Although a pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) is not required after a distal pancreatectomy in most cases, it needs to be performed to prevent atrophy of the remnant pancreas when the proximal duct is obstructed by a tumor, stone, or etc. In these conditions, the critical postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) gives surgeons cause to hesitate before performing a PJ. We previously presented the modified technique of Mattress PJ named "inverted mattress PJ" (IM-PJ) and published improved outcomes in the aspects of POPF after a pancreaticoduodenectomy and a central pancreatectomy. Recently, we had a case of a patient who has chronic pancreatitis with a proximal pancreatic duct obstruction, requiring a distal pancreatectomy and PJ. Based on the previous report, we decided to apply the "inverted mattress PJ" (IM-PJ) technique for a Roux-en Y PJ after a distal pancreatectomy. The patient was discharged after surgery without complications. We reviewed a case of a patient requiring PJ following a distal pancreatectomy and discussed the safety of our technique.
Keywords: Pancreatectomy; Pancreatic fistula; Pancreaticojejunostomy; Pancreatitis, chronic.