A reduction in delayed gastric emptying by classic pancreaticoduodenectomy with an antecolic gastrojejunal anastomosis and a retrogastric omental patch

Abstract

Background: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) continues to be a major cause of morbidity following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). A change in the method of reconstruction following PD was instituted in an attempt to reduce the incidence DGE. Methods - Patients undergoing PD from January 2002 to December 2008 were reviewed and outcomes determined. Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) with a retrocolic duodenojejunal anastomosis (n=79) or a classic PD with a retrocolic gastrojejunostomy (n=36) was performed prior to January 2008. Thereafter, a classic PD with an antecolic gastrojejunal anastomosis and placement of a retrogastric vascular omental patch was undertaken (n=36). Results - ..