The Theory and Practice of Pancreatic Surgery in France

Centralization of Pancreatic Surgery Improves Results: Review

Background and Aims:

The effect of operation volume on the outcomes of pancreatic surgery has been a subject of research since the 1990s. In several countries around the world, this has led to the centralization of pancreatic surgery. However, controversy persists as to the benefits of centralization and what the optimal operation volume for pancreatic surgery actually is. This review summarizes the data on the effect of centralization on mortality, complications, hospital facilities used, and costs regarding pancreatic surgery.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic librarian-assisted search was performed in PubMed covering the years from August 1999 to August 2019. All studies comparing results of open pancreatic resections from high- and low-volume centers were included. In total 44, published articles were analyzed.

Results:

Studies used a variety of different criteria for high-volume and low-volume centers, which hampers the evaluating of the effect of operation volume. However, mortality in high-volume centers is consistently reported to be lower than in low-volume centers. In addition, failure to rescue critically ill patients is more common in low-volume centers. Cost-effectiveness has also been evaluated in the literature. Length of hospital stay in particular has been reported to be shorter in high-volume centers than in low-volume centers.

Conclusion:

The effect of centralization on the outcomes of pancreatic surgery has been under active research and the beneficial effect of it is associated especially with better short-term prognosis after surgery.

Quand et avec quelles conséquences opérer une tumeur neuroendocrine du pancréas ou du grêle ?

Les tumeurs neuroendocrines (TNE) sont des tumeurs rares et peuvent survenir dans tout le tube digestif. On distingue les tumeurs fonctionnelles associées à des symptômes secondaires à l’activité sécrétoire de la tumeur et les tumeurs non fonctionnelles. Tout patient présentant une TNE doit être discuté en RCP RENATEN. Concernant les TNE duodénopancréatiques sporadiques, la chirurgie est nécessaire devant une TNE fonctionnelle ainsi que devant une TNE non fonctionnelle de plus de 2 cm, associées ou non à un retentissement canalaire. Pour les tumeurs supposées peu ou pas agressives, il sera toujours privilégié une stratégie d’épargne parenchymateuse afin d’éviter l’insuffisance pancréatique endocrine et exocrine. Concernant les TNE du grêle, la chirurgie doit être systématiquement envisagée, y compris en cas de métastases ou de carcinose associée afin d’éviter une complication mécanique telle qu’une occlusion. Un curage ganglionnaire comportant au minimum huit ganglions doit être effectué. Ce curage doit être large tout en préservant une vascularisation suffisante afin d’éviter la survenue d’un syndrome de grêle court.

Surgical management of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: an introduction

Introduction: Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas (pNETs) represent only 1% to 2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. These tumors can be classified as functional or nonfunctional tumors; as sporadic or from a genetic origin; as neuroendocrine neoplasms or carcinoma. Over the last decade, diagnosis of pNETs has increased significantly mainly due to the widespread use of cross-sectional imaging. Those tumors are usually associated with a good prognosis. Surgery, the only curative option for those patients, should always be discussed, ideally in a multidisciplinary team setting.Areas covered: We discuss i), the preoperative management of pNETs and the importance of accurate diagnosis, localization, grading and staging with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic ultrasound, and nuclear medicine imaging; ii), surgical indications and iii), the surgical approach (standard pancreatectomy vs pancreatic-sparing surgery).Expert opinion: The treatment option of all patients presenting with pNETs should be discussed in a multidisciplinary team setting with surgeon's experienced in both pancreatic surgery and neuroendocrine tumor management. A complete preoperative imaging assessment - morphological and functional - must be performed. Surgery is usually recommended for functional pNETs, nonfunctional pNETs >2 cm (nf-pNETs) or for symptomatic nf-pNETs.

Centralization of Pancreatic Surgery in Europe

BACKGROUND

The objective of this article is a review and an analysis of the current state of centralization of pancreatic surgery in Europe. Numerous recent publications demonstrate higher postoperative in-hospital mortality rates in low-volume clinics after pancreatic resection than previously assumed due to their not publishing significantly worse outcomes when compared to high-volume centres. Although the benefits of centralization of pancreatic surgery in high-volume centres have been demonstrated in many studies, numerous countries have so far failed to establish centralization in their respective health care systems.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of the Medline database for studies concerning centralization of pancreatic surgery in Europe was conducted. The studies were reviewed independently for previously defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. We included 14 studies with a total of 117,634 patients. All data were extracted from or provided by health insurance company or governmental registry databases.

