Middle pancreatectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy: a technique, operative outcomes, and long-term pancreatic function

Middle pancreatectomy is infrequently performed in selected patients. The rationale is to preserve pancreatic function. This study evaluates a technique, operative outcomes, and long-term exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function of the middle pancreatectomy procedure.

Nineteen patients who underwent middle pancreatectomy between 1996 and 2008 were reviewed. Indications included eight intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasms, five endocrine tumors, one serous and two mucinous cystadenomas, and three other benign lesions. Reconstruction of the distal pancreatic remnant was performed with pancreaticogastrostomy using the duct-to-mucosa method in 16 patients and with Roux-en-Y end-to-end pancreaticojejunostomy in 3 patients.

Median operative time was 215 min. Perioperative mortality was nil. Morbidity was 53%, including 9 (47%) pancreatic fistulas. One patient with hemorrhage, complicated by a pancreatic fistula was successfully treated by endovascular embolization. No patients required postsurgical reoperation. Only one patient had clinical exocrine insufficiency requiring pancreatic enzyme supplementation. None developed postresection new-onset insulin-dependent diabetes.

Middle pancreatectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy is feasible and reasonable technique. Although the incidence of pancreatic fistula formation may still be higher compared to conventional resection, long-term exocrine, and endocrine pancreatic function may be preserved. Thus, careful patient selection and experienced pancreatic surgeons in high-volume centers are of great importance.