Percutaneous transgastric approach for enteral nutrition in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy

Abstract

Background : Pancreaticoduodenectomy is associated with a high incidence of postoperative complications. Postoperative enteral nutrition is thought to reduce complications and speed recovery after pancreaticoduodenectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical safety of a percutaneous transgastric jejunal feeding catheter following pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Methods : From January 2006 to March 2014, the tip of a percutaneous transgastric jejunal feeding catheter was placed in the jejunum during pancreaticoduodenectomy in 216 patients.
Results : The incidence of catheter-related complications was 18.5%. The most common catheter-related complication was local peritonitis after removal of the feeding catheter (n=25 ; 11.6%). There were no serious complications, such as bowel obstruction, due to kinking and bowel torsion.
Conclusions : A percutaneous transgastric jejunal feeding catheter did not cause bowel obstruction and torsion. Therefore, it appears to be a safe method of postoperative enteral feeding following pancreaticoduodenectomy.