RESULTS

Thirteen out of the 14 studies demonstrate an improvement in their respective outcome related to volume. Twelve studies showed a significantly lower postoperative mortality rate in the highest annual volume group in comparison to overall postoperative mortality rate in the whole patient cohort.

CONCLUSION

As the available data indicate, most European countries have so far failed to establish centralization of pancreatic surgery to high-volume centres due to numerous reasons. Considering a plateau in survival rates of patients undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer in Europe during the last 15 years, this review enforces the worldwide plea for centralization to lower post-operative mortality after pancreatic surgery.

Pre- and intraoperative diagnostic requirements, benefits and risks of minimally invasive and robotic surgery for neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PanNET) are rare tumours, accounting for 1%-2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. These tumors are classified as functioning neuroendocrine tumours (F-PanNETs) or non-functioning (NF-PanNETs) depends on whether the tumour is associated with clinical hormonal hypersecretion syndrome or not. In the last decades, diagnosis of PanNETs has increased significantly due to the widespread of cross-sectional imaging. Whenever possible, surgery is the cornerstone of PanNETs management and the only curative option for these patients. Indeed, after R0 resection, the 5-year overall survival rate is around 90-100% for low grade lesions but significantly drops after incomplete resections. Compared to standard resections, pancreatic sparing surgery, i.e. enucleation and central pancreatectomy, significantly decreased the risk of pancreatic insufficiency. It should be performed in patients with good general condition and normal pancreatic function to limit the operative risk and enhance the benefit of surgery. Nowadays, due to many known advantages of minimally invasive surgery, there is an ongoing trend towards laparoscopic and robotic pancreatic surgery. The aim of this study is to describe the pre- and intraoperative diagnostic requirements for the management of PanNETs and the benefits and risks of minimally invasive surgery including laparoscopic and robotic approach in view of the recent literature.

Is Centralization Needed for Patients Undergoing Distal Pancreatectomy?: A Nationwide Study of 3314 Patients

OBJECTIVE

The centralization of complex surgical procedures is associated with better postoperative outcomes. However, little is known about the impact of hospital volume on the outcome after distal pancreatectomy.

METHODS

Using the French national hospital discharge database, we identified all patients having undergone distal pancreatectomy in France between 2012 and 2015. A spline model was applied to determine the caseload cut-off in annual distal pancreatectomy that influenced 90-day postoperative mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 3314 patients were identified. Use of a spline model did not reveal a cut-off in the annual distal pancreatectomy caseload. By taking the median number of distal pancreatectomy (n = 5) and the third quartile (n = 15), we stratified centers into low, intermediate, and high hospital volume groups. The overall postoperative mortality rate was 3.0% and did not differ significantly between these groups. In a multivariable analysis, age, Charlson comorbidity score, septic complications, hemorrhage, shock, and reoperation were independently associated with a greater overall risk of death. However, hospital volume had no impact on mortality after distal pancreatectomy (odds ratio, 0.954; 95% confidence interval, 0.552-1.651, P = 0.867).

CONCLUSIONS

Hospital volume does not seem to influence mortality after distal pancreatectomy in France, and centralization may not necessarily improve outcomes.

An update on treatment options for pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal solid organ tumors. Due to the rising incidence, late diagnosis, and limited treatment options, it is expected to be the second leading cause of cancer deaths in high income countries in the next decade. The multidisciplinary treatment of this disease depends on the stage of cancer at diagnosis (resectable, borderline, locally advanced, and metastatic disease), and combines surgery, chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, and supportive care. The landscape of multidisciplinary pancreatic cancer treatment is changing rapidly, especially in locally advanced disease, and the number of treatment options in metastatic disease, including personalized medicine, innovative targets, immunotherapy, therapeutic vaccines, adoptive T-cell transfer, or stemness inhibitors, will probably expand in the near future. This review summarizes the current literature and provides an overview of how new therapies or new therapeutic strategies (neoadjuvant therapies, conversion surgery) will guide multidisciplinary disease management, future clinical trials, and, hopefully, will increase overall survival.

Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes Between Laparoscopic and Open Approach for Pancreatoduodenectomy: The PADULAP Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare perioperative outcomes of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) performed through the laparoscopic route or by open surgery.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Laparoscopic PD is being progressively performed in selected patients.

