Publication

Background/Aims: Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) has the advantage of achieving good nutritional status postoperatively, but delayed gastric empty (DGE) is a frequent complication leading to a longer fasting period. Subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSPPD) is an alternative option to preserve nutritional status and shorten the fasting period. We retrospectively compared clinical results between PPPD and SSPPD. Methodology: PPPD was performed in 28 patients and SSPPD in 27, between 2000 and 2009. Results: Pancreatic carcinoma was more frequent in the SSPPD group (p = 0.041). Operating time was longer in the SSPPD group (610 min) than in the PPPD group (540 min; p = 0.031). Blood loss was greater in the SSPPD group (1810 mL) than in the PPPD group (1306 mL; p = 0.048). Period of NG intubation and fasting period were shorter in the SSPPD group (6 days and 9 days, respectively) compared to the PPPD group (15 days and 19 days, respectively; p < 0.01 each). Severe DGE was 7% in the SSPPD group and 46% in the PPPD group (p < 0.01). Postoperative complications and nutritional status in the early period did not differ between groups, although incidence of fatty liver was higher in the SSPPD group (78%) than in the PPPD group (25%; p < 0.01). Conclusions: SSPPD is a useful alternative for pancreaticoduodenectomy. Further prospective studies with longer follow-up are warranted to clarify the superiority and problems associated with this procedure.