Outcome of major hepatectomy with pancreatoduodenectomy for advanced biliary malignancies

In patients with advanced biliary malignancies a chance of curability is obtained by performing only major hepatectomy with concomitant pancreatoduodenectomy. This aggressive procedure carries two major risks: hepatic failure and pancreatic anastomotic leakage. Ten patients with advanced biliary malignancies were treated by major hepatectomy with pancreatoduodenectomy. Nine patients underwent right portal venous embolization before hepatectomy. Complete external drainage of pancreatic juice followed by second-stage pancreatojejunostomy was performed in five patients. Three of these five underwent concomitant resection of the hepatic artery, portal vein, or both. Pancreatogastrostomy was chosen for five patients who required no concomitant vascular resection. There were no hospital deaths or hepatic failures. Leaks from pancreatogastrostomy occurred in two patients. In five patients who underwent external drainage of pancreatic juice, there were no complications related to the pancreatic stump, although one had ischemic necrosis of the jejunal segment and laparotomy was repeated. Mean survival time was 31.8 months (range 13-59 months). Portal venous embolization and complete external drainage of pancreatic juice followed by late stage pancreatojejunostomy are recommended surgical procedures for patients undergoing major hepatectomy with pancreatoduodenectomy, especially when concomitant vascular resection is required for curative resection of the tumor in patients with a soft pancreatic parenchyma and thin pancreatic duct.