Two Successful Cases of Treating the Severe Complications Caused by Post Pancreaticoduodenectomy Pancreatic Leakage

Abstract

AIM: Post pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) pancreatic leakage can give rise to severe complications which have a close relationship with high mortality. METHODS: Two post PD cases had pancreatic leakage which caused severe complications, such as severe abdominal infection, abdominal hemorrhage, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The patients underwent urgent abdominal exploration and pancreatojejunostomy site ruptures were found. The broken jejunum section was purse-sutured with a tube in it and the other end of tube was put out of abdominal cavity. A small catheter was put into pancreatic duct and the pancreatic juice was drained outside of the body. RESULTS: The two patients had recovered from the severe complications. The pancreatic catheters were removed while no symptoms were seen. After several months’ follow up, the patient had normal diet without any abdominal pain, distention and diarrhea. The blood sugar was normal. CT scan showed no tumor recurrence and metastasis. CONCLUSION: Putting a small catheter in the pancreatic duct and letting the pancreatic juice out is a good way to treat severe post PD pancreatic leakage.