Fístula pancreática: una complicación temida. Experiencia en una unidad de cirugía hepatobiliopancreática de cuarto nivel / Pancreatic fistula: A feared complication. Experience in a fourth level hepatobiliopancreatic surgery unit

Introducción. La fístula pancreática postoperatoria es una de las complicaciones más importantes en la cirugía hepatobiliopancreática. Su diagnóstico se hace mediante la presencia de un nivel de amilasa en el líquido de drenaje al menos tres veces por encima del valor de la amilasa en suero a partir del tercer día postoperatorio. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar los pacientes con fístula pancreática postoperatoria en nuestra institución, evaluando la importancia de la detección temprana y el establecimiento de un manejo oportuno. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, que incluyó los pacientes sometidos a pancreatoduodenectomía, con diagnóstico de fístula pancreática postoperatoria como complicación de cirugía hepatobiliopancreática, en el Hospital Internacional de Colombia, en Piedecuesta, entre enero del 2017 y diciembre de 2020. Se excluyeron los pacientes con otro tipo procedimiento quirúrgico y aquellos que decidieron no participar en el estudio. Resultados. Se evaluaron 69 pacientes, con un predominio del sexo femenino (n=38; 55,1 %) y mediana de la edad de 57 años. El 33,3 % (n=24) de los pacientes intervenidos desarrollaron fístula pancreática postoperatoria, siendo el 23,2 % fuga bioquímica, grado B 8,7 % y grado C 2,9 %, para quienes se indicaron manejo expectante, control ecográfico y reintervención, respectivamente. Fallecieron 5 pacientes (7,2 %). Conclusiones. La fístula pancreáticapostoperatoria es una complicación para tener en cuenta en todos los pacientes sometidos a pancreatoduodenectomía. Existen estrategias que pueden permitir disminuir la incidencia de esta complicación, con el fin de mejorar el desenlace, el pronóstico y la morbilidad posquirúrgica.

Introduction. Postoperative pancreatic fistula is one of the most important complications in hepatobiliopancreatic surgery. Its diagnosis is made by the presence of an amylase level in the drainage fluid at least three times above the serum amylase value from the third postoperative day. The objective of this study was to characterize patients with postoperative pancreatic fistula at our institution, evaluating the importance of early detection and to establish a timely management. Methods. Descriptive, retrospective study that included patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with a diagnosis of postoperative pancreatic fistula as a complication of hepatobiliopancreatic surgery at the Hospital Internacional Colombia, between January 2017 and December 2020. Patients with another type of procedure performed by this specialty and those who did not decide to participate in the study were excluded. Results. A total of 69 patients were included, the median age was 57 years with a predominance of females (n=38; 55.1%). 33.3% (n=24) of the operated patients developed postoperative pancreatic fistula, with 23.2% having a biochemical leak, grade B in 8.7% and grade C in 2.9%, for whom expectant management, ultrasound control and reintervention were indicated, respectively. Five patients died (7.2%). Conclusions. Pancreatic fistula is a complication to take into account in all patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy. There are strategies that can reduce the incidence of this complication and thus improve not only the outcome but also the prognosis and postoperative morbidity.

Advances in the study of postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis / 中华外科杂志

Postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP) is an acute inflammation of the remnant pancreas in the early postoperative period caused by a variety of factors. With the progress of related research,PPAP has been confirmed as an independent risk factor for many severe complications such as postoperative pancreatic fistula. In some cases, it progresses to necrotizing PPAP, increasing the risk of mortality. Currently, the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery has standardized and graded PPAP as an independent complication, taking into account factors including serum amylase, radiological features, and clinical impact. This review summarizes how the concept of PPAP was proposed, as well as the latest progress in the research related to its etiology, prognosis, prevention, and treatment. However, given the large heterogeneity of relevant studies and the fact that they were mostly retrospective, in the future, it is necessary to place more emphasis on PPAP and elucidate the problems through more standardized studies to optimize strategies for the prevention and management of complications after pancreatic surgery.

