Efferent limb obstruction after pancreaticojejunostomy. A late cause of pancreatitis following Whipple resection

J. M. Howard
Department of Surgery, Toledo Hospital, OH.

A previously unreported late complication after Whipple resection of the head of the pancreas was recognized in two patients. Obstruction by adhesions and kinking of the efferent jejunal conduit between the proximal pancreaticojejunostomy and the distal choledochojejunostomy led to repetitive episodes of acute pancreatitis without jaundice. Operative recognition and correction of the obstruction resulted in prevention of further attacks.