[Duodenopancreatectomy with conservation of the pylorus]

The authors report on their initial experience with pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. In the last three years 11 patients with neoplastic disease of the pancreatic head and ampullary region underwent the above mentioned procedure. The surgical technique carefully preserved the blood supply and innervation to the antro-pyloric region and duodenum was transected 2 cm distal to the pylorus. Postoperative mortality was 9%. Postoperative nasogastric suction was required for eight days (median). Long term results are quite good with a satisfactory restoration of intestinal function and a weight gain of 95% of pre-illness weight. At the present time preserving the pylorus appears an usefull modification of Whipple procedure.