The pancreatic anastomosis is often regarded as the “Achilles Heel” of the Whipple operation, as technical failure and leakage is a significant source of perioperative morbidity and mortality. In this episode from the HPB team at Behind the Knife listen in as we discuss the standard techniques for the anastomosis, alternative techniques for the pancreatic anastomosis in patients with aberrant anatomy and/or physiology, key factors to consider when selecting the ideal approach/technique for the anastomosis, and mitigation strategies for leaks.

Hosts
Anish J. Jain MD (@anishjayjain) is a current PGY3 General Surgery Resident at Stanford University and a former T32 Research Fellow at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Jon M. Harrison is a 2nd year HPB Surgery Fellow at Stanford University. He previously completed his general surgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, and will be returning to MGH as faculty at the conclusion of his fellowship.

Monica M. Dua (@MonicaDuaMD) is a Clinical Professor of Surgery and the Associate Program Director of the HPB Surgery Fellowship at Stanford University. She also serves as also serves as the regional HPB Surgeon at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.

Learning Objectives
· Develop an understanding of the standard technical approaches to the pancreatic anastomosis during a Whipple (pancreatoduodenectomy) operation
· Develop an understanding of the alternative technical approaches to the pancreatic anastomosis during the Whipple when the standard approaches may not be feasible
· Develop an understanding of the key anatomic and physiologic factors in the decision making when selecting the optimal approach for the pancreatic anastomosis
· Develop an understanding of possible mitigation strategies in the event of a pancreatic anastomotic leak.

Suggested Reading
Jon Harrison, Monica M. Dua, William V. Kastrinakis, Peter J. Fagenholz, Carlos Fernandez-del Castillo, Keith D. Lillemoe, George A. Poultsides, Brendan C. Visser, Motaz Qadan. “Duct tape:” Management strategies for the pancreatic anastomosis during pancreatoduodenectomy. Surgery. Volume 176, Issue 4, 2024, Pages 1308-1311,
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38796390/

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