Management of pancreaticojejunal strictures after pancreaticoduodenectomy: clinical experience and review of literature

Background

Symptomatic pancreaticojejunal anastomotic stricture (PJS) is a rare complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy. The incidence, presentation and management of this condition are infrequently reported in the literature. Revision surgery is thought to be an effective treatment. Recent literature shows some success from endoscopic management.

Methods

The patients treated for symptomatic PJS from January 2005 to June 2014 were identified. Their clinical presentation and management was retrospectively reviewed. Patients were followed up in clinic or by telephonic interviews to assess their symptoms.

Results

Three patients (two females and one male) had symptomatic PJS out of 314 who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (0.9%). Main presentating symptom was intermittent abdominal pain. The diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography scan and/or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. One patient underwent a failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography attempt to dilate the stricture. A redo-pancreaticojejunostomy was performed in all patients. At a mean follow-up of 8 months, two patients had complete resolution of symptoms and one patient had partial benefit. Five out of seven case series in literature support surgical management.

Conclusion

Symptomatic PJS can be successfully treated with redo-pancreaticojejunostomy, with good medium-term outcomes. Although endoscopic intervention has been described, review of the literature shows that success rates are low and the long-term results are unknown.

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