[Occlusion of the duct with a fibrin glue and preservation of the pylorus after resection of the duodenum and head of the pancreas for periampullary carcinoma]

Minerva Chir. 1991 Jul;46(13-14):733-9.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Dehiscence of pancreaticojejunostomy represent the main technical postoperative complication after duodenocephalopancreasectomy for periampullary carcinoma. The incidence of this complication is particularly high in cases of narrow duct and a tender pancreatic gland. In this case the authors suggest a technique of occlusion of the residual pancreatic stump using a fibrin sealant. This approach was utilized in 6 consecutive patients affected by resectable periampullary carcinoma. No postoperative mortality was observed. Pancreatic fistula developed in 5 cases and all of them resolved spontaneously in 1-4 months. The sixth patient underwent, at 3 months p-o, a CT-guided percutaneous aspiration of an intraabdominal fluid collection and with no further complications. 3 patients died at 3, 9 and 11 months because of liver metastases. Currently 3 patients are alive and apparently disease free at 25, 7 and 5 months. Pancreatic endocrine function was assessed in 5 patients at 3 months p-o. Blood glucose and insulin, glucagon and C-peptide plasma levels, all fasting and 1 our after a standard meal, revealed a normal glucose metabolism. The authors conclude that, since fibrin sealant avoids the pancreatic fibrosis which could be induced by non-absorbable polymers and the benign evolution of this type of pancreatic fistula, this method for handling the exocrine secretion is a safe and satisfactory approach which is particularly indicated in case of a pancreatic stump at risk for intestinal anastomoses.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery*
  • Aged
  • Ampulla of Vater / surgery*
  • Common Bile Duct Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Duodenum / surgery*
  • Female
  • Fibrin Tissue Adhesive / therapeutic use*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreatectomy / methods*
  • Pancreatic Ducts / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Pylorus / surgery*

Substances

  • Fibrin Tissue Adhesive