Can early serum lipase measurement be routinely implemented to rule out clinically significant pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy?

Gradient inflammation in the pancreatic stump after pancreaticoduodenectomy: Two case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study explored this pathology in the pancreatic stumps and elucidated the mechanisms of POPF following PD.

CASE SUMMARY

Pathological analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were performed on specimens obtained from two patients who underwent complete pancreatectomy for grade C POPF after PD. Gradient inflammation is present in the pancreatic stump. The apoptosis was lower than that in the normal pancreas. Moreover, neutrophil-dominated inflammatory cells are concentrated in the ductal system. Notably, neutrophils migrated through the ductal wall in acinar duct metaplasia-formed ducts. Additionally, evidence indicates that gut microbes migrate from the digestive tract. Gradient inflammation occurs in pancreatic stumps after PD.

CONCLUSION

The mechanisms underlying POPF include high biochemical activity in the pancreas, mechanical injury, and digestive reflux. To prevent POPF and address pancreatic inflammation and reflux, breaking the link with anastomotic dehiscence is practical.

Risk Factors of Postoperative Acute Pancreatitis and Its Impact on the Postoperative Course after Pancreaticoduodenectomy-10 Years of Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Clinically relevant acute postoperative pancreatitis (CR-PPAP) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a complication that may lead to the development of local and systemic consequences. The study aimed to identify risk factors for CR-PPAP and assess the impact of CR-PPAP on the postoperative course after PD.

METHODS

The study retrospectively analyzed data from 428 consecutive patients who underwent PD at a single center between January 2013 and December 2022. The presence of increased amylase activity in plasma, above the upper limit of normal 48 h after surgery, was checked. CR-PPAP was diagnosed when accompanied by disturbing radiological features and/or symptoms requiring treatment. We investigated the relationship between the occurrence of CR-PPAP and the development of postoperative complications after PD, and possible predictors of CR-PPAP.

RESULTS

The postoperative follow-up period was 90 days. Of the 428 patients, 18.2% (n = 78) had CR-PPAP. It was associated with increased rates of CR-POPF, delayed gastric emptying, occurrence of intra-abdominal collections, postoperative hemorrhage, peritonitis, and septic shock. Patients who developed CR-PPAP were more often reoperated (37.17% vs. 6.9%, p < 0.0001)) and had increased postoperative mortality (14.1% vs. 5.74%, p < 0.0001). Soft pancreatic parenchyma, intraoperative blood loss, small diameter of the pancreatic duct, and diagnosis of adenocarcinoma papillae Vateri were independent risk factors for CR-PPAP and showed the best performance in predicting CR-PPAP.

CONCLUSIONS

CR-PPAP is associated with an increased incidence of postoperative complications after PD, worse treatment outcomes, and an increased risk of reoperation and mortality. Pancreatic consistency, intraoperative blood loss, width of the duct of Wirsung, and histopathological diagnosis can be used to assess the risk of CR-PPAP. Amylase activity 48 h after surgery > 161 U/L is highly specific in the diagnosis of CR-PPAP.

Serum amylase on postoperative day 1 is superior to serum lipase in predicting clinically relevant pancreatic fistula after partial pancreaticoduodenectomy

PURPOSE

To compare the predictive value of serum amylase and lipase regarding the occurrence of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (cr-POPF) after partial pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

Data from 228 consecutive patients undergoing PD were obtained from a prospective database. Serum amylase and lipase were measured on postoperative days (PODs) 0-2. Receiver-operating characteristics analysis was performed and cutoff values were tested using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Serum amylase had a larger area under the curve (AUC) on POD1 (AUC 0.89, p <0.001) than serum lipase. For serum amylase POD 1, a cutoff value of 70 U/l showed sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 70% for the diagnosis of cr-POPF. Serum amylase POD 1 > 70 U/l (OR 9.815, 95% CI 3.683-26.152, p < 0.001), drain amylase POD 1 > 300 U/l (OR 2.777, 95% CI 1.071-7.197, p= 0.036), and a small (≤ 3mm) pancreatic duct diameter (OR 3.705, 95% CI 1.426-9.627, p= 0.007) were significant predictors of cr-POPF in the multivariable analysis. Patients were divided into three risk groups based on serum amylase POD 1 and pancreatic duct diameter. This model had a good performance in discriminating cr-POPF (AUC 0.846, 95% CI 0.793-0.898). The sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value for the combination of serum amylase POD 1 <70 U/l and pancreatic duct diameter >3 mm were 100%, 70%, and 100%.

