Author:
Joliat Gaëtan-Romain,Allemann Pierre,Labgaa Ismail,Demartines Nicolas,Vietti Violi Naik,Schmidt Sabine,Schäfer Markus
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
This prospective study aimed to analyze the functional, biological, and radiological aspects of the pancreatic anastomosis 1 year after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).
Methods
From 2016 to 2019, patients with PD indication were screened. Questionnaires about pancreas insufficiency, fecal elastase tests, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed before and 1 year after PD.
Results
Twenty patients were prospectively included. The only difference between pre- and postoperative questionnaires was constipation (less frequent 1 year after PD). Median pre- and postoperative fecal elastase levels were 96 μg/g (IQR 15–196, normal value > 200) and 15 μg/g (IQR 15–26, p = 0.042). There were no significant differences in terms of main pancreatic duct (MPD) size (4, IQR 3–5 vs. 4 mm, IQR 3–5, p = 0.892), border regularity, stenosis, visibility, image improvement, and secondary pancreatic duct dilation before and after secretin injection. All patients but one (2 refused and 2 were lost to follow-up, 15/16, 94%) had a patent pancreaticojejunal anastomosis on 1-year MRI.
Conclusion
Although median 1-year fecal elastase was significantly lower than preoperatively, suggesting that exocrine secretion was altered, the anatomical outcome as assessed by MRI was excellent showing high patency rate (15/16, 94%) at 1 year. This emphasizes the difference between anatomy and function.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC