Risk Factors For Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula Research Articles

Efficacy of Reinforced Stapler for Preventing Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Minimally Invasive Distal Pancreatectomy.

Although minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) has become a treatment option for benign and malignant pancreatic tumors, the safety and efficacy of reinforced staplers in MIDP remain controversial. The present study was performed to evaluate the safety of reinforced staplers in MIDP and identify the risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after MIDP with reinforced staplers. In total, 92 consecutive patients who underwent MIDP at NHO Kyushu Medical Center from July 2016 to August 2023 were enrolled in this retrospective study. In all patients, a reinforced black cartridge triple-row stapler (Covidien Japan, Tokyo, Japan) was used during MIDP. The primary endpoint was the incidence of clinically relevant POPF. The risk factors for POPF were evaluated using multivariate analysis. Among the 92 patients, 74 underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and 18 underwent robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy. Clinically relevant POPF occurred in seven (7.6%) of 92 patients. The rate of severe complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III) was 10.8%, and the mortality rate was 0%. The median postoperative hospital stay was 14 days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factor for clinically relevant POPF after MIDP with a reinforced stapler was a body mass index of ≥22.6 kg/m2 (p=0.050, odds ratio=7.60). This study confirmed the safety and efficacy of reinforced staplers for preventing POPF after MIDP. A high body mass index was the only risk factor for clinically relevant POPF after MIDP with a reinforced stapler.

Identifying the risk factors for pancreatic fistula after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is a surgical procedure for treating pancreatic cancer; however, the risk of complications remains high owing to the wide range of organs involved during the surgery and the difficulty of anastomosis. Pancreatic fistula (PF) is a major complication that not only increases the risk of postoperative infection and abdominal hemorrhage but may also cause multi-organ failure, which is a serious threat to the patient's life. This study hypothesized the risk factors for PF after LPD. To identify the risk factors for PF after laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy in patients with pancreatic cancer. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 201 patients admitted to the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center between August 2022 and August 2023 who underwent LPD for pancreatic cancer. On the basis of the PF's incidence (grades B and C), patients were categorized into the PF (n = 15) and non-PF groups (n = 186). Differences in general data, preoperative laboratory indicators, and surgery-related factors between the two groups were compared and analyzed using multifactorial logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. The proportions of males, combined hypertension, soft pancreatic texture, and pancreatic duct diameter ≤ 3 mm; surgery time; body mass index (BMI); and amylase (Am) level in the drainage fluid on the first postoperative day (Am > 1069 U/L) were greater in the PF group than in the non-PF group (P < 0.05), whereas the preoperative monocyte count in the PF group was lower than that in the non-PF group (all P < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis revealed that BMI > 24.91 kg/m² [odds ratio (OR) =13.978, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.886-103.581], hypertension (OR = 8.484, 95%CI: 1.22-58.994), soft pancreatic texture (OR = 42.015, 95%CI: 5.698-309.782), and operation time > 414 min (OR = 15.41, 95%CI: 1.63-145.674) were risk factors for the development of PF after LPD for pancreatic cancer (all P < 0.05). The areas under the ROC curve for BMI, hypertension, soft pancreatic texture, and time prediction of PF surgery were 0.655, 0.661, 0.873, and 0.758, respectively. BMI (> 24.91 kg/m²), hypertension, soft pancreatic texture, and operation time (> 414 min) are considered to be the risk factors for postoperative PF.

