Modified Blumgart anastomosis with the "complete packing method" reduces the incidence of pancreatic fistula and complications after resection of the head of the pancreas.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and its complications remain problems. This study evaluated combination treatment with modified Blumgart anastomosis and an original infection control method (complete packing method) following pancreatic head resection.

METHODS: This study included 374 consecutive patients who underwent pancreatic head resection: 103 patients underwent Cattell-Warren anastomosis (CWA); 170 patients underwent modified Kakita anastomosis (KA); and 101 patients underwent modified Blumgart anastomosis with the complete packing method (BAC). The outcomes of the KA and BAC groups were compared statistically.

RESULTS: The POPF rate was significantly lower in the BAC group than in the KA group (28.8% vs 2.97%; p < 0.01). The overall postoperative complication rate, including SSI and postoperative hemorrhage, was significantly lower in the BAC group.

CONCLUSIONS: The combination of modified Blumgart anastomosis and the complete packing method is a simple and useful method for reducing the incidence of POPF and postoperative complications.