Clinically Relevant Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreaticoduodenectomy: How We Do It

(1) Background: This study’s goals were to investigate possible risk factors for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) grade B/C according to the updated definitions of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery and to analyze possible treatment strategies; (2) Methods...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jana Enderes, Christiane Pillny, Hanno Matthaei, Steffen Manekeller, Jörg C. Kalff, Tim R. Glowka
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-01-01
Series:Biology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/12/2/178
Description
Summary:(1) Background: This study’s goals were to investigate possible risk factors for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) grade B/C according to the updated definitions of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery and to analyze possible treatment strategies; (2) Methods: Between 2017 and 2021, 200 patients were analyzed regarding the development of POPF grade B/C with an emphasis on postoperative outcome and treatment strategies; (3) Results: POPF grade B/C was observed in 39 patients (19.5%). These patients were younger, mainly male, had fewer comorbidities and showed a higher body mass index. Also, they had lower CA-19 levels, a smaller tumor size and softer pancreatic parenchyma. They experienced a worse outcome without affecting the overall mortality rate (10% vs. 6%, <i>p</i> = 0.481), however, this lead to a prolonged postoperative stay (28 (32–36) d vs. 20 (15–28) d, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.001). The majority of patients with POPF grade B/C were able to receive conservative treatment, followed by drainage placement, endoscopic vacuum-assisted therapy (EVT) and surgery. Conservative treatment resulted in a shorter length of the postoperative stay (24 (22–28) d vs. 34 (26–43) d, <i>p</i> = 0.012); (4) Conclusions: Patients developing POPF grade B/C had a worse outcome; however, this did not affect the overall mortality rate. The majority of the patients were able to receive conservative treatment, resulting in a shorter length of their hospital stay.
ISSN:2079-7737