An outcome analysis of predictive factors for portal or splenic vein thrombosis after distal pancreatectomy

Intra-abdominal Venous Thromboses and Their Management

While a plethora of articles discuss management of deep venous thromboses in extremities, there is a relative scarcity of literature comprehensively describing intra-abdominal venous thromboses, and their management. Intra-abdominal venous thromboses include iliocaval venous obstruction (ICVO), hepatic venous thrombosis (HVT), portal venous thrombosis (PVT), renal vein thrombosis (RVT), splenic vein thrombosis (SVT), and gonadal vein thrombosis (GVT); each of which provides unique microenvironmental challenges to management. Doppler ultrasound is the first line imaging modality for diagnosis, and computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can help define the extent of thrombus burden and aid with interventional planning. Systemic anticoagulation remains the common medical treatment for intra-abdominal venous thrombosis, however, catheter directed thrombolysis and thrombectomy show positive outcomes in ICVO, HVT, PVT, and RVT, with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation especially beneficial in HVT and PVT. In this review article, we describe pathophysiology, clinical features, imaging findings, and current management options for intra-abdominal venous thromboses.

Impact of spleen preservation on the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy: Is less more?

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a major complication after distal pancreatectomy (DP) with a significant impact on patients' quality of life. There is limited evidence that preservation of the spleen reduces the risk of POPF. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of splenectomy on perioperative outcome.

METHODS

Data from patients who underwent DP for malignant and benign disease at our institution between 2004 and 2021 were reviewed. Patients were grouped according to spleen preservation (SP-DP) and splenectomy (DPS). Intraoperative parameters and postoperative outcomes were compared between groups. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to investigate factors that influence the occurrence of clinically relevant (cr)POPF.

RESULTS

A total of 199 patients were included, of whom 61 (30.7%) patients underwent SP-DP. Patients who underwent SP-DP had a significantly lower rate of crPOPF (p = 0.022), shorter hospital stay (p = 0.003), and less readmissions (p = 0.012). On multivariate analysis, obesity (OR 2.88, p = 0.021), benign lesions (OR 2.35, p = 0.018), postoperative acute pancreatitis (OR 2.53, p = 0.028), and splenectomy (OR 2.83, p = 0.011) were independent risk factors associated with the onset of crPOPF.

DISCUSSION

Preservation of the spleen reduces the risk of crPOPF in patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy for benign and malignant disease.

Safety of Combined Division vs Separate Division of the Splenic Vein in Patients Undergoing Distal Pancreatectomy: A Noninferiority Randomized Clinical Trial

Question

In distal pancreatectomy, is combined division of the splenic vein safe compared with separate division of the splenic vein?

Findings

In this noninferiority randomized clinical trial, the proportion of grade B/C pancreatic fistula in the separate division group was 27.1% vs 28.6% in the combined division group, demonstrating noninferiority of the combined division of the splenic vein against separate division.

Meaning

The safety of combined division of the splenic vein in distal pancreatectomy was established, such that the approach could be recommended with more confidence.

Importance

In distal pancreatectomy (DP), the splenic vein is isolated from the pancreatic parenchyma prior to being ligated and divided to prevent intra-abdominal hemorrhage from the splenic vein stump with pancreatic fistula (PF). Conversely, dissecting the splenic vein with the pancreatic parenchyma is easy and time-saving.

Objective

To establish the safety of combined division of the splenic vein compared with separate division of the splenic vein.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This study was designed as a multicenter prospective randomized phase 3 trial. All results were analyzed using the modified intent-to-treat set. Patients undergoing DP for pancreatic body and tail tumors were eligible for inclusion. Patients were randomly assigned between August 10, 2016, and July 30, 2019.

Interventions

Patients were centrally randomized (1:1) to either separate division of the splenic vein or combined division of the splenic vein.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was the incidence of grade B/C PF, and the incidence of intra-abdominal hemorrhage was included as one of the secondary end points.

Results

A total of 318 patients were randomly assigned, and 2 patients were excluded as ineligible. Of the 316 remaining patients, 150 (50.3%) were male. The modified intent-to-treat population constituted 159 patients (50.3%) in the separate division group and 157 patients (49.7%) in the combined division group. In the modified intent-to-treat set, the proportion of grade B/C PF in the separate division group was 27.1% (42 of 155) vs 28.6% (44 of 154) in the combined division group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.108; 95% CI, 0.847-1.225; P = .047), demonstrating noninferiority of the combined division of the splenic vein against separate division. The incidence of postoperative intra-abdominal hemorrhage in the 2 groups was identical at 1.3%.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study demonstrated noninferiority of the combined division of the splenic vein compared with separate division of the splenic vein regarding safety. Thus, isolating the splenic vein from the pancreatic parenchyma is deemed unnecessary.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02871804