Pancreas-specific Complications Research Articles

Evaluation of Short- and Long-Term Outcomes After Resection in Patients with Locally Advanced versus (Borderline) Resectable Pancreatic Cancer.

This study aims to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes following pancreatectomy in patients with LAPC compared to (B)RPC patients. Selected patients diagnosed with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) are increasingly undergoing resection following induction chemotherapy. To evaluate the benefit of this treatment approach, it is helpful to compare outcomes in resected patients with primary LAPC to outcomes in resected patients with primary (borderline) resectable pancreatic cancer ((B)RPC). Two prospectively maintained nationwide databases were used for this study. Patients with (B)RPC undergoing upfront tumor resection and patients with resected LAPC after induction therapy were included. Outcomes were postoperative pancreas-specific complications, 90-day mortality, pathological outcomes, disease-free interval (DFI), and overall survival (OS). Overall, 879 patients were included; 103 with LAPC (12%) and 776 with (B)RPC (88%). LAPC patients had a lower WHO performance score and CACI. Postoperative pancreas-specific complications were comparable between groups, except delayed gastric emptying grade C, which occurred more often in LAPC patients (9% vs. 3%, P=0.03). Ninety-day mortality was comparable. About half of the patients in both groups (54% in LAPC vs. 48% in (B)RPC), P=0.21) had a radical resection (R0). DFI was 13 months in both groups (P=0.12) and OS from date of diagnosis was 24 months in LAPC patients and 19 months in (B)RPC patients (P=0.34). In our nationwide prospective databases, pancreas-specific complications, mortality and survival in patients with LAPC following pancreatectomy are comparable with those undergoing resection for (B)RPC. These outcomes suggest that postoperative morbidity and mortality after tumor resection in carefully selected patients with LAPC are acceptable.

Postoperative Hyperamylasemia (POH) is an Early Predictor of Pancreatic Fistula Occurrence and Severity after Distal Pancreatectomy: Results from a European Multicentric Study.

The aim of this international multicentric study is to characterize postoperative hyperamylasemia (POH) after distal pancreatectomy (DP), with particular focus on its relationship with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) occurrence and severity. The clinical relevance of POH after DP and its relationship with the occurrence and severity of POPF have not been explored yet. All patients undergoing DP for any indication between 2015 and 2021 at three European referral Centers for pancreatic surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Drain fluid amylase (DFA), C-reactive protein (C-RP), and serum amylase were examined from postoperative-day (POD) 1 to 3. Biochemical leak (BL), POPF, POH, and post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) were defined and graded according to ISGPS definitions. In total 1192 patients were included. Overall rates of POH and POPF were 18% (n= 210) and 29% (n= 344), respectively. The presence of DFA ≥2000 U/L on POD 1 (OR=2.11, 95% CI 1.68-2.86), C-RP ≥200 mg/L on POD 3 (OR=2.19, 95% CI 1.68-2.86), and POH (OR=1.58, 95% CI 1.14-2.19) were all independent early predictors of POPF (all P< 0.01). The presence of POH almost doubled the rate of POPF (43% vs. 26%, P<0.001), and higher POPF severity presented also higher POH rates (no POPF= 12%; BL= 19%; B POPF= 24%; C POPF= 52%). Among patients developing POPF, patients with POH had higher rates of PPH (22% vs 9%, P= 0.001), sepsis (24% vs 13%; P=0.011), re-operation (21% vs 8%; P< 0.01), and mortality (3% vs 0.3%; P= 0.025). The occurrence of POH is an early predictor of POPF and its severity after DP. The diagnosis of POH might define patients at higher risk for a complicated course, targeting them for prevention / mitigation strategies against pancreas specific complications.

Blood loss predicts pancreas-specific complications only in high-risk patients: results of a prospective and systematic blood loss estimation during pancreatoduodenectomy.

Blood loss predicts pancreas-specific complications only in high-risk patients: results of a prospective and systematic blood loss estimation during pancreatoduodenectomy.

