A modified Blumgart method using a homemade crochet needle facilitates pancreaticojejunostomy in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Abstract Background Among the safest procedures for anastomosis in pancreaticoduodenectomy, Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy is associated with low rates of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and postoperative complications. However, this technique is difficult to perform during laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). This study presents a modified Blumgart method using a homemade crochet needle to facilitate laparoscopic pancreaticojejunostomy and evaluates its safety and reliability. Methods From February 2019 to October 2022, 96 LPD surgeries with the new technique were performed by the same surgeons in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The operative details (operative time, pancreaticojejunostomy time, POPF rate, postoperative complication rate, mortality rate) were analyzed along with clinical and pathological indicators (pancreatic duct diameter, pancreatic texture, and histopathological findings). Results There were 54 men and 42 women with a mean age of 63.38 ± 10.41 years. The intraoperative bleeding volume, operative time and postoperative length of hospital stay were 198.43 ± 132.97 mL, 445.30 ± 87.05 min and 13.68 ± 4.02 days, respectively. The operation time of pancreaticojejunostomy was 66.28 ± 10.17 min. Clinically relevant POPFs (grades B and C) occurred in 14.6% of patients. Only one patient had postoperative abdominal hemorrhage and was cured after reoperation. There were no operative or in-hospital deaths. With our proposed modification, the pancreatic duct and jejunal orifice are aligned correctly during duct-to-mucosa (DTM) after the application of external traction through the homemade crochet needle. The space between the posterior wall of pancreatic remnant and jejunal loop can be exposed by adjusting the tension of the external threads, which can facilitate DTM. Conclusions A modified Blumgart method using a homemade crochet needle could be technically feasible and safe during LPD. A randomized control trial is needed to confirm these findings.