Binding pancreaticojejunostomy is a new technique to minimize leakage

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) has been the standard treatment for periampullary and pancreatic carcinoma. A leak or fistula from the pancreatic anastomosis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy. In order to effectively prevent the development of pancreatic fistulae, we designed a special technique called binding pancreaticojejunostomy, by which 3 cm of the serosa-muscular sheath of the jejunum was bound to the pancreatic remnant. We have performed this procedure in 105 consecutive patients; none of the cases developed pancreatic fistula. It is a safe, simple., and efficient technique. (C) 2002 Excerpta Medica, Inc. All rights reserved.