METHODS

An open-label single-center RCT was conducted between February 2013 and September 2017. The primary endpoint was the length of hospital stay (LOS). Secondary endpoints were operative time, transfusion requirements, specific pancreatic complications (pancreatic or biliary fistula, pancreatic hemorrhage, and delayed gastric emptying), Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3 complications, comprehensive complication index (CCI) score, poor quality outcome (PQO), and the quality of pathologic resection. Analyses were performed on an intention to treat basis.

RESULTS

Of 86 patients assessed for PD, 66 were randomized (34 laparoscopic approach, 32 open surgery). Conversion to an open procedure was needed in 8 (23.5%) patients. Laparoscopic versus open PD was associated with a significantly shorter LOS (median 13.5 vs. 17 d; P = 0.024) and longer median operative time (486 vs. 365 min; P = 0.0001). The laparoscopic approach was associated with significantly better outcomes regarding Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3 complications (5 vs. 11 patients; P = 0.04), CCI score (20.6 vs. 29.6; P = 0.038), and PQO (10 vs. 14 patients; P = 0.041). No significant differences in transfusion requirements, pancreas-specific complications, the number of lymph nodes retrieved, and resection margins between the two approaches were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic PD versus open surgery is associated with a shorter LOS and a more favorable postoperative course while maintaining oncological standards of a curative-intent surgical resection.

TRIAL REGISTRY

ISRCTN93168938.

Failure-to-rescue in Patients Undergoing Pancreatectomy: Is Hospital Volume a Standard for Quality Improvement Programs? Nationwide Analysis of 12,333 Patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of hospital volume on failure-to-rescue (FTR) after pancreatectomy in France.

BACKGROUND

There are growing evidences that FTR is an important source of postoperative mortality (POM) after pancreatectomy. However, few studies have analyzed the volume-FTR relationship following pancreatic surgery.

METHODS

All patients undergoing pancreatectomy between 2012 and 2015 were included. FTR is defined as the 90-day POM rate among patients with major complications. According to the spline model, the critical cutoff was 20 resections per year and hospitals were divided into low (<10 resections/an), intermediate (11-19 resections/yr), and high volume centers (≥20 resections/yr).

RESULTS

Overall, 12,333 patients who underwent pancreatectomy were identified. The POM was 6.9% and decreased significantly with increased hospital volume. The rate of FTR was 14.5% and varied significantly with hospital volume (18.3% in low hospital volume vs 11.9% in high hospital volume, P < 0.001), age (P < 0.001) and ChCl (CCl0-2: 11.5%, ChCl3: 13%, CCl ≥4:18.6%; P < 0.001). FTR for renal failure was the highest of all complications (40.2%), followed by postoperative shock (36.4%) and cardiac complications (35.1%). The FTR was significantly higher in low and intermediate compared with high volume hospitals for shock, digestive, and thromboembolic complications and reoperation. In multivariable analysis, intermediate (OR = 1.265, CI95%[1.103-1.701], P = 0.045) and low volume centers (OR = 1.536, CI95%[1.165-2.025], P = 0.002) were independently associated with increased FTR rates.

CONCLUSION

FTR after pancreatectomy is high and directly correlated to hospital volume, highlighting variability in the management of postoperative complications. Measurement of the FTR rate should become a standard for quality improvement programs.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas and European guidelines: importance of the surgery type in the decision-making process

BACKGROUND

The European Consensus 2018 established a new algorithm with absolute and relative criteria for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas (IPMN) management. The aim of this study was to validate these criteria and analyse the outcomes in function of the surgical procedure and IPMN subtype.

METHODS

Clinical, radiological and surgical data (procedure, morbidity/mortality rates) of patients who underwent surgery for IPMN between 2007 and 2017. The predictive value of the different criteria was analysed.

RESULTS

124 patients (men 67%; mean age 65 years) underwent surgery for IPMN (n = 62 malignant tumours; 50%). Jaundice, cyst ≥4 cm and Wirsung duct size 5-9.9 mm or ≥ 10 mm were significantly associated with malignancy (4.77 < OR < 11.85 p < 0.0001). The positive predictive value of any isolated criterion ranged from 71 to 87%, whereas that of three relative criteria together reached 100%. The mortality and morbidity (grade III-IV complications according to the Dindo-Clavien classification) rates were 3 and 8%, respectively. Morbidity/mortality after duodenopancreatectomy and total pancreatectomy were significantly higher for benign IPMN (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Considering the morbidity associated with extended surgery, particularly for benign IPMN, the results of the present study suggest that high-risk surgery should be considered only in the presence of three relative criteria and including the surgery type in the decision-making algorithm.

