Experimental study on operative methods of pancreaticojejunostomy with reference to anastomotic patency and postoperative pancreatic exocrine function

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy and laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy with robotic reconstruction: single-surgeon experience and technical notes

Purpose

Despite the increasing number of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomies, laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) and LPD with robotic reconstruction (LPD-RR) are still valuable surgical options for minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD). This study introduces the surgical techniques, tips, and outcomes of our experience with LPD and LPD-RR.

Methods

Between March 2014 and July 2021, 122 and 48 patients underwent LPD and LPD-RR respectively, at CHA Bundang Medical Center in Korea. The operative settings, procedures, and trocar placements were identical in both approaches; however, different trocars were used. We introduced our techniques of retraction methods for Kocherization and uncinate process dissection, pancreatic reconstruction, pancreatic division, and protection using the round ligament. The perioperative surgical outcomes of LPD and LPD-RR were compared.

Results

Baseline demographics of patients in the LPD and LPD-RR groups were comparable, but the LPD group had older age (65.5 ± 11.6 years vs. 60.0 ± 14.1 years, p = 0.009) and lesser preoperative chemotherapy (15.6% vs. 35.4%, p = 0.008). The proportion of malignant disease was similar (LPD group, 86.1% vs. LPD-RR group, 83.3%; p = 0.759). Perioperative outcomes were also comparable, including operative time, estimated blood loss, clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (LPD group, 9.0% vs. LPD-RR group, 10.4%; p = 0.684), and major postoperative complication rates (LPD group, 14.8% vs. LPD-RR group, 6.2%; p = 0.082).

Conclusion

Both LPD and LPR-RR can be safely performed by experienced surgeons with acceptable surgical outcomes. Further investigations are required to evaluate the objective benefits of robotic surgical systems in MIPD and establish widely acceptable standardized MIPD techniques.

Preoperative pancreatic CT value is related to pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a retrospective study

Background

Pancreatic fistula (PF) is the main complication in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. Computed tomography (CT) value can reflect pancreatic tissue characteristics which is related to PF. This study was designed to study the relationship between the preoperative CT value and pancreatic fistula.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and medical data of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy from 2017 to 2021. The pancreatic CT value and the CT value ratios of the pancreas and abdominal aorta (P_CT/A_CT) were measured and compared between the PF group and non-PF group. The values in different PF severity groups were compared using variance analysis. A cut-off value was selected by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Single-factor and multiple-factor analysis were performed to evaluate Correlation between PF and CT.

Results

One hundred and twenty-seven cases were included in this study. The P_CT/A_CT in the PF group was significantly lower than that in the non-PF group (P<0.001), and the P_CT/A_CT value was correlatively lower in the severe PF group than in the mild PF group (P=0.008). A cutoff value of 0.99 was selected by ROC curves analysis. Further multifactor analysis identified P_CT/A_CT <0.99 to be an independent preoperative predictor [odds ratio (OR): 11.3, P<0.01].

Conclusions

The preoperative pancreatic CT value can indirectly reflect the histological condition of the pancreas and thus may related to postoperative PF after pancreaticoduodenectomy and provide useful information for surgeons in deciding upon the pancreaticojejunostomy method.

Acetazolamide-eluting biodegradable tubular stent prevents pancreaticojejunal anastomotic leakage

Postoperative pancreatic fistula at the early stage can lead to auto-digestion, which may delay the recovery of the pancreaticojejunal (PJ) anastomosis. The efficacy and safety of an acetazolamide-eluting biodegradable tubular stent (AZ-BTS) for the prevention of self-digestion and intra-abdominal inflammatory diseases caused by pancreatic juice leakage after PJ anastomosis in a porcine model were investigated. The AZ-BTS was successfully fabricated using a multiple dip-coating process. Then, the drug amount and release profile were analyzed. The therapeutic effects of AZ were examined in vitro using two kinds of pancreatic cancer cell lines, AsPC-1 and PANC-1. The efficacy of AZ-BTS was assessed in a porcine PJ leakage model, with animals were each assigned to a leakage group, a BTS group and an AZ-BTS group. The overall mortality rates in these three groups were 44.4%, 16.6%, and 0%, respectively. Mean α-amylase concentrations were significantly higher in the leakage and BTS groups than in the AZ-BTS group on day 2-5 (p < 0.05 each all). The luminal diameters and areas of the pancreatic duct were significantly larger in the leakage group than in the BTS and AZ-BTS groups (p < 0.05 each all). These findings indicate that AZ-BTS can significantly suppress intra-abdominal inflammatory diseases caused by pancreatic juice leakage and also prevent late stricture formation at the PJ anastomotic site in a porcine model.

