Objectives: The relation between type of pancreatic remnant reconstruction and delayed
gastric emptying (DGE) followingpancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is unclear. We are trying
to detect the incidence of DGE following pancreatico-duodencetomy and its relation
to both types of pancreatic remnant anastomosis, pancreaticogastrostomy (PG), and
pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ).
Methods: This retrospective study includes 44 patients who underwent PD. These
patients were classified according to the type of pancreatic anastomosis into two groups:
PG group and PJ group. The development of DGE and its combination with intra-abdominal
complications (IACs) was compared between both groups. Risk factors responsible for
clinically evident DGE were analyzed.
Results: The incidence of GDE in both PG and PJ was 27.3%. DGE was strongly associated
with IACs, particularly pancreatic fistula (PF). Furthermore, DGE occurred more commonly
with PG than PJ. Although IACs developed at a similar rate in both types of pancreatic
reconstruction, DGE, in combination with IACs was more frequent with PG. Duration of
both NGT and solid diet tolerance were prolonged in DGE patients in comparison to non-
DGE patients. Also, prokinetic use, NGT reinsertion, and vomiting were more frequent in
DGE patients than non-DGE patients.
Conclusion: DGE was strongly associated IACs. Regarding the type of pancreatic
reconstruction, DGE is more common with PG than PJ. This may be because IACs
developed more frequently with PG, resulting in more frequent development of DGE.