Complications of temporary pancreatic stent insertion for pancreaticojejunal anastomosis during pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background: Morbidity associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy usually results from complications associated with the pancreaticojejunal anastomosis, in particular, a pancreatic leak. Four patients with retained transanastomotic pancreatic stent-induced complications after pancreaticduodenectomy were identified. Methods: Medical records for the 4 patients were reviewed, and telephone interviews were conducted. Observations: Each patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for a peripapillary tumor with creation of a pancreaticojejunal anastomosis by using an internal 8F Silastic stent. Subsequent evaluation for steatorrhea (n = 3) or recurrent pancreatitis (n = 1) led to discovery of a retained pancreatic stent. In one patient, the stent was Incidentally discovered. Steatorrhea significantly Improved (n = 1) or resolved (n = 2) after stent removal. The patient with pancreatitis has not experienced another episode. Conclusions: The possibility of a retained stent should be considered in patients presenting with steatorrhea or pancreatitis after pancreaticoduodenectomy.