Helical CT of the abdomen after pancreaticoduodenectomy: usefulness for detecting postoperative complications.
OBJECTIVE
Helical (spiral) computed tomography (CT) decreases scanning time and respiratory motion artifact. These characteristics are convenient for the evaluation of postoperative intra-abdominal conditions. We investigated the usefulness of helical CT in detecting complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy.


METHODS
Helical CT scans were carried out in 21 patients with symptoms suggesting postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Twenty-one patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy were examined postoperatively by helical CT scans. Findings were correlated with the subsequent clinical course.


RESULTS
Abnormal findings were detected by helical CT scan in 16 (76%) of 21 patients. These included 13 patients with fluid collection, 7-with localized liver infarction, 5 with intra-abdominal abscess, 3 with pleural effusion or ascites, and 2 with pseudoaneurysms or wound abscesses. Liver infarctions were found in 7 of 10 patients who underwent combined resection of the portal and/or superior mesenteric veins, but not in any of 11 patients without combined vascular resection.


CONCLUSIONS
Helical CT was useful in evaluating intra-abdominal conditions and detecting complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Furukawa
H
H
Department of the Diagnostic Radiology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Kosuge
T
T
Shimada
K
K
Yamamoto
J
J
Ushio
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016577:Pancreaticoduodenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed