Prediction of Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy Based on Cross-Sectional Images

Shorter Drainage Tube to the Pancreatic Stump Reduces Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

We investigated the relationship between the length of a prophylactic closed-suction drainage tube and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) in distal pancreatectomy (DP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical data of 76 patients who underwent DP using a reinforced stapler for the division of the pancreas at Ehime University Hospital between December 2017 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Laparoscopic DP was performed in 41 patients (53.9%). Closed-suction drainage was performed using a 19 Fr ExuFlow Round Drain with a vacuum bulb. The drainage tube length was defined as the distance between the peripancreatic stump site and the abdominal wall insertion site using abdominal radiography.

RESULTS

CR-POPF was observed in 12 patients (15.8%). Univariate analyses demonstrated that male sex ( P =0.020), American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status ( P =0.017), current smoking ( P =0.005), and drainage tube length ( P <0.001) were significantly associated with CR-POPF. The optimal cut-off value of drainage tube length for CR-POPF was 220 mm (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.80). In multivariate analyses, drainage tube length (≥220 mm) was the sole independent predictor for CR-POPF (odds ratio, 6.59; P =0.023). According to computed tomography performed ∼1 week after surgery, the median volume of peripancreatic fluid collection was significantly higher in the long drainage tube group than in the short drainage tube group ( P <0.001).

CONCLUSION

A drainage tube inserted at a shorter distance to the pancreatic stump may reduce the incidence of CR-POPF after DP.

Reinforced stapling does not reduce postoperative pancreatic fistula in distal pancreatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a severe complication after distal pancreatectomy (DP); however, it is unclear how to effectively reduce the incidence. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to determine whether reinforced stapling reduces POPF after DP. From February 2007 to April 2023, a comprehensive search of electronic data and references was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. In this study, the perioperative outcomes were evaluated for the reinforced stapler (RS) group and the standard stapler (SS) group in DP using Review Manager Software. Using fixed- or random-effects models, pooled odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. In total, three randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with 425 patients and five observational clinical studies (OCS) with 318 patients were included. In pooled meta-analyses from RCTs, there was no difference between the two groups in the incidence of POPF (OR = 0.79; 95% CI [0.47,1.35]; P = 0.39), intraoperative blood loss (MD = 10.66; 95% CI [- 28.83,50.16]; P = 0.6), operative time (MD = 9.88; 95% CI [- 8.92,28.67]; P = 0.3), major morbidity (OR = 1.12; 95% CI [0.67,1.90]; P = 0.66), reoperation (OR = 0.97; 95% CI [0.41,2.32]; P = 0.95), readmission (OR = 0.99; 95% CI [0.57,1.72]; P = 0.97) or hospital stay (MD = - 0.95; 95% CI [- 5.22,3.31]; P = 0.66). However, the results of POPF and readmission were favorable for RS in the OCS group.

External validation of fistula risk scores for postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

Fistula risk scores such as distal fistula risk scores and DISPAIR have been recently developed to assess the risk of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy. This study aimed to validate these models externally using a large-scale Chinese cohort.

METHODS

The study enrolled adult patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy at a high-volume single center between January 2011 and December 2021. The clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula was defined as grade B/C, according to the 2016 International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the curve.

RESULTS

Among 653 eligible patients, 126 (19.3%) suffered from clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas. Independent predictors for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas included body mass index, diabetes mellitus, pancreatic thickness at both neck and transection sites, main pancreatic duct diameter, and soft pancreas. Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula risk increased with increasing score severity. All 3 prediction models showed acceptable discrimination, with area under the curve values of preoperative distal fistula risk score at 0.723 (95% confidence interval 0.687-0.757), intraoperative distal fistula risk score at 0.737 (95% confidence interval 0.701-0.770), and DISPAIR at 0.721 (95% confidence interval 0.685-0.755). No significant differences were found among them.

CONCLUSION

Distal fistula risk scores and DISPAIR are useful tools for predicting clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy, highlighting their importance in guiding surgical approach decisions and mitigating strategies against this complication in clinical practice.

