Quantifying the burden of complications following total pancreatectomy using the postoperative morbidity index: a multi-institutional perspective

Propensity Score Matching Analysis of the Safety of Completion Total Pancreatectomy for Remnant Pancreatic Tumors Versus that of Initial Total Pancreatectomy for Primary Pancreatic Tumors

BACKGROUND

The safety and feasibility of completion total pancreatectomy (TP) for remnant pancreatic neoplasms remain controversial and are rarely compared with that of initial TP. Thus, we aimed to compare the safety of these two procedures inducing a pancreatic state.

METHODS

Patients who underwent TP for pancreatic neoplasms between 2006 and 2018 at our institution were included in this study. Tumor pathologies were classified into three subgroups according to survival curves. We used 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) to analyze age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and tumor stage. Finally, we analyzed the primary outcome Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) grade, risks of other safety-related outcomes, and the survival rate of patients with invasive cancer.

RESULTS

Of 54 patients, 16 underwent completion TP (29.6%) and 38 (70.4%) underwent initial TP. Before PSM analysis, age and Charlson Comorbidity Index were significantly higher, and T category and stage were significantly lower for the completion TP group. Upon PSM analysis, these two groups were equivalent in CDC grade [initial TP vs. completion TP: 71.4% (10/14) vs. 78.6% (11/14); p = 0.678] and other safety-related outcomes. Additionally, while the overall survival and recurrence-free survival of patients with invasive cancer were not significantly different between these two groups, the T category and stage tended to be remarkably severe in the initial TP group.

CONCLUSIONS

PSM analysis for prognostic factors showed that completion TP and initial TP have similar safety-related outcomes that can be used as a decision-making reference in the surgery of pancreatic tumors.

Risk factors associated with hypoglycemic events after total pancreatectomy: A nationwide multicenter prospective study in Japan

BACKGROUND

The number of total pancreatectomy cases have increased worldwide, expanding the need for new insulin products and high-titer pancrelipases. However, the current data that is focused on hypoglycemic events after a total pancreatectomy from large nationwide series are still lacking. This study is aimed to assess the risk factors associated with hypoglycemic events after a total pancreatectomy.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected from 216 consecutive patients who underwent total pancreatectomies between August 2015 and December 2017 from 68 Japanese centers. Of the 216 patients, 166 with a follow-up period of 1 year were analyzed. The risk factors for hypoglycemic events at 6 and 12 months (postoperative months 6 and 12) were investigated based on the results of a nationwide multicenter prospective study.

RESULTS

Of the 166 patients, 57 (34%) and 70 (42%) experienced moderate or severe hypoglycemic events or hypoglycemia unawareness on a monthly basis at postoperative months 6 and 12, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that body weight loss after surgery ≥0.3 kg and total cholesterol level ≤136 mg/dL at postoperative month 6, and glycated hemoglobin level ≤8.9% and rapid-acting insulin use at postoperative month 12 were independent risk factors for hypoglycemic events after a total pancreatectomy. There were different independent risk factors depending on the postoperative period.

CONCLUSION

Patients with body weight loss after surgery, low total cholesterol level, strict glycemic control, and using rapid-acting insulin should be aware of the occurrence of hypoglycemic events after their total pancreatectomy. In order to prevent hypoglycemic events after a total pancreatectomy, we need to consider optimal nutritional and glycemic control according to the postoperative period.

Long-term quality of life and global health following pancreatic surgery for benign and malignant pathologies

BACKGROUND

While the frequency of pancreatic operations are increasing, understanding quality of life is still insufficient. The aim was to evaluate global health and quality of life of long-term survivors from a range of pancreatic operations using internationally validated instruments.

METHODS

Patients surviving longer than 5 years after pancreatic operations were surveyed using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Cancer-30 and Pancreatic Cancer-26 modules. Variables were analyzed according to demographic and clinical features.

RESULTS

Eighty patients completed questionnaires. The median follow-up was 9.3 years from the time of operation. The mean scores of global health status/quality of life, physical function, role function, emotional function, cognitive function, and social functioning were 73.9, 83.7, 84.6, 81.1, 80.2, and 86.3, respectively. The participants' reported quality of life was comparable or better than the general United States population. The summary score, which was defined as weighted average of function and symptom scores (excluding global health status/quality of life and financial impact scores), showed significant differences according to the level of education (70.1 no college vs 85.2 college and 85.7 grad school, P = .049), operation type (79.9 pancreatoduodenectomy vs 91.1 total, P = .043), additional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (77.3 vs 86.0, P = .029), and additional abdominal operations related to the primary operation (79.0 vs 86.6, P = .026).

