Durability of Portal Venous Reconstruction Following Resection During Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Rory L. Smoot, John D. Christein, Michael B. Farnell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

91 Scopus citations

Abstract

Venous resection and reconstruction is becoming more common during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). There are multiple options for reconstruction of the mesenteric venous system ranging from primary repair to grafting with autologous or synthetic material. Few studies report on the patency rates and long-term morbidity of these repairs. We sought to describe our experience with venous reconstruction during PD with specific attention to patency and long-term morbidity and mortality. Thrombosis rates of mesenteric venous reconstruction during PD are low, with low associated morbidity. In this retrospective cohort, clinical, operative, and pathologic data were collected from consecutive patients for 1988 through 2003. Graft patency on follow-up imaging studies was determined, and short- as well as long-term morbidity and mortality were recorded. Sixty-four patients underwent PD with venous resection/reconstruction from 1988 through 2003. Mean patient age was 63 years, with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma as the pathology in 88%. Reconstruction consisted of primary lateral venorrhaphy in 29 (45%), PTFE graft in 18 (28%), primary end-to-end repair in 13 (20%), and autologous vein graft in 4 (6%). There was one perioperative death (2%). Follow-up imaging to assess patency was available for a mean of 12.2 months postoperatively. Eleven thromboses were diagnosed at a mean of 11.9 months. Three thromboses (5%) were noted within 30 days and full anticoagulation was chosen. Fifty-three percent of patients received anticoagulation with aspirin, warfarin, or clopidogrel based upon surgeon preference. There was no difference in thrombosis rates between those receiving anticoagulation and those who did not (P = 0.65). In those patients with thrombosis outside the acute time period, morbidity was limited to ascites in three patients and splenic vein thrombosis with uncomplicated esophageal varices in another patient. Mesenteric venous resection and reconstruction during PD has a high patency rate, and those reconstructions that do thrombose are associated with a low morbidity. The majority of reconstruction thromboses that occurred late were associated with recurrence.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1371-1375
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Gastrointestinal Surgery
Volume10
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2006

Keywords

  • Pancreaticoduodenectomy
  • pancreatic cancer
  • portal vein
  • superior mesenteric vein
  • thrombosis
  • vein resection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Gastroenterology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Durability of Portal Venous Reconstruction Following Resection During Pancreaticoduodenectomy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this