Subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSPPD) prevents postoperative delayed gastric emptying.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of main complications after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) with regional lymph node dissection (RLND). The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate whether subtotal stomach-preserving PD (SSPPD) decreased incidence of DGE. METHODS: This study included 112 consecutive patients underwent PPPD (n = 48) or SSPPD (n = 64) with/without RLND. DGE was classified into three categories (grades A, B, and C) according to the guideline proposed by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery. RESULTS: The incidence of DGE grade B/C in SSPPD with RLND (13.0%) was lower compared with that (34.8%) in PPPD with RLND (P = 0.0326). Consequently, the mean length of postoperative hospital stay of SSPPD with RLND group was significantly shorter than that of PPPD with RLND (P = 0.0476). CONCLUSIONS: SSPPD could be substituted for PPPD due to decreased postoperative DGE when RLND is involved. A randomized control trial of SSPPD versus PPPD should be considered.