Risk Of Pancreatic Fistula Research Articles

Differential Gains in Surgical Outcomes for High-Risk vs Low-Risk Pancreaticoduodenectomy with Successive Refinements of Risk-Stratified Care Pathways.

The use of risk-stratified pancreatectomy care pathways (RSPCPs) is associated with reduced length of stay (LOS). This study sought to evaluate the impact of successive pathway revisions with the hypothesis that high-risk patients require iterative pathway revisions to optimize outcomes. A prospectively maintained database (October 2016 to December 2021) was evaluated for pancreaticoduodenectomy patients managed with RSPCPs preoperatively assigned based on postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) risk. Launched in October 2016 (version [V] 1), RSPCPs were optimized in February 2019 (V2) and November 2020 (V3). Targeted pathway components included earlier nasogastric tube removal, diet advancement, reduced intravenous fluids and opioids, institution-specific drain fluid amylase cutoffs for early day 3 removal, and patient education. Primary outcome was LOS. Secondary outcomes included major complication (Accordion grade 3+), POPF (International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery Grade B/C), and delayed gastric emptying (DGE). Of 481 patients, 234 were managed by V1 (83 high-risk), 141 by V2 (43 high-risk), and 106 by V3 (43 high-risk). Median LOS reduction was greatest in high-risk patients with a 7-day reduction (pre-RSPCP, 12 days; V1, 9 days; V2, 7 days; V3, 5 days), compared with low-risk patients (pre-pathway, 10 days; V1, 6 days; V2, 5 days; V3, 4 days). Complications decreased significantly among high-risk patients (V1, 45%; V2, 33%; V3, 19%; p < 0.001), approaching rates in low-risk patients (V1, 21%; V2, 20%; V3, 14%). POPF (V1, 33%; V2, 23%; V3, 16%; p < 0.001) and DGE (V1, 23%; V2, 22%; V3, 14%; p < 0.001) improved among high-risk patients. Risk-stratified pancreatectomy care pathways are associated with reduced LOS, major complication, Grade B/C fistula, and DGE. The easiest gains in surgical outcomes are generated from the immediate improvement in the patients most likely to be fast-tracked, but high-risk patients benefit from successive application of the learning health system model.

Effects of ketorolac on complications and postoperative pancreatic fistula in patients undergoing pancreatectomy

BackgroundThere are conflicting data on the risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) associated with postoperative NSAID use. The primary objective of this multi-center retrospective study was to assess the relationship between ketorolac use and POPF. The secondary objective was to assess for effect of ketorolac use on overall complication rate. MethodsRetrospective chart review of patients undergoing pancreatectomy from January 1, 2005–January 1, 2016 was performed. Data on patient factors (age, sex, comorbidities, previous surgical history etc.), operative factors (surgical procedure, estimated blood loss, pathology etc.), and outcomes (morbidities, mortality, readmission, POPF) were collected. The cohort was compared based on ketorolac use. ResultsThe study included 464 patients. Ninety-eight (21%) patients received ketorolac during the study period. Ninety-six (21%) patients were diagnosed with POPF within 30 days. There was a significant association between ketorolac use and clinically relevant POPF (21.4 vs. 12.7%) (p = 0.04, 95% CI [1.76, 1.04–2.97]). There was no significant difference in overall morbidity or mortality between the groups. DiscussionThough there was no overall increase in morbidity, there was a significant association between POPF and ketorolac use. The use of ketorolac after pancreatectomy should be judicious.

Identifying the preoperative factors predicting the surgical difficulty of robotic distal pancreatectomy.

Few studies have evaluated the preoperative factors predicting the surgical difficulty of robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP). This study aims to explore such factors and provide guidance on the selection of suitable patients to aid surgeons lacking extensive experience in RDP. A retrospective study was conducted on consecutive patients who underwent RDP to identify preoperative factors predicting surgical difficulty. High surgical difficulty was defined by both operation time and intraoperative estimated blood loss exceeding their median, or by conversion to laparotomy. A total of 161 patients were ultimately enrolled, including 51 patients with high levels of surgical difficulty. Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex [OR (95% CI): 4.07 (1.77,9.40), p = 0.001], body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25kg/m2 OR (95% CI): 2.27 (1.03,5.00), p = 0.042], tumors located at the neck of the pancreas [OR (95% CI): 4.15 (1.49,11.56), p = 0.006] and splenic artery type B [OR (95% CI): 3.28 (1.09,9.91), p = 0.035] were independent risk factors for surgical difficulty. Regarding postoperative complications, high surgical difficulty was associated with the risk of overall complications and pancreatic fistula (grade B/C) (49.0% vs. 22.7%, p < 0.001; 39.2% vs. 19.1%, p = 0.006). Male sex, body mass index ≥ 25kg/m2, tumor located at the neck of the pancreas and splenic artery type B are associated with a high RDP difficulty level. These factors can be used preoperatively to assess the difficulty level of surgery, to help surgeons choose patients suitable for them and ensure surgical safety.

Video Grading of Pancreatic Anastomoses During Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy to Assess Both Learning Curve and the Risk of Pancreatic Fistula: A Post Hoc Analysis of the LAELAPS-3 Training Program.

To assess the learning curve of pancreaticojejunostomy during robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD) and to predict the risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) by using the objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS), taking the fistula risk into account. RPD is a challenging procedure that requires extensive training and confirmation of adequate surgical performance. Video grading, modified for RPD, of the pancreatic anastomosis could assess the learning curve of RPD and predict the risk of POPF. Post hoc assessment of patients prospectively included in 4 Dutch centers in a nationwide LAELAPS-3 training program for RPD. Video grading of the pancreaticojejunostomy was performed by 2 graders using OSATS (attainable score: 12-60). The main outcomes were the combined OSATS of the 2 graders and POPF (grade B/C). Cumulative sum analyzed a turning point in the learning curve for surgical skill. Logistic regression determined the cutoff for OSATS. Patients were categorized for POPF risk (ie, low, intermediate, and high) based on the updated alternative fistula risk scores. Videos from 153 pancreatic anastomoses were included. Median OSATS score was 48 (interquartile range: 41-52) points and with a turning point at 33 procedures. POPF occurred in 39 patients (25.5%). An OSATS score below 49, present in 77 patients (50.3%), was associated with an increased risk of POPF (odds ratio: 4.01, P =0.004). The POPF rate was 43.6% with OSATS < 49 versus 15.8% with OSATS ≥49. The updated alternative fistula risk scores category "soft pancreatic texture" was the second strongest prognostic factor of POPF (odds ratio: 3.37, P =0.040). Median cumulative surgical experience was 17 years (interquartile range: 8-21). Video grading of the pancreatic anastomosis in RPD using OSATS identified a learning curve and a reduced risk of POPF in case of better surgical performance. Video grading may provide a valid method to surgical training, quality control, and improvement.

Video Grading of Pancreatic Anastomoses during Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy to Assess Both Learning Curve and the Risk of Pancreatic Fistula

Video Grading of Pancreatic Anastomoses during Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy to Assess Both Learning Curve and the Risk of Pancreatic Fistula

Preoperative Radiotherapy on the Transection Margin in Patients at High Risk of Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreatoduodenectomy (FIBROPANC): A Multicenter Phase II Study

Preoperative Radiotherapy on the Transection Margin in Patients at High Risk of Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreatoduodenectomy (FIBROPANC): A Multicenter Phase II Study

Is it time to "POP" the pancreatic fistula risk score?

Background: Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) is a common complication after pancreatoduodenectomy and is associated with significant mortality. The Fistula Risk Score (FRS), incorporating pancreatic duct size, parenchymal texture, blood loss, and at-risk pathology, is a validated tool for predicting CR-POPF. Postoperative pancreatitis (POP), reflecting parenchymal injury or ischemia, has been described in up to 40% of patients after pancreatoduodenectomy, but its association with POPF remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between POP, FRS, and CR-POPF.

Association between the Preoperative C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratio and the Risk for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula following Distal Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Cancer.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) are major postoperative complications (POCs) following distal pancreatectomy (DP). Notably, POPF may worsen the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer. Previously reported risks for POCs include body mass index, pancreatic texture, and albumin levels. Moreover, the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) is a valuable parameter for prognostication. On the other hand, POCs sometimes lead to a worse prognosis in several cancer types. Thus, we assumed that CAR could be a risk factor for POPFs. This study investigated whether CAR can predict POPF risk in patients with pancreatic cancer following DP. This retrospective study included 72 patients who underwent DP for pancreatic cancer at Ehime University between January 2009 and August 2022. All patients underwent preoperative CAR screening. Risk factors for POPF were analyzed. POPF were observed in 17 of 72 (23.6%) patients. POPF were significantly associated with a higher CAR (p = 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined the cutoff value for CAR to be 0.05 (sensitivity: 76.5%, specificity: 88.9%, likelihood ratio: 6.88), indicating an increased POPF risk. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that CAR ≥ 0.05 was a statistically independent factor for POPF (p < 0.001, p = 0.013). Therefore, CAR has the potential to predict POPF following DP.

