of life outcomes. One type of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy versus a different type of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy We included one RCT involving 224 participants comparing duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy using the modified Blumgart technique with duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy using the traditional interrupted technique: 112 participants were randomized to the modified Blumgart group, and 112 participants were randomized to the traditional interrupted group after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Comparing the two techniques, the evidence is very uncertain for the rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula (grade B or C; RR 1.51, 95% CI 0.61 to 3.75; 1 study, 210 participants; very low-certainty evidence), postoperative mortality (there were no deaths in either group; 1 study, 210 participants; very low-certainty evidence), rate of surgical reintervention (RR 1.93, 95% CI 0.18 to 20.91; 1 study, 210 participants; very low-certainty evidence), rate of postoperative bleeding (RR 2.89, 95% CI 0.12 to 70.11; 1 study, 210 participants; very low-certainty evidence), overall rate of surgical complications (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.51; 1 study, 210 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and length of hospital stay (15 days versus 15 days; 1 study, 210 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The study did not report adverse events or quality of life outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy compared to invagination pancreaticojejunostomy on any of the outcomes, including rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula (grade B or C), postoperative mortality, rate of surgical reintervention, rate of postoperative bleeding, overall rate of surgical complications, and length of hospital stay. The evidence is also very uncertain whether duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy using the modified Blumgart technique is superior, equivalent or inferior to duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy using the traditional interrupted technique. None of the studies reported adverse events or quality of life outcomes.

The usefulness of preoperative exocrine function evaluated by the 13C-trioctanoin breath test as a significant physiological predictor of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background

The association between pancreatic fistula (PF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and preoperative exocrine function is yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the preoperative results of the ¹³C-trioctanoin breath test and the occurrence of PF, showing the clinical relevance of the breath test in predicting PF.

Method

A total of 80 patients who underwent ¹³C-trioctanoin breath tests prior to PD from 2006 to 2018 were included in this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to reveal the preoperative predictors of PF, showing the association between ¹³C-trioctanoin absorption and PF incidence.

Results

Among 80 patients (age, 68.0 ± 11.9 years, 46 males and 34 females; 30 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [PDAC]/50 non-PDAC patients), the incidence of PF was 12.5% (10/80). Logistic regression analysis results revealed that the frequency of PF increased significantly as the ¹³C-trioctanoin breath test value (Aa% dose/h) increased (odd’s ratio: 1.082, 95% confidence interval: 1.007–1.162, p = 0.032). Moreover, the optimal cutoff value of the preoperative fat absorption level to predict PF was 38.0 (sensitivity, 90%; specificity, 74%; area under the curve, 0.78; p = 0.005). Indeed, the incidence of PF was extremely higher in patients whose breath test value was greater than 38.0 (33%, 9/27) compared with that in patients with values less than 38.0 (1.8%, 1/53).

Conclusions

Favorable preoperative fat absorption evaluated using the ¹³C-trioctanoin breath test is a feasible and objective predictor of PF after PD.

A preserved pancreatic exocrine function after pancreatectomy may be a crucial cause of pancreatic fistula: paradoxical results of the 13C-trioctanoin breath test in the perioperative period

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to elucidate the association between pancreatic fistula (PF) and the sequential changes in the perioperative exocrine function after pancreatectomy.

METHODS

The subjects were 96 patients who underwent a ¹³C-trioctanoin breath test before and 1 month after pancreatectomy, between 2006 and 2018. We retrospectively compared the pre- and postoperative fat absorption levels between patients with PF (PF group; n = 17) and without PF (non-PF group; n = 79) using the breath test.

RESULTS

The preoperative level of ¹³C-trioctanoin absorption (%dose/h) was comparable between the non-PF and PF groups (36.5 vs. 36.9). In the non-PF group, ¹³C-trioctanoin absorption was significantly decreased after surgery in comparison to the preoperative setting (post-operative 28.5; pre-operative 36.5; p < 0.0001), whereas these values were comparable (post-operative 36.9; pre-operative 34.5; p = 0.129) in the PF group. Moreover, postoperative absorption in the PF group was significantly better than that in the non-PF group (34.5 vs. 28.5%, p = 0.0003). The maximum drain amylase level was significantly higher in patients with a ¹³C-trioctanoin absorption level (%dose/h) of ≥ 30 in comparison to patients with levels of < 30 (2502 vs. 398 U/L, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

PF did not exacerbate the pancreatic exocrine function in the early postoperative period, and the acceleration or preservation of the exocrine function after surgery may be an important cause of PF.

Blumgart Anastomosis After Pancreaticoduodenectomy. A Comprehensive Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression

BACKGROUND

The superiority of Blumgart anastomosis (BA) over non-BA duct to mucosa (non-BA DtoM) still remains under debate.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of studies comparing BA to non-BA DtoM. The primary endpoint was CR-POPF. Postoperative morbidity and mortality, post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH), delayed gastric emptying (DGE), reoperation rate, and length of stay (LOS) were evaluated as secondary endpoints. The meta-analysis was carried out using random effect. The results were reported as odds ratio (OR), risk difference (RD), weighted mean difference (WMD), and number needed to treat (NNT).

RESULTS

Twelve papers involving 2368 patients: 1075 BA and 1193 non-BA DtoM were included. Regarding the primary endpoint, BA was superior to non-BA DtoM (RD = 0.10; 95% CI: -0.16 to -0.04; NNT = 9). The multivariate ORs' meta-analysis confirmed BA's protective role (OR 0.26; 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.79). BA was superior to DtoM regarding overall morbidity (RD = -0.10; 95% CI: -0.18 to -0.02; NNT = 25), PPH (RD = -0.03; 95% CI -0.06 to -0.01; NNT = 33), and LOS (- 4.2 days; -7.1 to -1.2 95% CI).