The beginnings and evolution of a pancreatic surgeon: a technical morphological analysis in first 5 years / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To explore the development of the pancreatic surgeon technique in a high-volume center. Methods: A total of 284 cases receiving pancreatic surgery by a single surgeon from June 2015 to December 2020 were retrospectively included in this study. The clinical characteristics and perioperative medical history were extracted from the medical record system of Zhongshan Hospital,Fudan University. Among these patients,there were 140 males and 144 females with an age (M (IQR)) of 61.0 (16.8) years(range: 15 to 85 years). The "back-to-back" pancreatic- jejunal anastomosis procedure was used to anastomose the end of the pancreas stump and the jejunal wall. Thirty days after discharge,the patients were followed by outpatient follow-up or telephone interviews. The difference between categorical variables was analyzed by the Chi-square test or the CMH chi-square test. The statistical differences for the quantitative data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis H test and further analyzed using the LSD test or the Nemenyi test,respectively. Results: Intraoperative blood loss in pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2015 and 2020 were 300,100(100),100(100),100(0),100(200) and 150 (200) ml,respectively. Intraoperative blood loss in distal pancreatectomy was 250 (375),100 (50),50 (65), 50 (80),50 (50),and 50 (100) ml,respectively. Intraoperative blood loss did not show statistical differences in the same operative procedure between each year. The operative time for pancreaticoduodenectomy was respectively 4.5,5.0(2.0),5.5(0.8),5.0(1.3),5.0(3.3) and 5.0(1.0) hours in each year from 2015 to 2020,no statistical differences were found between each group. The operating time of the distal pancreatectomy was 3.8 (0.9),3.0 (1.5),3.0 (1.8),2.0 (1.1),2.0 (1.5) and 3.0(2.0) hours in each year,the operating time was obviously shorter in 2018 compared to 2015 (P=0.026) and 2020 (P=0.041). The median hospital stay in 2020 for distal pancreatectomy was 3 days shorter than that in 2019. The overall incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula gradually decreased,with a incident rate of 50.0%,36.8%,31.0%,25.9%,21.1% and 14.8% in each year. During this period,in a total of 3,6,4,2,0 and 20 cases received laparoscopic operations in each year. The incidence of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (grade B and C) gradually decreased,the incident rates were 0,4.8%,7.1%,3.4%,4.3% and 1.4%,respectively. Two cases had postoperative abdominal bleeding and received unscheduled reoperation. The overall rate of unscheduled reoperation was 0.7%. A patient died within 30 days after the operation and the overall perioperative mortality was 0.4%. Conclusion: The surgical training of a high-volume center can ensure a high starting point in the initial stage and steady progress of pancreatic surgeons,to ensure the safety of pancreatic surgery.

A preliminary study on the prevention of hemorrhage after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy by wrapping gastroduodenal artery stump in the left external liver lobe and the left caudate lobe / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of embedding the stump of gastroduodenal artery between the left lateral lobe of the liver and the left caudate lobe to prevent bleeding after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. Methods: The clinical data of 41 patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy at the second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from October 2021 to April 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.There were 27 males and 14 females, aged (63.0±9.2)years (range: 48 to 78 years), and the body mass index was (24.1±3.2)kg/m2 (range: 15.4 to 31.6 kg/m2). After routine laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy, the stump of gastroduodenal artery was embedded between the left lateral lobe and the left caudate lobe of the liver, and the hepatic parenchyma of the left lateral lobe and the left caudate lobe were sutured with absorbable sutures.The occurrence and recovery of postoperative complications (pancreatic fistula, biliary fistula, postoperative abdominal bleeding, abdominal infection, liver abscess) were observed. Results: All the operations of 41 patients were completed successfully.The operation time was (277.5±52.0) minutes (range: 192 to 360 minutes). The entrapment time of gastroduodenal artery stump was (3.1±0.6) minutes (range: 2.3 to 4.2 minutes), and the intraoperative blood loss (M(IQR)) was 300 (200) ml (range: 50 to 800 ml).The results of ultrasound examination of hepatic artery on the first day after operation showed that the blood flows of hepatic artery were unobstructed.Postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 3 cases, including grade B pancreatic fistula in 2 cases (1 case with abdominal infection) and biochemical leakage in 1 case. Three patients with pancreatic fistula were discharged successfully after continuous abdominal drainage. There was no biliary fistula, abdominal bleeding, abdominal infection, liver abscess or postoperative liver dysfunction. Conclusion: The encasement of the gastroduodenal artery stump by the left outer and left caudate lobes of the liver may be an effective way to prevent bleeding from the rupture of the gastroduodenal artery stump after laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy, which is easy and safe to perform.

The guideline for prevention and treatment of common complications after pancreatic surgery (2022) / 中华外科杂志

In order to further standardize the prevention and treatment of postoperative complications of pancreatic surgery, the editorial board of the Chinese Journal of Surgery organized relevant experts to formulate this guideline under the promotion of the Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery in China Society of Surgery of Chinese Medical Association and Pancreatic Disease Committee of China Research Hospital Association. According to the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation system, this guide discusses the hot issues on postoperative complications such as pancreatic fistula, biliary fistula, chylous fistula, post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage, abdominal infection, delayed gastric emptying, etc., quantitatively evaluates the level of evidence in clinical studies, and forms recommendations after repeatedly consulting. It is hoped to provide reference for pancreatic surgeons in the prevention and treatment of postoperative complications.

Analysis of influencing factors on surgical outcome and exploration of technical principles during pancreaticojejunostomy / 中华外科杂志

Pancreaticojejunostomy is the most common anastomosis following pancreaticoduodenectomy and middle pancreatectomy. The detailed surgical technics of pancreaticojejunostomy vary dramatically, but none of them can achieve zero fistula rate. In recent years,with the development of new surgical concept,application of new surgical technology, high-tech materials and instruments,the incidence of pancreatic fistula has decreased. At the same time,researches on investigating the risk factors of pancreaticojejunostomy are gradually deepening. Based on years of surgical experience on pancreaticojejunostomy and current literatures, this paper analyzes the factors affecting the effect of pancreaticojejunostomy, such as the patient's basic physical state,pancreatic texture and diameter of the pancreatic duct,pathology and course of the disease,surgical technology and perioperative management,and summarizes six technical principles for pancreaticojejunostomy to be shared with surgical comrades:appropriate tension,protection of blood supply,hermetic closure of pancreatic section,accurate connection of pancreatic duct and intestinal mucosa,individualization,learning and accumulation of experience.

Abdominal drain amylase on the first day after pancreatectomy: a predictive factor for pancreatic fistula

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To analyze abdominal drain on the first postoperative day and evaluate its predictive nature for the diagnosis of Pancreatic Fistula exclusion, seeking to establish a cutoff point from which lower values demonstrate safety in excluding the possibility of this complication. METHODS: From August 2017 to June 2020, data from 48 patients undergoing pancreatic resection were collected and analyzed from a prospective cohort. The patients were divided into two groups, one group consisting of patients who did not develop PF (Group A), and the other composed of patients who developed PF (Group B). The receiver operation characteristic curve was constructed, and cutoff points were evaluated by calculating sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Group A brought 30 patients together (62.5%) and Group B brought 18 patients together (37.5%). The 444 U/L value was the most satisfactory cutoff point for the receiver operation characteristic curve (CI 0.690-0.941), with a sensitivity of 94.4% and a specificity of 60%, thus being able to select 18 of 30 patients who did not succumb to PF. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal drain on the first postoperative day can be used as a predictive factor in the diagnosis of PF exclusion (CI 0.690-0.941), with the value of 444 U/L being the best performance cutoff point.

What factors contribute to delayed gastric emptying after duodenopancreatectomy with piloric preservation? / Que fatores contribuem para retardo do esvaziamento gástrico após duodenopancreatectomia com preservação pilórica?

