Complications after pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy in patients with malignant and inflammatory tumors of the head of pancreas

The authors compare the early results of pylorus preserving pancreatoduodenedectomy (PPPD) in 23 patients with periampullary cancer and 21 patients with inflammatory lesions of the head of the pancreas, operated on in the years 1990-97. Pancreatic fistula was observed in 2 patients of cancer group and in 4 of inflammatory group. Biliary leak was noticed in 1 patient and in 2 -respectively, bleeding requiring relaparotomy -in 1 patient of cancer and in 2 of inflammatory group. Delayed gastric emptying was observed in 7 patients of malignant and in 9 patients of benign group. In postoperative period died 2 patients of cancer and 1 of inflammatory group. The differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion :morbidity depends more on good surgical technique, precise diagnosis and postoperative care than on indication to the surgery in the particular case.