An analysis of the effectiveness of stapler closure combined with a titanium clip in distal pancreatectomy

PURPOSES

Postoperative pancreatic fistula is the most common and severe postoperative complication of distal pancreatectomy. Treatment of pancreatic stump to reduce the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula is crucial. This study evaluated the effectiveness of stapler closure combined with a titanium clip in distal pancreatectomy.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data of consecutive patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy from April 2013 to May 2020 with pancreatic transection performed by the bare stapler method (131 patients), stapler + hand-sewn closure method (199 patients), and stapler + titanium clip method (209 patients) were reviewed retrospectively and compared between groups.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were observed in basic data among the three groups. There were also no significant differences among the three groups in terms of the intraoperative data or tumor pathological types, except for the number of laparoscopic treatment cases (23, 53, and 80 for bare stapler method, stapler + hand-sewn closure method, and stapler + titanium clip method, respectively; P < 0.05) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor cases (15, 29, and 12, respectively; P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications or parameters, except for the number of clinical pancreatic fistula cases (31, 27, and 13 for bare stapler method, stapler + hand-sewn closure method, and stapler + titanium clip method, respectively; P < 0.05) and postoperative length of hospital stay (11.6 ± 8.3, 10.6 ± 9.7, and 9.3 ± 6.9 days, respectively; P < 0.05). The stapler + titanium clip group had a significantly lower number of clinical pancreatic fistula cases and shorter postoperative length of hospital stay than the other groups. The univariate analysis showed that pancreatic resection line thickness was an independent risk factor for clinical pancreatic fistula after operation.

CONCLUSION

Stapler closure combined with titanium clips to reinforce the pancreatic stump is simple and easy to implement, effectively reduces the incidence of clinical pancreatic fistula, and shortens the postoperative length of hospital stay.

An easy-to-use score to predict clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a common and serious complication after distal pancreatectomy (DP). An effective and accepted score to predict the occurrence of clinically relevant (CR-) postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) does not exist.

METHODS

Data regarding 103 consecutive patients undergoing DP from 2015 to 2019 were collected. A multivariate logistic regression was performed, in order to build a simplified score. The accuracy in predicting a categorical outcome was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Youden's J test was performed to evaluate the performance of a positive score on the POPF occurrence.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients developed a CR-POPF. Based on multivariate analysis results, a 4 points score was created by assigning 1 point if operation time was >4 hours, amylase levels on drains' fluid >500 UI on POD 3, pancreatic thickness >10 mm and if the BMI was >30. The discriminating ability was tested on the ROC curve, showing an area under the curve of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.75-0.92). The score threshold was determined at 2 points/4, the highest value according to the Youden Index (0.53). The sensitivity is calculated at 82% (95% CI: 69-95) and the specificity at 71 (95% CI: 61-82). A threshold of 3 points/4 allows to reach a specificity of 99% (95% CI: 99-100).

CONCLUSIONS

An easy-to-use postoperative score based on operation time, obesity, amylase level on drains on POD3 and pancreatic thickness on preoperative CT seems to predict the risk of developing CR-POPF.

Reinforced versus standard stapler transection on postoperative pancreatic fistula in distal pancreatectomy: multicentre randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pancreatic fistula is the leading cause of morbidity after distal pancreatectomy. Strategies investigated to reduce the incidence have been disappointing. Recent data showed a reduction in postoperative pancreatic fistula with the use of synthetic mesh reinforcement of the staple line.

METHODS

An RCT was conducted between May 2014 and February 2016 at four tertiary referral centres in Sweden. Patients scheduled for distal pancreatectomy were eligible. Enrolled patients were randomized during surgery to stapler transection with biological reinforcement or standard stapler transection. Patients were blinded to the allocation. The primary endpoint was the development of any postoperative pancreatic fistula. Secondary endpoints included morbidity, mortality, and duration of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Some 107 patients were randomized and 106 included in an intention-to-treat analysis (56 in reinforced stapling group, 50 in standard stapling group). No difference was demonstrated in terms of clinically relevant fistulas (grade B and C): 6 of 56 (11 per cent) with reinforced stapling versus 8 of 50 (16 per cent) with standard stapling (P = 0.332). There was no difference between groups in overall postoperative complications: 45 (80 per cent) and 39 (78 per cent) in reinforced and standard stapling groups respectively (P = 0.765). Duration of hospital stay was comparable: median 8 (range 2-35) and 9 (2-114) days respectively (P = 0.541).