Short-term Outcomes of Robotic Versus Open Pancreatoduodenectomy: Propensity Score-matched Analysis.

The goal of the current study was to investigate the perioperative outcomes of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) and open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) in a high-volume center. Despite RPDs prospective advantages over OPD, current evidence comparing the 2 has been limited and has prompted further investigation. The aim of this study was to compare both approaches while including the learning curve phase for RPD. A 1:1 propensity score-matched analysis of a prospective database of RPD with OPD (2017-2022) at a high-volume center was performed. The main outcomes were overall- and pancreas-specific complications. Of 375 patients who underwent PD (OPD n=276; RPD n=99), 180 were included in propensity score-matched analysis (90 per group). RPD was associated with less blood loss [500 (300-800) vs 750 (400-1000) mL; P =0.006] and more patients without a complication (50% vs 19%; P <0.001). Operative time was longer [453 (408-529) vs 306 (247-362) min; P <0.001]; in patients with ductal adenocarcinoma, fewer lymph nodes were harvested [24 (18-27) vs 33 (27-39); P <0.001] with RPD versus OPD. There were no significant differences for major complications (38% vs 47%; P =0.291), reoperation rate (14% vs 10%; P =0.495), postoperative pancreatic fistula (21% vs 23%; P =0.858), and patients with the textbook outcome (62% vs 55%; P =0.452). Including the learning phase, RPD can be safely implemented in high-volume settings and shows potential for improved perioperative outcomes versus OPD. Pancreas-specific morbidity was unaffected by the robotic approach. Randomized trials with specifically trained pancreatic surgeons and expanded indications for the robotic approach are needed.

Either High or Low Risk: The Acinar Score at the Resection Margin Dichotomizes the Risk Spectrum of Pancreas-specific Complications After Pancreatoduodenectomy.

Pancreatic acinar content (Ac) has been associated with pancreas-specific complications after pancreatoduodenectomy. The aim of this study was to improve the prediction ability of intraoperative risk stratification by integrating the pancreatic acinar score. A training and validation cohort underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with a subsequent histologic assessment of pancreatic section margins for Ac, fibrosis (Fc), and fat. Intraoperative risk stratification (pancreatic texture, duct diameter) and pancreas-specific complications (postoperative hyperamylasemia [POH], postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis [PPAP], pancreatic fistula [POPF]) were classified according to ISGPS definitions. In the validation cohort (n= 373), the association of pancreas-specific complications with higher Ac and lower Fc was replicated (all P <0.001). In the entire cohort (n= 761), the ISGPS classification allocated 275 (36%) patients into intermediate-risk classes B (POH 32%/PPAP 3%/POPF 17%) and C (POH 36%/PPAP 9%/POPF 33%). Using the acinar score (Ac ≥60% and/or Fc ≤10%), intermediate-risk patients could be dichotomized into a low-risk (POH 5%/PPAP 1%/POPF 6%) and a high-risk (POH 51%/PPAP 9%/POPF 38%) group (all P <0.001). The acinar score AUC for POPF prediction was 0.70 in the ISGPS intermediate-risk classes. Overall, 239 (31%) patients were relocated into the high-risk group from lower ISGPS risk classes using the acinar score. The risk of pancreas-specific complications appears to be dichotomous-either high or low-according to the acinar score, a tool to better target the application of mitigation strategies in cases of intermediate macroscopic features.

Bleeding Predicts Pancreas-specific Complications Only in High-risk Patients: Results of a Prospective Systematic Blood Loss Estimation during Pancreatoduodenectomy

Bleeding Predicts Pancreas-specific Complications Only in High-risk Patients: Results of a Prospective Systematic Blood Loss Estimation during Pancreatoduodenectomy

Obesity Is Associated With Increased Risk for Adverse Postoperative Outcomes After Distal Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