Integration of effort for secure pancreaticoduodenectomy improved surgical outcomes: Historical observational study

To study the impact of strategies focusing attention on the safety of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) on postoperative outcome. Since 2012, tailored pancreaticoenterostomy, modification of stent insertion and organized drain management were applied according to risk for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Patients who performed PD after 2012 were enrolled into the prospective cohort, named experimental group (EG), and those who performed prior 2012 were enrolled into the historical control cohort (HG). Short term surgical outcomes were analyzed. HG included 90 patients and EG included 85 patients. Overall rate of Clinically relevant (CR)-POPF was 13.7% (24/175), 18.9% in HG (17/90) and 8.2% in EG (7/85), respectively (p=0.049). Postoperative delayed gastric emptying, rate of postoperative bleeding, length of hospital stay, and mortality rate did not show any difference between groups. Postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo 3 or higher were significantly reduced in the EG (22.2% vs 8.2%, p=0.012). After the application of a new surgical policy and management, CR-POPF rate and high-grade complication rate decreased by more than half.

Impact of Osteopenia on Pancreatic Fistula in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy

This study aimed to identify the potential risk for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), a major complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy. This retrospective study included 124 patients with biliary and pancreatic disorders who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2015 and 2020. Bone marrow density (BMD) was determined in the 11th thoracic vertebra using preoperative computed tomographic images. Delta BMD (dBMD=measured BMD - standard BMD) was calculated using standard BMD determined on the basis of age and sex, and dBMD <0 was defined as osteopenia. The relationship between clinicopathological factors and dBMD was investigated. The average BMD level was 140 Hounsfield units. BMD was significantly lower in women than in men (p<0.01) and in older patients than in younger patients (p<0.01). POPF was significantly correlated with low dBMD (p=0.032). Osteopenia was a risk factor for POPF in patients with soft pancreas (p=0.016). Osteopenia was an independent risk factor for POPF after pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with soft pancreas. Preoperative osteopenia assessment may be useful for the prediction of POPF, and preoperative vitamin D supplementation might be considered in patients with osteopenia.

Video grading of the pancreatic anastomosis during robotic pancreatoduodenectomy to assess learning curve and risk of pancreatic fistula

Video grading of the pancreatic anastomosis during robotic pancreatoduodenectomy to assess learning curve and risk of pancreatic fistula

Pylorus-Preservation Pancreatoduodenectomy Is Associated with Higher Rate of Delayed Gastric Emptying in Patients with Intermediate/High Risk for Pancreatic Fistula

INTRODUCTION: The association between delayed gastric emptying (DGE) and pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) vs classic pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) remains controversial. This study aims to identify preoperative and intraoperative factors associated with DGE based on the well-established pancreatic fistula risk score (FRS). We hypothesized that a stratified approach to surgical technique selection may be beneficial given the association of DGE with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). METHODS: The 2014 to 2019 NSQIP pancreatectomy Participant User Data File (PUF) was queried for patients who underwent PPPD or PD. Multivariable logistic regression assessed perioperative characteristics associated with DGE. Sensitivity analyses stratified patients into negligible/low (FRS ≤2) or intermediate/high (FRS ≥3) cohorts based on their risk for clinically relevant POPF (CR-POPF). RESULTS: DGE was present in 15.5% of the overall cohort (N = 2,197/14,181), in 16.3% (N = 948/5,799) of the PPPD group, and in 14.9% (N = 1,249/8,382) of the classic PD group; 6.4% of patients (N = 903/14,181) were in the negligible/low-risk and 93.6% (N = 13,278) were in the intermediate/high-risk CR-POPF subgroups. In adjusted analysis of the overall cohort, patients who underwent PPPD were more likely to develop DGE (odds ratio [OR] 1.1, p = 0.02). In the negligible/low-risk CR-POPF subgroup, there was no association between DGE and PPPD (OR 1.05, p = 0.82). In the intermediate/high-risk CR-POPF subgroup, PPPD was significantly associated with DGE (OR 1.1, p = 0.04; Table). Table. - Predicting Delayed Gastric Emptying after Pylorus-Preserving vs Classic Pancreaticoduodenectomy, Stratified by Fistula Risk Score Surgical approach, pylorus preserving vs classic pancreatoduodenectomy Risk of clinically relevant- postoperative pancreatic fistula Adjusted odds ratio* 95% CI p Value Overall 1.11 1.01–1.22 0.02 Negligible/low risk 1.05 0.69–1.60 0.82 Intermediate/high risk 1.11 1.01–1.22 0.04 *Adjusted for age, sex, race, ASA class, history of comorbidities (eg smoking, hypertension, diabetes, blood disorder, weight loss, jaundice), preoperative stent placement, preoperative chemotherapy/radiation therapy, drain placement, pancreas gland texture, and duct size. CONCLUSION: Pylorus preservation in PD may have greater odds for developing DGE, driven by an increased association in patients who are at intermediate/high risk for CR-POPF. Use of the FRS for intraoperative decision-making regarding management of the pylorus may help minimize postoperative morbidity.

