Predictor Of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula Research Articles

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.

Lack of association between postoperative acute pancreatitis and postoperative complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy: a secondary analysis from a randomized trial

Objective: To evaluate the association between postoperative acute pancreatitis (POAP) and postoperative complications including postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in patients undergoing PD. Summary background data: Prediction of post-PD morbidity is difficult especially in the early postoperative period when CT scans are not available. Elevated serum amylase and lipase in postoperative day 0 or 1 may be used to define POAP, but existing literature do not agree on whether POAP is significantly associated with POPF. Methods: We analyzed the data obtained from a previously published randomized controlled trial. POAP was defined as elevations in serum amylase above 110 U/L on postoperative day 0 or 1. Clinically relevant POAP (CR-POAP) was defined as elevations in CRP on postoperative day 2 in those with POAP. Postoperative complications including severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIa), POPF, and clinically relevant POPF (CR-POPF; grades B or C) were analyzed. For a robust selection of variables for multivariable analysis, 500 bootstrap samples were drawn from the original data and backward elimination was performed while forcing POAP to be included. Results: In 246 patients, POAP did not show significant associations with total postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR] 0.697; 95% CI, 0.360-1.313; P = 0.271), severe complications (OR 0.647; 95% CI, 0.258-1.747; P = 0.367), and CR-POPF (OR 0.998; 95% CI, 0.310-3.886; P = 0.998) in multivariable analysis. Conclusions: In patients undergoing PD, POAP was not significantly associated with postoperative complications including POPF. Caution should be taken when using POAP as a predictor of POPF.

Potential Utility of Intraoperative Fluid Amylase Measurement during Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Introduction: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is an important cause of morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), and may be predicted by preoperative and postoperative factors, including BMI, pancreatic duct width and first postoperative day drain fluid amylase (DFA1). We hypothesised that raised intraoperative amylase concentrations (IOAC) in intra-abdominal fluid taken adjacent to the pancreatic anastomosis may correlate with DFA1 and/or POPF. Methods: Intra-abdominal fluid samples were taken from adjacent to the pancreatic anastomosis immediately prior to abdominal closure and sent for fluid amylase analysis (IOAC) in patients undergoing PD. The relationship between IOAC and DFA1/POPF were evaluated using Pearson correlation. A cut-off value for IOAC to exclude POPF was determined by ROC analysis. Results: Data was prospectively collected for 52 patients who underwent PD between February-November 2020. All patients underwent an end-side pancreaticojejunostomy anastomosis. There was significant correlation between IOAC and DFA1 (R2 = 0.713; P<0.01). Using a cut-off value of IOAC = 260 U/L, IOAC<260 excluded a POPF with a negative predictive value of 97% (P= 0.001). 7/18 (39%) patients with IOAC≥260 developed POPF compared to only 1/34 (3%) patients with IOAC<260 (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Intraoperative detection of amylase-rich fluid adjacent to a completed pancreatic anastomosis is an early predictor of postoperative pancreatic fistula. Low risk patients with a low IOAC may be suitable for a ‘no drain’ strategy, whilst patients with a high IOAC may benefit from intraoperative mitigation strategies to reduce the incidence and/or severity of a postoperative pancreatic fistula.FP14.03ComplicationsSevere complications (CD grade>3a)5/529.6%Clavien Dindo GradesNo complications:15/5228.84%Biochemical pancreatic leak5/529.6%Grade 110/5219.2%CR-POPF (all grade C)3/525.8%Grade222/5242.30%PPH (all grade C)3/525.8%Grade 3a3/525.76%DGE (4 grade A, 1 grade B)5/529.6%Grade 3b1/521.92%In-hospital mortality1/521.9%Grade 40/5290-day mortalityCOVID-19Early cancer recurrence2/52113.8%1.9%1.9%Grade 51/521.92%ROC Curve AnalysisROCCut offSensitivitySpecificityPPVNPVAUROCCIP valueIOAC Vs DFA1>350236U/L82.4%82.9%70%90%0.9210.848 -0.9940.00IOAC Vs POPF260U/L87.5%75%38.88%97%0.9050.794 -1.0000.00 Open table in a new tab

Role of ultrasound shear wave elastography in preoperative prediction of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy

BackgroundMajority of predictors of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) use intraoperative variables. We aimed to study the role of preoperative ultrasound shear wave elastography (USWE) to predict POPF. MethodsThe consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) between January 2019 to March 2020 were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent USWE assessment at the pancreatic neck level. Intraoperative variables including pancreatic texture, pancreatic duct diameter, blood loss and histological grading of fibrosis were also recorded. Associations between USWE and intraoperative variables and histological grading with the development of POPF were analyzed. ResultsOf the 62 patients assessed, 50 patients (mean age: 53 ± 14 years; 31 males) were included. POPF and clinically relevant POPF (CRPOPF) were observed in 22 (44%) and 7 (14%) patients respectively. Soft pancreas was an independent predictor of CRPOPF (p = 0.04). The mean USWE valve was significantly lower in patients with CRPOPF as compared to no CRPOPF (9.7 Kpa vs. 12.8Kpa, p = 0.016). At receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, USWE value of 12.65Kpa yielded sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 47%, respectively, for prediction of CRPOPF. USWE showed significant correlation with intraoperative pancreatic texture (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ) = 0.565, p = 0.001). ConclusionUSWE helps in preoperative prediction of CRPOPF. This may further help to customize management strategy in high risk patients.

Characterization of postoperative acute pancreatitis (POAP) after distal pancreatectomy

BackgroundPostoperative acute pancreatitis has recently been reported as a specific complication after pancreatoduodenectomy. The aim of this study was to characterize postoperative acute pancreatitis after distal pancreatectomy. MethodsWe analyzed the outcomes retrospectively of 368 patients who underwent distal pancreatectomies during the period January 2016 to December 2019. Postoperative acute pancreatitis was defined as an increase of serum amylase activity greater than our laboratory normal upper limit on postoperative days 0 to 2. We assessed the incidence of postoperative acute pancreatitis after distal pancreatectomy and examined possible predictors of postoperative acute pancreatitis and relationships of postoperative acute pancreatitis with postoperative pancreatic fistula. ResultsThe rates of postoperative acute pancreatitis and postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy were 67.9% and 28.8%, respectively. Patients who developed postoperative acute pancreatitis experienced an increased rate of severe morbidity (18.4 vs 9.3%; P = .030). Neoadjuvant therapy (odds ratio 0.28, 0.09–0.85; P = .025), age ≥ 65 y (odds ratio 0.34, 0.13–0.85; P = .020), duct size (odds ratio 0.02, 0.002–0.47; P = .013), pancreatic thickness (odds ratio 3.4, 1.29–8.9; P = .013), resection at the body-tail level (odds ratio 4.3, 1.15–23.19; P = .041), and neuroendocrine histology (odds ratio 1.14, 1.06–3.90; P = .013) were independent predictors of postoperative acute pancreatitis. Furthermore, postoperative acute pancreatitis was an independent predictor of postoperative pancreatic fistula (odds ratio 5.8, 2.27–15.20; P < .001). Postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 37% of patients who developed postoperative acute pancreatitis. Patients developing postoperative acute pancreatitis alone demonstrated a statistically significantly increased rate of biochemical leakage and bacterial contamination in the peripancreatic drainage fluid. ConclusionPostoperative acute pancreatitis is a frequent event after distal pancreatectomy and, despite its close association with postoperative pancreatic fistula, evidently represents a separate phenomenon. A universally accepted definition of postoperative acute pancreatitis that applies to all types of pancreatic resections is needed, because it may identify patients at greater risk for additional morbidity immediately after pancreatic resections.

Pancreatic Configuration Index in Predicting Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula in a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal.

Post-operative pancreatic fistula is the single most common and most significant cause of post-operative morbidity and perioperative mortality. Identification of at risk patient preoperatively help to take policy of extra vigilance to act on time. This study evaluated the predictive role and cut-off value of pancreatic configuration index to predict post-operative pancreatic fistula. This was a prospective observational study in patients who had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy from March 2017 to June 2018 at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. The patients with age <16 years, those who underwent re-exploration or mortality before 3rd postoperative day, additional surgery besides pancreaticoduodenectomy were excluded from the study. Pancreatic configuration index was calculated as a ratio of pancreatic parenchymal thickness and pancreatic duct diameter. Predictive value of pancreatic configuration index in predicting post-operative pancreatic fistula was evaluated. Among 58 patients, 9 were excluded from study and 49 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 56.6 ± 13.9 years (21 to 79 years) and male to female ratio was 1.1:1 (26 vs 23). Post-operative pancreatic fistula developed in 13/49 (26.5%) patients. On both univariate and multivariate analysis, pancreatic texture (p = 0.022), main pancreatic duct diameter at neck (p = 0.002) and pancreatic configuration index (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with development of post-operative pancreatic fistula. The sensitivity and specificity of pancreatic configuration index to predict post-operative pancreatic fistula are 92.3% and 91.7% with positive predictive value of 80% and negative predictive value of 97.1%. Pancreatic configuration index is a useful preoperative predictor of post-operative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Clinical significance of postoperative acute pancreatitis after pancreatoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy

BackgroundThe definition of postoperative acute pancreatitis as a specific complication of pancreatic surgery was proposed in 2016. Its presence and relevance have not been established, especially after a distal pancreatectomy. MethodsMedical records of 319 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy were analyzed. Postoperative acute pancreatitis was defined as an increase in serum amylase activity greater than the upper normal limit on postoperative day 1, according to Connor’s definition of postoperative acute pancreatitis. ResultsPostoperative acute pancreatitis occurred in 63.4% of 153 of the patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy and 65.7% of the 166 undergoing distal pancreatectomies. Patients who developed postoperative acute pancreatitis after pancreatoduodenectomy experienced an increase in the rate of morbidity (22.7% vs 7.1%; P = .0137), including postoperative pancreatic fistula (18.6% vs 1.8%; P = .024), resulting in greater postoperative stays (21 days vs 17 days; P = .0008). Postoperative acute pancreatitis in association with an increased serum C-reactive protein ≥18.0 mg/dL (which we defined as a clinically relevant postoperative acute pancreatitis) more strongly indicated the occurrence of severe complications (P = .0032) and was an independent predictor of postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy (odds ratio, 3.03; P = .0448). Patients who developed postoperative acute pancreatitis after distal pancreatectomy experienced similar postoperative courses regarding morbidity and the duration of postoperative stay. ConclusionThe clinical relevance of postoperative acute pancreatitis differs after a pancreatoduodenectomy versus a distal pancreatectomy. The development of effective strategies for preventing postoperative acute pancreatitis might improve surgical outcomes after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Combined prognostic nutritional index ratio and serum amylase level during the early postoperative period predicts pancreatic fistula following pancreaticoduodenectomy

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of the range of change in prognostic nutritional index (PNI) during the early postoperative period as a predictor of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy.MethodsData were retrospectively analyzed for 192 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate perioperative variables. PNIP3-Pre ratio represented the range of change in PNI from before surgery to postoperative day (POD) 3, PNIP1-Pre ratio represented the range of change in PNI from before surgery to POD 1, and PNIP3-P1 ratio represented the range of change in PNI from POD 1 to POD 3.ResultsThe area under the curve (AUC) for PNIP3-P1 for prediction of POPF following pancreaticoduodenectomy was 0.683 (P < 0.001), which was highest among PNI ratios and higher than PNI on POD 3. The AUC for serum amylase level on POD 1 was 0.704 (P < 0.001), which was superior to the corresponding AUC on POD 3. The AUC for the combination of PNIP3-P1 ratio and serum amylase level on POD 1 for prediction of POPF was higher than the AUC of either indicator alone (0.743, P < 0.001). The combination of PNIP3-P1 ratio and serum amylase level on POD 1 was an independent predictor of POPF following pancreaticoduodenectomy (P = 0.018).ConclusionsThe combination of the range of change in PNI from POD 1 to POD 3 and serum amylase levels on POD 1 may be useful for prediction of POPF following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Pancreas-visceral fat CT value ratio and serrated pancreatic contour are strong predictors of postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticojejunostomy

BackgroundOur aim is to elucidate the true preoperative risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), making it possible to select POPF high-risk patients preoperatively regardless of intraoperative pancreatic consistency judged by the surgeon’s hand.MethodsAmong the 298 patients who underwent PD with pancreaticojejunostomy from 2007 to 2016, 262 patients had preoperative CT configurations that could be precisely evaluated. Risk factor analyses were conducted using various perioperative factors, including preoperative CT findings, such as CT values of the pancreas, pancreas-visceral fat CT value ratio and pancreatic outer contour. Pancreatic outer contour was further divided into smooth- (smooth interlobular) and serrated-type contours (feathery, irregular interlobular) by preoperative CT.ResultsIn terms of the incidence of POPF, among the 262 patients, POPF grade B/C was found in 27 (10.3%): grade B in 23 (8.8%) and grade C in 4 (1.5%). According to multivariate analysis, a high pancreas-visceral fat CT value ratio (p = 0.002), serrated-type contour (p = 0.02) and no history of chemoradiotherapy (p = 0.019) were identified as independent risk factors for POPF grade B/C. Even in patients with soft pancreas, the incidence of POPF grade B/C was 0% (0/57) in patients with a pancreas-visceral fat CT value ratio of less than − 0.4 and smooth-type contour, whereas the incidence was markedly high (45.0%, 9/20) in patients with a pancreas-visceral fat CT value ratio of − 0.4 or greater and serrated-type contour, indicating that patients with soft pancreas should be categorized into POPF high-risk and low-risk groups according to preoperative CT scan results.ConclusionsThe pancreas-visceral fat CT value ratio and serrated-type pancreas are useful markers to preoperatively identify true POPF high-risk groups in patients undergoing PD, regardless of the pancreatic texture judged intraoperatively.

A Novel Way of Preventing Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula by Directly Injecting Profibrogenic Materials into the Pancreatic Parenchyma.

This paper aims to validate if intrapancreatic injection of penicillin G can enhance hardness and suture holding capacity (SHC) of the pancreas through prompting the fibrosis process. Soft pancreatic texture is constantly mentioned as one of the most contributory predictors of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Soft pancreas has poor SHC and higher incidence of parenchymal tearing, frequently leading to POPF. From a library of 114 antibiotic compounds, we identified that penicillin G substantially enhanced pancreatic hardness and SHC in experimental mice. Specifically, we injected penicillin G directly into the pancreas. On determined dates, we measured the pancreatic hardness and SHC, respectively, and performed molecular and histological examinations for estimation of the degree of fibrosis. The intrapancreatic injection of penicillin G activated human pancreatic stellate cells (HPSCs) to produce various fibrotic materials such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and metalloproteinases-2. The pancreatic hardness and SHC were increased to the maximum at the second day after injection and then it gradually subsided demonstrating its reversibility. Pretreatment of mice with SB431542, an inhibitor of the TGF-β1 receptor, before injecting penicillin G intrapancreatically, significantly abrogated the increase of both pancreatic hardness and SHC caused by penicillin G. This suggested that penicillin G promotes pancreatic fibrosis through the TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Intrapancreatic injection of penicillin G promotes pancreatic hardness and SHC by enhancing pancreatic fibrosis. We thus think that penicillin G could be utilized to prevent and minimize POPF, after validating its actual effectiveness and safety by further studies.

Efficacy of Peak Hounsfield Units of the Visceral Fat Area in Predicting Postoperative Complications after Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background: Morbidity following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has been reported to remain high. This study sought to measure the peak Hounsfield units (HUs) of visceral attenuation in patients undergoing PD and to assess the quality of adipocytes by comparing these measurements with perioperative factors. Methods: Patients undergoing PD were retrospectively identified (n = 108). Abdominal perimeter, subcutaneous fat area (SFA), visceral fat area (VFA), and peak HU of the VFA were measured. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) or complications. Histopathological examination was performed for qualitative diagnosis of the stromal tissue. Results: The overall rate of POPF was 16%, and severe complications occurred in 23% of the cases. A criterion for peak HU of the VFA only independently predicted POPF (p = 0.007) in the multivariate analysis. A criterion for peak HU of the VFA (p = 0.015) was associated with an increased rate of postoperative severe complications in the univariate analysis. The peak HU of the VFA was significantly correlated with abdominal perimeter (p < 0.001) and VFA (p < 0.001). The peak HU of the VFA was significantly correlated with adipocyte diameter (p < 0.001) and the ratio of stromal connective tissue area around the adipocytes (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The peak HU of the VFA was an independent factor contributing to severe complications, including POPF after PD. It reflects the amount of stromal connective tissue around the adipocytes.

Pancreatic texture versus histopathology: what is the better predictor of postoperative pancreatic fistula? Exploratory analysis from a randomized trial

Pancreatic texture versus histopathology: what is the better predictor of postoperative pancreatic fistula? Exploratory analysis from a randomized trial

Serum C-reactive protein level on first postoperative day can predict occurrence of postoperative pancreatic fistula after laparoscopic gastrectomy.