IntroductionConflicting reports exist about the effect obesity has on adverse postoperative surgical outcomes after distal pancreatectomy (DP). The aim of this study is to explore the role of obesity in terms of morbidity and pancreas-specific complications following DP for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). MethodsAll patients who underwent DP at a single institution over 10 y were analyzed (2009-2020). Patients were categorized as nonobese (body mass index [BMI] < 30 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Independent predictors of adverse postoperative outcomes were calculated using multivariate logistic regression models. Overall survival was assessed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. ResultsOf the 178 patients included, 58 (32.5%) were obese. Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) formation rate was significantly higher in the obese group (20.6% versus 7.5%, P value = 0.011). We did not identify any significant difference between obese and nonobese patients in median overall survival (30.2 mon versus 28.9 mon, P value = 0.811). On multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, BMI ≥ 30 was an independent predictor of morbidity (any complication) and CR-POPF formation after DP for PDAC. ConclusionsObesity is associated with a significantly increased risk for CR-POPF in patients undergoing DP for PDAC. Obesity should be considered as a variable in fistula risk calculators for DP.

Patterns of mortality after pancreatoduodenectomy: A root cause, day-to-day analysis

BackgroundMortality is consistently reported as an outcome metric in pancreatic surgery. Given its heterogeneity, better characterization of it might provide crucial insights for clinical practice. This study aimed to analyze the timeline and sequence of events that lead to death after pancreatoduodenectomy to identify possible distinct pathways of mortality. MethodsAll consecutive pancreatoduodenectomy cases from 2010 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. A day-to-day appraisal of the postoperative course of each fatality was performed and visualized graphically. The graphical analysis allowed for pattern identification. The respective predictors were explored through logistic regression. ResultsOut of 2065 pancreatoduodenectomy patients, in-hospital mortality was 3.1%. With graphical analysis, 3 patterns were identified. Pattern A deaths (71.4%, n = 45) occurred after a median of 43 days (14–260), following pancreas-specific complications such as postoperative pancreatic fistula, postpancreatectomy hemorrhage, and delayed gastric emptying. Pattern B deaths (15.9%, n = 10) occurred after a median of 18 days (1–55), succeeding a critical status in the early postoperative course, mainly related to elevated surgical complexity. Patients with pattern C (12.7%) died after a median of 8 days, mostly for unknown cause after an uneventful postoperative course. The predictors of each pattern were distinctive. ConclusionMortality after pancreatoduodenectomy occurs through 3 distinct pathways. This knowledge could spawn an additional endpoint of value to clinicians and hospitals, delivering a supplementary tool for comparison between centers and diversified patient populations, and it might facilitate the identification of the best targets for improvement. Further studies are needed to validate this tripartite reclassification.

Management of Traumatic Pancreatic Injuries: Evaluation of 7 Years of Experience at a Single Regional Trauma Center

Purpose Traumatic pancreatic injuries are rare, but their diagnosis and management are challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate and report our experiences with the management of pancreatic injuries. Methods We identified all adult patients (age &amp;gt;15) with pancreatic injuries from our trauma registry over a 7-year period. Data related to patients’ demographics, diagnoses, operative information, complications, and hospital course were abstracted from the registry and medical records. Results A total of 45 patients were evaluated. Most patients had blunt trauma (89%) and 21 patients (47%) had pancreatic injuries of grade 3 or higher. Twenty-eight patients (62%) underwent laparotomy and 17 (38%) received nonoperative management (NOM). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 24% (n=11), and only one patient died after NOM (due to a severe traumatic brain injury). Twenty-two patients (79%) underwent emergency laparotomy and six (21%) underwent delayed laparotomy. A drainage procedure was performed in 12 patients (43%), and pancreatectomy was performed in 16 patients (57%) (distal pancreatectomy [DP], n=8; DP with spleen preservation, n=5; pancreaticoduodenectomy, n=2; total pancreatectomy, n=1). Fourteen (31%) pancreas-specific complications occurred, and all complications were successfully managed without surgery. Solid organ injuries (n=14) were the most common type of associated abdominal injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥3). Conclusions For traumatic pancreatic injuries, an appropriate treatment method should be considered after evaluation of the accompanying injury and the patient’s hemodynamic status. NOM can be performed without mortality in appropriately selected cases.

