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

Baseline Body Composition and 3D-Extracellular Volume Fraction for Predicting Pancreatic Fistula after Distal Pancreatectomy in Pancreatic Body and/or Tail Adenocarcinoma

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) is a threatening complication in body and/or tail pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) receiving distal pancreatectomy (DP) and is difficult to predict preoperatively. We aimed to identify the role of baseline CT-based body composition analysis and extracellular volume (ECV) map in predicting the risk of CR-POPF preoperatively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 329 resectable PDAC patients were enrolled and underwent multiphasic contrast-enhanced CT. Body composition indicators were calculated, and ECV maps were generated through multiphasic CT images. The differences in clinical variables and quantitative parameters between CR-POPF and non-CR-POPF patients were compared. Correlations between ECV fraction and pancreatic fibrosis stage were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to screen the independent predictors and develop prediction models for CR-POPF. Receiver operating characteristic curve was utilized to evaluate the predictive performance.

RESULTS

Among 329 patients, 19.76% (65/329) developed CR-POPF. Albumin, pancreatic texture, and intraoperative blood loss were used to build the clinical model with an AUC of 0.764. ECV fraction and total muscle ratio (TMR) were chosen to build the radiological model with an AUC of 0.872. A combined nomogram integrated with albumin, ECV fraction, and TMR could significantly improve the discrimination ability to an AUC of 0.924 (Delong test, all p < 0.05). The ECV fraction showed high positive correlation with histological fibrosis grade (Spearman ρ = 0.81).

CONCLUSION

CT-based body composition analysis and ECV exhibited great potential for predicting CR-POPF in body and/or tail PDAC after DP. The combined nomogram could further improve the predictive performance.

Approach to postpancreatectomy care Impacts outcomes: Retrospective Validation of the PORSCH trial

BACKGROUND

In the recent PORSCH trial, a three-part postpancreatectomy care algorithm was employed with a near 50 ​% reduction in mortality. We hypothesized that clinical care congruent with this protocol would correlate with better outcomes in our patients.

METHODS

Real-world postoperative care was compared to the pathway described by the PORSCH trial and patients were assigned into groups based on congruence with its recommendations. The primary composite outcome (PCO) consisted of 90-day mortality, organ failure, and interventions for bleeding.

RESULTS

Of 289 patients, care of 12 ​% was entirely congruent with the PORSCH algorithm. The PCO was recorded in 9 ​% of the PORSCH care group, 8 ​% of the Partial-PORSCH care group, and 19 ​% of the Non-PORSCH care group (p ​= ​0.044). Adverse outcomes were highest when pancreaticoduodenectomy patients received care incongruent with the algorithm's CT imaging recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

These results add external validity to the principles of clinical care underlying the PORSCH algorithm.

Retroperitonealization of the pancreatic stump in distal pancreatectomy: a novel technique to reduce postoperative pancreatic fistula

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of retroperitonealization of the pancreatic stump in distal pancreatectomy.

METHODS

Clinical data from the Tongji Hospital pancreatic database were retrospectively reviewed in this study. The data of 68 patients who underwent retroperitonealized distal pancreatectomy from January, 2019, to April, 2021, were collected and analyzed. Sixty-four patients who underwent conventional distal pancreatectomy during the same period were matched. We compared and analyzed the operative outcomes and postoperative complications between the patients in the two groups before and after propensity score matching (PSM).

RESULTS

Before PSM, the operative outcomes and postoperative complications were comparable between the two groups. After PSM, the retroperitonealized group had a lower incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) (10.53% vs 31.58%, P = 0.047) and shorter time until drainage removal (10.00, 8.00-13.00 days vs 13.00, 10.00-18.00 days, P = 0.005). In the univariate and multivariate regression analyses, non-retroperitonealization and intra-abdominal infection were found to be independent risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF).

CONCLUSION

Retroperitonealization of the pancreatic stump can reduce the incidence of POPF after distal pancreatectomy.

Pancreatic Fistulas: Current Evidence and Strategy-A Narrative Review

Pancreatic fistulas are highly feared complications following surgery on or near the pancreas, abdominal trauma, or severe inflammation. These fistulas arise from leaks in the pancreatic ductal system, leading to various complications such as abscesses, delayed gastric emptying, and hemorrhage. Severe cases present with sepsis or organ failure, dramatically increasing mortality and morbidity. Risk factors include smoking, high BMI, male gender, age, and surgery-related factors like prolonged operation time and non-ligation of the main pancreatic duct. Therefore, treatment options and preventive measurements have become a hot topic in recent years. Studies have investigated the use of fibrin sealants, different closure methods, and less invasive surgical techniques. Treatment options consist of conservative measurements and the use of percutaneous drainage, prophylactic transpapillary stenting, and surgery in severe cases. As EUS has become widely available, transmural stenting started to influence the management of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). However, studies on its use for the management of pancreatic fistulas are lacking. Medical treatment options like somatostatin analogs and pasireotide have been investigated but yielded mixed results.

Endoscopic Transmural Therapy of Pancreatic Fistulas in an Interdisciplinary Setting-A Retrospective Data Analysis

Pancreatic fistulas belong to the most feared complications after surgery on or near the pancreas, abdominal trauma, or severe pancreatitis. The majority occur in the setting of operative interventions and are called postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF). They can lead to various complications, including abscesses, delayed gastric emptying or hemorrhages with a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Several risk factors have been identified, including smoking, high BMI, male gender, and age. Prophylactic measures and treatment options have been explored but with limited success. This study aimed to analyze the incidence and management of pancreatic fistulas treated in a tertiary referral center, particularly focusing on an endoscopic approach. The data of 60 patients with clinically relevant pancreatic fistulas were analyzed between 2018 and 2021. Different treatment approaches, including conservative management, percutaneous drainage, transpapillary stenting, and endoscopic transmural drainage, were evaluated. An endoscopic transmural approach using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) was used in almost half of this cohort showing promising results, with a high rate of fistula closure in refractory cases and a mean time until closure of 2.7 months. The findings suggest that an endoscopic approach, particularly using LAMS, can be effective in the management of pancreatic fistulas.

The role of main pancreatic duct stent in the enucleation of benign/borderline pancreatic head tumors: a cohort study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to reveal the role of preoperative main pancreatic duct (MPD) stent placement in reducing the intraoperative main pancreatic duct injury rate and the incidence of postoperative pancreatic leakage following pancreatic tumor enucleation.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed for all patients with benign/borderline pancreatic head tumors who were treated with enucleation. The patients were divided into two groups (standard vs. stent) depending on whether they underwent main pancreatic duct stent placement prior to surgery.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were finally included in the analytical cohort. Compared with the standard group, patients in the stent group had a shorter distance between tumors and main pancreatic duct (p=0.01) and presented with larger tumors (p<0.01). The rates of POPF (grade B&C) were 39.1% (9/23) and 20% (2/10) in the standard and stent groups, respectively (p<0.01). Major postoperative complications occurred more frequently in the standard group than in the stent group (14 versus 2; p<0.01). No significant differences in mortality, in-hospital stay or medical cost were observed between the two groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MPD stent placement prior to surgery may facilitate pancreatic tumor enucleation, minimize MPD injury and decrease the occurrence of postoperative fistula.

Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Systemic Inflammation and Postoperative Complications in Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) may induce intense inflammatory response which might be related to the patient's outcomes. Clinical dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been widely used for opioid-sparing anesthesia and satisfactory sedation. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of DEX on inflammatory response and postoperative complications in LPD.

METHODS

Ninety-nine patients undergoing LPD were randomly assigned to two groups: normal saline (NS) and DEX. The primary outcome was the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) differences postoperatively within 48 h. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, the length of postoperative hospital stay and the incidence of ICU admission. Other outcomes included anesthetics consumption and intraoperative vital signs.

RESULTS

NLR at postoperative day 2 to baseline ratio decreased significantly in the DEX group (P = 0.032). Less major complications were observed in the DEX group such as pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying and intra-abdominal infection (NS vs. DEX, 21.7% vs. 13.6%, P = 0.315; 10.9% vs. 2.3%, P = 0.226; 17.4% vs. 11.4%, P = 0.416, respectively) though there were no statistical differences. Three patients were transferred to the ICU after surgery in the NS group, while there was none in the DEX group (P = 0.242). The median postoperative hospital stay between groups were similar (P = 0.313). Both intraoperative propofol and opioids were less in the DEX group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative DEX reduced the early postoperative inflammatory response in LPD. It also reduced the use of narcotics that may related to reduced major complications, which need additional research further.

