Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pancreatic anastomosis has been developed, and each anastomosis has its pros and cons. This study investigated the prevalence of postoperative complications, particularly pancreatic fistula (POPF), among five types of pancreatoenteric anastomoses to determine the optimal anastomosis for patients undergoing pancreatectomy. METHODS: This study retrospectively and consecutively analyzed the data of 365 patients who underwent pancreatectomy with pancreaticoenteral anastomosis at two academic institutions from 1994 to 2024. Pancreaticogastrostomy via invagination was performed in 24 patients (group PG). For pancreaticojejunal anastomosis, we performed an end-to-end invagination procedure on eight patients (group PJI), two-layer suturing procedure on 96 patients (group PJT), Kakita procedure on 55 patients (group K), and modified Blumgart procedure on 182 patients (group B). RESULTS: Group B had the shortest hospital stay and fastest resumption of oral intake. Groups PG and PJI exhibited higher grade B/C POPF rates and prolonged ascites. The potential benefits of group B included reduced hospitalization period and enhanced recovery owing to decreased POPF rates. Habitual alcohol consumption and high preoperative creatinine levels increased the risk of POPF, whereas external drainage issues and blood loss contributed to prolonged ascites. In particular, habitual alcohol consumption [relative risk (RR) =2.42], group K anastomosis (RR =2.79), soft pancreatic texture (RR =2.48), delayed oral intake (≥4 days; RR =2.78), and complete external drainage (RR =8.68) were independent predictors of POPF. CONCLUSIONS: Modified Blumgart procedure is an optimal pancreaticoenteral anastomosis technique for avoiding POPF. Early oral intake has emerged as a protective factor, highlighting its role in improving postoperative outcomes. Surgeons should prioritize intraoperative blood conservation, perioperative nutritional support, and appropriate anastomotic selection to enhance surgical success.