Does drainage or resection predict subsequent interventions and long-term quality of life in patients with Grade IV pancreatic injuries: A population-based analysis.

Clinical equipoise remains significant for the treatment of Grade IV pancreatic injuries in stable patients (i.e., drainage vs. resection). The literature is poor in regards to experience, confirmed main pancreatic ductal injury, nuanced multidisciplinary treatment, and long-term patient quality of life (QOL). The primary aim was to evaluate the management and outcomes (including long-term QOL) associated with Grade IV pancreatic injuries. All severely injured adult patients with pancreatic trauma (1995-2020) were evaluated (Grade IV injuries compared). Concordance of perioperative imaging, intraoperative exploration, and pathological reporting with a main pancreatic ductal injury was required. Patients with resection of Grade IV injuries were compared with drainage alone. Long-term QOL was evaluated (Standard Short Form-36). Of 475 pancreatic injuries, 36(8%) were confirmed as Grade IV. Twenty-four (67%) underwent a pancreatic resection (29% pancreatoduodenectomy; 71% extended distal pancreatectomy [EDP]). Patient, injury and procedure demographics were similar between resection and drainage groups (p > 0.05). Pancreas-specific complications in the drainage group included 92% pancreatic leaks, 8% pseudocyst, and 8% walled-off pancreatic necrosis. Among patients with controlled pancreatic fistulas beyond 90 days, 67% required subsequent pancreatic operations (fistulo-jejunostomy or EDP). Among patients whose fistulas closed, 75% suffered from recurrent pancreatitis (67% eventually undergoing a Frey or EDP). All patients in the resection group had fistula closure by 64 days after injury. The median number of pancreas-related health care encounters following discharge was higher in the drainage group (9 vs. 5; p = 0.012). Long-term (median follow-up = 9 years) total QOL, mental and physical health scores were higher in the initial resection group (p = 0.031, 0.022 and 0.017 respectively). The immediate, intermediate and long-term experiences for patients who sustain Grade IV pancreatic injuries indicate that resection is the preferred option, when possible. The majority of drainage patients will require additional, delayed pancreas-targeted surgical interventions and report poorer long-term QOL. Epidemiology/Prognostic, Level III.

Thirty-day complication rates do not differ by race among patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Black patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are less likely to receive multimodality treatment and have worse survival compared to White patients. However, little is known regarding racial differences in postoperative outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to determine if 30-day complication rates following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) differ by race. A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent PD for PDAC from 2014 to 2016 within the ACS-NSQIP pancreatectomy-specific data set was performed. Primary outcomes were 30-day pancreas-specific and overall major complications. A total of 6936 patients were identified, including 91.4% (N = 6337) White and 8.6% (N = 599) Black. Pathologic stage and rates of neoadjuvant therapy were similar among Whites and Blacks. Rates of pancreas-specific (23.9% vs. 23.1%, p = .88) and major postoperative complications (39.2% vs. 39.9%, p = .55) were similar between Whites and Blacks. By multivariable regression analysis, there was no association between race and odds of pancreas-specific complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89-1.37) or overall major complications (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.95-1.36). Among patients undergoing PD for PDAC, Black race is not associated with increased pancreas-specific or overall 30-day postoperative complications. Short-term postoperative outcomes do not appear to explain the increase in pancreatic cancer mortality among Black patients.