ABSTRACT Background: The delay in gastric emptying is the second most frequent complication after duodenopancreatectomy with pyloric preservation, that increases hospitalization time and hospital costs. Aim: To identify factors that contribute to the appearance the delay in this surgical procedure. Method: Ninety-five patients were submitted to duodenopancreatectomy with pyloric preservation. After retrospective analysis of the medical records, it was observed that 60 had prolonged hospitalization due to complications. Thus, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze predictors of delayed gastric emptying. Results: Delay was present in 65% (n=39) and pancreatic fistula in 38.3% (n=23). Univariate analysis revealed that the presence of pancreatic complications (pancreatic fistula, p=0.01), other intracavitary complications with the appearance of abdominal collections (p=0.03) and hypoalbuminemia (p=0.06) were responsible, also confirmed by the multivariate analysis. In those who presented delay without a determined cause, it was observed that high levels of total bilirubin (p=0.01) and direct bilirubin (p=0.01) could be related to it. Conclusion: The delay in gastric emptying in patients undergoing duodenopancreatectomy with pyloric preservation is due to intracavitary complications.

RESUMO Racional: O retardo do esvaziamento gástrico é a segunda complicação mais frequente após a realização da duodenopancreatectomia com preservação pilórica, aumentando o tempo de internação e custos hospitalares. Objetivo: Identificar fatores que contribuem para o aparecimento desse retardo nesse procedimento cirúrgico. Método: Noventa e cinco doentes foram submetidos à duodenopancreatectomia com preservação pilórica. Após análise retrospectiva dos prontuários observou-se que 60 apresentaram internação prolongada por complicações. Assim, utilizou-se a regressão logística uni e multivariada para análise de fatores preditores do retardo. Resultados: O retardo esteve presente em 65% (n=39) e a fístula pancreática em 38,3% (n=23). A análise univariada revelou que a presença de complicações pancreáticas (fístula pancreática, p=0,01), outras complicações intracavitárias com aparecimento de coleções abdominais (p=0,03) e hipoalbuminemia (p=0,06) foram os responsáveis, resultados estes também confirmados pela análise mutilvariada. Naqueles que apresentaram retardo sem causa determinada, observou-se que níveis elevados de bilirrubina total (p=0,01) e bilirrubina direta (p=0,01) poderiam estar relacionados a ele. Conclusão: O retardo do esvaziamento gástrico nos pacientes submetidos à duodenopancreatectomia com preservação pilórica é decorrente de complicações intracavitárias.

Prediction of postoperative pancreatic fistula using a nomogram based on the updated definition

PURPOSE: The International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula's definition of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) has recently been updated. This study aimed to identify risk factors for POPF in patients having pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and to generate a nomogram to predict POPF.METHODS: Data on 298 patients who underwent PD from March 2012 to October 2017 was retrospectively reviewed and POPF statuses were redefined. A nomogram was constructed using data from 220 patients and validated using the remaining 78 patients. Independent risk factors for POPF were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses. A predictive nomogram was established based on the independent risk factors and was compared with existing models.RESULTS: Texture of the pancreas, size of the main pancreatic duct, portal vein invasion, and definitive pathology were the identified risk factors. The nomogram had a C-index of 0.793 and was internally validated. The nomogram performed better (C-index of 0.816) than the other most cited models (C-indexes of 0.728 and 0.735) in the validation cohort. In addition, the nomogram can assign patients into low- (less than 10%), intermediate- (10% to 30%), and high-risk (equal or higher than 30%) groups to facilitate personalized management.CONCLUSION: The nomogram accurately predicted POPF in patients having PD.

