Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing three techniques for pancreatic remnant closure following distal pancreatectomy

Surgery for Pancreatic and Periampullary Carcinoma

Surgical resection for pancreatic and periampullary cancer has evolved over several decades. The postoperative mortality for these resections has declined to less than 5 %. However, morbidity associated with these resections is still considerable. Various technical modifications like pylorus preservation, reconstruction techniques and methods to perform pancreaticoenteric anastomosis have been suggested to improve postoperative outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Surgical modifications to improve oncological clearance and decrease fistula rates after distal pancreatic resections have also been suggested. Dilemma still exists whether interventions like pancreatic duct stents, octreotide and drains help to improve postoperative outcomes. The role of extended lymph node dissection and extended resections for pancreatic and periampullary cancer is still controversial, as is the management of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. In this review, we discuss the literature pertaining to various surgical aspects of pancreatic and periampullary carcinoma.

Can the measurement of amylase in drain after distal pancreatectomy predict post-operative pancreatic fistula?

INTRODUCTION

The most frequent reason for performing a distal pancreatectomy is the presence of cystic or neuroendocrine tumors, in which the distal pancreatic stump is often soft and non fibrotic. This parenchymal consistence represents the main risk factor for post-operative pancreatic fistula. In order to identify the fistula and assessing its severity postoperative monitoring of amylase from intraperitoneal drains is important.

METHODS

From a retrospective multicentric database analysis were included 33 patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic neoplastic disease.

RESULTS

Postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in four cases. One patient had a ductal adenocarcinoma, two presented with pancreatic endocrine neoplasms and the last one had an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia. Two patients underwent open, the other two laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.

DISCUSSION

Postoperative pancreatic fistulas after distal pancreatectomy worsen the quality of life, prolong the post-operative stay and delay further adjuvant therapy. In patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy literature exposed some advantages deriving from the placement of abdominal drainages only in selected cases and from their early removal. Patients presenting a high risk of pancreatic fistula had higher amylase levels of drainage fluid in the first postoperative day.

CONCLUSION

POPF is the most frequently complication after pancreatectomy. In our analysis DFA1>5000 can be considered as a predictive factor for pancreatic fistula. For this reason, the systematic measurement of amylase in drain fluid in first-postoperative day can be considered a good clinical practice.