CONCLUSION

Long-term survivors of pancreatectomy had comparable or better global health status/quality of life, function scale, and lower symptom scores than the general population of the United States, though persistent gastrointestinal symptoms are common. These findings should help inform patients of the long-term consequences of pancreatectomy, so they can make better decisions especially when considering prophylactic operations.

Long term quality of life amongst pancreatectomy patients with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Pancreatogenic diabetes is common after pancreatectomy, and the impact on quality of life (QOL) is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate QOL between diabetic and non-diabetic patients at least five years after pancreatectomy.

METHODS

Patients were recruited from a prospectively maintained institutional database. Participants were administered the Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQOL). Quality of life was compared between diabetics and non-diabetics using validated European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaires.

RESULTS

80 individuals completed surveys. 55% were female, 80% non-Hispanic white, 44% underwent Whipple, 48% were cystic neoplasms and 39% were adenocarcinoma. Diabetic patients (42.5%) reported comparable EORTC QLQ-C30 and Pan26 scores to non-diabetic patients. Pre-operative diabetic patients reported more dyspnea (p = 0.02) and greater pain (p = 0.02) than new-onset diabetics. Diabetic patients reported an overall ADDQOL quality of life score 'very good' (IQR: excellent, good) though felt life would be much better without diabetes (IQR: very much better, little better). While operation type was not influential, patients diagnosed with cystic neoplasms were almost twice as likely as those with other pathologies to report that life would be much better without diabetes (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

At a median of 9.3 years from pancreatic surgery, ADDQoL scores of patients were similar to cohorts of non-pancreatogenic diabetics in the general population. Patients without cancer were more likely to report that diabetes affected their overall QOL, regardless of operation. This study provides nuanced understanding of long-term QOL to improve the informed consent process and post-operative long-term care.

Changes in postoperative long-term nutritional status and quality of life after total pancreatectomy

Purpose

Quality of life (QoL) is widely known to be poor after total pancreatectomy (TP) due to the loss of pancreatic function and poor nutritional status, but prospective studies on changes in QoL over time are lacking. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the short- and long-term consequences of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, changes in nutritional status, and their associated effects on QoL after TP.

Methods

Prospective data were collected from patients who underwent TP between 2008 and 2018. Validated questionnaires (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire [EORTC QLQ] Core 30, EORTC QLQ-pancreatic cancer module, and the Mini Nutritional Assessment), measured frequency of bowel movement, relative body weight (RBW), triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT), and serum levels of protein, albumin, transferrin, and hemoglobin A1c were collected serially for 1 year.

Results

Thirty patients who underwent TP were eligible for the study. Bowel movement frequency increased over time, and the RBW and TSFT were lowest by 1 year. The global health status score showed no significant difference over time. At 3 months, physical and role function scores as well as symptoms of fatigue, constipation, and digestive difficulties worsened significantly. Most indices recovered after 1 year, but poorer physical function scores, digestive difficulties, and altered bowel habits persisted.

Conclusion

Because some symptoms do not recover over time, careful follow-up and supportive postoperative management are needed for TP patients, including nutritional support with pancreatic enzyme replacement and education about medication adherence and diet.

Critical evaluation of quality of hepatopancreatic surgery in a medium-volume center in Finland using the Accordion Severity Grading System and the Postoperative Morbidity Index

Background

Hepatopancreatobiliary surgery is prone to complications. Methods are needed to monitor surgical outcomes and enable comparison between institutions.

Methods

Complications were collected prospectively and reviewed using the modified Accordion Severity Grading System (MASGS) and the Postoperative Morbidity Index (PMI).

Results

This study included 527 consecutive patients receiving either pancreatic or liver resection in 2000-2017 in Central Finland Central Hospital. The PMI was 0.177 for all patients, and 0.192, 0.094, 0.285, and 0.129 for patients receiving major pancreatic (n=218), minor pancreatic (n=93), major liver (n=73), and minor liver (n=143) resection, respectively. The rates of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomies (n=200) were 6.5% for grade B and 5.5% for grade C; rates for biliary leak were 1.0% (grade A), 2.5% (grade B), and 0.5% (grade C). Similarly, the rates for delayed gastric emptying (DGE) were 2.8% (grade A), 15.6% (grade B), and 3.7% (grade C). Postoperative hepatic dysfunction occurred in 2.3%, major surgical site bleeding in 2.3%, and biloma in 7.9% of patients after liver resection. Ninety-day mortality rates were 3.7% and 1.1% in major and minor pancreatic resections, and 8.2% and 0.7% in major and minor liver resections. Major complications occurred in 13.3% and 3.3% in pancreatic, and 19.2% and 6.3% in liver resections, respectively.

Conclusions

Major pancreatic and hepatic surgery are associated with significant morbidity and burden in our center, comparable with previous population-based studies. PMI is an informative way to monitor surgical outcomes and enable comparison between institutions.

Prophylactic total pancreatectomy in individuals at high risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PROPAN): systematic review and shared decision-making programme using decision tables

Background

Individuals with a very high lifetime risk of developing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; for example, hereditary pancreatitis and main-duct or mixed-type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, may wish to discuss prophylactic total pancreatectomy but strategies to do so are lacking.

Objective

To develop a shared decision-making programme for prophylactic total pancreatectomy using decision tables.

Methods

Focus group meetings with patients were used to identify relevant questions. Systematic reviews were performed to answer these questions.

Results

The first tables included hereditary pancreatitis and main-duct or mixed-type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. No studies focused on prophylactic total pancreatectomy in these groups. In 52 studies (3570 patients), major morbidity after total pancreatectomy was 25% and 30-day mortality was 6%. After minimally invasive total pancreatectomy (seven studies, 35 patients) this was, respectively, 13% and 0%. Exocrine insufficiency-related symptoms occurred in 33%. Quality of life after total pancreatectomy was slightly lower compared with the general population.

Conclusion

The decision tables can be helpful for discussing prophylactic total pancreatectomy with individuals at high risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Total Pancreatectomy: Indications, Advantages and Disadvantages - A Review

Background: Total pancreatectomy is an obligatory surgical procedure in locally advanced or centrally located pancreatic neoplasms to achieve complete tumour clearance. Owing to sound understanding of tumour biology and evolution in intervention technique and improved postoperative care, nowadays the indications of total pancreatectomy have taken a significant change. Aim: To review the indications of total pancreatectomy and its advantages and disadvantages under current perspectives. Method: Major databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, Scopus and the Cochrane Library, were searched for studies of total pancreatectomy and the results reported by various authors were summarized. Results: The indications of total pancreatectomy in subjects diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis were classified into four subgroups, including "Tumour", "Trouble", "Technical difficulties" and "Therapy-refractory pain". Today, total pancreatectomy has more specific and different indications than before. Currently, IPMN (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm) seems to have the most essential indication quantitatively. Morbidity and mortality related to total pancreatectomy are more profoundly decreased than before due to improvements in the operative techniques and post-operative managements. Some of the metabolic disorders are reported as major disadvantages of total pancreatectomy. Conclusion: Despite the disadvantages of total pancreatectomy, it remains an inevitable procedure for subjects with chronic pancreatitis, improvements in operative techniques and postoperative management ensuring long-term survival, a better quality of life, and diminished mortality and morbidity rates.

Pancreatic Fistula and Delayed Gastric Emptying Are the Highest-Impact Complications After Whipple

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy are at risk for a variety of adverse postoperative events, including generic complications such as surgical site infection (SSI) and procedure-specific complications such as postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and delayed gastric emptying (DGE). Knowing which complications have the greatest effect on these patients can help to maximize the value of quality improvement resources. This study aims to quantify the effect of specific postoperative complications on clinical outcomes and resource utilization after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy between January 2014 and December 2016, who were included in the pancreatectomy-targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, were assessed for the development of specific postoperative complications, along with the contributions of these complications toward subsequent clinical outcome and resource utilization. The main outcomes were 30-d end-organ dysfunction, mortality, prolonged hospitalization, nonrounding discharge status, and hospital readmission. Risk-adjusted population attributable fractions were estimated for each complication-outcome pair, with the population attributable fraction representing the anticipated percentage reduction in the outcome where the complication was able to be completely prevented.