An advanced bipolar device helps reduce the rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula in laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients: a propensity score-matched analysis

BackgroundAdvanced bipolar devices (ABD; e.g., LigaSure™) have a lower blade temperature than ultrasonically activated devices (USAD; e.g., Harmonic® and Sonicision™) during activation, potentially enabling accurate lymph node dissection with less risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) due to pancreatic thermal injury in laparoscopic gastrectomy. Therefore, we compared the efficacy and safety of ABD and USAD in laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) between August 2008 and September 2020. A total of 371 patients were enrolled, and short-term surgical outcomes, including the incidence of ISGPF grades B and C POPF, were compared between ABD and USAD. The risk factors for POPF in LDG were investigated by univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsA propensity score-matching algorithm was used to select 120 patients for each group. The POPF rate was significantly lower (0.8 vs. 9.2%, p < 0.001), the morbidity rate was lower (13.3 vs. 28.3%, p < 0.001), the length of postoperative hospitalization was shorter (14 vs. 19 days, p < 0.001), and the lymph node retrieval rate was higher (34 vs. 26, p < 0.001) with an ABD than with a USAD. There were no mortalities in either group. A multivariate analysis showed that a USAD was the only independent risk factor with a considerably high odds ratio for the occurrence of POPF (USAD/ABD, odds ratio 8.38, p = 0.0466).ConclusionAn ABD may improve the safety of laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients.

Applications using artificial intelligence in predicting the risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula using preoperative CT images

Applications using artificial intelligence in predicting the risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula using preoperative CT images

Development and external validation of DISPAIR fistula risk score for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula risk after distal pancreatectomy.

Highly utilized risk scores for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) have guided clinical decision-making in pancreatoduodenectomy. However, none has been successfully developed for distal pancreatectomy. This study aimed to develop and validate a new fistula risk score for distal pancreatectomy. Patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland from 2013 to 2021, and at Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden, from 2010 to 2020, were included retrospectively. The outcome was CR-POPF, according to the 2016 International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery definition. Preoperative clinical demographics and radiological parameters such as pancreatic thickness and duct diameter were measured. A logistic regression model was developed, internally validated with bootstrapping, and the performance assessed in an external validation cohort. Of 668 patients from Helsinki (266) and Stockholm (402), 173 (25.9 per cent) developed CR-POPF. The final model consisted of three variables assessed before surgery: transection site (neck versus body/tail), pancreatic thickness at transection site, and diabetes. The model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.904 (95 per cent c.i. 0.855 to 0.949) after internal validation, and 0.798 (0.748 to 0.848) after external validation. The calibration slope and intercept on external validation were 0.719 and 0.192 respectively. Four risk groups were defined in the validation cohort for clinical applicability: low (below 5 per cent), moderate (at least 5 but below 30 per cent), high (at least 30 but below 75 per cent), and extreme (75 per cent or more). The incidences in these groups were 8.7 per cent (11 of 126), 22.0 per cent (36 of 164), 63 per cent (57 of 91), and 81 per cent (17 of 21) respectively. The DISPAIR score after distal pancreatectomy may guide decision-making and allow a risk-adjusted outcome comparison for CR-POPF.

Pancreatic Ducts Obliteration With Controlled Injection of Onyx®: A Proposal of New Onyx® Pancreatic Ducts Obliteration Scoring System.

