Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula Research Articles

Indocyanine green fluorescence in the evaluation of post-resection pancreatic remnant perfusion after a pancreaticoduodenectomy: a clinical study protocol

BackgroundPancreaticoduodenectomy is associated with an incidence of postoperative complications of approximately 41%. One of the most severe complications is a postoperative pancreatic fistula. The exact cause of postoperative fistula development is still unknown, but it appears to be multifactorial. Proper perfusion of pancreatic remnant is essential for the healing of pancreaticojejunostomy. To date, there is no method to reliably evaluate the vascular supply of the remnant. One of the methods for the assessment of organ perfusion is the indocyanine green fluorescence. This study aims to determine if indocyanine green fluorescence is a reliable method to measure the perfusion of the post-resection pancreatic remnant. The secondary outcome is to determine if intraoperative evaluation of the vascular supply of the post-resection remnant may predict the increased risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula development.MethodsThis study is designed as a prospective, observational study. All consecutive patients undergoing open or robotic pancreaticoduodenectomies at our department during the 1st May 2024-31st December 2026 period will be enrolled. The exclusion criteria are an allergy to indocyanine green and refusal by the patient. The adequacy of the vascular supply of the post-resection pancreatic remnant will be intraoperatively evaluated using a fluorescence detector. Patients will be divided into two groups: Those with high risk of pancreatic fistula development and those with low risk. The incidence of pancreatic fistulas in both groups is to be compared. Postoperative data including morbidity, mortality, hospital stay, intensive care unit stay and postoperative fistula development will be collected.DiscussionIf an intraoperative assessment of the perfusion of post-resection pancreatic remnant using indocyanine green is proven to be a suitable method to estimate the increased risk of the pancreatic fistula, the list of the existing known risk factors could be expanded. In the most high-risk patients the modification of the surgical procedure could be considered.Trial registrationNumber: NCT06198400 ClinicalTrials.Gov. Date 08.01.2024.

Central pancreatectomy of the remnant pancreas without reconstruction after pancreatoduodenectomy

BackgroundThere are several reports on the safety and feasibility of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) without reconstruction of the small remnant pancreas. However, a few studies have explored central pancreatectomy (CP) for non-reconstructed small remnant pancreases after PD. This study presents a case of CP without pancreatic reconstruction after PD.Case presentationA 58-year-old man with cerebral palsy underwent PD for distal cholangiocarcinoma. Three years postoperatively, a 12-mm tumor was detected in the remnant pancreatic body and diagnosed as a pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm. Surgical resection was performed, because the tumor was enlarged and chemotherapy resistant. The afferent loop with pancreatojejunostomy anastomosis was dissected, and CP, including pancreatojejunostomy anastomosis, was performed. Given the remnant pancreas was hard and atrophic, the pancreatic tail was transected using a stapler without reconstructing the small remnant pancreas. The patient experienced no postoperative complications including postoperative pancreatic fistula, and the endocrine function of the pancreas was preserved.ConclusionsWe present a case of remnant pancreatic CP that did not require reconstruction after PD. Preservation of the small remnant pancreas without reconstruction during CP may be feasible to maintain endocrine function in select patients after PD.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Lipase as Early Predictor of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula: Results from the LIPADRAIN study.

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of drain fluid lipase as an early predictor of postoperative pancreatic fistula and establish the most appropriate day for their measure. Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula remains a potentially life-threatening complication after pancreatic surgery. Early detection strategies remain key to reduce both the incidence and the burden of pancreatic fistula. The LIPAse DRAIN (LIPADRAIN) study is a multicenter, prospective diagnostic study conducted in 7 tertiary university hospitals. Drain fluid values to detect clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula from postoperative day 1 to postoperative day 6 were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. A biomarker was considered to be relevant for clinical use if its area under the curve (AUC) was greater than 0.75. Of the 625 patients included in the analysis, clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 203 (32%) patients. On postoperative days 3 and 4, drain fluid lipase was a reliable biomarker to detect clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (AUC: 0.761; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.761-0.799 and AUC: 0.784; 95% CI: 0.743-0.821, respectively). On postoperative day 3, with a threshold of 299 units/L, drain fluid lipase yielded a negative predictive value of 51%, sensitivity of 78%, and specificity of 63% for the detection of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula. In this multicenter prospective study, drain fluid lipase is a reliable biomarker at postoperative days 3 and 4 for the diagnosis of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreatic surgery and should be systematically measured on postoperative day 3.

SP4.7 - Intraoperative pancreas consistency and evidence of pancreatitis during pancreatoduodenectomy, and the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula

Abstract Background Soft/normal pancreas consistency is a known risk factor for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in patients who undergo pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for malignancy. A hard pancreas is considered less technically challenging to work with and generally allows the formation of a more robust pancreatic anastomosis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of pancreas consistency and intra-operative pancreatitis on the incidence of POPF in PD patients. Methods Data was extracted from the Recurrence After Whipple’s (RAW) study, a multicentre retrospective cohort study of outcomes following PD performed for malignancy (29 centres in 8 countries, n=1484). Patients with operation notes which documented a subjective assessment of pancreas tissue consistency and whether there was intra-operative evidence of pancreatitis were included. The incidence of POPF and clinically relevant POPF (CR-POPF) was calculated and comparisons were made using the chi-squared test. The 2016 International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula definitions were used. Results Of the 40.6% patients included, 41.5% had a soft/normal pancreas and 58.2% had a firm/hard pancreas. Both POPF (OR: 5.2, 95% CI: 3.3-8.3) and CR-POPF (OR: 4.7, 95% CI: 2.5-8.9) were significantly more common in the former (both p<0.0001). A soft/normal pancreas was most common in patients with cholangiocarcinoma and least common in those with pancreatic cancer (56.4% vs 33.4%). 32.6% had their intra-operative pancreatitis status documented. Of these, 22.8% had evidence of pancreatitis and 77.2% did not. POPF (11.8% vs 16.1%, p=0.3) and CR-POPF (8.2% vs 9.4%, p=0.7) rates were similar in these groups. Conclusion In our multicentre study of PD outcomes, POPF and CR-POPF were significantly more common in those with a soft/normal pancreas. This may have implications for postoperative management planning.

Pancreatic fistula after gastrectomy. Retrospective single-center analysis

Objective: to determine the frequency and risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after gastrectomy. Material and Methods. From January 1, 2018 to October 31, 2023, 198 patients with stage I–III gastric cancer underwent gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy at a Regional Oncological Dispensary. The characteristics of the studied patients were assessed according to a unified protocol. Statistically significant factors influencing the development of POPF were identified. Results. The incidence of POPF was 18.7 % (37/198). It was found that not all pancreatic fistulas were accompanied by acute pancreatitis. Among the patients with POPF, 5 had associated acute pancreatitis: 2 with mild, and 3 with moderate severity; no severe acute pancreatitis was observed. The statistically significant indicator for the occurrence of POPF was the neutrophil-lymphocyte index (p=0.033), in the absence of other infectious phenomena. In addition, the following significant factors were identified: lymphadenopathy of regional lymph nodes (p=0.037), tumor stage (T criterion) (p=0.002), splenectomy (p<0.001), and resection of the pancreas (p<0.001). Conclusion. The frequency of postoperative pancreatic fistulas after gastrectomy was 18.7 %. Statistically significant factors for the development of POPF include resection of the pancreas, splenectomy, lymph node status, tumor size, and depth of invasion. An additional indicator for the development of POPF is an increase in the neutrophil-lymphocyte index 1 day after surgery.

Dunking Pancreaticojejunostomy With Braun's Jejunojejunostomy: Perioperative Outcomes of a Hundred Pancreaticoduodenectomies.

Background The optimal surgical technique for pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is still debated. Dunking and duct-to-mucosa PJ are the most commonly adopted techniques. Incorporating Braun's jejunojejunostomy (JJ) could reducetheincidence and severity of delayed gastric emptying (DGE). This retrospective descriptive study seeks to clarify the outcomes of dunking PJ with Braun's JJ in 100 PD patients. Methodology We retrospectively reviewed 100 patients who underwent PDs in a single unit of the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital from October 2012 to February 2023. Demographic and historical data, indications, procedure-related data, complications, and mortality data were collected and analyzed. Results The mean age was 50.96 ± 14.97 years, and 64 (64%) were males. The most common indication was ampullary carcinoma (53, 53%) followed by distal cholangiocarcinoma (18, 18%) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (7, 7%). Operative time was 5.83 ± 1.09 hours, intraoperative blood loss was 515 ± 194 mL, and the average time for PJ and Braun's JJ was 22 ± 6 and 15 ± 3 minutes, respectively. Soft pancreas was encountered in 52 (52%) patients and clinically significant postoperative pancreatic fistula (Grade B, C) was seen in 23 (23%). Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage was seen in 21 (21%) patients (Grades A: 3, B: 12, C: 6). DGE (Grade B) occurred in two (2%) patients, and bile leak was observed in 4% of patients (Grades A: 1, B: 2, C: 1). Major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥IIIA) occurred in 24%, and 11 patients died. Conclusions The dunking technique is easily adaptable, less time-consuming, and can be performed in the pancreas of any texture or duct size but is associated with an increased incidence of post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage. Incorporation of Braun's anastomosis lowers DGE, allows early initiation of feeding, and reduces complication rates.

Characteristics and outcomes of minimally invasive surgery for congenital biliary dilatation in children aged

We evaluated the minimally invasive surgery for congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) in adults and children and analyzed the surgical outcomes, especially in children aged <6 years. Characteristics and surgical outcomes of patients with CBD who underwent minimally invasive surgery at our hospital between 2013 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Overall, 129 patients (89 children aged <6 years, 9 children aged between 6 and 18 years, and 21 adults) were included in this study. Children exhibited more protein plug presence and abnormal biochemical data than adults. Incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistulas was highest in the adult group (3.4%, 11%, and 33%, respectively, p < .01). In children aged <6 years, postoperative bile leakage and pancreatic fistulas occurred in 9.0% and 3.4% of patients, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the Todani IVA was associated with a decrease in postoperative bile leakage (odds ratio: -1.7; 95% confidence interval: (-3.3)-(-0.22), p = .03). Adults with CBD required prolonged operative times and had more short-term complications than children with CBD. In children aged <6 years, minimally invasive surgery for CBD can be safely performed; however, a small diameter of the bile duct may be associated with bile leakage.

Influence of pancreatic fistula on survival after upfront pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: multicentre retrospective study.

The effects of postoperative pancreatic fistula on survival rates remain controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of postoperative pancreatic fistula on overall survival and recurrence-free survival after upfront pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Patients operated on between January 2007 and December 2017 at seven tertiary pancreatic centres for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were included in the study. Postoperative pancreatic fistula was defined using the 2016 International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery grading system. The impact of postoperative pancreatic fistula on overall survival, recurrence-free survival (excluding 90-day postoperative deaths) and corresponding risk factors were investigated by univariable and multivariable analyses. Comparisons between groups were made using the chi-squared or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. Odds ratios were estimated with their 95% confidence intervals. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method with their 95% confidence intervals. A total of 819 patients were included between 2007 and 2017. Postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 14.4% (n = 118) of patients; of those, 7.8% (n = 64) and 6.6% (n = 54) accounted for grade B and grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula respectively. The 5-year overall survival was 37.0% in the non-postoperative pancreatic fistula group and 45.3% in the postoperative pancreatic fistula cohort (P = 0.127). Grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula (excluding 90-day postoperative deaths) was not a prognostic factor for overall survival. The 5-year recurrence-free survival was 26.0% for patients without postoperative pancreatic fistula and 43.7% for patients with postoperative pancreatic fistula (P = 0.003). Eight independent prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival were identified: age over 70 years, diabetes, moderate or poor tumour differentiation, T3/T4 tumour stage, lymph node positive status, resection margins R1, vascular emboli and perineural invasion. This high-volume cohort showed that grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula, based on the 2016 International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery grading system, does not impact overall or recurrence-free survival (excluding 90-day postoperative deaths).

