Ligation of the pancreatic duct during difficult operative circumstances

BACKGROUND: The current approach to managing the distal pancreas after pancreaticoduodenectomy is to anastomose the stump to either the jejunum or stomach, but pancreatic ductal occlusion without anastomosis of the pancreatic remnant remains an option during difficult operative circumstances. This article describes some situations in which distal pancreatic ductal ligation may be of use and reviews the morbidity associated with this procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Review was done of a prospectively kept database of operative and pathology reports and of both immediate and 3-month to 6-year followup data of seven patients who underwent ductal occlusion during pancreaticoduodenectomy or central pancreatectomy. RESULTS: Ductal occlusion was performed in three circumstances: 1. necessity for expedient termination of the operation; 2. short jejunal mesentery allowing only a tension-free biliary or pancreatic anastomosis; and 3. massive jejunal edema that would result in a tenuous anastomosis. Two patients developed a fistula. One patient had dense residual pancreatic fibrosis, which resolved after 5 days; the other patient had a normal residual pancreas and subsequently underwent a pancreaticojejunostomy. Three patients developed acute pancreatitis (two had a normal and one had mild to moderate fibrosis in the residual pancreas) and one of these developed a peripancreatic abscess and late pseudocyst. Four patients with dense fibrosis did not develop acute pancreatitis. No patient developed either overt or worsening diabetes during the limited followup. None of the patients required enzyme supplementation, but all voluntarily maintained a low-fat diet. CONCLUSIONS: The development of complications after ductal ligation appears to be associated with the degree of fibrosis of the residual distal gland. Acute pancreatitis and fistula are the major complications but are associated with a low mortality. Diabetes is a potential late problem. The morbidity associated with ductal ligation is generally accepted as being greater than anastomosis, but ligation can be considered as an alternative in difficult circumstances where anastomosis of the distal pancreatic stump is believed to be unwise.