OBJECTIVE

This study aims to enhance the diagnostic efficacy of the dual scintigraphy procedure following pancreatoduodenectomy by modifying the contrast medium and timing of the examination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of dual scintigraphy results was conducted on patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy at the Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgical department of Botkin Hospital, Moscow, Russia, and the Radioisotope Department of N.I. Pirogov Moscow City Clinical Hospital from 2012 to 2015. The analysis identified diagnostic constraints in the radionuclide study, prompting adjustments in the examination timing and contrast medium. From 2016 to 2022, a total of 147 pancreatoduodenectomies were performed at the HPB surgical department, Botkin Hospital, with modified dual scintigraphy studies conducted in the postoperative period.

RESULTS

Conducting scintigraphy at later postoperative intervals enables an unbiased evaluation of gastroentero- and biliodigestive anastomosis function, minimizing the influence of specific postoperative complications (pancreatic fistula, arrosive bleeding) on the outcomes. The use of a protein mixture instead of semolina as a contrast medium allows for a more physiological and objective investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of the modified dual scintigraphy protocol eliminates the impact of postoperative complications on study results, facilitating an objective assessment of gastric motility, biliodigestive anastomosis function, and small bowel motility following pancreatoduodenectomy.