RESULTS

About 10,922 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were included for analysis. The most common postoperative complications were DGE (17.3%), POPF (10.1%), incisional SSI (10.0%), and organ/space SSI (6.2%). POPF and DGE were the only complications that demonstrated sizable effects for all clinical and resource utilization outcomes studied. Other complications had sizable effects for only a few of the outcomes or had small effects for all the outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Quality initiatives seeking to minimize the burden imposed by postpancreaticoduodenectomy morbidity should focus on POPF and DGE rather than generic complications.

Outcome and long-term quality of life after total pancreatectomy (PANORAMA): a nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

The threshold to perform total pancreatectomy is rather high, predominantly because of concerns for long-term consequences of brittle diabetes on patients' quality of life. Contemporary data on postoperative outcomes, diabetes management, and long-term quality of life after total pancreatectomy from large nationwide series are, however, lacking.

METHODS

We performed a nationwide, retrospective cohort study among adults who underwent total pancreatectomy in 17 Dutch centers (2006-2016). Morbidity and mortality were analyzed, and long-term quality of life was assessed cross-sectionally using the following generic and disease-specific questionnaires: the 5-level version European quality of life 5-dimension and the European Organization for Research and Treatment in Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Cancer. Several questionnaires specifically addressing diabetic quality of life included the Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale 20, the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire-status version, and the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-II. Results were compared with the general population and patients with type 1 diabetes.

RESULTS

Overall, 148 patients after total pancreatectomy were included. The annual nationwide volume of total pancreatectomy increased from 5 in 2006 to 32 in 2015 (P < .05). The 30-day and 90-day mortality were 5% and 8%, respectively. The major complication rate was 32%. Quality of life questionnaires were completed by 60 patients (85%, median follow-up of 36 months). Participants reported lower global (73 vs 78, P = .03) and daily health status (0.83 vs 0.87, P < .01) compared to the general population. Quality of life did not differ based on time after total pancreatectomy (<3, 3-5, or >5 years). In general, patients were satisfied with their diabetes therapy and experienced similar diabetes-related distress as patients with type 1 diabetes.

CONCLUSION

This nationwide study found increased use of total pancreatectomy with a relatively high 90-day mortality. Long-term quality of life was lower compared to the general population, although differences were small. Diabetes-related distress and treatment satisfaction were similar to patients with type 1 diabetes.

Perioperative outcomes and long-term quality of life after total pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

Total pancreatectomy is required to treat diseases involving the entire pancreas, and is characterized by high morbidity rates and impaired long-term quality of life (QoL). To date, risk factors associated with perioperative and long-term outcomes have not been determined fully.

METHODS

Data from patients undergoing total pancreatectomy between 2000 and 2014 at two high-volume centres were analysed retrospectively to assess risk factors for major surgical complications. Short Form (SF) 36, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-PAN26 and Audit of Diabetes Dependent questionnaires, as well as an original survey were used to investigate factors influencing QoL.

RESULTS

A total of 329 consecutive patients underwent total pancreatectomy in the two centres. Overall, total pancreatectomy was associated with a morbidity rate of 59·3 per cent and a 30-day mortality rate of 2·1 per cent. Age over 65 years and long duration of surgery (more than 420 min) were independently associated with major complications (at least Clavien-Dindo grade III). QoL analysis was available for 94 patients (28·6 per cent) with a median follow-up of 63 (i.q.r. 20-109) months; the most common indication for total pancreatectomy in these patients was intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (46 per cent). Both physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary scores of SF-36® were lower after total pancreatectomy compared with scores for a normative population (P = 0·020 and P < 0·001 respectively). Linear regression analysis showed that young age, abdominal pain and worse perception of body image were negatively associated with the PCS, whereas diabetes, sexual satisfaction and perception of body image affected MCS.

CONCLUSION

Total pancreatectomy can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. Older patients had a higher risk of postoperative complications but reported better QoL than younger patients.