CONCLUSION

Serum amylase POD 1 was superior to serum lipase in predicting cr-POPF after PD. The proposed risk prediction model had a sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100%, allowing for early identification of cr-POPF.

Incidence and risk factors of postoperative acute pancreatitis after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Postoperative acute pancreatitis (POAP) is a specific complication after pancreatectomy. The acute inflammatory response of the residual pancreas may affect the healing of pancreatoenteric anastomoses, leading to postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPFs), abdominal infections, and even progressive systemic reactions, conditions that negatively affect patients' prognoses and can cause death. However, to the best of our knowledge, no systematic reviews or meta-analytic studies have assessed the incidence and risk factors of POAP after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

Method

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant literature describing the outcomes of POAP after PD until November 25, 2022, and we used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess the quality of the studies. Next, we pooled the incidence of POAP and the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the risk factors using a random-effect meta-analysis. I² tests were used to assess heterogeneity between the studies.

Results

We analyzed data from 7,164 patients after PD from 23 articles that met the inclusion criteria for this study. The subgroup results of the meta-analysis by different POAP diagnostic criteria showed that the incidences of POAP were 15% (95% CI, 5-38) in the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery group, 51% (95% CI, 42-60) in the Connor group, 7% (95% CI, 2-24) in the Atlanta group, and 5% (95% CI, 2-14) in the unclear group. Being a woman [OR (1.37, 95% CI, 1.06-1.77)] or having a soft pancreatic texture [OR (2.56, 95% CI, 1.70-3.86)] were risk factors of POAP after PD.

Conclusion

The results showed that POAP was common after PD, and its incidence varied widely according to different definitions. Large-scale reports are still needed, and surgeons should remain aware of this complication.

Systematic Review Registration

identifier: CRD42022375124.

Postoperative Hypophosphatemia as a Prognostic Factor for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula: A Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is one of the most challenging complications after pancreatic resections, associated with prolonged hospital stay and high mortality. Early identification of pancreatic fistula is necessary for the treatment to be effective. Several prognostic factors have been identified, although it is unclear which one is the most crucial. Some studies show that post-pancreatectomy hypophosphatemia may be associated with the development of POPF. The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether postoperative hypophosphatemia can be used as a prognostic factor for postoperative pancreatic fistula. Materials and Methods: The systematic literature review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations (PRISMA) and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). The PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched up to the 31st of January 2022 for studies analyzing postoperative hypophosphatemia as a prognostic factor for POPF. Data including study characteristics, patient characteristics, operation type, definitions of postoperative hypophosphatemia and postoperative pancreatic fistula were extracted. Results: Initially, 149 articles were retrieved. After screening and final assessment, 3 retrospective studies with 2893 patients were included in this review. An association between postoperative hypophosphatemia and POPF was found in all included studies. Patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy were more likely to develop severe hypophosphatemia compared to patients undergoing proximal pancreatectomy. Serum phosphate levels on postoperative day 4 (POD 4) and postoperative day 5 (POD 5) remained significantly lower in patients who developed leak-related complications showing a slower recovery of hypophosphatemia from postoperative day 3 (POD 3) through postoperative day 7 (POD 7). Moreover, body mass index (BMI) higher than 30 kg/m², soft pancreatic tissue, abnormal white blood cell count on postoperative day 3 (POD 3), and shorter surgery time were associated with leak-related complications (LRC) and lower phosphate levels. Conclusions: Early postoperative hypophosphatemia might be used as a prognostic biomarker for early identification of postoperative pancreatic fistula. However, more studies are needed to better identify significant cut-off levels of postoperative hypophosphatemia and development of hypophosphatemia in the postoperative period.

Could the chylomicron marker apoB48 be of value in the diagnosis of chylous effusions?

