In our previous retrospective study, decompression of the afferent jejunal and pancreatic and biliary anastomoses with a special nasogastric tube and postoperative continuous closed negative pressure suction was shown to be associated with a reduction in overall POPF rate from 39% to 27% after PD. However, TNALD has the potential theoretical risk of increased morbidity including pulmonary complications and delayed gastric emptying.~The objective of this prospective randomized study is to evaluate the impact of trans-nasal afferent loop decompression on the incidence of complications after PD, especially POPF rate according to International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) 2016 updates. We hypothesize that the TNALD may prevent the development of POPF after PD. This study randomizes patients to TNALD versus no TNALD group. Subgroup analysis of the outcomes in different POPF risk groups is also planned.
Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a major complication and an important cause of mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Trans-nasal afferent loop decompression technique (TNALD) may reduce the rate of POPF based on our previous retrospective study. The aim of this open-label randomized controlled trial is to determine whether TNALD is a protective factor against the development of POPF after PD.