CONCLUSION

Biodegradable stapler reinforcement at the transection line of the pancreas did not reduce postoperative pancreatic fistula compared with regular stapler transection in distal pancreatectomy. Registration number: NCT02149446 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Irrigation and passive drainage of pancreatic stump after distal pancreatectomy in high-risk patients: an innovative approach to reduce pancreatic fistula

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) represents the most common form of morbidity after distal pancreatectomy (DP). The aim of this study was to illustrate an innovative technique of irrigation and passive drainage to reduce clinically relevant POPF (CR-POPF) incidence in high-risk patients undergoing DP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twelve consecutive high-risk patients received irrigation and passive drainage of the pancreatic stump with a Salem sump drainage after DP. The Salem sump was irrigated with 100 ml/h of Ringer solution for 2 postoperative days (POD). In the case of low-drain amylase and lipase levels on POD 3, the irrigation was reduced to 50 ml/h. Persistence of low-drain pancreatic enzymes on POD 4 allowed for interruption of irrigation and subsequent removal of drainage from POD 7 onward in the absence of evidence of any pancreatic fistula.

RESULTS

Overall, 16.6% of the patients experienced a grade 3 or higher surgical complication. We experienced only one case of POPF: the fistula was classified as grade B and it was managed with radiologic drainage of the fluid collection. We did not experience any case of re-operation nor in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Irrigation with passive drainage of the pancreatic stump after DP is an interesting approach for CR-POPF prevention in high-risk patients.

A Systematic Review of Intra-pancreatic Fat Deposition and Pancreatic Carcinogenesis

BACKGROUND

Excess adiposity is considered causally related to pancreatic cancer. While most knowledge on the topic comes from studies on general and visceral adiposity, the role of intra-pancreatic fat deposition in pancreatic carcinogenesis just begins to be elucidated. The aim was to conduct a comprehensive systematic review of clinical studies on intra-pancreatic fat deposition in individuals with pancreatic cancer or pre-malignant lesions.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted independently by two reviewers using three electronic databases. Studies were included if they reported on intra-pancreatic fat deposition determined based on modern radiology or histology. Summary estimates were presented as pooled prevalence or relative risk and 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies (encompassing 2178 individuals) were included. The pooled prevalence of intra-pancreatic fat deposition in individuals with pancreatic cancer or pre-malignant lesions was 52% (95% confidence interval, 38-66%). The presence of pancreatic cancer or pre-malignant lesions was associated with a significantly increased risk of intra-pancreatic fat deposition (relative risk 2.78 (95% confidence interval, 1.56-4.94, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Individuals with pancreatic cancer or pre-malignant lesions are characterized by increased intra-pancreatic fat deposition. There are sound grounds for conceptually viewing intra-pancreatic fat deposition as a combination of fat accumulation in the pancreas (due to expansion of excess visceral fat) and fatty replacement of the pancreas (due to changes in cellular identity within the pancreas). Guidelines on reporting intra-pancreatic fat deposition need to be developed with a view to informing a comprehensive and standardized characterization of this clinical entity in future studies.

Predictors of pancreatic fistula healing time after distal pancreatectomy

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is common after distal pancreatectomy (DP). Whilst extensive investigation into potential predictors has been carried out, there is little evidence regarding POPF healing time.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of all consecutive DPs performed at the Department of General and Pancreatic Surgery, University of Verona Hospital Trust, from 2015 to 2019. Perioperative variables were analyzed identifying possible predictors of POPF healing time defined as days between surgery and last drain removal due to POPF.