Low-Milliampere CT Fluoroscopy-Guided Percutaneous Drainage Placement after Pancreatic Surgery: Technical and Clinical Outcome in 133 Consecutive Patients during a 14-Year Period

(1) Purpose: To retrospectively assess the technical and clinical outcome of patients with symptomatic postoperative fluid collections after pancreatic surgery, treated with CT-guided drainage (CTD). (2) Methods: 133 eligible patients between 2004 and 2017 were included. We defined technical success as the sufficient drainage of the fluid collection(s) and the absence of peri-interventional complications (minor or major according to SIR criteria). Per definition, clinical success was characterized by normalization of specific blood parameters within 30 days after the intervention or a decrease by at least 50% without requiring additional surgical revision. C-reactive protein (CRP), Leukocytes, Interleukin-6, and Dose length product (DLP) for parts of the intervention were determined. (3) Results: 97.0% of 167 interventions were technically successful. Clinical success was achieved in 87.5% of CRP, in 78.4% of Leukocytes, and in 87.5% of Interleukin-6 assessments. The median of successful decrease was 6 days for CRP, 5 days for Leukocytes, and 2 days for Interleukin-6. No surgical revision was necessary in 93.2%. DLP was significantly lower in the second half of the observation period (total DLP: median 621.5 mGy*cm between 2011–2017 vs. median 944.5 mGy*cm between 2004–2010). (4) Conclusions: Technical success rate of CTD was very high and the clinical success rate was fair to good. Given an elderly and multimorbid patient cohort, CTD can have a temporizing effect in the postoperative period after pancreatic surgery. Reducing the radiation dose over time might reflect developments in CT technology and increased experience of interventional radiologists.

Association of Intra-Operative Bile Culture with Post-Operative Complications after Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background: Infectious complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) are a major cause of morbidity. The association of bactibilia with the occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI) is debatable. Patients and Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent PD between July 2019 and December 2020 were included. All patients underwent standard pre-operative preparation and imaging. Pre-operative biliary drainage (PBD) was done as clinically indicated. A bile sample was collected just before the transection of common bile duct (CBD). Post-operative outcomes including SSI were analyzed. Results: Fifty-four patients were assessed for enrollment; 50 were found to be resectable during surgery and were included. The incidence of bactibilia was 46%. Nineteen (38%) patients developed SSIs and the occurrence was higher in patients who had positive bile culture (14 [60.8%] vs. 5 [18.5%]; p = 0.002). A similar organism between bile culture and SSI was seen in nine (64.2%) of 14 patients. Patients who had positive bile culture had more frequent change of antibiotic (16 [69%] vs. 8 [29.6%]; p = 0.005) and required prolonged duration of postoperative antibiotic agents (12 days [IQR, 8-14] vs. 8 days [IQR, 6-10]; p = 0.003). There was no association between bile culture growth and development of post-operative pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying, and post-operative pancreatic hemorrhage. Patients with bactibilia had prolonged post-operative stay (17 days [IQR, 11-20] vs. 11 days [IQR, 8-14]; p = 0.010) and severe post-operative complications (8 [34.7%] vs. 2 [7.4%]; p = 0.008). Conclusions: Bactibilia is associated with the development of SSI and may provide a guide in selection of antibiotics.

Results of Standard Stapler Closure of Pancreatic Remnant After Distal Spleno-Pancreatectomy for Adenocarcinoma

Background/Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of stapled closure of the pancreatic remnant after cold-knife section of the pancreatic isthmus and distal pancreatectomy for adenocarcinoma. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 57 consecutive patients undergoing distal spleno-pancreatectomy for adenocarcinoma was performed. The pancreatic isthmus was systematically straight-sectioned with a cold knife, and the remnant was stapled close without additional stitches or adjuncts. The study's main endpoints were postoperative mortality, the occurrence of a pancreatic fistula, the need for a re-operation, the postoperative length of stay in the hospital, the rate of re-admission, and late survival. Results: Postoperative mortality was absent. Seventeen patients (29.8%) presented a pancreatic fistula of grade A in seven cases (41.2%), grade B in eight cases (47.1%), and grade C in two cases (11.8%). Re-operation was required in the two patients (3.5%) with grade C fistula in order to drain an intra-abdominal abscess. The mean postoperative length of stay in the hospital was 15 days (range, 6-62 days). No patient required re-admission. Twenty-nine patients (50.8%) were alive and free from disease, respectively, 12 patients (21.1%) at 12 months, 13 patients (22.8%) at 60 months, and four patients (7.0%) at 120 months from the operation. The remaining patients died of metastatic disease 9-37 months from the operation. Lastly, disease-related mortality was 49.1%. Conclusion: Stapler closure of the pancreatic remnant allows good postoperative results, limiting the formation of pancreatic fistula to the lower limit of its overall reported incidence.