Pancreatic resections are not only safest but also most cost-effective when performed in a high-volume centre: A Finnish register study

BACKGROUND

It is not known whether the treatment costs of pancreatic surgery can be reduced by centralisation. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of hospital volume on the short-term prognosis and costs in a nationwide study.

METHODS

The National registry was searched for patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) in Finland between 2012 and 2014. Patient data was recorded up to ninety days postoperatively and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) calculated. Complications were classified according to Clavien-Dindo. A CCI was calculated for each patient. The hospitals were categorized by yearly resection rate: high (≥20, HVC), medium (6-19, MVC) and low (≤5, LVC). Costs were calculated according to the 2012 billing list.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 466 patients. Demographics were similar in the HVC, MVC and LVC groups. Mortality was lower in the HVCs than in MVCs and LVCs at 30 days (0.8% vs. 8.8-12.9%; p < 0.01) and at 90 days (1.9% vs. 10.5-16.1%; p < 0.01). Hospital volume and CCI were significant factors for mortality in multivariate analysis. Median costs among all patients were lower in the HVC group than in the MVC/LVC groups (p = 0.019), among Clavien-Dindo class III (0.020), among patients over 75 years (p < 0.001) and among patients who survived over five days (p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Thirty- and 90-day mortality is 10 times lower when the patient is operated on in an HVC. The study shows that the median overall costs of surgical treatment are 82-88% of the median costs in lower volume centres.

FOLFIRINOX-based neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for borderline and locally advanced pancreatic cancer: A pilot study from a tertiary centre

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, potentially relevant to increase resection rate in pancreatic cancer, is still debated.

AIMS

To assess tolerance, resection rate and outcomes of patients with non-metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treated by concomitant chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

This monocentric study included all consecutive patients treated from 2010 to 2014 for non-metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Chemotherapy was followed by chemoradiotherapy in operable patients, surgical resectability being assessed by CT-scan.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients were included: 41 patients had borderline and 38 locally advanced tumours. All patients were treated by chemotherapy (FOLFIRINOX), followed by chemoradiotherapy (median dose: 59 Gy, range 45-66 Gy) for 94% of patients. Thirty-seven patients (47%) could subsequently benefit from surgery with a complete R0 resection in 94% of cases, with a postoperative mortality of 5%. Median overall survival was 21.5 months (median follow-up: 48.8 months). Local control, overall and disease-free survival were significantly higher for patients who underwent resection compared to others, with 89.2% vs 59.5% (p = 0.01), 49.7 vs 17.4 months (p < 0.01) and 25.5 vs 9.2 months (p < 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant treatment consisting of FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy is an efficient strategy for patients with borderline and locally advanced pancreatic cancer, resulting in a 43% rate of secondary complete surgical resection associated with high local control, overall and disease-free survival.

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Role of surgery

Natural history of gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) is better and better known so indications of surgery are presently selective. Surgical resection, but also endoscopic resection and observation, can be proposed for gastric NETs according to presentation, size and grade. For small bowel NETs, resection is frequently needed but should obtain the best compromise between radicality and postoperative functional disorders. Appendiceal NETs are frequently diagnosed by appendectomy for appendicitis, but some patients at high risk for lymph node metastasis and recurrence should be reoperated for radical resection. Rectal NETs are often diagnosed incidentally; the smallest (<1cm) can be resected endoscopically but the most aggressive need a oncological proctectomy. Pancreatic NETs represent a wide spectrum, ranging from fully benign tumors to very aggressive ones. Insulinomas are mostly benign, responsible for incapacitating symptoms despite medical treatment, and should ideally be treated by parenchyma sparing resection, mainly enucleation. Conversely, symptoms of gastrinomas are efficiently treated medically but their resection needs an oncological approach. Nonfunctioning PNETs are more and more frequently and incidentally discovered. According to their size, presentation and patient's characteristics, they need a resection (oncological or parenchyma-sparing) or a close observation.

