Prevention Of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula Research Articles

Somatostatin vs. Octreotide for Prevention of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula The PREFIPS Randomized Clinical Trial A FRENCH 007 - ACHBT Study.

Pharmacological prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreatectomy is open to debate. The present study compares clinically significant POPF rates in patients randomized between somatostatin versus octreotide as prophylactic treatment. Multicentric randomized controlled open study in patient's candidate for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) or distal pancreatectomy (DP) comparing somatostatin continuous intravenous infusion for 7 days versus octreotid 100μg, every 8 hours subcutaneous injection for 7 days, stratified by procedure (PD vs. DP) and size of the main pancreatic duct (>4mm) on grade B/C POPF rates at 90 days based on an intention-to-treat analysis. Of 763 eligible patients, 651 were randomized: 327 in the octreotide arm and 324 in the somatostatin arm, with comparable the stratification criteria - type of surgery and main pancreatic duct dilatation. Most patients had PD (n=480; 73.8%), on soft/normal pancreas (n=367; 63.2%) with a non-dilated main pancreatic duct (n=472; 72.5%), most often for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n=311; 47.8%). Almost all patients had abdominal drainage (n=621; 96.1%) and 121 (19.5%) left the hospital with the drain in place (median length of stay=16d). A total of 153 patients (23.5%) developed a grade B/C POPF with no difference between both groups: 24.1%: somatostatin arm and 22.9%: octreotide arm (Chi-2 test, P=0.73, ITT analysis). Absence of statistically significant difference persisted after adjustment for stratification variables and in per-protocol analysis. Continuous intravenous somatostatin is not statistically different from subcutaneous octreotide in the prevention of grade B/C POPF after pancreatectomy.

Safety and feasibility of modified duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy during pancreatoduodenectomy: A retrospective cohort study.

Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is the most effective surgical procedure to remove a pancreatic tumor, but the prevalent postoperative complications, including postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), can be life-threatening. Thus far, there is no consensus about the prevention of POPF. To determine possible prognostic factors and investigate the clinical effects of modified duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) on POPF development. We retrospectively collected and analyzed the data of 215 patients who underwent PD between January 2017 and February 2022 in our surgery center. The risk factors for POPF were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Then, we stratified patients by anastomotic technique (end-to-side invagination PJ vs modified duct-to-mucosa PJ) to conduct a comparative study. A total of 108 patients received traditional end-to-side invagination PJ, and 107 received modified duct-to-mucosa PJ. Overall, 58.6% of patients had various complications, and 0.9% of patients died after PD. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that anastomotic approaches, main pancreatic duct (MPD) diameter and pancreatic texture were significantly associated with the incidence of POPF. Additionally, the POPF incidence and operation time in patients receiving modified duct-to-mucosa PJ were 11.2% and 283.4 min, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in patients receiving traditional end-to-side invagination PJ (27.8% and 333.2 minutes). Anastomotic approach, MPD diameter and pancreatic texture are major risk factors for POPF development. Compared with traditional end-to-side invagination PJ, modified duct-to-mucosa PJ is a simpler and more efficient technique that results in a lower incidence of POPF. Further studies are needed to validate our findings and explore the clinical applicability of our technique for laparoscopic and robotic PD.

Fibrin sealants for the prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula following pancreatic surgery.

Fibrin sealants for the prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula following pancreatic surgery.

In adults undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy, how does duct-to-mucosa compare with invagination pancreaticojejunostomy for the prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula?

In adults undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy, how does duct-to-mucosa compare with invagination pancreaticojejunostomy for the prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula?

Single-layer continuous duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy: "how we do it".

Pancreatic anastomosis reconstruction is one of the most technically demanding and complicated procedures in general surgery. No single technique has been demonstrated to be superior to the others in the prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), and the accumulation of surgical experience is closely related to the quality of this anastomosis. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility of our simplified technique, single-layer continuous duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy. A single-center prospective single-arm trial was performed. The first 20 patients who underwent Whipple's procedure with the new technique performed by a single surgeon in our center were recruited. General information, preoperative treatments, risk factors for POPF, and postoperative morbidity of the patients were prospectively recorded and reported. From January to February 2020, 13 male and 7 female patients were included. Ten cases were classified as intermediate/high risk according to validated fistula prediction models. The median operation time was 260min, including a median pancreaticojejunostomy time of 7.7min. There were 2 cases (10%) of grade B POPF, and no grade C POPF occurred. The overall morbidity rate was 30%, including 2 cases with severe complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3). No patients underwent reoperation, and no patient died within 90days after surgery. The median length of hospitalization was 11days. Single-layer continuous duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy is a simplified and feasible method for pancreatic anastomosis. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the indications or contraindications and efficacy of preventing POPF with our new technique.

