Pancreatic Reconstruction With Modified Technique Using A “Double U Stitch Pancreatogastrostomy” Following A Laparoscopic Whipple’s Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is a standard procedure for periampullary tumours. Pancreatic anastomosis is the Achilles heel of the procedure with a significant leak rate and the associated high morbidity. We adopted a modified pancreatic stump drainage with pancreato-gastrostomy - pancreatic stump mobilization with invagination into the lumen of the stomach via posterior gastrotomy and fixation with two U shaped sutures to the posterior wall of the stomach traversing across the pancreatic parenchyma. Materials and Methods: We did a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent Laparoscopic Whipple’s pancreaticoduodenectomy (WPD) from November 2017 to March 2019 in our department, a tertiary referral centre of Northern India. A total of 34 patients underwent totally laparoscopic Whipple’s pancreatoduodenectomy with the modified Pancreatogastrostomy. Results: A total of 34 patients underwent totally laparoscopic WPD during this study period. The median age was 50 years (27 to 70 years) with 17 male and 17 female patients. Of these patients, 23 patients had their tumours arising from the ampulla, 6 from the duodenum, 3 from the pancreas, 1 SCN head of pancreas and 1 from the distal common bile duct. All patients had R0 resection with a median lymph node yield of 13 (6-19). 9 patients had stage 1 disease, 10 patients had stage 2 disease and 14 patients had stage 3 disease. 31 patients had moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma while 2 patients had well-differentiated tumour morphology. 14 patients had pancreato-biliary differentiation with the remaining 19 patients having intestinal differentiation. The overall number of significant complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification was 17.6% (Grade 3 and higher). Conclusion: Laparoscopic WPD is a feasible procedure in the hands of a well-trained laparoscopic surgeon. Modified P-G as described, simplifies the pancreatic drainage with a low incidence of post-operative pancreatic fistula and its attendant complications.