Postoperative Mortality Rate Following Whipple’s Procedure for Periampullary Carcinoma: A 5 Year Cohort Study

ABSTRACT

The mortality rates for Whipple’s procedure has come down during the last few years. This study was intended to assess perioperative mortality rates in a tertiary care centre and to compare it with other centres. Methods: Data was collected from various registers and medical records for this retrospective cohort study. All Whipple’s procedures for 5 years were included in the study. Statistical analysis was done using R statistical software and the results were tabulated. Results: There were 48 patients and 8 of them died. A median serum bilirubin level of 16.9 mg% was found statistically significant with respect to mortality. Similarly placed was median serum albumin levels of 2.71 gm% and poor differentiation of tumour. Conclusion: In this study the mortality rates were comparable to other centres. Hypoalbuminaemia is a significant predictor of mortality. Tumour size of more than 3 cm is associated with high mortality. High serum bilirubin levels is an independent predictor of mortality. Several studies also show similar predictors of death in Whipple’s procedure. Pulmonary complications were the most common cause for death. Mortality rate is comparable to other centres and Whipple’s procedure is a safe surgery in the tertiary centre where it was studied.