Surgical selection for late pancreatic head carcinoma without gastric outlet obstruction

The effects of different surgical procedures for late pancreatic head carcinoma without gastric outlet obstruction were explored in order to provide theoretical basis to select a suitable operation for these patients. The clinical data of 441 cases of late pancreatic head carcinoma without gastric outlet obstruction were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into 4 groups based on different surgical procedures: group A (101 cases) subjected to Roux-en-Y cholecystojejunostomy; group B (133 cases) undergoing Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy; group C (83 cases) given Roux-en-Y cholecystojejunostomy combined with gastrojejunostomy; group D (124 cases) receiving Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy combined with gastrojejunostomy. Therapeutic efficacy in each group was evaluated comparatively. Both groups B and D had a lower rate of postoperative obstructive jaundice than groups A and C separately (P<0.05 for all). The data of mean life span showed that both groups B and D had a lower survival rate than groups A and C separately (P<0.05 for all). The incidence of postoperative gastric outlet obstruction in groups A and B was higher than that in groups C and D separately (P<0.05 for all). The gastrojejunostomy had no impacts on the mean life span, and there was no statistically significant difference in complications, average hospital stay (days) and median survival among four groups (P>0.05). For the late pancreatic head carcinoma without gastric outlet obstruction, Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy is effective for the reduction of icteric index and the incidence of recurrent jaundice, also offers an opportunity for prolonged survival. Combined use of prophylactic Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy during surgical biliary drainage is safe for advanced pancreatic carcinoma with obstructive jaundice, which can decrease the incidence of postoperative gastric outlet obstruction, and has important implications for improving outcomes.