Duct-to-mucosa versus other types of pancreaticojejunostomy for the prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula is a common and serious complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy has been used in many centers to reconstruct pancreatic digestive continuity following pancreatoduodenectomy, however, its efficacy and safety are uncertain. To assess the benefits and harms of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy versus other types of pancreaticojejunostomy for the reconstruction of pancreatic digestive continuity in participants undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy, and to compare the effects of different duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy techniques. We searched the Cochrane Library (2021, Issue 1), MEDLINE (1966 to 9 January 2021), Embase (1988 to 9 January 2021), and Science Citation Index Expanded (1982 to 9 January 2021). We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy with other types of pancreaticojejunostomy (e.g. invagination pancreaticojejunostomy, binding pancreaticojejunostomy) in participants undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. We also included RCTs that compared different types of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy in participants undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. Two review authors independently identified the studies for inclusion, collected the data, and assessed the risk of bias. We performed the meta-analyses using Review Manager 5. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and the mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For all analyses, we used the random-effects model. We used the Cochrane RoB 1 tool to assess the risk of bias. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for all outcomes. We included 11 RCTs involving a total of 1696 participants in the review. One RCT was a dual-center study; the other 10 RCTs were single-center studies conducted in: China (4 studies); Japan (2 studies); USA (1 study); Egypt (1 study); Germany (1 study); India (1 study); and Italy (1 study). The mean age of participants ranged from 54 to 68 years. All RCTs were at high risk of bias. Duct-to-mucosa versus any other type of pancreaticojejunostomy We included 10 RCTs involving 1472 participants comparing duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy with invagination pancreaticojejunostomy: 732 participants were randomized to the duct-to-mucosa group, and 740 participants were randomized to the invagination group after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Comparing the two techniques, the evidence is very uncertain for the rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula (grade B or C; RR 1.45, 95% CI 0.64 to 3.26; 7 studies, 1122 participants; very low-certainty evidence), postoperative mortality (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.49; 10 studies, 1472 participants; very low-certainty evidence), rate of surgical reintervention (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.95; 10 studies, 1472 participants; very low-certainty evidence), rate of postoperative bleeding (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.42; 9 studies, 1275 participants; very low-certainty evidence), overall rate of surgical complications (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.36; 5 studies, 750 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and length of hospital stay (MD -0.41 days, 95% CI -1.87 to 1.04; 4 studies, 658 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The studies did not report adverse events or quality of life outcomes. One type of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy versus a different type of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy We included one RCT involving 224 participants comparing duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy using the modified Blumgart technique with duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy using the traditional interrupted technique: 112 participants were randomized to the modified Blumgart group, and 112 participants were randomized to the traditional interrupted group after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Comparing the two techniques, the evidence is very uncertain for the rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula (grade B or C; RR 1.51, 95% CI 0.61 to 3.75; 1 study, 210 participants; very low-certainty evidence), postoperative mortality (there were no deaths in either group; 1 study, 210 participants; very low-certainty evidence), rate of surgical reintervention (RR 1.93, 95% CI 0.18 to 20.91; 1 study, 210 participants; very low-certainty evidence), rate of postoperative bleeding (RR 2.89, 95% CI 0.12 to 70.11; 1 study, 210 participants; very low-certainty evidence), overall rate of surgical complications (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.51; 1 study, 210 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and length of hospital stay (15 days versus 15 days; 1 study, 210 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The study did not report adverse events or quality of life outcomes. The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy compared to invagination pancreaticojejunostomy on any of the outcomes, including rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula (grade B or C), postoperative mortality, rate of surgical reintervention, rate of postoperative bleeding, overall rate of surgical complications, and length of hospital stay. The evidence is also very uncertain whether duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy using the modified Blumgart technique is superior, equivalent or inferior to duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy using the traditional interrupted technique. None of the studies reported adverse events or quality of life outcomes.