The 1-year outcomes after pancreaticogastrostomy using vertical versus horizontal mattress suturing for gastric wrapping

PURPOSE

To investigate the differences in nutritional status 1 year after pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) using vertical suturing (VS) vs. twin square horizontal mattress (HMS) suturing in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

The subjects of this study were 134 patients who underwent PD, followed by PG, which was closed by VS in 52 and by HMS in 82. We evaluated the peri- and postoperative factors, nutritional parameters, diameter of the remnant main pancreatic duct, and glucose intolerance 1 year postoperatively.

RESULTS

Forty-five (87%) patients from the VS group and 75 (91%) patients from the HMS group survived for more than 1 year. The incidences of intraabdominal abscess and pancreatic fistula were significantly lower in the HMS group than in the VS group (19.2% vs. 6.6% and19.2% vs. 2.6%, respectively). There were no significant changes in the total protein, serum albumin, and HbA1c levels 1 year postoperatively. The postoperative expansion ratio of the main pancreatic duct diameter was significantly smaller in the HMS group than in the VS group. The strongest risk factor for body weight loss 1 year postoperatively was a non-soft pancreas texture.

CONCLUSION

HMS was superior to VS for preventing early postoperative complications and did not affect pancreatic function.

A Novel Biodegradable Tubular Stent Prevents Pancreaticojejunal Anastomotic Stricture

Stricture of pancreatic-enteric anastomoses is a major late complication of a pancreaticoduodenectomy for the treatment of a periampullary tumor and can lead to exocrine and endocrine insufficiency such as malnutrition and diabetes mellitus. We investigated the safety and efficacy of a biodegradable tubular stent (BTS) for preventing a pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) anastomotic stricture in both a rat and porcine model. The BTS was manufactured using a terpolymer comprising poly p-dioxanone, trimethylene carbonate, and glycolide. A cohort of 42 rats was randomized into 7 groups of 6 animals each after BTS placement into the duodenum for the biodegradation assay. A total of 12 pigs were randomized equally into a control and BTS placement group. The effectiveness of the BTS was assessed by comparing radiologic images with histologic results. Surgical procedures and/or BTS placements were technically successful in all animals. The median mass losses of the removed BTS samples from the rat duodenum were 2.1, 6.8, 11.2, 19.4, 26.1, and 56.8% at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, respectively. The BTS had completely degraded at 12 weeks in the rats. In the porcine PJ model, the mean luminal diameter and area of the pancreatic duct in the control group was significantly larger than in the BTS group (all p < 0.05). BTS placement thus appears to be safe and effective procedure for the prevention of PJ anastomotic stricture. These devices have the potential to be used as a temporary stent placement to treat pancreatic-enteric anastomoses, but further investigations are required for optimization in human.

Characterization of Pancreaticojejunal Anastomotic Healing in a Porcine Survival Model

Introduction: Anastomotic leak after pancreaticoduodenectomy is the most important cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Histological studies of bowel anastomoses have provided valuable insights regarding causes of anastomotic failure. However, this crucial information is lacking for pancreatico-enteric anastomoses. Methods: Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed in a porcine model. Animals were survived up to 10 days and then the pancreatico-enteral anastomosis specimen was resected en bloc. Anastomotic bursting pressure was measured and histological sections of the anastomoses were examined. Results: Six out of 8 animals had excellent healing of the anastomoses. One animal developed a clinically significant leak at the pancreaticoduodenal anastomosis (12.5%) and one animal had a subclinical duodeno-duodenal leak discovered on necropsy (12.5%). Both anastomoses that failed had a collagen-to-tissue ratio less than 40%. In contrast, none of the anastomoses with a ratio greater than 40% showed any evidence of disruption. Conclusion: Our results indicate that quantitative measurement of collagen deposition at the pancreatic anastomosis provides objective assessment of healing of the pancreatic anastomosis. A survival porcine model of pancreaticoduodenectomy results in a similar leak rate to published data on pancreaticoduodenectomy in humans and will be useful for future studies assessing novel pharmacologic or technical interventions aimed at improving outcomes.

Administration of Pancrelipase as Effective Treatment for Hepatic Steatosis After Pancreatectomy

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence of hepatic steatosis after pancreatectomy and whether pancrelipase improves steatosis more effectively than other conventional digestive enzymes.

METHODS

Patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy, pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), or total pancreatectomy (TP) from August 2008 to July 2013 were included. Incidence of newly developed hepatic steatosis recognized by computed tomography and outcomes by treatment with pancrealipase or other enzymes were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 473 patients were evaluated. Among 366 patients who did not take any digestive enzymes until the recognition of steatosis or the last follow-up date, hepatic steatosis was recognized in 3% (4/130), 17% (38/229), and 45% (3/7) of patients after distal pancreatectomy, PD, and TP, respectively, during the median follow-up of 641 days. Seventy patients including 25 patients taking digestive enzymes showed hepatic steatosis and were treated with pancrelipase (20 patients), other enzymes (19 patients), or no enzyme (31 patients). Cumulative improvement rate after 1 year of treatment in the 3 groups was 92%, 51%, and 56%, respectively, and that of the pancrelipase group was significantly better than the other 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

The risk of hepatic steatosis should be a concern after PD and TP. Treatment with pancrelipase was more effective compared to other enzymes.