RESULTS

A total of 496 patients were included. POPF rate was 28.2% and median POPF healing time was 30 days (95% CI 28-31). Independent predictors of POPF were body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.073, 95% CI 1.010-1.147, p = 0.040), operative time (OR 95% CI 1.002-1.009, P = .003), and postoperative acute pancreatitis (OR 3.793, 95% CI, 1.852-7.767, P < .001). Independent predictors of POPF healing time were female sex (HR 1.323, 95% CI 1.093-1.998, P = .042), preoperative pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (HR 2.319, 95% CI 1.195-4.498, P = .013), ASA score 3 (HR 0.278, 95% CI 0.119-0.646, P = .003), pancreatic transection with ultrasonic dissector (HR 0.605, 95% CI 0.404-0.907, P = .015), and positive drain cultures (HR 0.635, 95% CI 0.443-0.910, P = .013).

CONCLUSION

POPF healing after DP is a slow process since only half of patients recover within 30 days of surgery. A longer healing time can be predicted early in the postoperative period with significant implications in therapeutic choices.

Management of the pancreatic transection plane after left (distal) pancreatectomy: Expert consensus guidelines by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS)

BACKGROUND

The aim was to evaluate the various operative techniques and outcomes used to manage the pancreatic transection plane (or stump) during a left (distal) pancreatectomy and to develop expert consensus guidelines.

METHODS

Evidence-based, clinically relevant questions were discussed and then were circulated among members of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery. After agreement on the questions and statements, voting in a 9-point Likert scale was used to gauge the level of objective support for each.

RESULTS

Studies using the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery definition of postoperative pancreatic fistula including 16 randomized trials were reviewed to generate a series of statements set into 14 domains. There was strong consensus in the following statements: there was no difference in the postoperative pancreatic fistula rate after left pancreatectomy between the handsewn and stapler techniques; a stapling technique could not be used in all cases of left pancreatectomy; the use of an energy-based tissue sealant or a chemical sealant device or combinations of these did not impact the postoperative pancreatic fistula rate; there was no difference in the postoperative pancreatic fistula rate between the open, laparoscopic, or robotic approaches; and there are 1 or more clinically important, patient-related risk factors associated with the postoperative pancreatic fistula rate. There was weak or conditional agreement on the use of prophylactic somatostatin analogs, stents, stump closure, stump anastomosis, and the role of abdominal drains.

CONCLUSION

Areas of strong consensus suggests a change in clinical practice and priority setting. Eight domains with lower agreement will require novel approaches and large multicenter studies to determine future key areas of practice.

The Impact of Stump Closure Techniques on Pancreatic Fistula Stratified by the Thickness of the Pancreas in Distal Pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of stump closure techniques on pancreatic fistula (PF) focusing on pancreatic thickness after distal pancreatectomy (DP).

METHODS

A total of 213 patients who underwent DP between 2007 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The risk factors of PF were investigated.

RESULTS

In all patients, age ≥65 years (odds ratio [OR]: 3.60, p = 0.012), operation time ≥300 min (OR: 3.05, p = 0.013) and thickness of transected pancreas (OR: 1.37, p < 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for clinically relevant PF. A receiver operating curve analysis revealed the optimum cut-off values of thickness to be 14 mm with stapler closure and 17 mm with the clamp-crushing method. There were no significant differences regarding PF between the stapler closure and clamp-crushing methods in the thin (<14 mm) and very thick pancreas (≥17 mm) groups (p = 0.822, p = 0.072). In contrast, stapler closure was the only independent risk factor for developing PF in the moderately thick (≥14, <17 mm) pancreas group (OR: 6.75 and p = 0.004, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The clamp-crushing method was superior to stapler closure for pancreatic transection, especially in patients with moderately thick pancreas.

Measurement of Pancreatic Fat Fraction by CT Histogram Analysis to Predict Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of computed tomography (CT) Hounsfield unit histogram analysis (HUHA) in postoperative pancreatic fistula (PF) prediction.