Well-trained gynecologic oncologists can perform bowel resection and upper abdominal surgery safely / 부인종양

Analysis of complications after Whipple's procedure using ERAS protocols / Análisis de complicaciones después de protocolos ERAS para cirugía con procedimiento Whipple

Abstract Background: The administration of perioperative fluids is a controversial issue that can be associated with the development of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after Whipple procedure. Objective: To evaluate whether intraoperative fluid management along with Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols affect outcomes following major pancreatic resection. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2012 to January 2017, collecting all patients scheduled for duodenopancreatectomy (DP). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the use of ERAS protocols and the use of a fluid therapy algorithm. Results: A total of 67 patients were analyzed, 49.3% of which were females. The most frequent diagnoses were Pancreatic Cancer n:48 (71.6%), followed by intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm n:6 (9%). The majority of patients were in the ERAS group n:46 (68.7%); 80.4% and 95.7% of them did not develop pancreatic fistula or delayed gastric emptying (DGE) respectively, and the incidence for both was 11.94%. Fluid therapy was below 5000 mL (P=0.001) with blood loss less 300 mL (P = 0.001) in the ERAS group. The length of stay was shorter in the ERAS group (7 days, interquartilel range 5-12, P < 0.001). No differences in 30 days mortality were found. Conclusion: The implementation of ERAS protocols in DP did show a decrease in intraoperative blood loss, intravenous fluids therapy, need for transfusion, DGE, or total hospital stay. However, intraoperative fluid restriction in DP did not show a reduction in the development of POPF.

Resumen Introducción: La administración de fluidos durante el perioperatorio es un tema controvertido que puede asociarse a complicaciones como la fístula pancreática después de realizar el procedimiento de Whipple. Objetivo: Evaluar si los protocolos de manejo de líquidos dentro de las recomendaciones de recuperación acelerada después de cirugía (ERAS) afectan los desenlaces después de intervención pancreática mayor. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo entre enero de 2012 y enero de 2017. Se recopilaron todos los pacientes a quienes se les practicó duodenopancreatectomía. Se dividieron en dos grupos según el uso de protocolos ERAS y el uso de algoritmos para terapia hídrica. Resultados: Se analizaron 67 pacientes, el 49,3% correspondió al sexo femenino. Los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron cáncer de páncreas n: 48 (71,6%), seguido de neoplasia mucinosa papilar intraductal n: 6 (9%). La mayoría de los pacientes se encontraban en el Grupo ERAS n:46(68,7%).En dicho grupo, el 80,4% y el 95,7% no desarrollaron fístula pancreática o retraso del vaciamiento gástrico y la incidencia fue del 11,94%, respectivamente. La terapia hídrica estuvo por debajo de 5000 ml (p = 0,001) con una pérdida sanguínea inferior a 300 ml (p=0,001) en el grupo ERAS. La estancia hospitalaria fue más corta en el grupo ERAS (7 días, rango intercuartil [RIC] 5-12, p =<0,001). No hubo diferencias en la mortalidad a 30 días. Conclusión: La implementación de protocolos ERAS en la duodenopancreatectomía mostró una menor pérdida sanguínea, menor terapia hídrica, menor necesidad de transfusión, menor retraso del vaciamiento gástrico y menor estancia hospitalaria. Sin embargo, la terapia hídrica restrictiva no redujo el desarrollo de fístula pancreática postoperatoria.

Fístula pancreática posduodenopancreatectomía: Pancreatogastrostomía vs. Pancreatoyeyunostomía / Pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: Pancreaticogastrostomy vs. Pancreaticojejunostomy

Antecedentes: la duodenopancreatectomía (DPC) continúa siendo el tratamiento de elección para los tumores periampulares. Con una mortalidad de alrededor del 5% y una morbilidad que puede llegar a alrededor del 50%, la fístula pancreática es todavía la complicación preponderante. Diversos autores sostienen que la anastomosis del páncreas con el estómago tiene menor índice de fístula que cuando se realiza con el yeyuno. Objetivo: comparar la incidencia de fístula pancreática en las pancreatogastrostomías (PG) versus pancreatoyeyunostomías (PY). Evaluar algunos factores de riesgo de fístula. Material y métodos: se evaluaron 91 DPC, 43 de ellas con reconstrucción con PG y 48 con PY. Se evaluaron datos demográficos, quirúrgicos, y se comparó la incidencia de fístula entre ambos. Resultados: la incidencia global de fístula fue de 13 pacientes (14,3%), 5 de las cuales fueron de relevancia clínica. En la comparación de ambos grupos hubo diferencias en cuanto a edad y número de pacientes con Wirsung < 3 mm, el resto de los parámetros fue similar. No hubo diferencias entre ambos grupos con respecto a la cantidad de fístulas (p: 0,478). Respecto de la evaluación de factores predisponentes para fístula, tan solo un diámetro del Wirsung < 3 mm fue significativo. Conclusión: en nuestra serie y al igual que en otras no hubo diferencias en cuanto a fístulas pancreáticas entre PG y PY, lo que nos permite inferir que la adopción y confección sistemática de una ellas obtendrá los mejores resultados.

Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is still the treatment of choice in patients with periampullary tumors. Pancreatic fistula is the most common complication with a mortality rate of 5% and 50% of morbidity. Some authors state that the anastomosis of the pancreas with the stomach would decrease the incidence of pancreatic fistula when compared with pancreaticojejunostomy. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of pancreatic fistula after pacreaticogastrostomy (PG) versus pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) and analyze the risk factors associated with the development of fistula. Material and methods: 91 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were evaluated; 43 with PG reconstruction and 48 with PJ reconstruction. Demographic and surgical data were evaluated and the incidence of pancreatic fistula with both techniques was compared Results: The incidence of fistula for the total series was 14.3% (n = 13) and 5 were clinically relevant. There were differences in age and pancreatic duct diameter < 3 mm between the groups. The incidence of fistula was similar in both groups (p = 0.478). Pancreatic duct diameter < 3 mm was the only significant predisposing factor for the development of fistula. Conclusion: In our series, and in coincidence with others, there were no differences in the incidence of pancreatic fistulas between PG and PJ. Practicing and mastering a repetitive, standardized technique would yield the best results.

Nutritional risk factors are associated with postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the indicators of nutritional risk screening tool are associated with postoperative complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: We investigated whether nutritional risk is associated with postoperative complications based on the medical records of 128 patients who underwent PD from 2010. The tool was composed of 6 risk factors: albumin, total lymphocyte count, body mass index, weight loss, dietary intake loss, and nutritional symptoms. The patients were divided into 2 groups: a nutritional risk group and a nonrisk group. The rates of general complications and postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) were investigated according to this nutritional status. RESULTS: There were 65 patients who did not have any risk factors. However, 63 patients had one risk factor or more. In the nonrisk group, the overall complication rate and serious complication rate were 30.8% and 15.4%, respectively. If there were one or more risk factors, the overall and serious complication rates were 59.5% and 41.3%, respectively (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). The rate of clinically relevant POPF (grade B or C) was 9.2% in the nonrisk group. However, this rate was 23.8% in the NRS risk group (P = 0.029). In multivariate analysis, the NRS risk group was a significant factor of clinically relevant POPF (odds ratio, 9.878; 95% confidence interval, 1.527–63.914; P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: There were statistically significant associations between complications and nutritional indicators. A comprehensive analysis of nutritional parameters will help predict postoperative complications.

Spleen Preservation in Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy for Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm is Oncologically Safe

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) has been widely performed for solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) involving the body or tail of the pancreas. However, it has not been established whether spleen preservation in LDP is oncologically safe for the treatment of SPN with malignant potential. In this study, we compared the short- and long-term outcomes between patients with SPN who underwent laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) vs laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (LDPS). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 46 patients with SPN who underwent LDP between January 2005 and November 2016. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to spleen preservation: the LSPDP group (n=32) and the LDPS group (n=14). Clinicopathologic characteristics and perioperative outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in pathologic variables, including tumor size, tumor location, node status, angiolymphatic invasion, or perineural invasion between groups. Median operating time was significantly longer in the LSPDP group vs the LDPS group (243 vs 172 minutes; p=0.006). Estimated intraoperative blood loss was also significantly greater in the LSPDP group (310 vs 167 ml; p=0.063). There were no significant differences in incidence of postoperative complications (≥ Clavien-Dindo class IIIa) or pancreatic fistula between groups. After a median follow-up of 35 months (range, 3S153 months), there was no recurrence or disease-specific mortality in either group. CONCLUSION: The results show that LSPDP is an oncologically safe procedure for SPN involving the body or tail of the pancreas.