A comparison of two invagination techniques for pancreatojejunostomy after pancreatoduodenectomy

Background. The aim of the study was to compare two invagination techniques for pancreatojejunostomy after pancreatoduodenectomy. Methods. For effective prevention of the development of pancreatic leakage, we modified invagination technique that we term the "serous touch." We analysed the diameter of the main pancreatic duct, the texture of the remnant pancreas, the method of the reconstruction, pancreatic external drainage, anastomotic procedure time, histopathological examination, and postoperative complications. Results. Fifty-two patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreatojejunostomy using "serous touch" technique (ST group) and 52 classic pancreatojejunostomy (C group). In the ST group one patient (1.9%) was diagnosed as grade B pancreatic fistula, and no patient experienced fistula grade A or C. In the C group 6 patients (11.5%) were diagnosed as fistula grade A, 1 (1.9%) patient as fistula grade B, and 1 (1.9%) patient as fistula grade C. There was a significant statistical difference in incidents of pancreatic fistula (P < 0.05) and no statistical difference in other postoperative complications or mortality in comparison group. Anastomosis time was statistically shorter in the ST group. Conclusions. "Serous touch" technique appeared to be easy, safe, associated with fewer incidences of pancreatic fistulas, and less time consuming in comparison with classical pancreatojejunostomy.

Histological loss of pancreatic exocrine cells correlates with pancreatic exocrine function after pancreatic surgery

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between histological findings of the pancreatic stump and postoperative pancreatic exocrine function.

METHODS

One hundred ten patients including 80 patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and 30 patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy (DP) were enrolled into this study. Postoperative exocrine pancreatic function was evaluated by 13C-labeled mixed triglyceride breath test. The areas of acinar cells, fibrotic tissues, and fatty replacement were histologically calculated in surgical specimens of the pancreatic stump.

RESULTS

Histologically, acinar cell area of patients undergoing PD was significantly less than that of patients undergoing DP (P = 0.025). The values of the mean percentage dose 13C cumulative 7 hours of patients undergoing PD were significantly lower than those of patients undergoing DP (P < 0.001). The rate of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in patients undergoing PD is significantly higher than that in patients with DP (P = 0.002). There was a significant correlation between acinar cell area of the pancreatic stump and the percentage dose 13C cumulative 7 hours (R = 0.35, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatoduodenectomy induced pancreatic exocrine insufficiency more frequently than DP. Histological loss of acinar cells in the pancreatic stump was strongly correlated with postoperative pancreatic exocrine function.

Predictive factors for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency after pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) with pancreaticogastrostomy (PG).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A (13)C-labeled mixed triglyceride breath test was performed in 61 patients after PD to assess exocrine pancreatic function. Percent (13)CO(2) cumulative dose at 7 h <5% was considered diagnostic of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Abdominal computed tomography scans were utilized to assess the dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD dilatation) in the remnant.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight of 61 patients (62.3%) were diagnosed with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Univariate analysis identified significant associations between two preoperative factors (preoperative impaired endocrine function and a hard pancreatic texture induced by preexisting obstructive pancreatitis), plus one postoperative factor (MPD dilatation caused by PG stricture) and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis determined that all three of these factors were independent factors (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although exocrine pancreatic insufficiency after PD may be partly explainable by preexisting obstructive pancreatitis prior to surgery, surgeons desiring to obtain better postoperative exocrine pancreatic function after PD would be well-advised to devote considerable attention to preventing PG stricture.

Controversies and appraisals about gastrointestinal reconstruction in pancreatoduodenectomy

Gastrointestinal reconstruction has been considered to be closely related to postoperative morbidity, mortality and quality of life of the patients who undergo pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). For more than half a century, the scholars all around the world have offered numerous operative modifications and new procedures to improve the alimentary reconstruction for PD, but the effect and appraisal of these methods have always been controversial. In recent years many large prospective randomized controlled trials have been reported and the questions above have been re-studied based on the meta-analysis, which enables us to have a correct understanding about these questions for the first time. This article summarized newest research findings, and carried out the synthesis contrast analysis of the main methods of digestive canal reconstruction for PD such as pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) versus pancreaticogastrostomy (PG), the child type or Roux-en-Y technique, pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) and the classic Whipple procedure (WPD), duct-to- mucosa anastomosis versus end-to-end invaginated PD, etc. The objective effects of these commonly clinically used procedures are discussed in this paper.