Impact of Fatty Pancreas on Postoperative Pancreatic Fistulae: A Meta-Analysis

BackgroundSoft pancreas is widely recognized as an important risk factor for the development of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Although fatty pancreas (FP) has not been formally defined as a cause of pancreatic fistula, existing research has shown that it can increase the incidence of POPF by increasing pancreatic tenderness; therefore, it may be a potential risk factor. This study aimed to discern whether FP was associated with POPF.MethodTwo reviewers independently performed literature searches from five electronic databases. According to the established inclusion criteria, we extracted necessary data from the studies that met the criteria for further analysis. We pooled the odds ratios (ORs) from individual studies using a random-effects model to investigate the associations between POPF and the prognosis of FP.ResultA total of 11 studies involving 2484 individuals were included. The pooled prevalence of POPF was 18% (95% CI: 12-24%). Body mass index (BMI) was associated with a significantly increased risk of POPF (OR=3.55; 95% CI: 1.83, 6.86; P=0.0002; I²=0). FP was obviously associated with the occurrence of POPF (OR=3.75; 95% CI: 1.64, 8.58; P=0.002; I²=78).ConclusionFP is closely associated with the development of POPF, and the early identification of these high-risk patients can help to reduce the incidence of POPF.Systematic Review RegistrationThe Registration URL link is (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/). The ID is “CRD42021265141”.

External Negative Pressure Drainage of the Pancreatic Duct in Pancreatogastrostomy Following Pylorus-Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy—Feasibility and Technique

Background: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a major cause of morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy. There is no consensus on the best technique to protect the pancreato-enteric anastomosis and reduce the rate of POPF. This study investigated the feasibility and efficiency of external suction drainage of the pancreatic duct to improve the healing of pancreaticogastrostomy.Methods: Between July 2019 and June 2021, 21 consecutive patients undergoing elective pancreaticoduodenectomy were included. In all patients we performed a pancreaticogastrostomy and inserted a negative pressure drainage into the pancreatic duct. The length and diameter of the pancreatic duct were measured and the texture of the pancreas was evaluated. The daily secretion volume and the lipase value via pancreatic duct drainage were documented. The occurrence of POPF was evaluated.Results: None of the patients had drainage-related complications. In 4 patients we registered a dislocation of the drainage from the pancreas duct into the stomach. 17/21 Patients showed no signs of POPF. A biochemical leak was measured in one patient. Furthermore, 2 patients had a POPF grade B. In one patient, POPF grade C required reoperation and resection of the remnant pancreas. All 4 cases of POPF met the risk criteria soft pancreas, high volume and high lipase value in the duct drainage.Conclusion: The insertion of the pancreatic duct drainage was feasible and caused no drainage-related morbidity. POPF-rate was moderate in the risk population of soft pancreas and small duct.

Impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on post-operative clinically significant pancreatic fistula – A systemic review and updated meta-analysis.

Aims and objectives: The primary aim of our analysis was to do a systemic review and updated meta-analysis of literature published in the last 10 years and look for the association of neoadjuvant chemoradiation and risk of subsequent clinically significant pancreatic fistula.Methods: EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Database were searched forStudies comparing outcomes in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy first with those patients who received surgery first in case of pancreatic cancer. A systemic review and Metanalysis were done according to MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines. Heterogeneity was measured using Q tests and I2, and p < 0.10 was determined as significant. Nonrandomized trials were accessed for bias using the New Castle Ottawa scale. Publication bias was studied using funnel plots. Results: Twenty-six studies including 17021 patients finally included in the analysis. 339 patients out of a total of 3386 developed clinically significant pancreatic fistula in the neoadjuvant first group. 2342 patients out of 13335 patients developed clinically significant pancreatic fistula in the surgery first group. Neoadjuvant treatment significantly reduced the risk of subsequent clinically significant pancreatic fistula. (p= <0.0001). The number of patients with soft pancreas was significantly higher in the surgery first group. (p <0.0001). Pancreatic duct diameter mentioned in only two studies but there was no significant difference between both groups. [p=1].Blood loss was significantly more in the surgery first group.[ p <0.0001]. There was no difference in pancreaticoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy performed between both groups. (p=0.82). There was no difference in the number of borderline resectable pancreatic tumors between both groups. (p= 0.34). There was no difference in overall grade 3/grade 4 complications rate between both groups. (p= 0.39).Conclusion: Neoadjuvant treatments may be responsible for the lower rates of clinically significant pancreatic fistula after subsequent surgery.