Identifying the risk factors for pancreatic fistula after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is a surgical procedure for treating pancreatic cancer; however, the risk of complications remains high owing to the wide range of organs involved during the surgery and the difficulty of anastomosis. Pancreatic fistula (PF) is a major complication that not only increases the risk of postoperative infection and abdominal hemorrhage but may also cause multi-organ failure, which is a serious threat to the patient's life. This study hypothesized the risk factors for PF after LPD. To identify the risk factors for PF after laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy in patients with pancreatic cancer. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 201 patients admitted to the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center between August 2022 and August 2023 who underwent LPD for pancreatic cancer. On the basis of the PF's incidence (grades B and C), patients were categorized into the PF (n = 15) and non-PF groups (n = 186). Differences in general data, preoperative laboratory indicators, and surgery-related factors between the two groups were compared and analyzed using multifactorial logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. The proportions of males, combined hypertension, soft pancreatic texture, and pancreatic duct diameter ≤ 3 mm; surgery time; body mass index (BMI); and amylase (Am) level in the drainage fluid on the first postoperative day (Am > 1069 U/L) were greater in the PF group than in the non-PF group (P < 0.05), whereas the preoperative monocyte count in the PF group was lower than that in the non-PF group (all P < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis revealed that BMI > 24.91 kg/m² [odds ratio (OR) =13.978, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.886-103.581], hypertension (OR = 8.484, 95%CI: 1.22-58.994), soft pancreatic texture (OR = 42.015, 95%CI: 5.698-309.782), and operation time > 414 min (OR = 15.41, 95%CI: 1.63-145.674) were risk factors for the development of PF after LPD for pancreatic cancer (all P < 0.05). The areas under the ROC curve for BMI, hypertension, soft pancreatic texture, and time prediction of PF surgery were 0.655, 0.661, 0.873, and 0.758, respectively. BMI (> 24.91 kg/m²), hypertension, soft pancreatic texture, and operation time (> 414 min) are considered to be the risk factors for postoperative PF.

Evaluation of Patients with Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Isolated Splenectomy: A Retrospective Study

Objective: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a potentially life-threatening complication. This complication occurs not only after pancreatic surgery but may also arise after other abdominal procedures. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of POPF in patients undergoing isolated splenectomy. Methods: Patients who underwent isolated splenectomy were identified. POPF was defined according to the 2016 update of International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula classification and graded as biochemical leak (BL), grade B fistula, and grade C fistula. Characteristics and perioperative variables were compared between patients who had pancreatic fistula and those who have not. Results: The study cohort consisted of 59 patients with median age 38.9 years, and 50.8% male. The indication was trauma in 18 (30.5%) patients. Twenty (33.9%) patients were operated upon emergently. Thirty-seven (62.7%) splenectomies were performed open. Out of all patients, 14 (23.7%) developed any sort of pancreatic fistula. BL occurred in 11 (18.6%) patients and 3 (5.1%) patients developed a grade B fistula. Comparison of patients with and without BL/POPF demonstrated no significant differences in demographics, surgical indication, operative method, surgical approach, or postoperative outcome. Conclusions: Despite higher incidence of pancreatic leak, the rate of clinically relevant fistula is relatively low. In this study, we did not identify any factors associated with BL/POPF. Thus, further studies are needed on pancreatic fistula after splenectomy.

Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreatoduodenectomy: Evaluation of Different Surgical Techniques

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is one of the most fatal complications of pancreatoduodenectomy. POPF is caused by leakage of pancreatic juice from the pancreatic anastomosis into the abdomen, leading to intra-abdominal complications, such as severe surgical site infections, significant postoperative hemorrhage and multi-organ failure. Many risk factors for POPF have been identified, including patient and surgical technique factors. Our objective was to review the literature on surgical techniques to prevent POPF after pancreatoduodenectomy. Pancreatogastrostomy (PG) has the same incidence of POPF as pancreatojejunostomy (PJ). For PJ anastomosis, the interrupted suture and Blumgart technique also had the same rate of POPF. For soft pancreas it was shown that invagination was better than duct-to-mucosa anastomosis to prevent the POPF. However, a pancreatic duct stent cannot decrease the rate of POPF over the non-stent group. Intraperitoneal drainage cannot prevent POPF, however, it can detect POPF more than the non-drain group. Laparoscopic PD (LPD) and robotic-assisted PD (RAPD) were comparable in rates of POPF with open PD. Overall, no conclusion has been reached regarding the best surgical technique. In any individual case, the surgical technique should be selected based on the surgeon’s experience in reducing the incidence of POPF, and other complications.

Prevalence of Malnutrition and the Value of Predicting Pancreatic Fistula in Patients with Laparoscopic Pancreatoduodenectomy.

