Analysis of complications after Whippleʼs procedure using ERAS protocols

Abstract

Background: The administration of perioperative fluids is a controversial issue that can be associated with the development of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after Whipple procedure. Objective: To evaluate whether intraoperative fluid management along with Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols affect outcomes following major pancreatic resection. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2012 to January 2017, collecting all patients scheduled for duodenopancreatectomy (DP). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the use of ERAS protocols and the use of a fluid therapy algorithm. Results: A total of 67 patients were analyzed, 49.3% of which were females. The most frequent diagnoses were Pancreatic Cancer n:48 (71.6%), followed by intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm n:6 (9%). The majority of patients were in the ERAS group n:46 (68.7%); 80.4% and 95.7% of them did not develop pancreatic fistula or delayed gastric emptying (DGE) respectively, and the incidence for both was 11.94%. Fluid therapy was below 5000 mL (P=0.001) with blood loss less 300 mL (P = 0.001) in the ERAS group. The length of stay was shorter in the ERAS group (7 days, interquartilel range 5-12, P < 0.001). No differences in 30 days mortality were found. Conclusion: The implementation of ERAS protocols in DP did show a decrease in intraoperative blood loss, intravenous fluids therapy, need for transfusion, DGE, or total hospital stay. However, intraoperative fluid restriction in DP did not show a reduction in the development of POPF.