Post-operative pancreatitis as a predictor of post-operative pancreatic fistula in patients following pancreaticoduodenectomy

Introduction: Post-Operative Pancreatic Fistula(POPF) remains the challenge following Pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD). Recently Post Operatve Pancreatitis(POP) has been defined which has been shown to be independent predictor of POPF in retrospective studies. Method: We Performed a prospective study where Serum Amylase of more than 80U/L on POD0 or POD1 was defined as POP following PD. The end point of the study was to see incidence of POP and its relation with POPF. Result: There were total 23 PDs. Most of the Patients had final diagnosis of ampullary carcinoma(52%). The incidence of POP and POPF was 56.5% and 60.9%. 84.6% patient who had POP developed POPF(P= 0.008). There was total seven Post Pancreatectomy Hemorrhage, two delayed gastric emptying, one chyle leak and four Mortality. However no statistical correlation could be made between POP and other pancreas specific complications and mortality. Conclusion: Though the sample size is less but POP seems to predict POPF in Patient following PDs in our study. Keywords: POP- Post Operative Pancreatitis, POPF- Post Operative Pancreatic Fistula, PD- Pancreaticoduodenctomy.

C-Reactive Protein on Postoperative Day 1 Is a Reliable Predictor of Pancreas-Specific Complications After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

BackgroundPostoperative pancreatic fistula and pancreas-specific complications have a significant influence on patient management and outcomes after pancreatoduodenectomy. The aim of the study was to assess the value of serum C-reactive protein on the postoperative day 1 as early predictor of pancreatic fistula and pancreas-specific complications. MethodsBetween 2013 and 2016, 110 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Clinical, biological, intraoperative, and pathological characteristics were prospectively recorded. Pancreatic fistula was graded according to the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula classification. A composite endpoint was defined as pancreas-specific complications including pancreatic fistula, intra-abdominal abscess, postoperative hemorrhage, and bile leak. The diagnostic accuracy of serum C-reactive protein on postoperative day 1 in predicting adverse postoperative outcomes was assessed by ROC curve analysis. ResultsSix patients (5%) died and 87 (79%) experienced postoperative complications (pancreatic-specific complications: n = 58 (53%); pancreatic fistula: n = 48 (44%)). A soft pancreatic gland texture, a main pancreatic duct diameter < 3 mm and serum C-reactive protein ≥ 100 mg/L on postoperative day 1 were independent predictors of pancreas-specific complications (p < 0.01) and pancreatic fistula (p < 0.01). ROC analysis showed that serum C-reactive protein ≥ 100 mg/L on postoperative day 1 was a significant predictor of pancreatic fistula (AUC: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.60–0.79, p < 0.01) and pancreas-specific complications (AUC: 0.72; 95%CI: 0.62–0.82, p < 0.01). ROC analysis showed that serum C-reactive protein ≥ 50 mg/L at discharge was a significant predictor of 90-day hospital readmission (AUC: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.60–0.79, p < 0.01). ConclusionsC-reactive protein levels reliably predict risks of pancreatic fistula, pancreas-specific complications, and hospital readmission, and should be inserted in risk-stratified management algorithms after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Management of pancreatic trauma: a literature review

Pancreatic injury is an uncommon event often difficult to diagnose at an early stage. After abdominal trauma, the surgeon must always be aware of the possibility of pancreatic trauma due to the complications associated with missed pancreatic injuries. Due to its retroperitoneal position, associated organs and vascular injuries are almost always present, which along with frequent extra abdominal injuries explain the high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to present a concise description of the incidence of these injuries, lesional mechanisms, recommended diagnostic methods, therapeutic indications including nonoperative management, endoscopy and surgery, and an analysis of pancreas-specific complications and mortality rates in these patients based on a 60-year review of the literature, encompassing 6364 patients. Due to pancreatic retroperitoneal position, associated organs and vascular injuries are almost always present, which along with frequent extraaabdominal injuries explain the high morbidity and mortality of these patients.

Orientación terapéutica del traumatismo pancreático: revisión de la literatura

Pancreatic injury is an uncommon event often difficult to diagnose at an early stage. After abdominal trauma, the surgeon must always be aware of the possibility of pancreatic trauma due to the complications associated with missed pancreatic injuries. Due to its retroperitoneal position, asociated organs and vascular injuries are almost always present, which along with frequent extra abdominal injuries explain the high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to present a concise description of the incidence of these injuries, lesional mechanisms, recommended diagnostic methods, therapeutic indications including nonoperative management, endoscopy and surgery, and an analysis of pancreas-specific complications and mortality rates in these patients based on a 60-year review of the literature, encompassing 6,364 patients. Due to pancreatic retroperitoneal position, asociated organs and vascular injuries are almost always present, which along with frequent extraaabdominal injuries explain the high morbidity and mortality of these patients.

Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer

This study evaluated 30-day morbidity and mortality and assessed pancreas-specific complications in patients with major pancreatic injuries who underwent a distal pancreatectomy.Records of 107 consecutive patients who underwent a distal pancreatectomy at a Level 1 Trauma Centre in Cape Town between January 1982 and December 2011 were reviewed. Primary endpoints were postoperative morbidity and death. Complications were graded according to the Clavien–Dindo severity classification and the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) definitions.A total of 107 patients [94 men, median age 26, median RTS 7.8, 69 penetrating injuries (63 gunshot wounds, 6 stabs wounds), 38 blunt injuries] underwent distal pancreatectomy. Overall mortality was 12%, 16% for gunshot injuries, 8% for blunt trauma and 0% in patients who had stab wounds. Eighty patients had a post-operative complication. A pancreatic leak (n = 26) was the most common pancreatic related complication. Median postoperative stay in 28 patients with no or grade I complications was 9 days; in 11 patients with grade II complications was 18 days; in 14 grade IIIa, 31 days; in 19 grade IIIb, 38 days; in 8 grade IVa, 33 days in 14 grade IVb, and in 13 grade V the duration of postoperative stay was 14 ± 39.4 days.Overall mortality for distal pancreatectomy was 12%. Pancreatic leak was a common cause of morbidity. Length of hospitalisation increased with increasing Clavien–Dindo severity grading. There was a significant difference in the duration of hospitalisation in patients with no or grade I complications compared to those with grade II–IV injuries (p < 0.05).

Outcomes of Pancreatogastrostomy With Gastric Partition After Pylorus-Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy With Gastric Partition

IntroductionPylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with gastric partition (PPPD-GP) seems to be associated to a better postoperative outcome than conventional pancreaticojejunostomy in the setting of a prospective-randomised study. The aim of this study is to further evaluate the surgical outcome in a series of 129 consecutive patients. MethodsBetween 2007 and June 2013, 129 patients with periampullary tumours surgically treated with PPPD-GP were retrospectively analysed. Surgical complications (Clavien–Dindo score), as well as pancreatic and non-pancreas related complications were analysed. ResultsOverall postoperative complication rate was 77%, although 50% of complications were graded I–II by the Clavien–Dindo classification. Incidence of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula was 18%: ISGFP type B: 12%, and type C: 6%. Other pancreas specific complications such as delayed gastric emptying and pospancreatectomy haemorrhage were 27% and 15%, respectively, similar to results published in the literature. Overall perioperative mortality rate was 4.6%. ConclusionPPPD-GP results show that it is a technique with an acceptable morbidity, low mortality and pancreatic fistula rate similar to other techniques currently described of pancreaticoenteric reconstruction.

Resultados de la pancreatogastroanastomosis con bipartición gástrica después de duodenopancreatectomía con preservación pilórica

IntroductionPylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with gastric partition (PPPD-GP) seems to be associated to a better postoperative outcome than conventional pancreaticojejunostomy in the setting of a prospective-randomized study. The aim of this study is to further evaluate the surgical outcome in a series of 129 consecutive patients. MethodsBetween 2007 and June 2013, 129 patients with periampullary tumors surgically treated with PPPD-GP were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical complications (Clavien-Dindo score), as well as pancreatic and non-pancreas related complications were analyzed. ResultsOverall postoperative complication rate was 77%, although 50% of complications were graded I-II by the Clavien-Dindo classification. Incidence of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula was 18%: ISGFP type B: 12%, and type C: 6%. Other pancreas specific complications such as delayed gastric emptying and pospancreatectomy haemorrhage were 27 and 15%, respectively, similar to results published in the literature. Overall perioperative mortality rate was 4.6%. ConclusionPPPD-GP results show that it is a technique with an acceptable morbidity, low mortality and pancreatic fistula rate similar to other techniques currently described of pancreaticoenteric reconstruction.