Modified “Blumgart-Type” Suture for Wirsung-Pancreaticogastrostomy: Technique and Results of a Pilot Study

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) represents the principal determinant of morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Since 1994 we have been performing pancreaticogastrostomy with duct-to-mucosa anastomosis (Wirsung-pancreaticogastric anastomosis [WPGA]), but postoperative morbidity, although limited, was still a concern. An original pancreas-transfixing suture technique, named “Blumgart’s anastomosis” (BA), has shown efficacy at reducing fistula rates from pancreaticojejunostomy. Few cohort studies have shown that WPGA with pancreas-transfixing stitches may help reduce the rate of POPF. We designed a novel “Blumgart-type” modification of WPGA (B-WPGA) aiming at harnessing the full potential of the Blumgart design. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A prospective development study was designed around the application of B-WPGA after pancreaticoduodenectomy for primary periampullary tumors. It focused on describing the early iterations of this technique and on assessing the rate of POPF and delayed post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (DPH) (primary outcomes), along with other perioperative outcomes. Technically, after mobilizing the pancreatic remnant for a few centimeters, the Wirsung duct is cannulated. A lozenge of seromuscular layer is excised from the posterior gastric wall, matching the shape and size of the pancreas’s cut surface. Two to four transparenchymal pancreatic-to-gastric submucosa U stitches with 4/0 Gore-Tex are positioned cranially and caudally to the Wirsung duct, respectively, mounted on soft clamps, and tied onto the gastric serosa only after duct-to-mucosa anastomosis. Postoperative follow-up was standardized by protocol and included a pancreatic enzyme check on the drain output. <b><i>Results:</i></b> From February 2018 to June 2019, in 15 continuous cases, B-WPGA was performed after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Indications for pancreaticoduodenectomy were mainly ampulla of Vater and pancreatic head adenocarcinomas. There was no operative mortality and no pancreatic anastomosis-related morbidity. Two events (13%) of transiently elevated amylase in the drain fluid, not matching the definition of POPF, were identified in patients with a soft pancreas on postoperative day 2. No DPHs were recorded after a minimum follow-up of 18.6 months. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> The principles of BA may be safely applied to the WPGA model. B-WPGA allows (1) gentle compression and closure of the small secondary ducts in the pancreatic remnant; (2) partial invagination of the pancreatic body in the gastric wall, with the pancreatic cut surface protected by the gastric submucosa; and (3) prevention of parenchymal fractures, as the pancreaticogastric stitches are tied onto the gastric serosa. Despite the limited number of cases in this study, the absence of mortality and anastomosis-related complications supports further reproduction of this technical variant. Larger studies are necessary to determine its efficacy.

Risk Factors for Clinically Relevant Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula (CR-POPF) after Distal Pancreatectomy: A Single Center Retrospective Study

Objectives. Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) is the considerable contributor to major complications after pancreatectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential risk factor contributing to CR-POPF following distal pancreatectomy (DP) and discuss the risk factors of pancreatic fistula in order to interpret the clinical importance. Methods. In this retrospective study, 263 patients who underwent DP at Ningbo Medical Center Li Huili Hospital between January 2011 and January 2020 were reviewed in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. Patients’ demographics and clinical parameters were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the risk factors contributing to CR-POPF. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. In all of the 263 patients with DP, pancreatic fistula was the most common surgical complication (19.0%). The univariate analysis of 18 factors showed that the patients with a malignant tumor, soft pancreas, and patient without ligation of the main pancreatic duct were more likely to develop pancreatic fistula. However, on multivariate analysis, the soft texture of the pancreas (OR = 2.381, 95% CI = 1.271–4.460, P = 0.001 ) and the ligation of the main pancreatic duct (OR = 0.388, 95% CI = 0.207–0.726, P = 0.002 ) were only an independent influencing factor for CR-POPF. Conclusions. As a conclusion, pancreatic fistula was the most common surgical complication after DP. The soft texture of the pancreas and the absence of ligation of the main pancreatic duct can increase the risk of CR-POPF.

