Background/aim: There have been several attempts to prevent the development of a postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP); however, there is no established method yet. In the present study, we investigated whether POPF can be prevented using pancreaticoenterostomy with seromuscular-parenchymal anastomosis.
Patients and methods: We evaluated the incidence of POPF and complications in 20 patients who underwent DP since August 2014, wherein pancreaticoenterostomy with seromuscular-parenchymal anastomosis was performed.
Results: No patient developed POPF, and only 4 patients developed a biochemical leak. Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification: CD) occurred in 5 patients (Grade IIIa in 2 cases, Grade II in 2 cases, and Grade I in 1 case). In a case of CD Grade II, a gastric ulcer was formed at the pancreatico-gastric anastomosis.
Conclusion: Although new complications, such as the formation of ulcers, consistent with pancreatic anastomosis, were noted, the present method was useful in preventing POPF.
Keywords: Distal pancreatectomy; pancreaticoenterostomy; postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF).
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