Reduced Pancreatic Fistula Rate Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Trial on Pancreaticogastrostomy Versus Pancreaticojejunostomy

The incidence of complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is around 50 %. The postoperative course after PD is strongly dependent of the occurrence of pancreatic fistula (POPF), which determines postoperative mortality, length of hospital stay and costs. The incidence of POPF after PD is dependent of its definition, and is reported in up to 20% of patients. There is disagreement on whether to perform a pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) or a pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) after PD. The aim of the current randomized controlled trial is to study whether PG significantly reduces the rate of POPF following PD for pancreatic or peri-ampullary tumours. Secondary endpoints are the reduction of overall postoperative complication rate and their severity.