Intraoperative endoluminal pyloromyotomy as a novel approach to reduce delayed gastric emptying after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy – a retrospective study

Background: One of the most common complications after partial pancreaticoduodenectomy or pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy is the delayed gastric emptying, which is associated with a reduction of quality of life, longer hospital stay and higher costs. The aim of this retrospective study, was to assess whether an intraoperative endoluminal pyloromyotomy during pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy prior to the duodenojejunostomy reduces the rate of delayed gastric emptying. Another objective of this study, was to proof the safety of this operation technique, through analyzing the rate of postoperative complications, delayed gastric emptying grades, duration of hospital stay and postoperative mortality.