Somatostatin analogues for the prevention of pancreatic fistula after open pancreatoduodenectomy: A nationwide analysis

BackgroundSomatostatin analogues (SA) are currently used to prevent postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) development. However, its use is controversial. This study investigated the effect of different SA protocols on the incidence of POPF after pancreatoduodenectomy in a nationwide population. MethodsAll patients undergoing elective open pancreatoduodenectomy were included from the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Audit (2014–2017). Patients were divided into six groups: no SA, octreotide, lanreotide, pasireotide, octreotide only in high-risk (HR) patients and lanreotide only in HR patients. Primary endpoint was POPF grade B/C. The updated alternative Fistula Risk Score was used to compare POPF rates across various risk scenarios. Results1992 patients were included. Overall POPF rate was 13.1%. Lanreotide (10.0%), octreotide-HR (9.4%) and no protocol (12.7%) POPF rates were lower compared to the other protocols (varying from 15.1 to 19.1%, p = 0.001) in crude analysis. Sub-analysis in patients with HR of POPF showed a significantly lower rate of POPF when treated with lanreotide (10.0%) compared to no protocol, octreotide and pasireotide protocol (21.6–26.9%, p = 0.006). Octreotide-HR and lanreotide-HR protocol POPF rates were comparable to lanreotide protocol, however not significantly different from the other protocols. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated lanreotide protocol to be positively associated with a low odds-ratio (OR) for POPF (OR 0.387, 95% CI 0.180–0.834, p = 0.015). In-hospital mortality rates were not affected. ConclusionUse of lanreotide in all patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy has a potential protective effect on POPF development. Protocols for HR patients only might be favorable too. However, future studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreatectomy: results of a Canadian RAND/UCLA appropriateness expert panel.

Background:We aimed to define the appropriateness of interventions for the prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) after pancreatectomy, given the lack of consistent data on this topic.Methods:Using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method, we assembled an expert panel to rate clinical scenarios for interventions to prevent POPF after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and distal pancreatectomy (DP).Results:The following interventions were rated appropriate: individualized risk prediction for all patients; perioperative pasireotide administration for patients undergoing PD who have a soft pancreatic gland and a pancreatic duct size of less 3 mm and for patients undergoing DP; pancreaticogastrostomy for patients undergoing PD who have a soft pancreatic gland and pancreaticojejunostomy for PD for patients with a pancreatic duct size of 6 mm or greater regardless of pancreatic gland texture; duct-to-mucosa anastomosis for all patients undergoing PD and dunking anastomosis for patients undergoing PD who have a pancreatic duct size of less than 3 mm with a firm pancreatic gland; simple stapled and reinforced stapled transection for all DP; surgical drains for PD and DP in patients with a soft pancreatic gland; and open and minimally invasive surgery for DP and open surgery for PD. The following were rated inappropriate: gastrointestinal anastomosis for stump closure in all DP and omission of surgical drain in PD for patients with a pancreatic duct diameter less than 3 mm and a soft pancreatic gland.Conclusion:The expert panel identified appropriate and inappropriate scenarios for POPF prevention following pancreatectomy, to provide guidance to clinicians. However, the appropriateness of the interventions in the majority of the clinical scenarios was rated as uncertain, demonstrating equipoise.

Lanreotide for the Prevention of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula: Phase Ii Clinical Trial Results

Introduction: Clinically significant pancreatic fistula (CSPF) rate, which is the major cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality following pancreatic resection, in high volume centers is reported to be as high as 45%. We previously published a CSPF rate of 27% for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). We hypothesized that Lanreotide, a long-acting somatostatin analogue, would decrease CSPF.

Risk factors and prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula after insulinoma enucleation:a retrospective study from a high-volume center

Background/ObjectivesEnucleation is an effective surgical method to treat pancreatic insulinoma, however, the incidence of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) is high. We aim to investigate the risk factors for CR-POPF which have not been well characterized and develop effective methods to prevent CR-POPF after enucleation. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 161 patients diagnosed with insulinoma from June 2016 to July 2020 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The risk factors for CR-POPF were evaluated and the role of prophylactic pre-operative pancreatic stent to prevent the occurrence of CR-POPF after enucleation of pancreatic insulinoma were explored. ResultsA cohort of 161 insulinoma cases were reviewed. The CT or MRI imaging reports could be tracked in 108 cases. A total of 96 patients underwent surgery, while 81 experienced pancreatic enucleation. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the distance from insulinoma to the main pancreatic duct (MPD) ≤2 mm was an independent risk factor for CR-POPF (p = 0.003, OR = 6.011, 95% Cl 1.852–19.512). The pre-operative pancreatic stent substantially reduced the incidence of CR-POPF in patients with tumor located in proximity to (distance ≤2 mm) the MPD (CR-POPF of the stented group vs the non-stented group: 37.5% vs 71.4%, p = 0.028). ConclusionsThe distance from insulinoma to MPD ≤2 mm is a predictive factor for CR-POPF after enucleation. Pancreatic duct stenting may benefit patients with insulinoma in proximity to the MPD by enabling a lower CR-POPF rate, so it should be considered before the enucleation of the insulinoma in proximity to the MPD (distance ≤2 mm).

