Intraoperative pancreatography using an endoscopic naso-pancreatic drainage tube for the prevention of pancreatic fistula after local pancreatic resection.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Local pancreatic resections can avoid the unnecessary resection of the normal pancreatic parenchyma in comparison with standard pancreatic resection. However, the incidence of pancreatic fistula after local pancreatic resection is high, and still responsible for most morbidity and mortality. METHODOLOGY We reviewed 6 patients who underwent intraoperative pancreatography using an endoscopic naso-pancreatic drainage (ENPD) tube during local pancreatic resection for the prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula. RESULTS One patient had injury to the main pancreatic duct during surgery, and transient pancreatic fistula of grade B occurred. In this patient, ENPD tube was left in place for the management the pancreatic fistula, resulted in a favorable outcome. Other 5 patients showed no postoperative complications including pancreatic fistula. CONCLUSIONS Intraoperative pancreatography using ENPD tube is a simple technique and useful for the prevention of pancreatic fistula after local pancreatic resection.