Clinical update on management of pancreatic trauma

Endoscopic main duct stenting in refractory postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy - a friend or a foe?

BACKGROUND

Clinically relevant (CR) postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP) are common. Endoscopic treatment (ET) has only scarcely been explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for CR POPF after DP and the efficacy of ET in adjunct to standard therapy.

METHODS

Consecutive patients without previous pancreatic surgery who underwent DP between 2011 and 2020 were evaluated, analyzing risk factors for CR POPF. The choice and performance of ET, main pancreatic duct (MPD) stenting, was not standardized. Healing time and complications after ET were registered.

RESULTS

406 patients underwent DP, CR POPF occurred in 29.6%. ET was performed in 17 patients 27 days (median) after index surgery. Risk for CR POPF was increased in ASA-PS 1-2 patients, MPD ≤ 3 mm, procedure time ≥ 3 h, and CRP ≥ 180 on postoperative day 3. POPF resolved with standard treatment after 32 days and 59 days in the ET group (p < 0.001). There was one mortality in the ET-group (not procedure related). Mild post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in three patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CR POPF is common after DP. Long operating time, a narrow MPD, low ASA score, and high postoperative CRP were risk factors for CR POPF. ET was not beneficial but proper evaluation was not possible due to few patients and non-standardized treatment. Complications after ET appeared mild.

Complete Traumatic Rupture of the Pancreas by a Horse Saddle: A Case Report

Pancreatic trauma is one of the least observed diagnoses in the emergency room, much less in pediatric emergencies. Any cause of direct abdominal blunt trauma can cause it. With only a few cases presented in the literature, horse accidents have been associated with this complication, but it has been never seen in literature as a case where the horse-riding saddle is the one causing the pancreatic trauma, until now. Emphasizing the importance of an early diagnosis is the key point, but more importantly, to highlight that the correct diagnostic approach will grant the opportunity for a lesion in the main pancreatic duct to be identified, which will allow a timely surgical approach, increasing overall survival rates and decreasing morbidity in these patients. Here lies the importance of not only utilizing a specific study, such as a computerized tomography (CT) scan to evaluate abdominal trauma but also using other image studies that are better suited for pediatric patients, such as magnetic resonance image (MRI) with cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).

Open or Not Open the Retroperitoneum: A Pandora's Box for Blunt High-Grade Pancreatic Trauma?

INTRODUCTION

The optimal management strategy for pancreatic trauma remains unclear. We aimed to determine whether the initial nonoperative management (NOM) strategy based on percutaneous drainage combined with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography guided stent placement would improve outcomes for blunt high-grade pancreatic trauma.

METHODS

Patients with blunt abdominal trauma who were hemodynamically stable without signs of diffuse peritonitis were consecutively enrolled at a high-volume center. The primary outcome was the occurrence of severe complications (Clavien‒Dindo classification ≥ Ⅲb) for patients who underwent initial laparotomy (LAP) versus NOM. Modified Poisson regression was used to model the primary outcome. Propensity score matching and weighting models were included into a regression-based sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

Of 119 patients with grade III/IV pancreatic trauma, 29 patients underwent initial NOM, and 90 underwent initial LAP. The incidence of severe complications in the LAP group was higher than that in the NOM group (65/90 [72.2%] versus 9/29 [31.0%], P < 0.001). In the multivariable modified Poisson regression model, the relative risk for severe complications was decreased in the NOM group (relative risk, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.30-0.90; P = 0.020). The results of the sensitivity analysis were consistent with those of the multivariable analysis. The mean number of reinterventions per patient was 1.8 in the NOM group and 2.6 in the LAP group (P = 0.067).

CONCLUSIONS

For blunt high-grade pancreatic trauma patients with stable hemodynamics and no diffuse peritonitis, the NOM strategy was associated with a lower risk of severe complications (Clavien‒Dindo classification ≥ Ⅲb) and did not require more invasive reintervention procedures. In high-volume centers with sufficient expertise, percutaneous drainage combined with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography guided stent placement may serve as an initial reasonable option for selected patients.

From surveillance to surgery: The delayed implications of non-operative and operative management of pancreatic injuries

BACKGROUND

Our study compares the delayed outcomes of operative versus nonoperative management of pancreatic injuries.