The effect of centralization on short term outcomes of pancreatoduodenectomy in a universal health care system

BACKGROUND

Centralization of pancreatic resections is advocated due to a volume-outcome association. Pancreatic surgery is in Norway currently performed only in five teaching hospitals. The aim was to describe the short-term outcomes after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) within the current organizational model and to assess for regional disparities.

METHODS

All patients who underwent PD in Norway between 2012 and 2016 were identified. Mortality (90 days) and relaparotomy (30 days) were assessed for predictors including demographic data and multi-visceral or vascular resection. Aggregated length-of-stay and national and regional incidences of the procedure were also analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 930 patients underwent PD during the study period. In-hospital mortality occurred in 20 patients (2%) and 34 patients (4%) died within 90 days. Male gender, age, multi-visceral resection and relaparotomy were independent predictors of 90-day mortality. Some 131 patients (14%) had a relaparotomy, with male gender and multi-visceral resection as independent predictors. There was no difference between regions in procedure incidence or 90-day mortality. There was a disparity within the regions in the use of vascular resection (p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

The short-term outcomes after PD in Norway are acceptable and the 90-day mortality rate is low. The outcomes may reflect centralization of pancreatic surgery.

No histology for diminutive duodenal neuroendocrine tumors: Is it safe?

For the management of diminutive duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (d-NETs), Harshit et al. have proposed - in the work accompanying this editorial - an interesting approach, the endoscopic banding without resection (BWR) technique. Given the risks associated with classic endoscopic resections and surgical procedures, and the likely favorable natural history of diminutive d-NETs, BWR may be an option for these selected patients with a very low risk of LN + and recurrence. However, a close follow-up (endoscopic, EUS and thoraco-abdominal CT scan) is then required to guarantee the safety of this policy.

PANCREATICODUODENECTOMY: IMPACT OF THE TECHNIQUE ON OPERATIVE OUTCOMES AND SURGICAL MORTALITY

BACKGROUND

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a procedure associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Initially described as gastropancreaticoduodenectomy (GPD), the possibility of preservation of the gastric antrum and pylorus was described in the 1970s.

AIM

To evaluate the mortality and operative variables of PD with or without pyloric preservation and to correlate them with the adopted technique and surgical indication.

METHOD

Retrospective cohort on data analysis of medical records of individuals who underwent PD from 2012 through 2017. Demographic, anthropometric and operative variables were analyzed and correlated with the adopted technique (GPD vs. PD) and the surgical indication.

RESULTS

Of the 87 individuals evaluated, 38 (43.7%) underwent GPD and 49 (53.3%) were submitted to PD. The frequency of GPD (62.5%) was significantly higher among patients with pancreatic neoplasia (p=0.04). The hospital stay was significantly shorter among the individuals submitted to resection due to neoplasias of less aggressive behavior (p=0.04). Surgical mortality was 10.3%, with no difference between GPD and PD. Mortality was significantly higher among individuals undergoing resection for chronic pancreatitis (p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

There were no differences in mortality, surgical time, bleeding or hospitalization time between GPD and PD. Pancreas head neoplasm was associated with a higher indication of GPD. Resection of less aggressive neoplasms was associated with lower morbidity and mortality.

Severe morbidity after pancreatectomy is accurately predicted by preoperative pancreatic resection score (PREPARE): A prospective validation analysis from a medium-volume center

BACKGROUND

Major morbidity in pancreatic surgery remains high. Different scores for predicting complications have been described. Preoperative pancreatic resection (PREPARE) score is based on objective preoperative variables and offers good predictive accuracy for Clavien ≥ III complications. This study aimed to validate this score and analyze other preoperative variables in a prospective study performed in a medium-volume center.

METHODS

A total of 50 pancreatic resections were included. Preoperative variables were registered and PREPARE was calculated. The main outcome was severe morbidity (Clavien ≥ III) up to 30 days after discharge. The secondary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and readmission. Statistical validation was performed to compare severe morbidity rate among the scores categories. Association with other preoperative variables (not included in PREPARE) was also tested.

RESULTS

Of the 50 pancreatic resections, the severe morbidity was 34.0%, with median LOS of 11 days. Readmission rate was 25.5%. Severe morbidity rates according to PREPARE categories were 18.5% in low-risk group, 41.7% in intermediate-risk group, and 63.6% in high-risk group, respectively (P = 0.023). The accuracy was 72% (Hosmer-Lemeshow, P = 0.86). ROC curve was obtained both for PREPARE score expressed as incremental values and categorized as the three risk groups, showing an area under curve (AUC) of 0.736 (95% CI: 0.586-0.887; P = 0.007) and 0.712 (95% CI: 0.555-0.869; P = 0.015), respectively. PREPARE was significant in multivariate analysis. Median LOS was statistically higher as PREPARE category increases (9, 11 and 15 days in low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups, respectively; P = 0.009). Readmission was not associated with any variables.