Materials and Methods

Fifty-four patients (33 males and 21 females; mean age, 65.6 years; age range, 37–89 years) who had undergone preoperative CT and pancreaticoduodenectomy were included in this retrospective study. Two radiologists measured mean CT Hounsfield unit (CTHU) values by drawing regions of interest (ROIs) at the level of the pancreaticojejunostomy site on preoperative pre-contrast images. The HUHA values were arbitrarily divided into three categories, comprising HUHA-A ≤ 0 HU, 0 HU < HUHA-B < 30 HU, and HUHA-C ≥ 30 HU. Each HUHA value within the ROI was calculated as a percentage of the entire area using commercial 3-dimensional analysis software. Pancreas texture was evaluated as soft or hard by manual palpation.

Results

Fifteen patients (27.8%) had clinically relevant PFs. The PF group had significantly higher HUHA-A (p < 0.01) and significantly lower mean CTHU (p < 0.01) values than those of the non-PF group. The HUHA-A value had a moderately strong correlation with PF occurrence (r = 0.60, p < 0.01), whereas the mean CTHU had a weak negative correlation with PF occurrence (r = −0.27, p < 0.01). The HUHA-A and mean CTHU areas under the curve (AUCs) for predicting PF occurrence were 0.86 and 0.65, respectively, with significant difference (p < 0.01). The HUHA-A and mean CTHU AUCs for predicting pancreatic softness were 0.86 and 0.64, respectively, with significant difference (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The HUHA-A values on preoperative pre-contrast CT images demonstrate a strong correlation with PF occurrence.

Albumin difference as a new predictor of pancreatic fistula following distal pancreatectomy: a retrospective study of 211 consecutive patients

PURPOSE

The level of albumin declines after surgery, and whether the difference between preoperative and postoperative albumin levels on postoperative day 1 has an effect on the development of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP) is unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of albumin difference on POPF.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who had undergone DP between January 2016 and October 2018 at a single institution was conducted. Patient demographic data and perioperative data were analysed using univariate and multivariate models. Pancreatic fistula was defined by the 2016 International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery criteria. All patients were followed for up to 90 days.

RESULTS

A total of 211 consecutive patients were identified. The POPF rate was 15.64%, and no 90-day mortality was observed. Five predictors were independently associated with POPF: albumin difference (OR 6.60, 95% CI 2.36-18.45, P < 0.001), pancreatic texture (OR 4.15, 95% CI 1.62-10.63, P = 0.003), operative time (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.19-8.24, P = 0.021), intraoperative fluid transfusion (OR 4.85, 95% CI 1.70-13.79, P = 0.003), and cardiovascular disease (OR 5.38, 95% CI 1.99-14.55, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although DP can be performed with a low rate of mortality, POPF remains a common complication. Albumin difference is a new, accessible predictor for POPF following DP.

Prevention and treatment of pancreatic fistula after pancreatic body and tail resection: current status and future directions

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most common and critical complication after pancreatic body and tail resection. How to effectively reduce the occurrence of pancreatic fistula and conduct timely treatment thereafter is an urgent clinical issue to be solved. Recent research standardized the definition of pancreatic fistula and stressed the correlation between POPF classification and patient prognosis. According to the literature, identification of the risk factors for pancreatic fistula contributed to lowering the rate of the complication. Appropriate management of the pancreatic stump and perioperative treatment are of great significance to reduce the rate of POPF in clinical practice. After the occurrence of POPF, the treatment of choice should be determined according to the classification of the pancreatic fistula. However, despite the progress and promising treatment approaches, POPF remains to be a clinical issue that warrants further studies in the future.

The treatment indication and optimal management of fluid collection after laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

Recently, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) has become the standard procedure for resection of left-sided pancreatic tumors. Fluid collection (FC) at the resection margin of the pancreatic stump after LDP is a frequent radiological finding. However, there have been few treatment guidelines and the optimal management for this clinical finding is unclear. The aim of present study is to define the incidence of FC and suggest the optimal management for FC after LDP.

METHODS

A total of 1227 patients who underwent LDP between March 2005 and December 2015 were collected. FC was considered present when the longest diameter of the lesion on CT scan was > 3 cm.

