Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy versus standard pancreaticoduodenectomy in the treatment of duodenal papilla carcinoma

It is not known whether pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) is as effective as the standard pancreaticoduodenectomy (SPD) in the treatment of duodenal papilla carcinoma (DPC). A retrospective cohort trial was undertaken to compare the results of these two procedures. Clinical data, histological findings, short-term results, survival and quality of life of all patients who had undergone surgery for primary DPC between January 2003 and February 2010 were analyzed. According to the inclusion criteria and the surgical methods, 116 patients were divided into the PPPD group (n=43) and the SPD group (n=73). There were no significant differences in various indices, including surgery duration, extent of intraoperative hemorrhage and postoperative pathological indexes. The incidence of postoperative complications, including pancreatic fistula and delayed gastric emptying, were also similar between the two groups (20.9 vs. 21.9%; P=0.900 and 11.6 vs. 5.4%; P=0.402). Long-term survival and quality of life were identical following a median follow-up of 45.6 months (range, 4–144 months). Within 6 months, there was a decreased loss of appetite following the pylorus-preserving procedure (26.9 vs. 49.3; P=0.003). The procedures were equally effective for the treatment of DPC. PPPD offers minor advantages in the early postoperative period but not in the long term.