Background: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) due to anastomotic leak is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to present an improved anastomotic technique for Whipple operation, which we call "true" duct-to-mucosa anastomosis (DMA)-pancreaticojejunostomy.
Methods: A novel enteric mucosal eversion at the point of the jejunostomy is constructed prior to the anastomosis with the pancreatic duct in order to enhance sealing. This technique was tested in a series of 38 patients (study group) and compared to the technique used in the preceding 35 patients who served as controls.
Results: The incidence of POPF was significantly lower in the study group compared to controls: 7.9 % (3/38) vs 34.3 % (12/35), respectively (P = 0.008, odds ratio 6.1). All POPFs in the study group were International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) grade A, while in the control group POPFs ISGPF grade B and C occurred in 17.1 %. Additionally, median (interquartile range) postoperative hospitalization was reduced in the study group [16 (14-21) days] compared to controls [20 (16-27) days, P = 0.005].
Conclusions: The "true" DMA technique appears to be one of the safest techniques reported to date. The modifications presented herein can easily be adopted by experienced surgeons already performing other techniques of duct-to-mucosa anastomosis.