METHODS

We analyzed the 2017 Nationwide Readmissions Database on adult (≥18 years) trauma patients with pancreatic injuries. Patients who died on index admission were excluded. Patients were stratified into operative (OP) and non-operative (NOP) groups and compared for outcomes within 90 days of discharge. Multivariable regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

We identified 1553 patients (NOP ​= ​1092; OP ​= ​461). The Mean (SD) age was 39 (17.0) years, 31% of patients were female, and 77% had blunt injuries. Median ISS was 17 [9-25] and 74% had concomitant non-pancreatic intraabdominal injuries. On multivariable analysis, operative management was independently associated with increased odds of 90-day readmissions (aOR ​= ​1.47; p ​= ​0.03), intraabdominal abscesses (aOR ​= ​2.7; p ​< ​0.01), pancreatic pseudocyst (aOR ​= ​2.4; p ​= ​0.04), and need for percutaneous or endoscopic management (aOR ​= ​5.8; p ​< ​0.001).

CONCLUSION

Operative management of pancreatic injuries is associated with higher rates of delayed complications compared to non-operative management. Surgically treated pancreatic trauma patients may need close surveillance even after discharge.

Delayed presentation of isolated grade III pancreatic injury-a case report

Because of their vague and subtle indications and symptoms, pancreatic injuries are frequently misdiagnosed. It's crucial to have a high level of clinical suspicion. The presence of other organ solid lesions and vascular injuries, as well as the patient's hemodynamic condition, will determine how these injuries are treated. A surgical approach is mandatory when a ductal disruption occurs. The case of a 32-year-old man who experienced an upper abdominal blunt trauma is presented. He was admitted to our hospital with an acute abdomen 48 hours later. A complete transection of the major pancreatic duct was discovered during surgical investigation, and a distal pancreatectomy with en bloc splenectomy was performed. Even in a delayed context, distal pancreatectomy can be safely performed and is the best option.

Laparoscopic Management of Blunt Pancreatic Trauma in Adults and Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review

Background

Pancreatic trauma is an uncommon injury that occurs usually in a young population and is frequently overlooked and not readily appreciated on initial examination. Nowadays, the diagnosis and management of pancreatic trauma are still controversial, and there is no gold standard for the treatment. The aim of this study is to describe our experience in the management of blunt pancreatic trauma with a laparoscopic approach and review the literature on laparoscopic management of pancreatic trauma.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed, and 40 cases were reported and analysed; 10 cases were excluded because the complete data were not retrievable. We also reported our experience with the case of an 18-year-old male diagnosed with a deep laceration of the pancreas between body and tail, involving the main pancreatic duct, and with a concomitant hematoma. The patient underwent exploratory laparoscopy with abdominal toilet, necrosectomy, and suture of main pancreatic duct; the total blood loss was less than 200 ml, and the total operative time was 180 minutes. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on the 6th postoperative day.

Results

30 patients with pancreatic trauma, 10 adults and 20 pediatrics (mean age 28.2 years and 10.5 years), underwent a total laparoscopic approach: 2 distal pancreatic-splenectomy, 22 spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy, and 6 laparoscopic drainage. The mean operative time for the adult and pediatric populations was 160.6 and 214.5 minutes, the mean estimated blood loss was 400 ml and 75 ml, and the mean hospital stay was 14.9 and 9 days, respectively.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic management for pancreatic trauma can be considered feasible and safe when performed by an experienced laparoscopic pancreatic team, and in such a setting, it can be considered a viable alternative to open surgery, offering the well-known benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

Management and Outcome of Blunt Pancreatic Trauma: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic injury is rare, but it has a high mortality rate and its optimal treatment remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of patients with blunt pancreatic injury.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was performed on patients with a confirmed blunt pancreatic injury who were admitted to our hospital from March 2008 to December 2020. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving different management strategies were compared. The risk factors for in-hospital mortality were evaluated by performing a multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 98 patients diagnosed with blunt pancreatic injury were identified, with 40 patients having undergone nonoperative treatment (NOT) and 58 patients having undergone surgical treatment (ST). The overall in-hospital deaths were 6 (6.1%), including 2 (5.0%) and 4 (6.9%) in the NOT and ST groups, respectively. Pancreatic pseudocysts occurred in 15 (37.5%) and 3 (5.2%) of the NOT and ST groups, respectively, showing a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). In the multivariate regression analysis, concomitant duodenal injury (OR = 14.42, 95% CI 1.27-163.52; P = 0.031) and sepsis (OR = 43.47, 95% CI, 4.15-455.75; P = 0.002) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Except for the higher incidence of pancreatic pseudocysts in the NOT group than in the ST group, there were no significant differences in the other clinical outcomes between the two groups. Concomitant duodenal injury and sepsis were the risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

Surgical management of high-grade pancreatic injuries: Insights from a high-volume pancreaticobiliary specialty unit

BACKGROUND

The management of high-grade pancreatic trauma is controversial.

