Anterior pancreatic duct split prior to duct-to-mucosa pancreatico-jejunal anastomosis in pancreaticoduodenectomy

A secure pancreatic-enteric anastomosis is widely accepted as the 'Achilles heel' in reconstruction following a pancreaticoduodenectomy. Most morbidity following the procedure is related to the failure of this anastomosis, resulting in intra-abdominal collections, secondary haemorrhage, delayed gastric emptying, need for radiological interventions and re-operation for some patients. Of several techniques available, the 'duct-to-mucosa' technique...