Delayed Gastric Emptying and Other Adverse Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Classic Whipple Versus Pylorus-Sparing Pancreatoduodenectomy

Background and objective Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), or the Whipple procedure, has many variants. There is a lack of data in the literature in terms of comparing various types of this procedure. This study aimed to compare the classic Whipple procedure with the pylorus-sparing Transverso-Longmire technique, focusing on postoperative complications and delayed gastric emptying (DGE). Methodology We conducted a retrospective observational study including 97 adult patients who underwent either the classic Whipple procedure or the pylorus-sparing technique at Hospital Médica Sur from 2016 to 2021. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, type of surgery, clinical presentation, and postoperative complications were collected. DGE was defined according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) criteria. Results Among the 97 patients, 50.5% were men, and the median age of the cohort was 65 years. Almost all patients underwent surgery for malignancy (96.9%). The classic Whipple group had fewer cases of DGE (9.8% vs. 30.6%, p=0.01), shorter hospital stays (7 vs. 11 days, p=0.001), and lower readmission rates (13.1% vs. 33.3%, p=0.017). The pylorus-sparing PD was associated with a lower incidence of bile leak [odds ratio (OR)=0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53-0.73]. However, this technique was associated with a higher incidence of DGE (OR=4, 95% CI: 1.34-12.1), overall hospital admission rates (OR=3.3, 95% CI: 1.2-9.2), and admissions that resulted in a surgical event (OR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.21-2.96). DGE was associated with the need for a second surgery (OR=10.5, 95% CI: 2.8-39.5) and hospital readmission (OR=10, 95% CI: 3.1-32.3). Conclusions While the pylorus-sparing technique is associated with reduced bile leaks, it results in a higher incidence of DGE, prolonged hospital stays, and increased readmissions. Clinicians opting for the pylorus-sparing technique should ensure careful patient selection and rigorous postoperative monitoring.