AIM

To review our single-institution experience on the surgical management of blunt and penetrating pancreatic injuries.

METHODS

A retrospective review of records was performed on all patients undergoing surgical intervention for high-grade pancreatic injuries [American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) Grade III or greater] at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney between January 2001 and December 2022. Morbidity and mortality outcomes were reviewed, and major diagnostic and operative challenges were identified.

RESULTS

Over a twenty-year period, 14 patients underwent pancreatic resection for high-grade injuries. Seven patients sustained AAST Grade III injuries and 7 were classified as Grades IV or V. Nine underwent distal pancreatectomy and 5 underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Overall, there was a predominance of blunt aetiologies (11/14). Concomitant intra-abdominal injuries were observed in 11 patients and traumatic haemorrhage in 6 patients. Three patients developed clinically relevant pancreatic fistulas and there was one in-hospital mortality secondary to multi-organ failure. Among stable presentations, pancreatic ductal injuries were missed in two-thirds of cases (7/12) on initial computed tomography imaging and subsequently diagnosed on repeat imaging or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. All patients who sustained complex pancreaticoduodenal trauma underwent PD without mortality. The management of pancreatic trauma is evolving. Our experience provides valuable and locally relevant insights into future management strategies.

CONCLUSION

We advocate that high-grade pancreatic trauma should be managed in high-volume hepato-pancreato-biliary specialty surgical units. Pancreatic resections including PD may be indicated and safely performed with appropriate specialist surgical, gastroenterology, and interventional radiology support in tertiary centres.

Delayed distal pancreatectomy for isolated complete pancreatic disruption secondary to “trivial” blunt abdominal injury: A case report and literature review

Pancreatic injury is a formidable diagnostic and therapeutic challenge owing to its relative rarity. Most injuries are from motor vehicle related injuries in blunt trauma patients. We present a 22‐year‐old male patient presented after sustaining a kick to the abdomen. He developed progressive abdominal pain with vomiting with delayed generalization of the pain and involuntary guarding. On initial exploratory laparotomy, suction drainage was inserted, and patient underwent delayed spleen sparing distal pancreatectomy on the 25th post‐admission day. Patient had smooth postoperative course and was discharged on the 7th postoperative day.

Delayed presentation of isolated ductal rupture of pancreatic head from blunt abdominal trauma managed conservatively: A case report

Introduction

and Importance: Blunt abdominal injury causing significant and isolated major pancreatic injury is rare in adolescents and young adults, with a controversial approach to its management.

Case presentation

We present our experience of diagnosis and management of the ductal injury of the pancreatic head (Grade III) in the setting of blunt abdominal trauma in a 20-year-old male diagnosed by a series of various tests including magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and managed by pigtail drainage and octreotide alone; contrary to the previous recommendations of management of high-grade pancreatic trauma through surgical approach or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and stenting.

Clinical discussion

Isolated ductal rupture of the pancreatic head can have delayed presentation within a window of time and can be diagnosed by a series of tests including hematological, biochemical, and radiological investigations. Conservative treatment is generally recommended for Grade I and II whereas a surgical approach is preferred for higher grade pancreatic injury.

Conclusions

Pancreatic ductal injury must be kept in mind when present with vague symptoms in the setting of blunt abdominal trauma. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is the investigation of choice for the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal injury. Even higher-grade pancreatic injury (grade III) can be managed with a conservative approach with pigtail drainage and an appropriate dosage of octreotide.

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Isolated ductal rupture of the pancreatic duct is very rare with delayed manifestations.

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MRCP is the investigation of choice for diagnosis.

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Conservative approach with pigtail drainage and octreotide can be successful in grade III injury.

Indications for the surgical management of pancreatic trauma: An update

Pancreatic trauma is rare compared to other abdominal solid organ injuries, accounting for 0.2%-0.3% of all trauma patients. Moreover, this type of injury may frequently be overlooked or not readily appreciated on initial clinical examinations and investigations. The organ injury scale determines the severity of the trauma. Nonetheless, there are conflicting recommendations for the best strategy in severe cases. Overall, conservative management of induced severe traumatic pancreatitis is adequate. Modern imaging modalities such as ultrasound scanning and computed tomography scanning can detect injuries in fewer than 60% of patients. However, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have diagnostic accuracies approaching 90%-100%. Thus, management options include ERCP and stent placement or distal pancreatectomy in cases of complete gland transection and wide drainage only for damage control surgery, which can prevent mortality but increases the risk of morbidity. In the majority of cases, surgical intervention is not required and should be reserved for only severe grade III to grade V injuries.