The optimal choice for pancreatic anastomosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a major cause of morbidity following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This network meta-analysis (NMA) compared techniques of pancreatic anastomosis following PD to determine the technique with the best outcome profile. A systematic literature search was performed on the Scopus, EMBASE, Medline and Cochrane databases to identify RCTs employing the international study group of pancreatic fistulas (ISGPF) definition of POPF. The main outcomes were POPF and clinically relevant POPF. Three techniques of pancreatic anastomosis following PD were directly compared in 16 RCTs comprising 2365 patients. Overall, 929 patients underwent duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ DTM), 760 patients' invagination pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ Inv), and 676 patients underwent pancreatogastrostomy (PG). The results of comparisons of POPF, clinically relevant POPF, biliary leakage, delayed gastric emptying (DGE), in hospital mortality, internal hemorrhage, reoperation in our network meta-analysis suggested there were no significant differences among the 3 procedures. There are no significant differences among PJ DTM, PJ Inv and PG in the prevention of POPF, clinically relevant POPF, biliary leakage, DGE, internal hemorrhage and reoperation. However, further randomized controlled trials should be undertaken to ascertain these findings.

Prospective randomized controlled trial of omental roll-up technique on pancreatojejunostomy anastomosis for reducing perioperative complication in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy.

BackgroundWrapping pancreatojejunal anastomosis with omentum to prevent postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) has only been reported in non‐randomized, controlled trials. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a randomized, controlled trial to compare outcomes between omental roll‐up and non‐omental roll‐up in pancreatojejunal anastomosis.MethodsThis single‐center, randomized, two‐arm trail (Clinical Trials Register: NCT03083938) was conducted between February 2017 and February 2019. We studied 34 patients in the omental roll‐up group and 34 patients in the non‐omental roll‐up group. The primary endpoint was the incidence of clinically relevant POPF. Thirty‐day mortality and morbidity were recorded.ResultsPatients’ demographic data were not significantly different between the two groups, except for histological diagnosis, with a significantly higher incidence of pancreatic cancer in the omental roll‐up group (n = 15, 44.1%) than in the non‐omental roll‐up group (n = 9, 26.4%) (P = 0.042). There was one death in the non‐omental roll‐up group due to myocardial infarction. The incidence of POPF was not different between the omental roll‐up group (n = 5, 14.7%) and non‐omental roll‐up group (n = 7, 20.6%) (P = 0.525). No differences were found in postoperative hemorrhage after pancreatectomy, delayed gastric emptying, and chyle leakage between the groups.ConclusionThis study shows that omental roll‐up does not decrease the incidence of POPF after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Splenectomy and distal pancreatectomy in advanced ovarian cancer.

Splenectomy or distal pancreatectomy (DP) is sometimes performed for optimal cytoreduction in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC). In particular, it is considered to remove tumors involving the splenic hilum or the capsule of the spleen to secure tumor-free margins sufficiently. For splenectomy, the gastro-splenic ligament is opened, and the short gastric vessels are dissected. After the splenocolic ligament and splenic flexure of the colon are transected, the peritoneal attachments, including the splenorenal and splenophrenic ligaments, are divided to mobilize the spleen, and then the splenic artery and vein are identified and ligated separately. If DP is needed for en bloc resection of tumors, a linear cutting stapler is used to remove the tail of the pancreas, and suture reinforcement with 2-0 or 3-0 prolene on the cut section of the pancreas is performed to prevent postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Immunization with a polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine is required after splenectomy to avoid overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. If POPF occurs after splenectomy or DP, continued drainage with close monitoring is needed with the administration of board spectrum antibiotics in grade A or B POPF according to the criteria of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF). In contrast, grade C POPF requires aggressive management using nothing by mouth, total parenteral nutrition, and somatostatin analogs, and sometimes reoperation if deteriorating signs such as sepsis and organ dysfunction. Thus, the effort for preserving pancreatic tail is needed to reduce hospitalization and the risk of POPF despite the minimal impact of DP on the success rate of optimal cytoreduction.

