Pylorus-Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy with Complete Preservation of the Pyloroduodenal Blood Supply and Innervation

Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy is an accepted treatment for benign and malignant diseases of the pancreas. Some element of delayed gastric emptying affects as many as 46% of patients. Although usually transient, delayed gastric emptying may extend length of hospital stay and persist for several weeks. In addition to pancreatic anastomotic leaks, reduced blood flow and compromised innervation to the antral-pyloric pump mechanism have been implicated as causes.