[Transposition of the jejunum and selective proximal vagotomy following duodenopancreatectomy]

We report the use of a new surgical procedure following pancreaticoduodenectomy in nine patients with chronic relapsing pancreatitis and its complications. The modification of the Whipple reconstruction following resection of the head of the pancreas consists in selective proximal vagotomy, transposition of a jejunal loop for bile duct, and pancreatic anastomosis. The longest follow up period has been 18 months. In agreement with reports on other procedures for resection of the head of pancreas, the patients who had been operated on suffered few symptoms. With one exception they had no pain at all; they all gained weight. The results of early follow-up examinations of the patients treated by to these procedures encourage continued use of duodenopancreatectomy.