Management of pancreatic trauma in urban India: A multicenter study

Background

Pancreatic trauma occurs in 0.2–2% of patients with blunt trauma and 1–12% of patients with penetrating trauma. The mortality and morbidity rates range from 9 to 34% and 30–60% respectively. We aimed to review the management of pancreatic trauma in a multicenter database from India.

Methods

We analyzed all patients who suffered a pancreatic injury and who were included in the multicenter prospective observational study ‘Towards Improved Trauma Care Outcomes (TITCO)’.

Results

Of the 16047 trauma cases, 1134 (7.1%) patients suffered abdominal trauma. Of all those with abdominal trauma, 55 patients (4.9%) had injury to the pancreas. 28 patients (50.9%) with pancreatic trauma were managed conservatively. 27 patients (49.1%) underwent surgical exploration in the form of laparotomies. 11 procedures were undertaken for pancreas. A total of 45 (82%) patients had associated injuries along with pancreatic injury. Thorax (19) (including injuries to lung, pleura and ribs), liver (17), bowel (14) and spleen (13) were the most common associated injuries.

Conclusion

Conservative management was as common as operative management in patients with pancreatic injuries. Most (80%) grade III/IV underwent operative treatment. Many patients (82%) had associated injuries.

Level of evidence

III.

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Our study is a multicentric study from India to review management of pancreatic trauma.

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Most of the pancreatic injuries are associated with other intrabdominal injuries.

A Pragmatic Approach to Pancreatic Trauma: A Single-Center Experience From a Tertiary Care Center

Introduction

Pancreatic trauma is rare and is usually associated with adjacent organ and vascular injuries, which adds to the high morbidity and mortality. In the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) pancreatic trauma (PT) grading system, the higher grades are a composite of less and more severe extents of injuries. We hereby present an observational study of PT with management based on an indigenous algorithmic approach. Our protocol incorporating both the extent of disruption of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) and its amenability to interventions (endoscopic, radiological, or surgical) is pragmatic.

Methods

Ours is a retrospective observational study of 28 consecutive cases of PT, done over a three-year period in an academic institution, by an expert Surgical Gastroenterology unit. All patients diagnosed with PT on a contrast abdominal CT scan were included. After stabilization, they were stratified and managed according to an indigenous protocol. The primary outcome measure was treatment success in terms of recovery. The secondary outcome measure was morbidity of any form.

Results

One patient with Grade 1 PT was operated on for associated hollow viscus injury. Two patients with AAST Grade 2 and two patients with AAST Grade 3 injury were managed successfully without surgery. Twelve of 21 patients with Grade 3 PT underwent Kimura’s splenic vessel preserving distal pancreatectomy. Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and central pancreatectomy with Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) was done for 7/21 and 2/21 patients, respectively, with Grade 3 PT. Two with Grade 5 injury underwent trauma Whipple. The overall mortality and morbidity rates in our series were 15.7% and 64%, respectively.

Conclusion

The pathogenesis in PT is a dynamic process and shows temporal evolution. These patients require serial and periodical clinical and radiological monitoring, especially in those managed conservatively initially. PT can be low or high grade. Patients with isolated low-grade PT can be managed according to the standard step-up approach for acute pancreatitis. A carefully selected subgroup of patients with partial MPD disruption either in the head or body of the pancreas can be managed by endotherapy. Complete distal parenchymal transections require early surgery tailored to individual patients in the form of either splenic vessel preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) or distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (DP+S). Damage control surgery is the dictum in unstable patients with Grades 4 and 5 injuries not responding to resuscitative measures. A trauma Whipple can be done in a carefully selected subgroup of stable patients with proximal massive disruptions in an experienced hepato-pancreatico-biliary (HPB) unit.

Current Standards for and Clinical Impact of Emergency Radiology in Major Trauma

In industrialized countries, high energy trauma represents the leading cause of death and disability among people under 35 years of age. The two leading causes of mortality are neurological injuries and bleeding. Clinical evaluation is often unreliable in determining if, when and where injuries should be treated. Traditionally, surgery was the mainstay for assessment of injuries but advances in imaging techniques, particularly in computed tomography (CT), have contributed in progressively changing the classic clinical paradigm for major traumas, better defining the indications for surgery. Actually, the vast majority of traumas are now treated nonoperatively with a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality compared to the past. In this sense, another crucial point is the advent of interventional radiology (IR) in the treatment of vascular injuries after blunt trauma. IR enables the most effective nonoperative treatment of all vascular injuries. Indications for IR depend on the CT evidence of vascular injuries and, therefore, a robust CT protocol and the radiologist's expertise are crucial. Emergency and IR radiologists form an integral part of the trauma team and are crucial for tailored management of traumatic injuries.

