Results of pancreatogastrostomy after pancreatoduodenectomy in 160 consecutive patients

Background The advantages of pancreatogastrostomy over pancreatojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy are still debated. This study analyses the results of pancreatogastrostomy to identify factors that could influence immediate outcome. Methods During a 10-year period, 160 consecutive patients underwent a pancreatogastrostomy. There were 109 men (68 per cent) and 51 women (32 per cent) with a mean(s.d.) age of 59(10) (range 22-82) years; 27 patients were older than 70 years. The following parameters were assessed: mortality rate, morbidity, reasons for reoperation, length of hospital stay, duration of nasogastric tube and drainage. Results Hospital mortality rate was 3 per cent; overall morbidity rate was 30 per cent. The reoperation rate was 12 per cent, mainly because of bleeding at the pancreatic margin. Delayed gastric emptying occurred in 36 patients. The overall rate of pancreatic fistula was 25 per cent. Age, sex, indications for pancreatoduodenectomy, and the texture of the pancreatic remnant did not influence the occurrence of pancreatic fistula or delayed gastric emptying. Conclusion This study confirmed that pancreatogastrostomy is a safe procedure with low mortality and morbidity rates.