The Glasgow whipple risk score to predict pancreas-specific complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

394 Background: Pancreas-specific complications (PSC), comprising postoperative pancreatic fistula, post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage, and intra-abdominal collections, are drivers of morbidity following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Intra-operatively derived pancreatic gland texture is a major determinant of postoperative PSC. We have previously demonstrated that a postoperative day 0 (PoD0) serum amylase ≥ 130 IU/L is an objective surrogate of pancreatic texture, and is associated with PSC. We sought to refine the PSC risk prediction model by including serial measurements of serum C-reactive protein (CRP). Methods: 230 consecutive patients undergoing PD between 2008 and 2014 were included in the study. Routine serum investigations, including amylase and CRP were performed from the pre-operative day. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify a threshold value of serum CRP associated with clinically significant PSC. Results: 95 (41.3%) patients experienced a clinically significant PSC. ROC analysis identified post-operative day 2 (PoD2) serum CRP of 180 mg/L as the optimal threshold (P=0.005) associated with clinically significant PSC, a prolonged stay in critical care (P =0.032), and a relaparotomy (P = 0.045). Patients with a PoD0 serum amylase ≥ 130 IU/L who then developed a PoD2 serum CRP ≥ 180 mg/L had a higher incidence of postoperative complications. Patients were categorised into high, intermediate and low risk groups based on PoD0 serum amylase and PoD2 serum CRP. Patients in the high risk group (PoD0 serum amylase ≥ 130 IU/L and PoD2 serum CRP ≥ 180 mg/l) had significantly higher incidence of PSC, a return to theatre, prolonged lengths stay (all P≤ 0.05) and a four-fold increase in perioperative mortality compared patients in the intermediate and low risk groups (7 deaths in the high risk group versus 2 and nil in the intermediate and low risk groups respectively). Conclusions: A high risk profile, defined as PoD0 serum amylase ≥ 130 IU/L and PoD2 serum CRP ≥ 180 mg/l, should raise the clinician’s awareness of the increased risk of clinically significant PSC and a complicated postoperative course following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Morbidity and mortality after distal pancreatectomy for trauma: A critical appraisal of 107 consecutive patients undergoing resection at a Level 1 Trauma Centre

BackgroundThis study evaluated 30-day morbidity and mortality and assessed pancreas-specific complications in patients with major pancreatic injuries who underwent a distal pancreatectomy. Study designRecords of 107 consecutive patients who underwent a distal pancreatectomy at a Level 1 Trauma Centre in Cape Town between January 1982 and December 2011 were reviewed. Primary endpoints were postoperative morbidity and death. Complications were graded according to the Clavien–Dindo severity classification and the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) definitions. ResultsA total of 107 patients [94 men, median age 26, median RTS 7.8, 69 penetrating injuries (63 gunshot wounds, 6 stabs wounds), 38 blunt injuries] underwent distal pancreatectomy. Overall mortality was 12%, 16% for gunshot injuries, 8% for blunt trauma and 0% in patients who had stab wounds. Eighty patients had a post-operative complication. A pancreatic leak (n=26) was the most common pancreatic related complication. Median postoperative stay in 28 patients with no or grade I complications was 9 days; in 11 patients with grade II complications was 18 days; in 14 grade IIIa, 31 days; in 19 grade IIIb, 38 days; in 8 grade IVa, 33 days in 14 grade IVb, and in 13 grade V the duration of postoperative stay was 14±39.4 days. ConclusionsOverall mortality for distal pancreatectomy was 12%. Pancreatic leak was a common cause of morbidity. Length of hospitalisation increased with increasing Clavien–Dindo severity grading. There was a significant difference in the duration of hospitalisation in patients with no or grade I complications compared to those with grade II–IV injuries (p<0.05).