Role of MRI in early follow-up of patients with solid organ injuries: How and why we do it?

Trauma represents one of the most common causes of death or permanent disability in the population below 50 years. At present, non-operative treatment is the commonly adopted strategy in hemodynamically stable patients with solid organ injuries, when there are not concomitant bowel and mesenteric injuries requiring a prompt surgical approach, but it may require multiple imaging follow-up examinations, especially in the case of major injuries. No data are available about magnetic resonance imaging utilization in the early follow-up of trauma patients with solid organ injuries, particularly in liver and spleen trauma. We report our preliminary experience in this field.

Spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy following grade III pancreatic injury in a delayed presentation: a technical challenge

Pancreatic injuries are often overlooked in view of subtle clinical signs, and high index of suspicion is required to manage these injuries. Management strategies vary depending on the grade of injury and associated solid organ injuries and vascular injuries. Early surgery is advised in patients with duct disruption to avoid complications related to duct disruption. We present a case of 19-year-old man with delayed presentation following pancreatic trauma. During the surgery, changes of pancreatitis were noted and posterior wall of the stomach was adherent to pancreas, and inflammatory changes in vicinity of pancreas posed a significant challenge while dissecting pancreas away from the splenic vein. Spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomty (SPDP) was done. SPDP is time-consuming and technically challenging procedure especially in patients with delayed presentation. It is safe and feasible to consider spleen preservation in pancreatic trauma when patient is haemodynamically stable and expertise is available.

A case-control study of risk factors for survival after laparotomy in patients with pancreatic trauma

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic trauma results in significant morbidity and mortality. However, few studies have investigated the postoperative prognostic factors in patients with pancreatic trauma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on consecutive patients with pancreatic trauma who underwent surgery in a national referral trauma center. Clinical data were retrieved from the electronic medical system. Univariate and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the perioperative clinical parameters that may predict the factors of mortality of the patients.

RESULTS

A total of 150 patients underwent laparotomy due to pancreatic trauma during the study period. 128(85.4%) patients survived and 22 (14.6%) patients died due to pancreatic injury (10 patients died of recurrent intra-abdominal active hemorrhage and 12 died of multiple organ failure). Univariate analysis showed that age, hemodynamic status, and injury severe score (ISS) as well as postoperative serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, albumin, creatinine and the volume of intraoperative blood transfusion remained strongly predictive of mortality (P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for prognosis after pancreatic trauma were age (P = 0.010), preoperative hemodynamic instability (P = 0.015), postoperative CRP ≥154 mg/L (P = 0.014), and postoperative serum creatinine ≥177 μmol/L (P = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

In this single-center retrospective study, we demonstrated that preoperative hemodynamic instability, severe postoperative inflammation (CRP ≥154 mg/L) and acute renal failure (creatinine ≥177 μmol/L) were associated with a significant risk of mortality after pancreatic trauma.

CT-US fusion imaging increases the feasibility of early ultrasound-guided percutaneous intervention of local drug therapy in pancreatic contusion and laceration

Background

Multimodal fusion imaging (MMFI) was usually used to assist percutaneous procedures for difficult lesions, with most applications occurring with hepatic and prostatic interventions. This paper aimed to evaluate the precision and effectiveness of computed tomography-ultrasound (CT-US) fusion imaging (CUFI)-assisted US-guided percutaneous intervention (UGPI) in early local drug therapy for pancreatic contusion and laceration (PCL).

Methods

A total of 12 pigs with PCL were randomly divided into a CUFI-assisted UGPI (MU) group (n=6) and a single UGPI (SU) group (n=6). The MU group underwent CUFI-assisted UGPI of locally applied medical protein glue (1 mL) injection while the SU group received the same therapy using two-dimensional UGPI. The duration and accuracy of each procedure were observed in the 2 groups.

Results

In the MU group, the overall time of the procedure for locking the plane was 1.85±0.06 minutes. Less time was spent in the selection of the pathway and puncture site in the MU group compared with the SU group (6.56±0.42 vs. 7.61±0.44 minutes, P<0.01). The duration of puncturing and drug injection was also shorter in the MU group than in the SU group (3.41±0.30 vs. 4.20±0.20 minutes, P<0.01) and the MU group had a higher accuracy of medical protein glue injection than the SU group (100% vs. 50%, P<0.05).