Recent Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Surgery

OPINION STATEMENT

Pancreatic cancer surgery is a continuously evolving field. Despite tremendous advances in perioperative outcomes, pancreatic resection is still associated with substantial morbidity, and mortality is not nil. Institutional caseload is a well-established determinant of patient outcomes, and centralization to experienced centers is essential to the safety and oncological appropriateness of the resection. Minimally invasive approaches are increasingly applied for pancreatic resection, even in cancer patients. Nevertheless, the level of evidence in this field remains low. Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy appears potentially beneficial towards some perioperative outcomes, although its oncological results remain incompletely studied. Data regarding perioperative and oncologic outcomes for minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple's resection) is even less mature, but suggest that similar results as the open approach can be achieved in selected, high-volume centers. Conversely, its indiscriminate adoption by inexperienced surgeons and institutions has potential deleterious effects given its steep learning curve. Newer neoadjuvant treatment protocols display enhanced ability to downstage advanced tumors, increasing candidates for potentially curative surgery. Conversely, putative benefits of neoadjuvant treatment in patients with technically resectable tumors have not been reliably demonstrated and its optimal indications remain highly controversial.

Clinicophysiological outcomes after total pancreatectomy

PURPOSE

Total pancreatectomy (TP) for pancreatic neoplasms is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. However, with recent advances in surgical techniques and improved postoperative management, the number of cases with clinical indications for TP is increasing. Here, we evaluated the clinical outcomes post-TP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients (n = 41) who underwent TP between 2004 and 2011 at Tokyo Women's Medical University were retrospectively examined. Pre- and postoperative clinicophysiological data were collected up to 12 months post-TP and then analyzed.

RESULTS

Only glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), percentage of lymphocytes and hepatic Hounsfield unit level on computed tomography (CT) were significantly different between the preoperative state and at 12 months post-TP, while other clinicophysiological parameters remained unchanged. The quantity of the pancreatic enzyme administered significantly influenced glycemic control at 12 months post-TP (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

All clinicophysiological parameters except for HbA1c were temporarily decreased after TP but normalized by 12 months. Thus, TP is a feasible surgical approach to treating pancreatic neoplasms with the potential to spread across the entire pancreas when adequately supplemented by synthetic insulin and pancreatic enzymes.

Are there still indications for total pancreatectomy?

Total pancreatectomy is associated with short- and long-term high complication rate and without evidence of oncologic advantages. Several metabolic consequences are co-related with the apancreatic state. The unstable diabetes related to the total resection of the pancreas expose the patients to short- and long-term life-threatening complications. Severe hypoglycemia is a short-term dangerous complication that can also cause patients’ death. Chronic complications of severe diabetes (cardiac and vascular diseases, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy) are also cause of morbidity, mortality and worsening of quality of life. For this reasons the number of total pancreatectomies performed has certainly decreased over time. However, today there are still some indications for this kind of procedures. Chronic pancreatitis untreatable with conventional treatments, surgical treatment of precancerous pancreatic lesions, surgical treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer and the management of patients with extraordinary high-risk pancreatic texture after pancreaticoduodenectomy represent possible indications for total pancreatectomy and are analyzed in the present paper.

Are There Indications for Total Pancreatectomy in 2016?

An elective total pancreatectomy (TP) was first performed by Eugene Rockey of Portland, Oregon, in 1942. In the 1960s and 1970s, TP was the routine resection for pancreatic cancer in many centers because of fear of a leaking pancreatojejunostomy and multicentricity of the disease but the result used to be dreadful (in today's perspective). However, more recently, postoperative mortality and morbidity after pancreatic resections have improved due to better anastomotic technique and pre-, peri- and postoperative care. Today, TP - despite being a more extensive operation - can be offered with about the same operation risk as that of a Whipple procedure. Also, major improvements in the control of diabetes have been seen and there is actually an ongoing discussion on the actual severity of the diabetic state after TP. Also, the development of modern pancreatic enzyme preparations with sufficient control of endocrine and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency provides options for overcoming the postoperative problems following TP. Due to the improved results, there are today different - and more specific - indications than before for TP: malignant tumors growing from the pancreatic head into the left pancreas, pancreatic head cancer where it is not possible to secure a tumor-free resection margin with extended resection or with dubious changes in the pancreatic main duct at frozen section, recurrent malignancy in the pancreatic remnant, at cancer surgery with resection of the celiac trunk, rescue pancreatectomy after a leaking pancreatojejunostomy with sepsis or bleeding after a Whipple-type first resection, multifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with potentially malignant foci present in all parts of the gland, multiple metastases of renal cell carcinoma and melanoma without any residual tumor outside the pancreatic gland (possibly also other specified but uncommon metastatic tumors with a potential for cure by pancreatectomy), multifocal neuroendocrine tumors including multiple endocrine neoplasia and hereditary pancreatic cancer with a high grade of cancer penetration risk for the bearers.