Initial Experience with Biodegradable Pancreatic Stents in the Prevention of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula after Cephalic Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background: Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula (POPF) remains the most important morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy. There is no consensual technique for pancreatic reconstruction and many surgeons use a transanastomotic drain. Currently, the stents used are not degradable and they can cause obstruction, stricture and pancreatitis. The use of biodegradable stents that disappear a few months after the intervention could have a role in the prevention of pancreaticojejunostomy complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate technical success of implantation and safety of newly available biodegradable stents in 16 patients undergoing cephalic duodenopancreatectomy. Materials and Methods: A single-center prospective non-randomized study was conducted with patients undergoing PD. A total of 16 patients were included. A duct-to-mucosa end-to-side anastomosis was performed for the pancreaticojejunal anastomosis and the biodegradable stent (Archimedes) was placed from the pancreatic duct to the jejunum. Results: One of the patients developed POPF, which was successfully treated with interventional radiology drainage and somatostatin analogues. Completed degradation occurred after 3 months in all cases. There was no mortality at 30 days after PD. Conclusion: Based on our experience, the use of resorbable internal pancreatic prostheses could be a valid alternative to prevent POPF after a pancreaticoduodenectomy, also avoiding the main complications related to the use of non-absorbable prostheses.

Study Protocol of the PreFiPS Study: Prevention of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula by Somatostatin Compared With Octreotide, a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Pancreatic fistula (PF), i. e., a failure of the pancreatic anastomosis or closure of the remnant pancreas after distal pancreatectomy, is one of the most feared complications after pancreatic surgery. PF is also one of the most common complications after pancreatic surgery, occurring in about 30% of patients. Prevention of a PF is still a major challenge for surgeons, and various technical and pharmacological interventions have been investigated, with conflicting results. Pancreatic exocrine secretion has been proposed as one of the mechanisms by which PF occurs. Pharmacological prevention using somatostatin or its analogs to inhibit pancreatic exocrine secretion has shown promising results. We can hypothesize that continuous intravenous infusion of somatostatin-14, the natural peptide hormone, associated with 10–50 times stronger affinity with all somatostatin receptor compared with somatostatin analogs, will be associated with an improved PF prevention.Methods: A French comparative randomized open multicentric study comparing somatostatin vs. octreotide in adult patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) or distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy. Patients with neoadjuvant radiation therapy and/or neoadjuvant chemotherapy within 4 weeks before surgery are excluded from the study. The main objective of this study is to compare 90-day grade B or C postoperative PF as defined by the last ISGPF (International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula) classification between patients who receive perioperative somatostatin and octreotide. In addition, we analyze overall length of stay, readmission rate, cost-effectiveness, and postoperative quality of life after pancreatic surgery in patients undergoing PD.Conclusion: The PreFiPS study aims to evaluate somatostatin vs. octreotide for the prevention of postoperative PF.

Lanreotide for the prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula: phase II clinical trial results

Lanreotide for the prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula: phase II clinical trial results

Initial Experience with Biodegradable Pancreatic Stents in the Prevention of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula after Cephalic Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Initial Experience with Biodegradable Pancreatic Stents in the Prevention of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula after Cephalic Pancreaticoduodenectomy

A novel hydrogel sheet prevents postoperative pancreatic fistula in a rat model.

AimTo evaluate the efficacy of a novel hydrogel sheet in preventing postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF).BackgroundPostoperative pancreatic fistula is a life‐threatening complication. As no study has reported the use of hydrogel sheets in preventing POPF, their effectiveness for that purpose remains unclear.MethodsA novel hydrogel sheet made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was prepared by the freeze‐thaw method. The pancreatic ducts and surrounding pancreatic parenchyma of rats were transected to induce a pancreatic fistula. Next, the sheet was attached to the transection site. Ascitic fluid amylase and lipase concentrations were measured. Neoveil®, a nonwoven polyglycolic acid (PGA) felt, is already clinically used as an absorbable reinforcing material at pancreatic transection sites. Neoveil® was used for comparison, as was VIEWGEL®, which is marketed as a wound dressing.ResultsThe hydrogel sheet remained in place 48 hours postoperatively. The ascitic amylase concentrations in the control, VIEWGEL®‐treated, Neoveil®‐treated, and hydrogel‐treated rats, respectively, were 4992.4 ± 5355.7, 1068.4 ± 269.1, 730.2 ± 425.2, and 303.1 ± 240.1 IU/L; the ascitic lipase concentrations were 2279.8 ± 3395.2, 169.5 ± 100.6, 90.4 ± 71.0, and 86.8 ± 59.8 IU/L. The ascitic amylase and lipase levels were significantly lower in the hydrogel group than in the other groups (P < .05).ConclusionsThis novel hydrogel sheet effectively prevents pancreatic fistulas and has promising clinical application potential.