Background: Pancreatoduodenectomy is a standard surgical procedure for periampullary tumors. With recent improvements in perioperative management, postoperative mortality has decreased significantly in recent years; however, postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is still one of the most prevalent and dangerous complications. The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of malnutrition and the value of predicting POPF in patients with laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the perioperative data of 747 patients undergoing LPD in the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, China. Simultaneously, we analyzed the prevalence rate of malnutrition with three different nutritional assessment scores and explored the independent risk variables for POPF to identify potential predictive value. Results: Malnutrition was observed in 20.1% of patients with the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), 85.0% of patients with the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, and 73.1% of patients with the NRI score. Univariate and multivariate analyses all showed that the risk factors for POPF were pancreatic texture, pancreatic duct diameter, abdominal infection, body mass index (BMI), nomogram-revised risk index (NRI), and PNI. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the BMI/PNI ratio was capable of predicting the occurrence of clinical POPF following LPD, with an area under the curve of 0.708. Conclusions: Compared with no malnourished patients, malnutrition is associated with a higher risk of POPF among patients with LPD. In addition, the BMI/PNI ratio has some predictive value in the development of POPF following LPD.

Preoperative C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratio Predicts Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula following Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is a potentially lethal complication, and it is clinically important to determine its risk preoperatively. Although C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) is reported to be a prognostic marker for postoperative complications in several cancers, no evidence is currently available regarding the association between preoperative CAR and POPF following PD for periampullary tumors. This study examined whether preoperative CAR could predict POPF following PD. Clinical data were retrospectively retrieved from Ehime University Hospital. The optimal cut-off value for CAR was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. This study enrolled 203 consecutive patients undergoing PD for periampullary tumors. The CAR value was significantly higher in the POPF group than in the non-POPF group (p < 0.001). According to the ROC curve analysis, the optimal cut-off value for CAR was 0.09. Patients with CAR ≥ 0.09 had higher incidence rates of POPF than their counterparts. CAR ≥ 0.09 was a risk factor for POPF in the multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 34.5, 95% confidence interval 11.75-101.38, p < 0.001). This is the first report demonstrating an association between CAR and POPF following PD. Preoperative CAR is an independent predictive marker for POPF following PD.

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

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

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

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

Postoperative pancreatic fistulas after pancreaticoduodenectomy for malignancy: A Northeast Indian tertiary cancer center study.

Background and AimPostoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is an important cause of major morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy. We intend to estimate the incidence and study the risk factors and outcomes of patients who developed this dreaded complication.MethodsThis is a retrospective observational study. We included all patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at a specialized surgical unit of a single tertiary care cancer center in Northeast India. The period of study was from 23 April 2012 to 27 December 2019. The 2016 update on the definition of POPF by the International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula was used to define the complication. Chi‐square test and Fischer's exact test were applied to categorical variables. t‐test was used to quantify mean difference among continuous variables. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval.ResultsA total of 59 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy during the study period with almost equal distribution among males and females (29 and 30 patients respectively). The mean age of the patients was 54.0 years (range 20–72). Grade A, B, and C pancreatic fistulas were seen in five (8.5%), three (5.1%), and two (3.4%) patients, respectively. Preoperative hyperbilirubinemia, pancreatic duct size ≤3 mm, hypoalbuminemia, preoperative biliary decompression, and prolonged duration of surgery were identified as risk factors for POPF. POPF also resulted in increased 90‐day mortality (20%).ConclusionPOPF remains a potentially life‐threatening complication of pancreaticoduodenectomies. The knowledge and management of modifiable risk factors for this condition may help in mitigating this problem.

Does the modified blumgart anastomosis improve the outcomes of pancreaticojejunostomy in patients with carcinoma of the papilla of vater?

Background: Recently, some studies have shown that the modified Blumgart anastomosis (m-BA) for pancreaticojejunostomy is associated with a low postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) rate after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Patients with carcinoma of the papilla of Vater are likely to have soft pancreas which is a risk factor of POPF. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether m-BA reduced the occurrence of POPF in patients with carcinoma of the papilla of Vater. Methods: Between 2006 and 2018, 49 patients with carcinoma of the papilla of Vater underwent PD at our institution. The m-BA has been used since 2016. We analyzed the short-term outcomes between the m-BA group (n=15) and the conventional anastomosis group (n=34). Grade B/C POPF was defined according to the 2016 ISGPS update. Results: There were no significant differences in patient characteristics including sex, age, BMI, and UICC stage between the two groups. The rate of POPF did not differ between the groups (53.3% vs 50.0%). However, postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) in the m-BA group was significantly lower than the conventional group (0% vs 23.5%, p=0.04). Grade C POPF rate was lower in the m-BA group (0% vs 8.8%) but not statistically significant. Conclusions: Although the rates of POPF were not dissimilar, the m-BA reduced the occurrence of PPH which is associated with more severe complications.