RESULTS

A follow-up with at least two CT image was available for 1102 patients. Of these, 689 (62.5%) patients showed initial fluid collection (IFC) at the pancreas resection site in immediate postoperative CT. IFC (+) group had higher proportion of men, BMI, and higher rate of concomitant splenectomy than IFC (-) group. Among patients with FC after LDP, the treatment group had more frequent leukocytosis and accompanying symptoms than the observation group. Seventy-seven patients underwent therapeutic interventions for FC after LDP. Among them, 55 (71.4%) patients underwent endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastrocystostomy (EUS-GC). EUS-GC group had a higher success rate (85.6 vs. 63.6%, p < 0.033) and shorter hospital stay after the intervention (5.2 vs. 13.3 days, p < 0.001) than those who underwent other procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

High BMI, male, and concomitant splenectomy contribute to the occurrence of FC after LDP. In most cases, FC after LDP resolved spontaneously over time with observation. The patients with symptomatic FC ultimately required treatment. EUS-GC is the optimal intervention therapy for FC after LDP.

Assessment of acute obstructive pancreatitis by magnetic resonance imaging: Predicting the occurrence of pancreatic fistula following pancreatoduodenectomy

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of preoperative acute obstructive pancreatitis on the risk of the occurrence of pancreatic fistula (PF) following pancreaticoduodenectomy. A total of 22 patients who developed postoperative PF were carefully matched with 22 control patients without PF according to demographic data, pancreatic pathology, presenting symptoms and other surgery-associated parameters. These parameters were compared between these two groups. The mean pancreatic apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in the fistula group were 1.14±0.31×10^-3 mm²/s, which was significantly decreased compared with the non-fistula group (1.48±0.44×10^-3 mm²/s) (P=0.005). The pancreas-muscle signal intensity (SI) ratio on fat-suppressed T1 weighted image (rT1) in the fistula group was 1.71±0.25, which was significantly increased compared with the non-fistula group (1.25±0.29) (P<0.001). The pancreas-muscle SI ratios on fat-suppressed T2 weighted image (T2WI) in the fistula group and the non-fistula group were 0.72±0.08 and 0.62±0.07, respectively (P=0.79). There was no significant difference in pancreas-muscle SI ratio on fat-suppressed T2-weighted image (rT2) value between these two groups. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal cut-off value of ADC as a criterion for prediction of pancreatic fistula was 1.29×10^-3 mm²/s, which yielded a sensitivity of 77.3% and a specificity of 63.6%. In conclusion, the severity of acute obstructive pancreatitis was negatively associated with ADC values and pancreas-muscle SI ratio on rT1 images, which may be useful for predicting the occurrence of PF preoperatively.

C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio and Prognostic Nutritional Index Are Strong Prognostic Indicators of Survival in Resected Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Purpose: We evaluated the clinical importance, such as the occurrence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) or prognosis, of preoperative serum markers of chronic inflammation, nutrition, and immunity, as well as that of serum tumor markers after curative resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs). Methods: Between 2006 and 2015, 43 patients with PDACs underwent curative resection at Tottori Prefectural Central Hospital. We analyzed which preoperative indicators (i.e., C-reactive protein/albumin ratio [CAR], neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio [NLR], prognostic nutritional index [PNI], carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA], and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 [CA 19-9]) were the most relevant risk factors for occurrence of POPF and poor patient survival. Results: POPF was detected in 8/43 (18.6%) patients. One patient died of pancreatic fistula at 2 months postoperatively. Among nine candidate factors (operative procedure, operation time, tumor stage, preoperative serum amylase, preoperative CAR, NLR, PNI, CEA, and CA 19-9), we did not identify any significant risk factor for the occurrence of POPF. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of the 43 patients was 22.4%, and the overall median survival time was 21 months. The multivariate OS analysis demonstrated that high CAR and low PNI were strong preoperative markers of poor prognosis independently of tumor stage. Conclusions: Preoperative CAR and PNI are useful prognostic markers for patients with operable PDACs.