T-tube biliary drainage during reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy. A single-center experience.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to communicate our experience about the results and effectiveness in the use of the Ttube biliary drainage during pancreaticoduodenectomy.

MATERIAL OF STUDY: In accordance whit Whipple we perform the gastric antrum resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy. We have treated 42 patients with pancreaticoduodenectomy, 25 males and 17 females with a mean age of 62 years (range: 53-79 years), and in each of them we have placed a biliary T-tube.

RESULTS: Pancreatic fistula was the most common complication and occurred in 10 patients (23.81%), all of these were low-flow fistula (<200 ml) and required only medical treatment.

DISCUSSION: Resection of the pancreas is considered a major operative procedure. Pancreatic fistula is the most common complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy, and it was also the most frequent complication observed by us. In pancreaticoduodenectomy T-tube allows lesser risks of complications due to pancreatic fistula and it makes its faster healing. In all cases the treatment was not invasive.

CONCLUSIONS: T-tube biliary drainage can make a positive contribution concerning all the complications that can occur after pancreaticoduodenectomy, especially against the pancreatic fistula.

KEY WORDS: Pancreaticoduodenectomy, Pancreatic fistula, Pancreas head cancer, Pancreatic Tumors, T-tube drainage.