Conclusions

CUFI could increase the precision and effectiveness of early UGPI in the delivery of local drug therapy in PCL.

Sex-Related Differences of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis in Adults

The incidence of acute and chronic pancreatitis is increasing in the United States. Rates of acute pancreatitis (AP) are similar in both sexes, but chronic pancreatitis (CP) is more common in males. When stratified by etiology, women have higher rates of gallstone AP, while men have higher rates of alcohol- and tobacco-related AP and CP, hypercalcemic AP, hypertriglyceridemic AP, malignancy-related AP, and type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). No significant sex-related differences have been reported in medication-induced AP or type 2 AIP. Whether post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis is sex-associated remains controversial. Animal models have demonstrated sex-related differences in the rates of induction and severity of AP, CP, and AIP. Animal and human studies have suggested that a combination of risk factor profiles, as well as genes, may be responsible for the observed differences. More investigation into the sex-related differences of AP and CP is desired in order to improve clinical management by developing effective prevention strategies, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

Pancreatic Trauma: Imaging Review and Management Update

Traumatic injuries of the pancreas are uncommon and often difficult to diagnose owing to subtle imaging findings, confounding multiorgan injuries, and nonspecific clinical signs. Nonetheless, early diagnosis and treatment are critical, as delays increase morbidity and mortality. Imaging has a vital role in diagnosis and management. A high index of suspicion, as well as knowledge of the anatomy, mechanism of injury, injury grade, and role of available imaging modalities, is required for prompt accurate diagnosis. CT is the initial imaging modality of choice, although the severity of injury can be underestimated and assessment of the pancreatic duct is limited with this modality. The time from injury to definitive diagnosis and the treatment of potential pancreatic duct injury are the primary factors that determine outcome following pancreatic trauma. Disruption of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) is associated with higher rates of complications, such as abscess, fistula, and pseudoaneurysm, and is the primary cause of pancreatic injury-related mortality. Although CT findings can suggest pancreatic duct disruption according to the depth of parenchymal injury, MR cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography facilitate direct assessment of the MPD. Management of traumatic pancreatic injury depends on multiple factors, including mechanism of injury, injury grade, presence (or absence) of vascular injury, hemodynamic status of the patient, and associated organ damage. ^©RSNA, 2020 See discussion on this article by Patlas.

Incidence and characteristics of pancreatic injuries among trauma patients admitted to a Norwegian trauma centre: a population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic injuries are rare. Reports are lacking from defined European populations covering all ages and genders and in areas with a low prevalence of penetrating trauma. We aimed to review pancreatic injuries identified within a defined population.

METHODS

Observational cohort study from a prospectively maintained trauma registry and all patients coded for a pancreatic injury between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 14 patients with pancreatic injury were identified over a 15-year time period. Pancreatic injuries represented 0,19% (14/7207) of all trauma patients and 3,1% (14/454) of patients with documented abdominal injuries. Nine patients 64% (9/14) were children, representing 1% (9/869) of all injured children in the registry and 11,4% (9/79) of children with documented abdominal injuries. Median age was 10,5 years (range 3-58). Ten were male (71%) and 86% (12/14) suffered blunt trauma. Median AAST-OIS was 2 (1-4). Single organ injury occurred in 43% (6/14). Concomitant liver injury was the most frequent associated intra-abdominal injury found in 29% (4/14). Four patients (29%) had associated injuries in other body regions, all thoracic injuries. Median ISS was 9,5 (4-41).Operative management was needed for four of the pancreatic injuries, one spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy, one spleen-sacrificing distal pancreatectomy and two peripancreatic drainages. One patient died within 30-days, but the death was unrelated to the pancreatic injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of pancreatic injuries is low, even among trauma patients with documented abdominal injuries. Most pancreatic injuries occurred in children. Injuries requiring surgery was rare.

Clinical course and pancreas parenchyma sparing surgical treatment of severe pancreatic trauma

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic trauma (PT) involving the main pancreatic duct is rare, but represents a challenging clinical problem with relevant morbidity and mortality. It is generally classified according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) and often presents as concomitant injury in blunt or penetrating abdominal trauma. Diagnosis may be delayed because of a lack of clinical or radiological manifestation. Treatment options for main pancreatic duct injuries comprise highly complex surgical procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 12 patients who underwent surgery in two tertiary centers in Germany during 2003-2016 for grade III-V PT with affection of the main pancreatic duct, according to the AAST classification.