BACKGROUND

Chylous effusions such as chylothorax, chylopericardium and chylous ascites are marked by the abnormal presence of chylomicrons in serous membranes. These relatively rare situations are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Given that a macroscopic assessment of the fluid is insufficient, the current gold standard method for chylous effusion is the electrophoretic separation of lipoproteins. Serous effusions are most frequently assayed for triglycerides, with a diagnostic threshold varying between studies. The present study is the first to assess the value of the apolipoprotein B48, specific of the chylomicron, in the diagnosis of chylous effusions.

METHODS

A chemiluminescent sandwich enzyme immunoassay was used to measure levels of apoB48 in remnant samples of effusion fluid sent to our laboratory for chylomicron detection and lipid assays. The diagnostic values of apoB48 and triglyceride assays were compared with that of the gold standard method.

RESULTS

The triglyceride and apoB48 levels and the triglyceride/cholesterol ratio in the effusion fluid were significantly higher in patients with chylous effusion. The threshold values for apoB48 were respectively 2.45, 0.25 and 19.00 µg/mL for a maximal Youden index, a sensitivity > 95 %, and a specificity > 95 %. The apoB48 assay's diagnostic value might be at least as high as that of a triglyceride assay (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [95 % confidence interval]: 0.84 [0.72, 0.96]) and 0.80 [0.67, 0.94], respectively).

CONCLUSION

ApoB48 appears to be a promising marker for the diagnosis of chylous effusions; the putative diagnostic improvement must be confirmed in larger studies.

Serum lipase on postoperative day one is a strong predictor of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A retrospective cohort

BACKGROUND

Increased postoperative serum amylase has been recently reported to be associated with increased postoperative morbidity, but studies on postoperative serum lipase are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of postoperative serum lipase in predicting clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHOD

A retrospective analysis was performed on 212 patients who underwent PD from September 2018 and March 2021, focusing on the association between postoperative day (POD) 1 serum lipase and CR-POPF.

RESULTS

Overall, 108 (50.9%) patients had elevated serum lipase levels (>68 U/L) on POD 1. Patients with elevated serum lipase exhibited a significantly higher incidence of CR-POPF (37.0% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses showed improved diagnostic accuracy for POD 1 serum lipase compared with POD 1 serum amylase in predicting CR-POPF (AUC: 0.801 vs. 0.745, p = 0.029). Elevated serum lipase on POD 1 and elevated serum CRP on POD 3 were identified as independent predictors of CR-POPF. A simple early postoperative model, consisting of POD 1 serum lipase levels and POD 3 serum CRP levels, showed good discrimination (AUC 0.76, 95% CI 0.69-0.83) to identify the onset of CR-POPF.

CONCLUSION

Serum lipase on POD 1 outperformed serum amylase on POD 1 in predicting CR-POPF after PD. The combination of POD 1 serum lipase and POD 3 serum CRP provides a reliable predicting model for CR-POPF.

The diagnostic value of C-reactive protein for predicting pancreatic fistula following pancreatoduodenectomy

INTRODUCTION

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the preferred treatment of neoplasms in the pancreas and duodenum. Postoperative pancreatic fistula is a critical complication. A potential predictive marker is C-reactive protein. This retrospective study examined the predictive value of C-reactive protein as a marker for development of postoperative pancreatic fistulas.

METHODS

All patients who had a pancreaticoduodenectomy from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019, were included. Levels of the biomarker and linear trajectory were determined for postoperative days one to four. Univariate analysis was used to identify predictive variables for a postoperative pancreatic fistula. Receiver operating characteristics curves, specificity, and sensitivity were calculated.

RESULTS

Five hundred and fifty-two patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. C-reactive protein level greater than 121.5mg/L on the third postoperative day and an increase in C-reactive protein level between the first and fourth postoperative days, greater than 21.7mg/L, seemed to be reliable predictors. For Grade C postoperative pancreatic fistulas, increases in C-reactive protein, greater than 40.6ml/L the first four postoperative days, had a sensitivity of 100%. White blood cell count did not have similar reliability in predicting postoperative pancreatic fistulas.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that small rises in C-reactive protein during the first postoperative days after pancreaticoduodenectomy are associated with an increased risk of developing postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Dynamic prediction for clinically relevant pancreatic fistula: a novel prediction model for laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background

With the recent emerge of dynamic prediction model on the use of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and renal failure, and its advantage of providing timely predicted results according to the fluctuation of the condition of the patients, we aim to develop a dynamic prediction model with its corresponding risk assessment chart for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy by combining baseline factors and postoperative time-relevant drainage fluid amylase level and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio.