Intraoperative amylase level of pancreatic juice as a simple predictor of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy

IntroductionA soft remnant texture of the pancreas is commonly accepted as a risk factor for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, its assessment is subjective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of intraoperative amylase level of the pancreatic juice as a risk factor of POPF after PD. MethodThis study included 75 patients who underwent PD between November 2014 and April 2020 at Jikei University Hospital. We investigated the relationship between pancreatic texture, intraoperative amylase level of pancreatic juice, results of the pathological evaluations, and the incidence of POPF. ResultsTwenty-three patients (31%) developed POPF. The significant predictors of POPF were non-ductal adenocarcinoma (p < 0.01), soft pancreatic remnant (p < 0.01), high intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.01), high intraoperative amylase level of pancreatic juice (p < 0.01), and low pancreatic fibrosis (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that the significant independent predictors of POPF were high intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.01) and high intraoperative amylase level of pancreatic juice (p = 0.02). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the cut-off value for the intraoperative amylase level of pancreatic juice was 2.17 × 105 IU/L (area under the curve = 0.726, sensitivity = 95.7%, and specificity = 50.0%) ConclusionsThe intraoperative amylase level of pancreatic juice is a reliable objective predictor for POPF after PD.

Effect of Flowable Thrombin-Containing Collagen-Based Hemostatic Matrix for Preventing Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreatectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a flowable hemostatic matrix, and their effects for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreatectomy. Methods: This was a randomized, clinical, single-center, single-blind (participant), non-inferiority, phase IV, and parallel-group trial. The primary endpoint was the incidence of POPF. The secondary endpoints were risk factors for POPF, drain removal days, incidence of complication, 90-day mortality, and length of hospital stay. Results: This study evaluated a total of 53 patients, of whom 26 patients were in the intervention group (flowable hemostatic matrix) and 27 patients were in the control group (thrombin-coated collagen patch). POPF was more common in the control group than in the intervention group (59.3% vs. 30.8%, p = 0.037). Among participants who underwent distal pancreatectomy, POPF (33.3% vs. 92.3%, p = 0.004), and clinically relevant POPF (8.3% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.027) was more common in the control group. A multivariate logistic regression model identified flowable hemostatic matrix use as an independent negative risk factor for POPF, especially in cases of distal pancreatectomy (DP) (odds ratio 17.379, 95% confidential interval 1.453–207.870, p = 0.024). Conclusion: Flowable hemostatic matrix application is a simple, feasible, and effective method of preventing POPF after pancreatectomy, especially for patients with DP. Non-inferiority was demonstrated in the efficacy of preventing POPF in the intervention group compared to the control group.

Analysis of pancreatic fistula risk in patients with laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy: what matters.

ObjectiveTo analyse potential risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF).MethodsA retrospective study on risk factors for POPF was conducted in patients undergoing laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy. Basic characteristics, and preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative patient data were collected and analysed.ResultsA total of 268 patients were enrolled in this study, including 54 patients with POPF following surgery (POPF incidence, 20.15%). Univariate analysis indicated that patient’s age, body mass index (BMI), preoperative bilirubin level, pancreas texture, and drainage fluid amylase level on day 1 following surgery were associated with POPF. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that preoperative bilirubin level ≥170 µmol/l, soft pancreas texture, BMI ≥25, and age ≥65 years were independent risk factors associated with POPF.ConclusionsFor patients with preoperative bilirubin level ≥170 µmol/l, soft pancreas texture, BMI ≥25 and age ≥65 years, clinically relevant measures should be taken as early as possible for the prophylaxis of POPF.