Unconventional Technique of Terminolateral Pancreatojejunostomy Formation

Backgraund. Pancreatoduodenal resection (PDR) is the only radical treatment for malignant tumors of the periampullary zone. The development of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most common complication of PDR. The main risk factors for the development of POPF are the narrow main pancreatic duct and the soft, "juicy" pancreatic parenchyma. Thus, it is the stage of formation of a pancretodigestive anastomosis that is of decisive importance for the course of the postoperative period.The aim of the study was to improve immediate surgical treatment outcomes of patients suffering from oncological diseases of the periampullary zone with a soft pancreas and a narrow pancreatic duct.Methods. A novel method to form terminolateral reservoir invagination pancreatojejunostomy has been developed and introduced into clinical practice. The results of treatment of 94 patients with tumors of the periampullary zone were analyzed. Based on preoperative radiological diagnosis and intraoperative findings, such factors of a high risk of POPF development as a soft pancreas and a narrow major pancreatic duct ( 3 mm) were detected in 23 patients (24.4%). In 11 patients who were treated in 2018-2019, a novel method of pancreato-jejunoanastomosis formation was applied. The comparison group consisted of 12 patients who received treatment in 2014-2017; a differentiated approach to the formation of a pancreatodigestive anastomosis was not applied.Results. In patients of the main group, there was a tendency to an increase in the proportion of pylorus-saving PDRs. The only statistically significant difference was the use of reservoir terminolateral pancreatojejunostomy at the reconstructive stage of surgery. Complicated postoperative course was observed in 7 (63.6%) patients of the main group and in all patients of the comparison group (p 0.05). There was also a decrease in the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistulas from 66.6 to 18.2% (p 0.05) in the study group. Repeated surgery was required in 3 (27.2%) patients of the main group and 7 (58.3%) patients in the comparison group (p 0.05). The lethal outcome was recorded in 2 (18.2%) patients of the main group and in 3 (25%) in the comparison group (p 0.05).Conclusion. A soft, loose pancreas and a narrow main pancreatic duct are the most significant risk factors for complications in the postoperative period. Management of this condition requires a differentiated approach to the treatment option of pancreatodigestive anastomosis formation, depending on the characteristics of the pancreas of an individual patient. The proposed technique for the reservoir terminolateral pancreatojejunoanastomosis formation allowed statistically significantly reducing the incidence of complications from 100 to 63.6% and the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistulas from 66.6 to 18.2% in high-risk patients..

CT perfusion and MR-elastography of the pancreas in predicting the risk of pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy

Purpose. To compare the capabilities of CT perfusion and MR elastography in predicting the risk of developing pancreatic fistula in patients with periampular tumors at the planning stage of pancreatoduodenectomy.Materials and methods. CT perfusion and MR elastography were performed in 30 patients with no pancreatic diseases and 53 patients with periampular tumors, who were subsequently operated on in the volume of pancreatoduodenectomy.Results. In patients with periampular tumors in 18 (44%) cases, the perfusion and stiffness indices in the pancreatic parenchyma did not differ from the control group, 35 (85,3%) showed a decrease in the main perfusion parameters, while a moderate increase in stiffness was noted in 23 (65,7%), expressed in 12 (34,3%). Against the background of preventive measures, only 3 (5,6%) patients, in all cases with a «soft» pancreas in the postoperative period, developed a pancreatic fistula.Conclusion. CT perfusion and MR elastography are highly informative methods of quantitative and qualitative assessment of the pancreatic parenchyma, detection of fibrotic changes, and are effective in predicting the risk of developing pancreatic fistula.