Hospital charge and resource use analysis of extended-spectrum penicillin antibiotic therapy after pancreatoduodenectomy in intermediate- and high-risk patients

BackgroundWe previously reported that an extended antibiotic mitigation pathway following pancreatoduodenectomy in patients with intermediate-/high-risk glands is associated with 83 % lower odds of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF). We now describe associations between the pathway, resource utilization, and hospital charges. MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent elective pancreatoduodenectomy with soft gland texture and fistula risk score (FRS) ≥3 who received standard or extended antibiotics. Hospital charges and resource utilization within 90 days of surgery were compared by CR-POPF status and antibiotic pathway. ResultsA total of 34 patients received extended antibiotics and 53 received standard antibiotics. In patients with CR-POPF, patients who received extended antibiotics had lower likelihood of surgical or percutaneous reintervention (75.0 % vs. 100.0 %, p = 0.022). Ninety-day postoperative charges associated with CR-POPF were higher than no CR-POPF ($60,527 vs. $25,631, p = 0.028). Our risk-based model predicted a $15,825 decrease in hospital charges per patient receiving extended antibiotics. ConclusionsCR-POPF is associated with higher 90-day hospital charges. Extended antibiotic therapy following pancreatoduodenectomy in patients with soft gland texture and FRS ≥3 is associated with fewer reinterventions in patients who develop CR-POPF. These outcomes will be formally tested in a randomized controlled trial (NCT05753735).

The efficacy and safety of single-incision plus one-port laparoscopic surgery vs. conventional five-port laparoscopic surgery for duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection.

Single-incision plus one-port laparoscopic duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (SILDPPHR+1) is yet to be reported, and therefore, its safety and efficacy have yet to be established. This study aimed to assess the short-term efficacy of SILDPPHR+1 in comparison to conventional laparoscopic duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (cLDPPHR). Consecutive patients who underwent SILDPPHR+1 and cLDPPHR procedures were screened. An analysis of the intraoperative and postoperative data of all patients was carried out. Nineteen patients who underwent SILDPPHR+1 and 24 patients who underwent cLDPPHR at Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from October 15, 2021, to October 30, 2023, were enrolled in this study. All baseline parameters of both groups were comparable. There was a statistically significant difference in the cosmetic score between the groups (P<0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding postoperative recovery, postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), bile leakage rate, delayed gastric emptying (DGE) rate, postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) rate, abdominal infection rate, or textbook outcomes. SILDPPHR+1 appears to be a reliable and safe procedure for certain patients, with no increase in the operating time or complications, similar to the results of cLDPPHR. Moreover, SILDPPHR+1 offers the added advantage of superior cosmetic results.

Shorter Drainage Tube to the Pancreatic Stump Reduces Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy.

We investigated the relationship between the length of a prophylactic closed-suction drainage tube and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) in distal pancreatectomy (DP). The clinical data of 76 patients who underwent DP using a reinforced stapler for the division of the pancreas at Ehime University Hospital between December 2017 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Laparoscopic DP was performed in 41 patients (53.9%). Closed-suction drainage was performed using a 19Fr ExuFlow Round Drain with a vacuum bulb. The drainage tube length was defined as the distance between the peripancreatic stump site and the abdominal wall insertion site using abdominal radiography. CR-POPF was observed in 12 patients (15.8%). Univariate analyses demonstrated that male sex (P=0.020), American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (P=0.017), current smoking (P=0.005), and drainage tube length (P<0.001) were significantly associated with CR-POPF. The optimal cut-off value of drainage tube length for CR-POPF was 220mm (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.80). In multivariate analyses, drainage tube length (≥220mm) was the sole independent predictor for CR-POPF (odds ratio, 6.59; P=0.023). According to computed tomography performed ∼1 week after surgery, the median volume of peripancreatic fluid collection was significantly higher in the long drainage tube group than in the short drainage tube group (P<0.001). A drainage tube inserted at a shorter distance to the pancreatic stump may reduce the incidence of CR-POPF after DP.