Prophylactic active irrigation drainage reduces the risk of post-operative pancreatic fistula-related complications in patients undergoing limited pancreatic resection.

Objective:The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic active irrigation drainage in preventing post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and POPF-related complications in patients undergoing limited pancreatic resection (LPR).Materials and Methods:Patients who underwent LPR for benign or borderline pancreatic lesions between February 2014 and March 2019 were enroled in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of intraperitoneal drainage used: closed-suction drainage (CSD) or continuous active irrigation drainage (CAID). Data regarding the outcomes and complications of surgery were collected and analysed.Results:A total of 50 patients (33 women; age, 50.1 ± 10.8 years) were included in this study. Twenty-nine patients were treated with CSD, and 21 patients were treated with CAID. Clinically relevant POPF and POPF-related complications occurred in 11 patients in the CSD group and in two patients in the CAID group (P = 0.024). Patients in the CSD group demonstrated a longer tube indwelling time than those in the CAID group (17.1 ± 10.2 days vs. 13.7 ± 7.5 days; P = 0.044). Mean post-operative hospital stay was also longer in the CSD group than in the CAID group (20.6 ± 7.9 days vs. 16.1 ± 6.3 days; P = 0.039).Conclusions:Prophylactic CAID appears to be an effective alternative for the management of POPF and POPF-related complications in patients undergoing LPR.

Utilization of chemoradiation therapy provides strongest protective effect for avoidance of postoperative pancreatic fistula following pancreaticoduodenectomy: A NSQIP analysis.

The utilization of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) before performing pancreaticoduodenectomy for malignancy has been well established as a protective factor for the prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). However, there is a paucity of published data evaluating the specific NAT regimen that is the most protective against POPF development. We evaluated the differences between neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) and chemoradiation therapy (CRT) withregard to the effect on POPF rates. The main and targeted pancreatectomy American College of SurgeonsNational Surgical Quality ImprovementProgramregistries for 2014-2016 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 10,665 pancreaticoduodenectomy cases were present. The primary outcome was POPF development. The factors that have previously been shown to be associated with or suspected to be associated with POPF were evaluated. The factors included NAT, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, smoking, steroid therapy, preoperative weight loss, preoperative albumin level, perioperative blood transfusions, wound classification, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, duct size (<3 mm, 3-6 mm,and >6 mm), gland texture (soft, intermediate, andhard), and anastomotic technique. The factors identified to be statistically significant were then used for propensity score matching to compare POPF development between the cases utilizing CT versus CRT. A total of 10,117 cases met the inclusion criteria. The development of POPF was significantly associated, on multivariate analysis, with a lack of NAT, male sex, higher BMI, nondiabetic status, nonsmoker status, decreased weight loss, preoperative albumin level, decreased duct size, and soft gland texture. NAT, duct size, and gland texture had the strongest associations with the development of POPF (p < .0001). The overall 1765 cases (17.45%) received NAT and the POPF rate for cases with NAT was 10.20% versus20.10% for cases without NAT (p < .0001). A total of 1031 cases underwent CT and 734 cases underwent CRT, respectively. A total of 708 paired cases were selected for analysis based on propensity score matching. The POPF rates were 11.20% versus3.50% for CT and CRT, respectively (p < .0001). There was no difference in the frequencies of specific POPF grades. The decreased POPF rate with CRT correlated with firmer gland texture rates. To our knowledge, this is the largest analysis of specific NAT regimens withregard to the development of POPF following pancreaticoduodenectomy. CRT provided the strongest protective effect. That protective effect is most likely due to increased fibrosis in the pancreatic parenchyma from radiation therapy. These findings provide additional support to consider CRT over CT alone in the treatment of pancreatic cancer when NAT will be utilized.