Efficacy of the omental roll-up technique in pancreaticojejunostomy to prevent postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Backgrounds/Aims: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is being performed more frequently. A pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) leak is the major determinant of patient outcomes. An omental flap around PJ might improve postoperative outcomes. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was planned at PGIMER, Chandigarh. Fifty-eight patients meeting the criteria were included in the study. Group A underwent PD with omental roll-up and group B underwent standard PD. Results: The mean age of patients in group A was 57.1 +/- 14.3 years and 51.2 +/- 10.7 in group B. Jaundice (p = 0.667), abdominal pain (p = 0.69), and co-morbidities were equal among the groups. The body mass index of patients in group B was higher at 24.3 +/- 5.4 kg/m2 (p = 0.03). The common bile duct diameter (12.6 +/- 5.3 mm vs. 17.2 +/- 10.3 mm, p = 0.13) and the pancreatic duct diameter (4.06 +/- 2.01 mm vs. 4.60 +/- 2.43 mm, p = 0.91) were comparable. The intraoperative blood loss (mL) was significantly higher in group B (233.33 +/- 9.57 vs. 343.33 +/- 177.14, p = 0.04). Drain fluid amylase levels on postoperative day (POD) 1 (p = 0.97) and POD3 (p = 0.92) were comparable. The rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) grade A (p >= 0.99) and grade B (p = 0.54) were comparable. The mean postoperative length of stay among was similar (p = 0.89). Conclusions: An omental wrap can be performed without increase in complexity of the procedure. However, its utility in preventing