Purpose : Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a serious complication after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The purpose of this study is to identify the risk factor of POPF and evaluate C-reactive protein on postoperative day 1 (POD1) as the predictor for POPF after laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG). Methods : Between May 2013 and September 2016, 226 patients who underwent LG for gastric cancer were investigated. Patients were divided into 2 groups; POPF group (n = 17) and control group (n = 209). Clinicopathological factors were compared between 2 groups. Results : In POPF group, there are more male patients (p = 0.003) compared with control group. Preoperative factors, such as age, BMI, and prevalence of previous operation and comorbidity showed no significant difference between 2 groups. Regarding tumor factors and perioperative data such as blood loss and operative time, there were also no significant difference between 2 groups. POPF group showed longer postoperative hospital stay, and higher serum CRP level on POD1 (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that high CRP level on POD1 ( ≥ 3mg/dl) was independent risk factor of POPF. Conclusions : High serum CRP level on POD1 can predict the occurrence of POPF. J. Med. Invest. 66 : 285-288, August, 2019.

Number of acinar cells at the pancreatic stump predicts pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

To establish if the number of pancreatic acinar cells at the pancreatic cut end is a predictor of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). The number of acinar cells was assessed histologically in 121 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) between April, 2012 and July, 2016. POPF developed in 23 of the 121 patients. Univariate analysis revealed that male sex, long operating time, high volume of blood loss, soft remnant pancreas, large pancreatic duct, and the number of pancreatic acinar cells were significantly associated with POPF. Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex (p = 0.022) and the number of pancreatic acinar cells (p < 0.0001) were independently associated with POPF. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the area under curve was 0.83895 when the cut off value of the number of pancreatic acinar cells to predict POPF was 890. Sensitivity and specificity of the number of pancreatic acinar cells were 82.6 and 77.6%, respectively. A large number of pancreatic acinar cells at the cut end of the stump is predictive of POPF after PD. Although POPF is associated with multiple factors and the number of acinar cells is only one of these, our study is the first to confirm this common intuition of surgeons, which has not been assessed definitively before.

Correlation between the skeletal muscle index and surgical outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Sarcopenia is known to be associated with a worse prognosis following abdominal operations; however, the relationship between sarcopenia and the outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy remains unclear. We measured body composition parameters, including total abdominal muscle area, using preoperative staging computed tomography (CT), in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary cancer. The incidence of sarcopenia among these patients was evaluated and multivariable analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of postoperative pancreatic fistula. We identified 335 consecutive patients who were eligible for the study. Patients with sarcopenia had significantly poorer 5-year survival rates than those without sarcopenia (32.4 vs. 51.6%, respectively, P = 0.009). Interestingly, the incidence of Grade B/C pancreatic fistula was significantly lower in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group. Multivariate analysis identified high body mass index and soft pancreatic texture as independent predictors of postoperative pancreatic fistula. Sarcopenia may have an independent prognostic effect on the survival of patients with periampullary cancer. Preoperative nutritional intervention and rehabilitation may improve the postoperative outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary cancer.

Quantitative Assessment of Pancreatic Texture Using a Durometer: A New Tool to Predict the Risk of Developing a Postoperative Fistula.

Pancreatic texture is one of the key predictors of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Currently, the "gold standard" for assessment of pancreatic texture is surgeon's subjective evaluation through manual palpation. To evaluate a new "durometer" that is able to assess quantitatively the pancreatic stiffness by measuring its elastic module (i.e., the resistance offered by the pancreatic stump when elastically deformed expressed in mPa). Measurements were obtained from the pancreatic remnant during 138 consecutive PDs performed at the Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery-The Pancreas Institute, University of Verona Hospital Trust. Values were correlated to clinical features and, in particular, with the senior surgeon's evaluation of pancreatic texture (hard/soft). Sixteen beating-heart donors were used as a control group to assess the stiffness of a non-pathologic pancreas. Univariate analysis was performed for the assessment of POPF predictors. Durometry allowed segregating between non-pathologic, soft and hard pancreas according to surgeon's evaluation (mean values 111 vs. 196 vs. 366mPa, p<0.01). There were no significant differences in stiffness with regard to histology, BMI, and neoadjuvant therapy. Larger tumors (>20mm) and male sex were associated with greater stiffness on univariate analysis. Pancreatic texture, pancreatic duct size, BMI, prior neoadjuvant therapy, and histology were predictors of POPF. Patients who developed POPF showed a lesser stiffness (178 vs. 261mPa, p=0.05). Assessment of pancreatic stiffness using a durometer correlated with the surgeon's evaluation of pancreatic texture. Measurement of pancreatic parenchymal stiffness is reliable and correlates with the development of POPF.