CONCLUSION

BA seems to be superior to non-BA DtoM in avoiding CR-POPF.

The modified Blumgart anastomosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a retrospective single center cohort study

Objectives

The postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a major complication after pancreatic head resection whereby the technique of the anastomosis is a very influencing factor. The literature describes a possible protective role of the Blumgart anastomosis.

Methods

Patients after pancreatic head resection with reconstruction through the modified Blumgart anastomosis (a 2 row pancreatic anastomosis through mattress sutures of the parenchyma and duct to mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy, Blumgart-group) were compared with patients after pancreatic head resection and reconstruction through the conventional pancreatojejunostomy (single suture technique of capsule and parenchyma to seromuscularis, PJ-group). The Data were collected retrospectively. Depending on the propensity score matching in a ratio of 1:2 comparison groups were set up. Blumgart-group (n=29) and PJ-group (n=56). The primary end point was the rate of POPF. Secondary goals were duration of operation, length of hospital stay, length of stay on intermediate care units and hospital mortality.

Results

The rate of POPF (biochemical leak, POPF "grade B" and POPF "grade C") was less in the Blumgart-group, but without statistical relevance (p=0.23). Significantly less was the rate of POPF "grade C" in the Blumgart-group (p=0.03). Regarding the duration of hospital stay, length of stay on intermediate care units and hospital mortality, there was no relevant statistical difference between the groups (p=0.1; p=0.4; p=0.7). The duration of the operation was significantly less in the Blumgart-group (p=0.001).

Conclusions

The modified Blumgart anastomosis technique may have the potential to decrease major postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Blumgart anastomosis reduces the incidence of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most serious complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Recently, Blumgart anastomosis (BA) has been found to have some advantages in terms of decreasing POPF compared with other pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) using either the duct-to-mucosa or invagination approach. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the safety and effectiveness of BA versus non-Blumgart anastomosis after PD. The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Library were systematically searched for studies published from January 2000 to March 2020. One RCT and ten retrospective comparative studies were included with 2412 patients, of whom 1155 (47.9%) underwent BA and 1257 (52.1%) underwent non-Blumgart anastomosis. BA was associated with significantly lower rates of grade B/C POPF (OR 0.38, 0.22 to 0.65; P = 0.004) than non-Blumgart anastomosis. Additionally, in the subgroup analysis, the grade B/C POPF was also reduced in BA group than the Kakita anastomosis group. There was no significant difference regarding grade B/C POPF in terms of soft pancreatic texture between the BA and non-Blumgart anastomosis groups. In conclusion, BA after PD was associated with a decreased risk of grade B/C POPF. Therefore, BA seems to be a valuable PJ to reduce POPF comparing with non-Blumgart anastomosis.

Novel Technique for Single-Layer Pancreatojejunostomy is Not Inferior to Modified Blumgart Anastomosis in Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

A novel technique of single-layer continuous suturing (SCS) for pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) during robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD), a technically straightforward procedure, has been shown to produce promising results in a previous study. The present RCT aims to show that SCS during RPD does not increase the incidence of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) when compared with modified Blumgart anastomosis (MBA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2019 and September 2019, consecutive patients (ASA score ≤ 2) who underwent RPD were enrolled and randomized to the SCS or the MBA group. The primary endpoint was the rate of CR-POPF. A noninferiority margin of 10% was chosen.

RESULTS

Of the 186 patients, 4 were excluded because PJ was not performed. The remaining 182 patients were randomized to the SCS group (n = 89) or MBA group (n = 93). CR-POPF rate was not inferior in the SCS group [SCS: 6.7%, MBA: 11.8%; 95% confidence interval (- 0.76, - 0.06), P = 0.0002]. PJ duration was significantly lower in the SCS group (P < 0.01). No significant differences were found between the two groups in operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, or rates of conversion to laparotomy, morbidity, reoperation, or mortality. On subgroup analysis of patients with a soft pancreas and small main pancreatic duct, SCS significantly reduced the duration of PJ.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that SCS was not inferior to MBA in terms of the CR-POPF rate during RPD. Registration number: ChiCTR1800020086 ( www.Chictr.org.cn ).

Pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy due to compression of the superior mesenteric vessels: a case report

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic fistula is a common complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy, which could be caused by: soft pancreatic tissue, pancreatic duct diameter < 3 mm and body mass index ≥25 kg/m². Here we report a case of pancreatic fistula due to obstruction of the jejunal loop due to compression of the jejunal loop by the superior mesenteric vessels.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 68-year-old man was admitted to our ward due to intermittent epigastric distension and pain. After various examinations and treatments, he was diagnosed with middle bile duct cancer. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed, and pancreaticojejunostomy and hepaticojejunostomy were completed by lifting the jejunal loop from behind the superior mesenteric vessels to the upper region of the colon. On postoperative day 9, the patient developed acute diffuse peritonitis, and on postoperative day 10, the patient underwent a second exploratory laparotomy, during which it was confirmed that the pancreatic fistula was caused by obstruction of the jejunal loop due to compression of the jejunal loop by the superior mesenteric vessels, then the patient recovered and was discharged alive after retrograde drainage in the jejunum.

CONCLUSIONS

The superior mesenteric vessels after pancreaticoduodenal surgery can compress the jejunal loop and cause obstruction leading to serious complications, and it is recommended that general surgeons should avoid lifting the jejunal loop from the posterior aspect of the superior mesenteric vessels to complete the anastomosis.