Pancreaticoduodenectomy for trauma: a viable option?

Over a 6 year period, 10 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for trauma. This was reserved for proximal pancreatic duct or ampulla injuries at locations that precluded reconstruction and combined devascularization injuries of the pancreas and duodenum. This was thought to be the most conservative indication for the procedure. All patients are alive an average of 3.5 years after injury, and only two continue to require some form of long-term medical therapy. Ninety percent of the patients have returned to functional activity. When confined to strict criteria for resection, pancreaticoduodenectomy is a viable option. The long-term complications of this procedure are minimal and can be well controlled.