The effect of antecolic versus retrocolic reconstruction on delayed gastric emptying after classic non-pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after pancreaticoduodenectomy increases length of hospital stay and costs, and may be influenced by surgical techniques.

METHODS: We retrospectively compared 400 patients with antecolic gastrojejunostomy with 400 patients with retrocolic gastrojejunostomy for the occurrence of DGE.

RESULTS: The prevalence of DGE was 15% in the antecolic group and 21% in the retrocolic group (P = .021), and median length of stay was shorter for the former (8 vs. 10 days, P = .001). The difference was statistically significant with grade A DGE (9% vs. 14%, P = .038), but not B or C. In a multivariate analysis, DGE was influenced by retrocolic reconstruction, as well as older age, chronic pancreatitis, preoperative bilirubin level, a history of previous upper abdominal surgery, and postoperative pancreatic fistula.

CONCLUSIONS: An antecolic gastrojejunostomy for classic non-pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy is associated with a lower incidence of mild DGE (grade A) and a shorter length of stay.