Method of pyloric reconstruction and impact upon delayed gastric emptying and hospital stay after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy

Preservation of the pylorus at the time of pancreaticoduodenectomy has been associated with equal oncological outcomes when compared to the classical Whipple operation. Multiple studies have demonstrated that pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) has equal or superior outcomes regarding quality of life when compared with the traditional Whipple operation, but many studies have suggested a higher incidence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE). DGE prolongs hospital stay, and its association with PPPD has hampered its adoption by many pancreatic surgery centers. We describe a novel surgical technique for the prevention of delayed gastric emptying following pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. The technique of pyloric dilatation appears to decrease the incidence of delayed gastric emptying and facilitates earlier hospital discharge, when compared with standard pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy.