Intussusception After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Pancreaticoduodenectomy, also known as the Whipple procedure, is a complex surgery for pancreatic and biliary cancers.
• Intussusception, the telescoping of one segment of the intestine into another, is an uncommon complication after abdominal surgeries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of retrograde jejunal intussusception into the gastric lumen following a Whipple procedure.
• To discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of endoscopy and surgery in managing this complication.

Main Methods:

• A case presentation of a patient who developed retrograde jejunal intussusception post-Whipple procedure.
• Review of diagnostic endoscopy findings, including identification of a potential lead point.
• Discussion of treatment outcomes, emphasizing surgical intervention.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of intussusception after a Whipple procedure.
• Diagnostic endoscopy confirmed retrograde jejunal intussusception into the gastric lumen.
• Surgical management was ultimately pursued due to the high recurrence rate and potential for malignancy.

Conclusions:

• Intussusception is an exceedingly rare but serious complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy.
• While endoscopy can aid diagnosis and sometimes reduction, surgery remains the definitive treatment.
• Prompt surgical intervention is crucial for managing intussusception post-Whipple to address recurrence and underlying pathology.