Clinical evaluation of modified invaginated pancreaticojejunostomy for pancreaticoduodenectomy

BackgroundPancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains the major curative operation for malignant neoplasm of pancreas or cancerous tumors near the pancreas. Despite advancements in recent years, the postoperative recurrence rate of these neoplasms and tumors remains high. Moreover, overall morbidity remains high due to clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF).MethodsTo compare the clinical outcomes of modified invaginated anastomosis and mucosa-to-mucosa anastomosis, this retrospective study included 343 patients who underwent PD from January 2008 to January 2019 at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University. The patients’ general conditions and disease status were preoperatively evaluated. The surgical procedure was recorded, and operative management was appropriately performed.ResultsCompared with mucosa-to-mucosa anastomosis, modified invaginated anastomosis resulted in a higher intraoperative blood transfusion rate (P < 0.001) and lower hospitalization expenses (P = 0.049). However, no significant differences were found in operation time (P = 0.790), intraoperative bleeding (P = 0.428), postoperative recovery exhaust time (P = 0.442), time to normal flow of food (P = 0.163), and hospitalization time (P = 0.567). Operation time was a risk factor for POPF (odds ratio 1.010; 95% confidence interval 1.003–1.016; P = 0.003). The incidence of pancreatic fistula (grades B and C) was lower in the patients who underwent modified invaginated anastomosis (14.1%) than in those who underwent mucosa-to-mucosa anastomosis (15.3%). The operation time was greater in the POPF group than in the non POPF group among the patients who received modified invaginated anastomosis (P = 0.003) and mucosa-to-mucosa anastomosis (P = 0.002).ConclusionModified invaginated pancreaticojejunostomy for PD resulted in a decreased incidence of POPF; it may serve as a new approach for PD while managing patients who have undergone PD.

Lower geriatric nutritional risk index predicts postoperative pancreatic fistula in patients with distal pancreatectomy.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a common complication following pancreatic resection. It leads to increased medical costs, and longer hospital stays. However, the risk factors of POPF are still unclear, and therefore, this urgent clinical issue should be resolved. The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is tool to assess the nutritional status using body weight, and serum albumin value, particularly in elderly patients. On the other hand, POPF is associated with body mass index (BMI). Thus, the present study aimed to investigate whether GNRI can predict the risk of POPF in patients after distal pancreatectomy (DP). We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 37 patients who were treated at the Department of Digestive Surgery, Kawaguchi Municipal Medical Center between January 2007 and June 2018. All patients were subjected to nutritional screening using GNRI, and were followed up after DP for postoperative complications including POPF. In addition, risk factors of POPF, and patient's height, BMI, and preoperative laboratory values were analyzed. POPF was observed in 7 of the 37 (19%) patients. Those with a POPF had significantly lower GNRI values than those without POPF (P<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine a cut-off value of GNRI, which indicated an increased risk of POPF. This value was determined as 96 (sensitivity: 71.4%, specificity: 86.7%, likelihood ratio: 5.36). Univariate analysis confirmed that a GNRI of <96 was significantly associated with POPF (P=0.005), and a multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a GNRI of <96 was significant independent predictor of POPF (P=0.005), suggesting its utility for assessing the risk of POPF following DP.

Risk Factors and Management of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Single-center Experience.

Pancreatic fistula (PF) remains the most frequent complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This study was undertaken to explore the risk factors of postoperative PF following PD and discuss the management of PF in our center. A single-center respective study, involving 241 patients who underwent PD between September 2015 and June 2018, was conducted. Differences in the demographic data, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables between the group with PF [International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) grade B/C] and the group without PF (no PF and ISGPS grade BL) were evaluated. The diagnosis and grading of PF were in strict accordance with ISGPS. Risk factors were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The results showed that postoperative PF occurred in 50 (20.7%) of the patients; 25 (10.4%) patients had a PF type BL, 46 (19.1%) patients developed a PF type B and 4 (1.6%) had a PF type C. Univariate analysis showed that fasting blood glucose (P=0.02), pancreatic texture (P&lt; 0.001) and pancreatic duct diameter (P=0.01) were correlated with PF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified one independent risk factor for postoperative PF: soft pancreatic texture (OR=3.251, P=0.002). Among the cases, there were three postoperative deaths, giving a 60-day hospital mortality rate of 1.2% (3/241), and the mortality related to PF was 4.0% (2/50). One of the patients died from multiple organ failure caused by postoperative abdominal hemorrhage. In conclusion, soft pancreatic texture is an independent risk factor for PF. Surgeons should be well aware of this risk factor when performing a PD.

