Biodegradable Pancreatic Stents for the Prevention of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Cephalic Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background: postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains the most important morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). There is no consensual technique for pancreatic reconstruction and many surgeons use a transanastomotic drain. Currently, the stents used are not degradable and they can cause obstruction, stricture and pancreatitis. The use of biodegradable stents that disappear a few months after the intervention could have a role in the prevention of pancreaticojejunostomy complications. Material and method: A single-center prospective randomized study was planned with patients undergoing PD. A duct-to-mucosa end-to-side anastomosis is performed for the pancreaticojejunal anastomosis and the stent is placed from the pancreatic duct to the jejunum. The primary outcome of the study is the evaluation of the presence of POPF (drainage fluid amylase value of \> 5000 U/L on the first day).