RESULTS

The median age was 23 (range: 7-44) years. In nine patients blunt abdominal trauma was the reason for PT, whereas penetrating trauma only occurred in three patients. MRI outperformed classical trauma CT imaging with regard to detection of duct involvement. Complex procedures as i.e. an emergency pancreatic head resection, distal pancreatectomy or parenchyma sparing pancreatogastrostomy were performed. Compared to elective pancreatic surgery the complication rate in the emergency setting was higher. Yet, parenchyma-sparing procedures demonstrated safety.

CONCLUSIONS

Often extension of diagnostics including MRI and/or ERP at an early stage is necessary to guide clinical decision-making. If, due to main duct injuries, surgical therapy for PT is required, we suggest consideration of an organ preservative pancreatogastrostomy in grade III/IV trauma of the pancreatic body or tail.

Epidemiological state, predictive model for mortality, and optimal management strategy for pancreatic injury: A multicentre nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Data for establishing the optimal management modalities for pancreatic injury are lacking. Herein, we aimed to describe the epidemiology, identify mortality predictors, and determine the optimal management strategy for pancreatic injury.

METHODS

We identified patients with pancreatic injury between 2004 and 2017 recorded in the Japan Trauma Data Bank. The primary outcome was mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors significantly associated with mortality and to develop a predictive model. Patients were also classified according to the Organ Injury Scaling of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST grade I/II or III/IV). Outcomes were compared based on significant confounder-adjusted treatment strategy.

RESULTS

Overall, 743 (0.25%) patients had pancreatic injury. Traffic accident was the most common aetiology. The overall mortality rate was 17.5%, while it was 4.7% for isolated pancreatic injury. AAST grade, Revised Trauma Scale score on arrival, age, and coexistence of severe abdominal injury aside from pancreatic injury were independently associated with mortality. A predictive model for mortality comprising these four variables showed excellent performance, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85-0.93). The in-hospital mortality was higher in patients who underwent celiotomy than in those who did not among those with AAST grade I/II (15.1% vs. 5.3%) and III/IV (13.8% vs. 12.3%). After adjusting for confounders, these differences were not significant with the adjusted odds ratios of 1.41 (95% CI, 0.55-3.60) and 0.54 (95% CI, 0.17-1.67) for AAST grade I/II and III/IV, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

AAST grade, Revised Trauma Scale score on arrival, age, and coexistence of severe abdominal injury aside from pancreatic injury were prognostic factors of mortality after pancreatic injury. Confounder-adjusted analysis did not show that operative management was superior to non-operative management for survival. Non-operative management may be a reasonable strategy for select pancreatic injury patients, especially in institutions where expertise in interventional endoscopy is available.

Duodeno-pancreatic and extrahepatic biliary tree trauma: WSES-AAST guidelines

Duodeno-pancreatic and extrahepatic biliary tree injuries are rare in both adult and pediatric trauma patients, and due to their anatomical location, associated injuries are very common. Mortality is primarily related to associated injuries, but morbidity remains high even in isolated injuries. Optimal management of duodeno-bilio-pancreatic injuries is dictated primarily by hemodynamic stability, clinical presentation, and grade of injury. Endoscopic and percutaneous interventions have increased the ability to non-operatively manage these injuries. Late diagnosis and treatment are both associated to increased morbidity and mortality. Sequelae of late presentations of pancreatic injury and complications of severe pancreatic trauma are also increasingly addressed endoscopically and with interventional radiology procedures. However, for moderate and severe extrahepatic biliary and severe duodeno-pancreatic injuries, immediate operative intervention is preferred as associated injuries are frequent and commonly present with hemodynamic instability or peritonitis. The aim of this paper is to present the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) duodenal, pancreatic, and extrahepatic biliary tree trauma management guidelines.

Successful combination strategy of preoperative placement of an endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage catheter and pancreas preservation surgery for pancreatic injury with major pancreatic duct disruption: a case report

Background

The guidelines recommend pancreatic resection for grade III and IV pancreatic injuries. On the other hand, organ preservation is an important issue. Herein, we present the first case of pancreatic injury with major pancreatic duct (MPD) disruption that was treated with the combination of preoperative placement of endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage (ENPD) catheter and pancreas preservation surgery after endoscopic pancreatic stenting (EPS) failure.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old female diagnosed with pancreatic injury was admitted to our hospital. She was hemodynamically stable. ERP revealed MPD disruption, and EPS failed. An ENPD catheter was placed preoperatively at the site of injury. During laparotomy, we identified a partial-thickness laceration in the pancreatic body. At the site of injury, the tip of the ENPD catheter was found; therefore, the patient was diagnosed with grade III pancreatic body injury with MPD disruption. The extent of crush was not severe, and we had no difficulty in identifying the distal MPD segment. We inserted the ENPD catheter into the distal MPD segment. The ruptured MPD and the laceration was sutured, then pancreatic resection was prevented. She was discharged on POD 56.