CONCLUSIONS

PREPARE behaves as an independent risk factor for severe morbidity after pancreatic surgery. Score validation shows good accuracy prediction. Increasing PREPARE category is also associated with longer LOS.

Pancreatic cancer: French clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up (SNFGE, FFCD, GERCOR, UNICANCER, SFCD, SFED, SFRO, ACHBT, AFC)

BACKGROUND

This document is a summary of the French intergroup guidelines regarding the management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA), updated in July 2018.

DESIGN

This collaborative work was produced under the auspices of all French medical and surgical societies involved in the management of PA. It is based on the previous guidelines, recent literature review and expert opinions. Recommendations were graded in three categories, according to the level of evidence.

RESULTS

Over the last seven years, significant changes in PA management have been implemented in clinical practice. Imaging/staging: diffusion magnetic resonance imaging is useful before surgery to rule out small liver metastases.

SURGERY

centralization of pancreatic surgery in expert centers is associated with a decreased postoperative mortality. Adjuvant chemotherapy: modified FOLFIRINOX in fit patients, or gemcitabine, or 5-FU, or gemcitabine plus capecitabine, to be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Locally advanced PA: no survival benefit of chemoradiotherapy. Metastatic PA: FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel combination are first-line standards in fit patients; second-line with 5FU/nal-IRI or 5FU/oxaliplatin combination after first-line gemcitabine.

CONCLUSION

Guidelines for management of PA are continuously evolving and need to be regularly updated. This constant progress is made possible through clinical and translational research. However, as each individual case is particular, they cannot substitute to multidisciplinary tumor board discussion.

A pancreatic zone at higher risk of fistula after enucleation

Background

To determine predictive factors of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in patients undergoing enucleation (EN).

Methods

From 2005 to 2017, 47 patients underwent EN and had magnetic resonance imaging available for precise analysis of tumor location. Three pancreatic zones were delimited by the right side of the portal vein and the main pancreatic head duct (zone #3 comprising the lower head parenchyma and the uncinate process).

Results

The mortality and morbidity rates were 0% and 62%, respectively. POPF occurred in 23 patients (49%) and was graded as B or C (severe) in 15 patients (32%). Four patients (8.5%) developed a postoperative hemorrhage, and 5 patients (11%) needed a reintervention. In univariate and multivariate analyses, the pancreatic zone was the unique predictive factor of overall (P = .048) or severe POPF (P = .05). We did not observe any difference in postoperative courses when comparing the EN achieved in zones #1 and #2. We noted a longer operative duration (P = .016), higher overall (P = .017) and severe POPF (P = .01) rates, and longer hospital stays (P = .04) when comparing the EN achieved in zone #3 versus that in zones #1 and #2. Patients who underwent EN in zone #3 had a relative risk of developing a severe POPF of 3.22 compared with patients who underwent EN in the two other pancreatic zones.

Conclusion

Our study identifies the lower head parenchyma and the uncinate process as a high-risk zone of severe POPF after EN. Patients with planned EN in this zone could be selected and benefit from preoperative and/or intraoperative techniques to reduce the severe POPF rate.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12957-018-1476-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Current issues in pancreatic surgery]

AIM

To present own experience of pancreatic surgery and to analyze literature data for this issue.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We have analyzed work of abdominal surgery department over the last 5 years. Moreover, MEDLINE and RSCI databases regarding surgical treatment of pancreatic diseases were assessed.

RESULTS

There were 456 pancreatectomies. Postoperative complications arose in 176 (38.6%) patients, 11 patients died (2.4%). According to world data, mortality after pancreatectomy reaches 10%. Only creation of specialized centers is proven way to improve the outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Current medical assistance for pancreatic disease may be only achieved in specialized centers with large number of various pancreatic procedures. The organization of such centers is required throughout the country and certain accreditation criteria should be developed for this purpose. Targeted routing of patients to specialized pancreatology centers will be able to reduce incidence of diagnostic, tactical and technical errors.