The aim of this study was confirm the efficacy and feasibility of Onyx injection for pancreatic stump management after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and investigate a new Onyx® Pancreatic Ducts Obliteration (OPDO) scoring system of pancreatic duct obliteration (PDOb) in patients with high risk of Post-Operative Pancreatic Fistula (POPF). We enrolled ten patients undergoing PDOb with Onyx® intraoperative controlled injection after elective PD. PDOb with Onyx® controlled injection was classified according to the OPDO scoring system in three degrees: complete 5/10 (50%), medium 2/10 (20%) and bad 3/10 (30%). Increased amylase in abdominal drainage was identified in two patients (20%) with a degree II and III, and resolved spontaneously within a week. A "clinically relevant" POPF (CR-POPF) was observed in one patient (10%) with a degree III and none in the patients with degree I and II. We confirm that intraoperative injection of Onyx® is a valid solution in high-risk POPF patients and our OPDO scoring system allows obtain an intraoperative classification of the degree of PDO to prevent the CR-POPOF; furthermore, it may be suggested that the viscosity of the injected product (Onyx®) reduce parenchymal fibrosis.

Systemic therapy and perioperative management improve the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A retrospective cohort study of 2000 consecutive cases

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore patterns of the treatment strategies of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma based on 2000 consecutive cases of a prospective database since 2012 to obtain new insights for future directions. MethodsAmong 2000 patients enrolled in this study, 210 patients were excluded, and 710, 521, and 559 patients were treated between 2012 and 2015 (group 1), between 2016 and 2017 (group 2), and between 2018 and 2019 (group 3), respectively. Patient clinicopathologic and biological factors, and perioperative outcomes were used to assess the prognostic factors. ResultsThe median survival for all patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was 21.7 months (1-year survival, 75.0%; 2-year survival, 43.7%; 5-year survival, 19.7%). Group 3 had a better survival outcome than groups 1 and 2 (median survival time: 23 versus 20.5 and 21.1 months). The proportion of patients younger than 65 gradually increased over time, as did the use of systemic chemotherapy and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. The tendency for early diagnosis (lower CA19-9 and CEA levels, smaller size, and earlier N stage), use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, early recovery (lesser hospital stay and Clavien-Dindo grade <3), absence of abdominal pain, younger age, length of operation ≤3 h, and pathological factors (absence of lymphovascular invasion, peripancreatic fat infiltration and neural invasion, higher differentiation) were related to patients' survival. Multivariable analysis for prognosis revealed that tumor biological factors (increased preoperative serum CA19-9 level, tumor size, tumor differentiation, N stage, and presence of lymphovascular invasion and neural invasion), chemotherapy, radiotherapy, abdomen pain, operation period, length of stay, and length of operation correlated with patients’ survival. ConclusionsSystemic therapy, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, has gradually improved the prognosis after operative resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Neoadjuvant therapy is also beneficial to improve the prognosis to a certain extent. The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) policies and the specific assessment of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) risk may be related to reduced hospital stays and the reduction of serious complications. These advancements show that the concept of systemic therapy has been accepted and actively applied by Chinese medical institutions.

Sarcopenia and Risk of Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreatic Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is one of the most critical complications after pancreatic surgery. The relationship between sarcopenia and outcomes following this type of surgery is debated. The aim of this review was to assess the impact of sarcopenia on the risk of POPF. A literature search was performed using the PubMed database and the reference lists of relevant articles to identify papers about the impact of sarcopenia on POPF in pancreatic surgery. Twenty-one studies published between 2016 and 2021 with a total of 4068 patients were included. Some studies observed a significant difference in the incidence of POPF between the sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy. Interestingly, there was a trend of a lower POPF rate in sarcopenic patients than in non-sarcopenic patients. Only one study included patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy specifically. The role of sarcopenia in surgical outcomes is still unclear. A combination of objective CT measurements could be used to predict POPF. It could be assessed by routine preoperative staging CT and could improve preoperative risk stratification in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery.

Minimally invasive enucleation for benign and low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors: an analysis of 60 cases

Objective: To investigate the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive pancreatic tumor enucleation. Methods: The clinicopathological data of 60 patients with minimally invasive pancreatic tumor enucleation admitted to the Department of Pancreatic Surgery of Fudan University Cancer Center from November 2019 to August 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 17 males and 43 females,with age of (50.0±13.2)years(range: 23 to 73 years). Tumors were located in the head of pancreas in 40 cases(66.7%),neck and tail of pancreas in 20 cases(33.3%). Patients were divided into robotic group(n=25) and laparoscopic group(n=35) according to surgical methods. The measurement data were compared by t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, and the categorical data were compared by χ2 test or Fisher exact probability method. The influencing factors of postoperative pancreatic fistula were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Logistic regression. Results: All patients successfully completed tumor enucleation without conversion to laparotomy. The operation time was (183.5±67.3)minutes(range:90 to 410 minutes). Twelve patients(20.0%) underwent stent placement and pancreatic duct repair during operation. The removal time of abdominal drainage tube after operation was (24.7±22.9)days(range:2 to 113 days). The tumor diameter in the robotic group was larger than that in the laparoscopic group((3.5±0.9)cm vs. (2.9±0.7)cm,t=-2.825,P=0.006). The incidences of postoperative biochemical fistula and grade B pancreatic fistula were 20.0%,22.9% and 36.0%,51.4%,respectively(χ²=2.289,P=0.318). There were no grade C pancreatic fistula,lymphatic fistula,biliary fistula,delayed gastric emptying,secondary operation and perioperative death in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on the occurrence of clinically related pancreatic fistula(above grade B). The results showed that the increase of body mass index(OR=1.285,95%CI:1.053 to 1.569,P=0.014),the larger diameter of the tumor(OR=3.703,95%CI:1.465 to 9.360,P=0.006) and intraoperative pancreatic duct repair(OR=7.889,95%CI:1.471 to 42.296,P=0.016) were independent risk factors,whereas robotic surgery(OR=0.168,95%CI:0.036 to 0.796,P=0.025) was a protective factor. No case of pancreatin dependent dyspepsia and new onset diabetes mellitus was observed. Conclusions: Minimally invasive tumor enucleation is feasible in the treatment of benign and low-grade pancreatic tumors. The incidence of pancreatic fistula is high in the short term after operation,but serious complications are rare. The robot assisted system can reduce the risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula and has more advantages in dealing with larger diameter tumors because of clearer surgical vision and more accurate operation.

Risk factor analysis of postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy, with a focus on pancreas-visceral fat CT value ratio and serrated pancreatic contour

BackgroundIn pancreaticoduodenectomy, the pancreas-visceral fat CT value ratio and serrated pancreatic contour on preoperative CT have been revealed as risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistulas. We aimed to evaluate whether they could also serve as risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistulas after distal pancreatectomy.MethodsA total of 251 patients that underwent distal pancreatectomy at our department from 2006 to 2020 were enrolled for the study. We retrospectively analyzed risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistulas after distal pancreatectomy using various pre and intraoperative factors, including preoperative CT findings, such as pancreas-visceral fat CT value ratio and serrated pancreatic contour.ResultsThe study population included 147 male and 104 female participants (median age, 68 years; median body mass index, 21.4 kg/m2), including 64 patients with diabetes mellitus (25.5%). Preoperative CT evaluation showed a serrated pancreatic contour in 80 patients (31.9%), a pancreatic thickness of 9.3 mm (4.0–22.0 mm), pancreatic parenchymal CT value of 41.8 HU (4.3–22.0 HU), and pancreas-visceral fat CT value ratio of − 0.41 (− 4.88 to − 0.04). Postoperative pancreatic fistulas were developed in 34.2% of the patients. Univariate analysis of risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistulas showed that younger age (P = 0.005), high body mass index (P = 0.001), absence of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.002), high preoperative C-reactive protein level (P = 0.024), pancreatic thickness (P < 0.001), and high pancreatic parenchymal CT value (P = 0.018) were significant risk factors; however, pancreas-visceral fat CT value ratio (P = 0.337) and a serrated pancreatic contour (P = 0.122) did not serve as risk factors. Multivariate analysis showed that high body mass index (P = 0.032), absence of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.001), and pancreatic thickness (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors.ConclusionThe pancreas-visceral fat CT value ratio and serrated pancreatic contour evaluated using preoperative CT were not risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistulas after distal pancreatectomy. High body mass index, absence of diabetes mellitus, and pancreatic thickness were independent risk factors, and a close-to-normal pancreas with minimal fat deposition or atrophy is thought to indicate a higher risk of postoperative pancreatic fistulas after distal pancreatectomy.