Conclusion

The treatment strategy incorporated ERP, placement of an ENPD catheter preoperatively, and a simple surgery in a hemodynamically stable patient with pancreatic injury allows the pancreas and spleen to be preserved.

Pancreatic Injuries in Abdominal Trauma in US Adults: Analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank on Management, Outcomes, and Predictors of Mortality

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Traumatic pancreatic injury is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, and the management strategies associated with the best clinical outcomes are unknown. Our aims were to identify the incidence of traumatic pancreatic injury in adult patients in the United States using the National Trauma Data Bank, evaluate management strategies and clinical outcomes, and identify predictors of in-hospital mortality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed National Trauma Data Bank data from 2007 to 2011, and identified patients ⩾14 years old with pancreatic injuries either due to blunt or penetrating trauma. Patient characteristics, injury-associated factors, clinical outcomes, and in-hospital mortality rates were evaluated and compared between two groups stratified by injury type (blunt vs penetrating trauma). Statistical analyses used included Pearson's chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and analysis of variance. Factors independently associated with in-hospital mortality were identified using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

We identified 8386 (0.3%) patients with pancreatic injuries. Of these, 3244 (38.7%) had penetrating injuries and 5142 (61.3%) had blunt injuries. Penetrating traumas were more likely to undergo surgical management compared with blunt traumas. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 21.2% (n = 1776), with penetrating traumas more likely to be associated with mortality (26.5% penetrating vs 17.8% blunt, p < 0.001). Unadjusted mortality rates varied by management strategy, from 6.7% for those treated with a drainage procedure to >15% in those treated with pancreatic repair or resection. Adjusted analysis identified drainage procedure as an independent factor associated with decreased mortality. Independent predictors of mortality included age ⩾70 years, injury severity score ⩾15, Glasgow Coma Scale motor <6, gunshot wound, and associated injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Traumatic pancreatic injuries are a rare but critical condition. The incidence of pancreatic injury was 0.3%. The overall morbidity and mortality rates were 53% and 21.2%, respectively. Patients undergoing less invasive procedures, such as drainage, were associated with improved outcomes.

Role of multidetector computed tomography in the assessment of pancreatic injuries after blunt trauma: a multicenter experience

Pancreatic injuries can occur from either penetrating or blunt abdominal trauma. While there are rare, especially in the setting of blunt abdominal trauma, they are associated with a mortality of up to 30%, and a morbidity of 60%. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is the preferred imaging modality in patients with acute blunt abdominal trauma and for the detection of acute pancreatic injury. Magnetic resonance (MR) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) plays an important role in the follow-up of pancreatic injury. In this brief review, we discuss the main MDCT acute imaging findings as well as the complications. Finally, we discuss the role of MR and MRCP in follow up of patients with pancreatic injuries.

Nonoperative management of solid abdominal organ injuries: From past to present

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Today, a significant proportion of solid abdominal organ injuries, whether caused by penetrating or blunt trauma, are managed nonoperatively. However, the controversy over operative versus nonoperative management started more than a hundred years ago. The aim of this review is to highlight some of the key past observations and summarize the current knowledge and guidelines in the management of solid abdominal organ injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A non-systematic search through historical articles and references on the management practices of abdominal injuries was conducted utilizing early printed volumes of major surgical and medical journals from the late 19th century onwards.

RESULTS

Until the late 19th century, the standard treatment of penetrating abdominal injuries was nonoperative. The first article advocating formal laparotomy for abdominal gunshot wounds was published in 1881 by Sims. After World War I, the policy of mandatory laparotomy became standard practice for penetrating abdominal trauma. During the latter half of the 20th century, the concept of selective nonoperative management, initially for anterior abdominal stab wounds and later also gunshot wounds, was adopted by major trauma centers in South Africa, the United States, and little later in Europe. In blunt solid abdominal organ injuries, the evolution from surgery to nonoperative management in hemodynamically stable patients aided by the development of modern imaging techniques was rapid from 1980s onwards.

CONCLUSION

With the help of modern imaging techniques and adjunctive radiological and endoscopic interventions, a major shift from mandatory to selective surgical approach to solid abdominal organ injuries has occurred during the last 30-50 years.