Published online Nov 27, 2022. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v14.i11.1310
Peer-review started: July 15, 2022
First decision: September 12, 2022
Revised: September 24, 2022
Accepted: October 19, 2022
Article in press: October 19, 2022
Published online: November 27, 2022
Processing time: 133 Days and 7.8 Hours
Celiac trunk stenosis or occlusion is a common condition observed in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The risk of upper abdominal organ ischemia or failure increases if the blood circulation in the celiac arterial system is not maintained after the surgery.
We present two cases of elderly patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma and celiac trunk occlusion who underwent PD. We performed blood circulation modification preoperatively with transcatheter coil embolization of the arterial arcades of the pancreatic head via the superior mesenteric artery to develop collateral communication between the superior mesenteric artery and the common hepatic or splenic arteries to ensure arterial blood flow to the upper abdominal organs. The postoperative course was marked by delayed gastric emptying, but no major surgical complications, such as biliary or pancreatic fistula, or clinical, biochemical, or radiological evidence of ischemic disease, was observed.
Preoperative blood circulation modification may be a valid alternative procedure for elderly patients with celiac trunk occlusion who are ineligible for interventional or surgical revascularization.
Core Tip: Celiac trunk stenosis or occlusion is a common condition observed in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Celiac trunk occlusion may increase the risk of upper abdominal organ ischemia or failure. In this case report, we present two elderly patients who underwent PD for distal cholangiocarcinoma with celiac trunk occlusion. We performed blood circulation modification preoperatively with transcatheter coil embolization of the arterial arcades of the pancreatic head to develop collateral communication between the superior mesenteric and the common hepatic or splenic artery.