Effects of Preoperative Malnutrition on Postoperative Surgical Outcomes and Quality of Life of Elderly Patients with Periampullary Neoplasms: A Single-Center Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the effect of preoperative malnutrition on postoperative surgical outcomes in elderly patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy for periampullary neoplasms. METHODS: This prospective cohort study enrolled 154 patients aged ≥65 years with periampullary neoplasms. Using the Mini Nutritional Assessment tool, patients were categorized into three groups according to their preoperative nutritional status: well-nourished (13.0%), at-risk-of-malnutrition (59.7%), and malnourished (27.3%). RESULTS: Significant intergroup differences were observed in preoperative body mass index (25.6±2.4 kg/m² [well-nourished] vs 23.4±2.6 kg/m² [at-risk-of-malnutrition] vs 21.1±2.8 kg/m² [malnourished], p<0.001). The overall morbidity significantly differed between the well-nourished and malnourished groups (20% vs 50.0%, p=0.024). The rates of clinically significant postoperative pancreatic fistula were significantly different among groups (p=0.035). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the at-risk-of-malnutrition or malnourished status (hazard ratio [HR], 3.45; p=0.037) and intraoperative blood loss (HR, 1.01; p=0.040) significantly affected the overall postoperative morbidity in elderly patients. CONCLUSIONS: Before surgery, 87.0% of patients were classified into the at-risk-of-malnutrition or malnourished group. Compared with well-nourished patients, patients with nutritional issues showed a higher overall surgical morbidity. Improved preoperative nutritional status leads to favorable surgical outcomes in elderly patients.

Current Definition of and Controversial Issues Regarding Postoperative Pancreatic Fistulas

The International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) made the first attempt to standardize the outcome measure of fistulas in the field of pancreatic surgery by publishing the definition and classification of postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPFs) in 2005. POPFs were determined by any measurable volume of fluid output via an operatively placed drain with amylase activity greater than three times the upper normal serum value. Taking into account more than 10 years of reported experience worldwide, the updated definition published in 2016 by the reconvened International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) attempted to overcome the limits of the previous classification. The crucial concept of POPF clinical significance was introduced by eliminating grade A from the fistula scenario. The wider use of interventional procedures has also made it necessary to recode grade C POPFs, which now have clearer boundaries, toward the worst end of the severity scale. Grade B still represents the most prevalent and heterogeneous category of POPFs, both in terms of clinical burden and management. In the near future, further efforts will be required to better stratify grade B POPFs to standardize treatment strategies and compare outcomes among institutions.

Outcomes of Infected versus Symptomatic Sterile Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis Treated with a Minimally Invasive Therapy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Acute pancreatitis complicated by walled-off necrosis (WON) is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and if infected, typically necessitates intervention. Clinical outcomes of infected WON have been described as poorer than those of symptomatic sterile WON. With the evolution of minimally invasive therapy, we sought to compare outcomes of infected to symptomatic sterile WON. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study examining patients who were undergoing dual-modality drainage as minimally invasive therapy for WON at a high-volume tertiary pancreatic center. The main outcome measures included mortality with a drain in place, length of hospital stay, admission to intensive care unit, and development of pancreatic fistulae. RESULTS: Of the 211 patients in our analysis, 98 had infected WON. The overall mortality rate was 2.4%. Patients with infected WON trended toward higher mortality although not statistically significant (4.1% vs 0.9%, p=0.19). Patients with infected WON had longer length of hospitalization (29.8 days vs 17.3 days, p<0.01), and developed more spontaneous pancreatic fistulae (23.5% vs 7.8%, p<0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that infected WON was associated with higher odds of spontaneous pancreatic fistula formation (odds ratio, 2.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.20 to 5.85). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that infected WON has worse outcomes than sterile WON but also demonstrates that WON, once considered a significant cause of death, can be treated with good outcomes using minimally invasive therapy.