Is rising BMI associated with an increased rate of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma?

Abstract

360 Background: Clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF), following distal pancreatectomy (DP) remains a clinical challenge. Prior studies investigating the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and CR-POPF have yielded conflicting results. We examined this relationship utilizing our institutional database and hypothesized that BMI is associated with CR-POPF in patients having DP for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods: Patients who underwent DP for PDAC at a single institution from 2007 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. A CR-POPF was defined as ISGPS grade B or C fistula. Uni- and multi-variable logistic regression analysis to assess factors associated with CR-POPF following DP was performed, controlling for factors such as gland texture, operative drain placement, gender, and smoking status. Results: 78 patients met the inclusion criteria. 51% were female, 51% were Caucasian, and the average age was 59 ± 15 years. The median BMI was 26 (interquartile range 24 to 29). Overall, 19% (n = 15) of patients had a CR-POPF. With a mean follow up 2.8 ± 2.5 years, the presence of a CR-POPF was not associated with long-term survival (P = 0.17). On univariable logistic regression, older age was associated with a decreased risk of CR-POPF (OR = 0.95, P = 0.015) while increasing BMI was associated with an increased risk of CR-POPF (OR = 1.1, P = 0.044). After controlling for multiple factors on multivariable logistic regression analysis, BMI (OR = 1.12, P = 0.035) was the only factor associated with development of a CR-POPF while older age (OR = 0.94, P < 0.001) was slightly protective of CR-POPF development. Conclusions: For patients undergoing DP for PDAC, increasing BMI is associated with an increased risk of CR-POPF, independent of other factors. These findings should be considered during preoperative counseling. Although there is no specific cut-off for the association between BMI and CR-POPF, efforts to diminish the risk of CR-POPF should be focused on patients with higher BMI based on this data.