Prevent Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreatoduodenectomy: Possible Role of Ultrasound Elastography

Background: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the utility of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) on pancreatic tissue as a preoperative predictor of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Studied patients underwent exclusively to pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) surgery. Methods: Shear wave velocity of pancreas was measured using ARFI in 71 patients scheduled for PD. An intraoperative pancreas palpation was made by surgeons. A postoperative clinical evaluation to detect occurrence of POPF was performed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values together with the accuracy of the method were investigated. Results: Incidence of fistula observed in 17 patients with soft pancreas was approximately 53% vs. 47% without fistula. Percentage of patients without fistula was higher (66%) among 24 patients with medium parenchymal texture values, and was even higher (69%) in 26 patients with hard pancreas. Comparing ARFI and intraoperative pancreatic palpation, low wave velocity values (≤1.40 m/s) match 60% with soft parenchyma assessed by palpation and high values (>2 m/s) match 59% with hard pancreas on palpation. Conclusions: This study shows that ARFI elastography may be clinically useful as a preoperative predictor of pancreatic fistula following PD.

Intra-Operative Amylase Concentration in Peri-Pancreatic Fluid Predicts Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy

Post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a potentially severe complication following distal pancreatectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of intra-operative amylase concentration (IOAC) in peri-pancreatic fluid after distal pancreatectomy for the diagnosis of POPF. Consecutive patients who underwent a distal pancreatectomy between November 2014 and September 2016 were included in the analysis. IOAC was measured, followed by drain fluid analysis for amylase on post-operative days (PODs) 1, 3, and 5. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the discriminative capacity of IOAC as a predictor of POPF. IOAC was measured after distal pancreatectomy in 26 patients. The IOAC correlated significantly with (i) PODs 1, 3, and 5 drain amylase (p < 0.01); (ii) the development of POPF (p < 0.01); and (iii) the Clavien-Dindo grade of surgical complications (p = 0.02). Eighty-three percent of patients with an IOAC > 1000 experienced a post-operative complication (OR 18.3, 95% CI 2.51–103, p < 0.01). ROC curve analysis confirmed the predictive relationship of IOAC and POPF as an excellent test with an area under the curve of 0.92 (95% CI 0.81–0.99, p < 0.01). Measurement of IOAC allows early and accurate categorization of patients at risk for POPF in distal pancreatectomy.

Meta-analysis of drain amylase content on postoperative day 1 as a predictor of pancreatic fistula following pancreatic resection.

Drain amylase content in the days immediately after major pancreatic resection has been investigated previously as a predictor of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Its accuracy, however, has not been determined conclusively. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of drain amylase content on the first day after major pancreatic resection in predicting the occurrence of POPF. A literature search of the MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus(®) databases to 13 May 2015 was performed to identify studies evaluating the accuracy of drain amylase values on day 1 after surgery in predicting the occurrence of POPF. The area under the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUChSROC ) was calculated as an index of accuracy, and pooled estimates of accuracy indices (sensitivity and specificity) were calculated at different cut-off levels. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to test the robustness of the results. Thirteen studies involving 4416 patients were included. The AUChSROC was 0·89 (95 per cent c.i. 0·86 to 0·92) for clinically significant POPF and 0·88 (0·85 to 0·90) for POPF of any grade. Pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity were calculated for the different cut-offs: 90-100 units/l (0·96 and 0·54 respectively), 350 units/l (0·91 and 0·84) and 5000 units/l (0·59 and 0·91). Accuracy was independent of the type of operation, type of anastomosis performed and octreotide administration. Evaluation of drain amylase content on the first day after surgery is highly accurate in predicting POPF following major pancreatic resection. It may allow early drain removal and institution of an enhanced recovery pathway.

Quantitative Biomedical Imaging: Techniques and Clinical Applications.

Quantitative Biomedical Imaging: Techniques and Clinical Applications.