Drain fluid amylase on post-operative day 5 as pronostic factor of grade B–C pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy

Background: Post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is one of the most feared complications after distal pancreatectomy (DP) and associates an increased morbidity and mortality. Aim: To analyze the incidence and risk factors of POPFs in our series and stratify the risk factors for grade B/C POPFs after DP. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective study which analyzes patients who underwent DP between 2010 and 2017. We recollected demographic, surgical, post-operative and histological data. Drain fluid amylase was examined on postoperative day 3, 5 and 7, following our protocol. POPFs were classified according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula definitions. We performed a descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression to determine the prognostic factors of POPF Results: A total of 92 patients underwent DP. Laparoscopic approach was performed in 39 (42%) patients, with a conversion rate of 22%. In 85% of the cases we used endostapler and in 24% we performed manual suture of the pancreatic stump. Sealant was placed on the resection surface in 60% of the cases. POPF was diagnosed in 26% of the patients, of whom 19% were grade B-C. None of the variables analyzed were significantly associated with POPF, but the drain fluid amylase >1000 U/L on post-operative day 5, was associated with grade B-C POPFs [OR 20, p = 0.028 (CI 1.301–287)]. Conclusion: In our series, no overall POPF predictive factors were found after DP. However, an elevated drain fluid amylase on post-operative day 5 can predict a worst outcome and should influence our therapeutic strategy.

Pancreatic Stiffness Quantified with MR Elastography: Relationship to Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreaticoenteric Anastomosis.

Purpose To describe the relationship between conventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging parameters and MR elastography of the pancreas in association with pancreatic histologic features and occurrence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Materials and Methods Patients who underwent preoperative MR imaging (MR elastography and diffusion-, T1-, and T2-weighted imaging) followed by pancreatectomy with pancreaticoenteric anastomosis were included. The relationships between preoperative MR imaging parameters, demographic data, and intraoperative factors with POPF risk were analyzed with logistic regression analyses. The correlation of MR imaging parameters with histologic characteristics was evaluated with multivariate regression analysis. Results A total of 112 patients (64 men, 48 women; median age, 58 years) were evaluated. Forty-two patients (37.5%) developed POPF and 20 (17.9%) developed high-grade POPF (grades B and C). Lower pancreatic stiffness (≤1.43 kPa; odds ratio [OR], 9.196; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.92, 43.98), nondilated main pancreatic duct (MPD) diameter (<3 mm; OR, 7.298; 95% CI: 1.51, 35.34), and larger stump area (≥211 mm2; OR, 9.210; 95% CI: 1.53, 55.26) were risk factors for POPF. Lower pancreatic stiffness (≤1.27 kPa; OR, 8.389; 95% CI: 1.88, 37.41) was the only independent predictor of high-grade POPF. Log-transformed pancreatic stiffness was independently associated with fibrosis (β = 0.060; 95% CI: 0.052, 0.068), acinar atrophy (β = 0.015; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.028), and lipomatosis (β = -0.016; 95% CI: -0.026, -0.006). Conclusion Preoperative MR assessment of pancreatic stiffness, MPD diameter, and stump area are important predictors of POPF.

Contaminated drainage fluid and pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy: A retrospective study

BackgroundAppropriate bacterial infection control in the perioperative period of a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is important to prevent and manage serious complications including postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). In the present study, the clinical impact of bacterial contamination of intra-abdominal discharge on the rate of POPF after PD was analysed retrospectively. Materials and methodsThe data for 82 consecutive patients who had undergone PD at our hospital between January 2009 and July 2014 were retrospectively analysed to review patient characteristics and perioperative and postoperative parameters. We compared the clinicopathologic features between patients with bacterial contamination of drainage fluid and those without bacterial contamination of drainage fluid. We also examined the relationship between POPF and bacterial contamination of drainage fluid, according to the bacterial strain involved. ResultsThe incidence of Grade B/C POPF was significantly higher in the bacterial contamination positive group than in the bacterial contamination negative group (44.0% vs. 0.0%; p < 0.001). Soft gland texture and bacterial contamination of intra-abdominal discharge were found to be risk factors for POPF (odds ratio: 9.00, 95% confidence interval: 1.17–409.46 and odds ratio: 43.94, 95% confidence interval: 5.72–1992.04, respectively). The incidence of Grade B/C POPF was significantly higher in patients harbouring Pseudomonas aeruginosa than in patients harbouring bacteria other than Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p = 0.005). ConclusionBacterial contamination of intra-abdominal discharge is a risk factor for the development of pancreatic fistulae. Cases involving contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa warrant extreme caution.