Local pancreatic resection with preoperative endoscopic transpapillary stenting

Background Pancreatic fistula, although not common, can cause serious complications after pancreatectomy. During local pancreatectomy, injury to the main pancreatic duct (in addition to the accessory and side branch ducts) increases the risk of pancreatic fistula formation. Nonetheless, local pancreatic resection maintains the advantage of preserving pancreatic parenchyma. Methods In this study, we reviewed the cases of 5 patients who underwent preoperative endoscopic transpapillary pancreatic stenting to help prevent refractory fistula development after local pancreatic resection. Results Stenting was successful in all 5 patients, and none developed a refractory grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula. Conclusions These results suggest that in selected patients, preoperative endoscopic pancreatic stenting may be an effective prophylactic measure to lower the risk of refractory grade C fistula formation after local pancreatic resection.