Distal Enteral Feeding Helps Blood Sugar Control in Pancreatectomized Patients

Abstract

Background: The change in the route of food passage after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is quite similar to the change after gastric bypass surgery; both procedures bypass the duodenum and directly connect to the distal jejunum. Moreover, both procedures result in resolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, more distal enteral anastomosis after PD may further improve glycemic status.

Methods: To test the effect of distal enteral feeding on glucose metabolism in patients after PD, we performed a meal test on 20 patients via a nasogastric tube [proximal feeding group (PFG)] on post-operative day 5 and then via an intra-operatively placed jejunostomy feeding tube [distal feeding group (DFG)] on post-operative day. Blood samples were assessed for hormones and glucose.

Results: The AUC0-120 min levels of GLP-1, C-peptide, and insulin after distal feeding were significantly higher than after proximal feeding. The AUC0-120 min levels of glucose in the DFG were significantly lower than in the PFG.

Conclusions: More distal enteral feeding contributed to better glucose metabolism after PD.