Sealing the Pandora’s vase of pancreatic fistula through entrapping the digestive enzymes within a dextrorotary (D)-peptide hydrogel

A variety of therapeutic possibilities have emerged for skillfully regulating protein function or conformation through intermolecular interaction modulation to rectify abnormal biochemical reactions in diseases. Herein, a devised strategy of enzyme coordinators has been employed to alleviate postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), which is characterized by the leakage of digestive enzymes including trypsin, chymotrypsin, and lipase. The development of a dextrorotary (D)-peptide supramolecular gel (CP-CNDS) under this notion showcases its propensity for forming gels driven by intermolecular interaction. Upon POPF, CP-CNDS not only captures enzymes from solution into hydrogel, but also effectively entraps them within the internal gel, preventing their exchange with counterparts in the external milieu. As a result, CP-CNDS completely suppresses the activity of digestive enzymes, effectively alleviating POPF. Remarkably, rats with POPF treated with CP-CNDS not only survived but also made a recovery within a mere 3-day period, while mock-treated POPF rats had a survival rate of less than 5 days when experiencing postoperative pancreatic fistula, leak or abscess. Collectively, the reported CP-CNDS provides promising avenues for preventing and treating POPF, while exemplifying precision medicine-guided regulation of protein activity that effectively targets specific pathogenic molecules across multiple diseases.

Study protocol of the FRENCH24-ANIS study: postoperative anti-infective strategy following pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with preoperative biliary stents—an intergroup FRENCH-ACHBT-SFAR prospective randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDespite advances in surgical techniques and care, pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) continues to have high morbidity and mortality rates. Complications such as sepsis, hemorrhage, pulmonary issues, shock, and pancreatic fistula are common postoperative challenges. A key concern in PD outcomes is the high incidence of infectious complications, especially surgical site infections (SSI) and postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Bacteriobilia, or bile contamination with microorganisms, significantly contributes to these infections, increasing the risk of early postoperative complications. The occurrence of SSI in patients who undergo hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HPB) surgeries such as PD is notably higher than that in patients who undergo other surgeries, with rates ranging from 20 to 55%. Recent research by D'Angelica et al. revealed that, compared to cefoxitin, piperacillin/tazobactam considerably lowers the rate of postoperative SSI. However, these findings do not indicate whether extending the duration of antibiotic treatment is beneficial for patients at high risk of bacterial biliary contamination. In scenarios with a high risk of SSI, the specific agents, doses and length of antibiotic therapy remain unexplored. The advantage of prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis following PD has not been established through prospective studies in PD patients following biliary drainage.MethodsThis is an intergroup FRENCH-ACHBT-SFAR multicenter, open-labelled randomized, controlled, superiority trial comparing 2 broad-spectrum antibiotic (piperacillin/tazobactam) treatment modalities to demonstrate the superiority of 5-day postoperative antibiotic therapy to antibiotic prophylaxis against the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSI) following pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with preoperative biliary stents. The primary endpoint of this study is the overall SSI rate, defined according to the ACS NSQIP, as a composite of superficial SSI, deep incisional SSI, and organ/space SSI.In addition, we will analyze overall morbidity, antibiotic resistance profiles, the pathogenicity of bacteriological and fungal cocontamination, the impact of complications after bile drainage and neoadjuvant treatment on the bacteriological and fungal profile of biliculture and cost-effectiveness.ConclusionThis FRENCH24-ANIS study aims to evaluate 5-day post-operative antibiotic therapy combined with antibiotic prophylaxis on the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSI) following pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with preoperative biliary stents.Trial registrationClinicaTrials.gov number, NCT06123169 (Registration Date 08–11–2023); EudraCT number 2021–006991-18; EUCT Number: 2024–515181-14–00.

Comparisons of laparoscopic and robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy using barbed and conventional sutures for pancreaticojejunostomy: a propensity score matching study.

There are limited data on the effect of different sutures and surgical approaches on the quality of pancreaticojejunostomy in minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD). This study compares the incidence of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) between the use of barbed sutures (BSs) and conventional sutures (CSs). A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 253 consecutive patients who had undergone MIPD from July 2016 to April 2023. Patients were excluded if conversion to open surgery or open anastomosis was necessary. 220 patients were enrolled and divided into BS (n = 148) and CS (n = 72) groups. After 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM), 67 cases remained in each group. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified factors associated with CR-POPF. Comparisons were also made between laparoscopic (LPD) and robotic (RPD) pancreaticoduodenectomy. After PSM, BSs were associated with significantly lower rates of CR-POPF (7.5 vs. 22.4%, P = 0.015) and severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ III) (7.5vs. 19.4%, P = 0.043). No significant differences were found in operative time, length of postoperative hospital stay, or other major morbidities. Multivariate analyses revealed BMI 22kg/m2 (OR = 5.048, 95% CI: 1.256-20.287, P = 0.023) and the use of BSs (OR = 0.196, 95% CI: 0.059-0.653, P = 0.008) as the independent predictors of CR-POPF. There were no significant differences in postoperative outcomes between the LPD and RPD groups, but RPD was associated with significantly shorter operative time (402.8min vs. 429.4min, P = 0.015). In conclusion, using BSs for PJ during MIPD is feasible and has the potential to reduce CR-POPF and severe complications.

Learning curve stratified outcomes after robotic pancreatoduodenectomy: International multicenter experience

BackgroundRobotic pancreatoduodenectomy is increasingly being implemented worldwide, with good results reported from individual expert centers. However, it is unclear to what extent outcomes will continue to improve during the learning curve, as large international studies are lacking. MethodsAn international retrospective multicenter case series, including consecutive patients after robotic pancreatoduodenectomy from 18 centers in 8 countries in Europe, Asia, and South America until December 31, 2019, was conducted. A cumulative sum analysis was performed to determine the inflection points for the feasibility (operative time and blood loss) and proficiency (postoperative pancreatic fistula grade B/C and major morbidity) learning curves. Outcomes were compared in 3 groups on the basis of the learning curve inflection points. ResultsOverall, 2,186 patients after robotic pancreatoduodenectomy were included. The feasibility learning curve was reached after 30–45 robotic pancreatoduodenectomy procedures and the proficiency learning curve after 90 robotic pancreatoduodenectomy procedures. These inflection points created 3 phases, which were associated with major morbidity (24.7%, 23.4%, and 12.3%, P < .001) but not 30-day mortality (2.1%, 2.0%, and 1.5%, P = .670). Other outcomes mostly continued to improve, including median operative time 432, 390, and 300 minutes (P < .0001), conversion 6.0%, 4.7%, and 2.7% (P = .002), bile leakage 7.2%, 4.1%, and 2.4% (P < .001), postpancreatectomy hemorrhage 6.5%, 6.1%, and 1.8% (n = 21) but not R0 resection (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma only) 78.5%, 73.9%, and 82.8% (P = .35), and 90-day mortality rate 3.1%, 3.5%, and 2.1% (P = .191). Centers performing >20 robotic pancreatoduodenectomies annually had lower rates of conversion, reoperation, and shorter median operative time as compared with centers performing 10–20 robotic pancreatoduodenectomies annually. ConclusionThis international multicenter study demonstrates that most outcomes of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy continued to improve during 3 learning curve phases without a negative effect on 90-day mortality. Randomized studies are needed in high-volume centers that have surpassed the first learning curves, to compare these outcomes with the open approach.

Benchmark Outcomes for Distal Pancreatectomy: A Multicenter Prospective Snapshot Study from the Spanish Distal Pancreatectomy Project (SPANDISPAN).

Improving the quality of care is a priority for health systems to obtain better care and reduce costs. One of the tools for measuring quality is benchmarking (BM). We presented a 1-country prospective study of distal pancreatectomies (DPs) and determined BM. Prospective, multicenter, observational snapshot study of DP carried out at Spanish hepatopancreatobiliary centers for a year (February 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023). Hepatopancreatobiliary centers were defined as high volume if they performed more than 10 DPs per year. Inclusion criteria include any scheduled DP for any diagnosis and age older than 18 years. The low-risk group was defined following the criteria given by Durin and colleagues and major complications as Clavien-Dindo ≥III. A total of 313 patients from 42 centers and 46.6% from high-volume centers were included. Median DP by center was 7 (interquartile range 5 to 10), median age was 65 years (interquartile range 55 to 74), and 53.4% were female. The surgical approach was minimally invasive in 69.3%. Major complications were 21.1%. Postoperative pancreatic fistula grade B/C rate was 20.1%, and 90-day mortality was 1.6%. One hundred forty-three patients were in low-risk group (43.8%). Compared with previous BM data, an increasing MIS rate and fewer hospital stay were obtained. We present the first determination of DP-BM in a prospective series, obtaining similar results to the previous ones, but our BM values include a shorter hospital stay and a higher percentage of minimally invasive surgery probably related to Enhanced Recovery after Surgery protocols and prospective data collection. BM is a multiparameter valuable tool for reporting outcomes, comparing centers, and identifying the points to improve surgical care.

Utility of ligamentum teres hepatis flap reinforcement to prevent postoperative pancreatic fistulas in robotic distal pancreatectomy

BackgroundPostoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality after robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP). Ligamentum teres hepatis (LTH) reinforcement of the pancreatic remnant may reduce the incidence of POPF. MethodsPatients ≥18 years old, who underwent RDP at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center from 01/01/2018-08/31/2022. Primary endpoint was POPF incidence. Secondary outcomes included peri- and postoperative variables. ResultsThirty-three patients underwent RDP, of which LTH reinforcement was used in 21 (64 ​%) cases. Six (18 ​%) patients developed a POPF. No association was identified between LTH flap reinforcement and POPF (OR 1.18, 95 ​% CI 0.18 to 7.85, p ​= ​0.87). There were no peri- or postoperative complications related to ligamentum teres flap creation. ConclusionsLTH reinforcement of the pancreatic remnant can be safely performed during RDP. Further studies are needed to assess the utility of this intervention to mitigate the risk of pancreatic fistula formation following RDP.

Early postoperative fever as a predictor of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a single-center retrospective observational study

BackgroundThe connection between early postoperative fever and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate this association and assess the predictive value of early postoperative fever for CR-POPF.MethodsThis retrospective observational study included adult patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at a tertiary teaching hospital between 2007 and 2019. Patients were categorized into those with early postoperative fever (≥ 38 °C in the first 48 h after surgery) and those without early postoperative fever groups. Weighted logistic regression analysis using stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting (sIPTW) and multivariable logistic analysis were performed. The c-statistics of the receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated to evaluate the impact on the predictive power of adding early postoperative fever to previously identified predictors of CR-POPF.ResultsOf the 1997 patients analyzed, 909 (45.1%) developed early postoperative fever. The overall incidence of CR-POPF among all the patients was 14.3%, with an incidence of 19.5% in the early postoperative fever group and 9.9% in the group without early postoperative fever. Early postoperative fever was significantly associated with a higher risk of CR-POPF after sIPTW (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34–2.22; P < 0.001) and multivariable logistic regression analysis (adjusted OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.42–2.49; P < 0.001). The c-statistics for the models with and without early postoperative fever were 0.76 (95% CI, 0.73–0.79) and 0.75 (95% CI, 0.72–0.78), respectively, showing a significant difference between the two (difference, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.00–0.03; DeLong’s test, P = 0.005).ConclusionsEarly postoperative fever is a significant but not highly discriminative predictor of CR-POPF after pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, its widespread occurrence limits its applicability as a predictive marker.

Prospective Validation of the Pancreatic Fistula Risk Classification by the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (PARIS trial).

The aim of this study was a prospective validation of the recently established ISGPS pancreas classification as a parenchymal risk classification system for pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the major driver for complications after partial pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Recently, the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) published a pancreas classification containing the parameters main pancreatic duct diameter (MPD) and pancreatic texture to help assess the risk of POPF development following pancreatoduodenectomy. From January 2020 to July 2021, 271 patients receiving elective PD were included after informed consent. The postoperative course was documented prospectively up to postoperative day 30. Among the pancreas characteristics, MPD and pancreatic texture were assessed intraoperatively at the pancreatic resection margin and the pancreatic glands were assigned to one of the four pancreas classes according to the ISGPS (A to D). The primary endpoint was POPF according to the updated ISGPS definition. Secondary endpoints comprised other post-PD morbidity and mortality. Of 271 patients, 264 had available data according to the ISGPS pancreas classification. Of those, 78 were assigned to class A (30%), 53 to class B (20%), 50 to class C (19%) and 83 to class D (31%). POPF occurred in 54 of 271 patients (19.9%). The 30-day mortality was 7/271 (2.6%), with 6/7 having developed POPF (86%). POPF rates within the classes A, B, C and D were 9.0%, 11.3%, 20.0% and 37.4%, respectively (P<0.001). In the univariable regression analysis, only patients in pancreas class D demonstrated a significantly higher risk for POPF when compared to class A (OR 6.05, 95%-CI: 2.6-15.9, P<0.001). In the multivariable regression model, patients in class D had a significantly higher risk for POPF compared to class A (OR 3.45, 95%-CI: 1.15-11.3, P=0.032). The model comprised Body Mass Index, surgery duration, microscopic fibrosis and the ISGPS pancreas classification, demonstrating an AUC-value of approximately 0.82 when tested on the PARIS dataset. This prospective trial shows that the ISGPS pancreas classification is valid. Patients in risk class D are prone to POPF independently of other factors. Therefore, all future publications on pancreatic surgery should report the risk class according to the ISGPS pancreas classification to allow for a better comparison of reported cohorts.

Celiac artery stenosis and its impact on postoperative outcomes following pancreaticoduodenectomy: An institutional analysis.

The detection of a stenotic celiac artery (CA) typically mandates intraoperative revascularization during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) to preserve liver perfusion. The impact of CA stenosis on postoperative outcomes is unclear. This study evaluates whether CA stenosis (CAS) is associated with increased postoperative complications. We conducted a retrospective analysis of PD patients from February 2014 to February 2022. Preoperative imaging assessed the CA lumen, categorizing it as patent, <50%, or ≥50% stenosis. Patients with narrowed SMA were excluded. Complications were categorized using the Clavien-Dindo system, and statistical analyses identified outcome differences. We included 427 patients in the study. Of these, 52 had CAS, and 311 had no-vessel stenosis (NVS). The median age of the CAS and NVS groups was 68 and 65 years, respectively. Postoperatively, 17.6% of patients with CAS exhibited delayed gastric emptying (DGE) versus 25.3% in the NVS group. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) was found in 13.5% of patients with CAS, compared with 23.7% without stenosis. The median length of hospital stay was shorter for patients with CAS (9 days) than for those with CAS (12 days). Severity-based classifications indicated higher complications in the no stenosis group and a 33.0% readmission rate within 30 days compared with 21.2% in CAS patients. However, none of these differences were statistically significant. Critical stenosis of the CA does not significantly affect postoperative outcomes following PD, suggesting preoperative correction of the narrowed CA may not be necessary. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.