Advances in Surgical Management of Pancreatic Diseases

The surgical management of pancreatic diseases is rapidly evolving, encompassing advances in evidence-driven selection of patients amenable for surgical therapy, preoperative risk stratification, refinements in the technical conduct of pancreatic operations, and quantification of postoperative morbidity. These advances have resulted in dramatic reductions in mortality following pancreatic surgery, particularly at high-volume pancreatic centers. Surgical decision making is complex, and requires an intimate understanding of disease pathobiology, host physiology, technical considerations, and evolving trends. This article highlights key developments in the contemporary surgical management of pancreatic diseases.

Outcomes of Simultaneous Major Liver Resection and Colorectal Surgery for Colorectal Liver Metastases

BACKGROUND

The optimal surgical strategy for treating colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) in patients requiring major liver resection (MLR) is controversial, especially in rectal cancer patients.

METHOD

Between March 2004 and January 2015, 103 patients underwent MLR for CRLM and underwent MLR simultaneously with colorectal surgery (simultaneous group; n = 55) or MLR after colorectal surgery (liver-only group; n = 48).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in sex, age, ASA score, BMI, size and number of liver metastases, liver resection margin, surgical outcomes, and estimated blood loss. The rates of postoperative complications (simultaneous group vs. liver-only group; 76.4 % vs. 62.5 %; P = 0.126) and major complications (29.0 % vs. 25.0 %; P = 0.513) were also similar in both groups. The time to starting a soft diet was longer in the simultaneous group (6.0 days vs. 3.4 days; P < 0.001), but the length of hospital stay was similar (14.9 days vs. 13.3 days; P = 0.345). There were no perioperative deaths, anastomotic leakage, or septic complications. Among patients who underwent rectal surgery, the frequency of complications was greater in the simultaneous group (87.0 % vs. 56.2 %; P = 0.031), but there was no difference in major complications (34.7 % vs. 25.0 %; P = 0.822). The postoperative morbidity index was 0.204 and 0.180 in the simultaneous and liver-only groups, respectively, in all patients, and was 0.227 and 0.136, respectively, in the rectal surgery subgroup.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous MLR is feasible and safe in synchronous CRLM patients, including rectal cancer patients.

A novel risk scoring system reliably predicts readmission after pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

Postoperative readmissions have been proposed by Medicare as a quality metric and can impact provider reimbursement. Because readmission after pancreatectomy is common, we sought to identify factors associated with readmission to establish a predictive risk scoring system.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of 2,360 pancreatectomies performed at 9 high-volume pancreatic centers between 2005 and 2011 was performed. Forty-five factors strongly associated with readmission were identified. To derive and validate a risk scoring system, the population was randomly divided into 2 cohorts in a 4:1 fashion. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed and scores were assigned based on the relative odds ratio (OR) of each independent predictor. A composite Readmission after Pancreatectomy (RAP) score was generated and then stratified to create risk groups.

RESULTS

Overall, 464 (19.7%) patients were readmitted within 90 days. Eight pre- and postoperative factors, including earlier MI (OR = 2.03), American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥ 3 (OR = 1.34), dementia (OR = 6.22), hemorrhage (OR = 1.81), delayed gastric emptying (OR = 1.78), surgical site infection (OR = 3.31), sepsis (OR = 3.10), and short length of stay (OR = 1.51) were independently predictive of readmission. The 32-point RAP score generated from the derivation cohort was highly predictive of readmission in the validation cohort (area under the receiver operating curve = 0.72). The low-risk (0 to 3), intermediate-risk (4 to 7), and high-risk (>7) groups correlated with 11.7%, 17.5%, and 45.4% observed readmission rates, respectively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The RAP score is a novel and clinically useful risk scoring system for readmission after pancreatectomy. Identification of patients with increased risk of readmission using the RAP score will allow efficient resource allocation aimed to attenuate readmission rates. It also has potential to serve as a new metric for comparative research and quality assessment.