Methods

We collected data of 251 patients undergoing LPD at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2016 to April 2019. We extracted preoperative and intraoperative baseline factors and time-window of postoperative drainage fluid amylase and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio relevant to clinically relevant pancreatic fistula by performing univariate and multivariate analyses, developing a time-relevant logistic model with the evaluation of its discrimination ability. We also established a risk assessment chart in each time-point.

Results

The proportion of the patients who developed clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy was 7.6% (19/251); preoperative albumin and creatine levels, as well as drainage fluid amylase and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio on postoperative days 2, 3, and 5, were the independent risk factors for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula. The cut-off points of the prediction value of each time-relevant logistic model were 14.0% (sensitivity: 81.9%, specificity: 86.5%), 8.3% (sensitivity: 85.7%, specificity: 79.1%), and 7.4% (sensitivity: 76.9%, specificity: 85.9%) on postoperative days 2, 3, and 5, respectively, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.866 (95% CI 0.737–0.996), 0.896 (95% CI 0.814–0.978), and 0.888 (95% CI 0.806–0.971), respectively.

Conclusions

The dynamic prediction model for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula has a good to very good discriminative ability and predictive accuracy. Patients whose predictive values were above 14.0%, 8.3%, and 7.5% on postoperative days 2, 3, and 5 would be very likely to develop clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy.

What should we trust to define, predict and assess pancreatic fistula after pancreatectomy?

OBJECTIVE

The ISGPF postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) definition using amylase drain concentration is widely used. However, the interest of lipase drain concentration, daily drain output and absolute enzyme daily production (concentration x daily drain volume) have been poorly investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

These predictive on postoperative day (POD) 1, 3, 5 and 7 were analyzed in a development cohort, and subsequently tested in an independent validation cohort.

RESULTS

Of the 227 patients of the development cohort, 17% developed a biochemical fistula and 34% a POPF (Grade B/C). Strong correlation was found between amylase/lipase drain concentration at all postoperative days (ρ = 0.90; p = 0.001). Amylase and lipase were both significantly higher in patients with a POPF (p < 0.001) presenting an equivalent under the ROC curve area (0.85 vs 0.84; p = 0.466). Combining POD1 and POD3 threefold enzyme cut-off value increased significantly POPF prediction sensibility (97.4% vs 77.8%) and NPV (97.1% vs 86.3%). These results were also confirmed in the validation cohort of 554 patients. Finally, absolute enzyme daily production and daily drain output were significantly higher in patients with a POPF (p < 0.001) but did not add clinical value when compared to drain enzyme concentration.

CONCLUSION

Lipase is as effective as amylase drain concentration to define POPF. Absolute enzyme daily production or daily drain output do not help to better predict clinically significant POPF occurrence and severity. Lipase and amylase should mainly be used for their negative predictive value to predict the absence of clinically significant POPF and could allow early drain removal and hospital discharge.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of factors associated with post-operative pancreatic fistula following pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Many studies have explored factors relating to post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF); however, the original definition (All-POPF) was revised to include only 'clinically relevant' (CR) POPF. This study identified variables associated with the two International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery definitions to identify which variables are more strongly associated with CR-POPF.

METHODS

A systematic review identified all studies reporting risk factors for POPF (using both International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula definitions) following pancreatoduodenectomy. The primary outcome was factors associated with CR-POPF. Meta-analyses (random effects models) of pre-, intra- and post-operative factors associated with POPF in more than two studies were included.

RESULTS

Among 52 774 patients All-POPF (n = 69 studies) and CR-POPF (n = 53 studies) affected 27% (95% confidence interval (CI_95% ) 23-30) and 19% (CI_95% 17-22), respectively. Of the 176 factors, 24 and 17 were associated with All- and CR-POPF, respectively. Absence of pre-operative pancreatitis, presence of renal disease, no pre-operative neoadjuvant therapy, use of post-operative somatostatin analogues, absence of associated venous or arterial resection were associated with CR-POPF but not All-POPF.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion this study demonstrates wide variation in reported rates of POPF and that several risk factors associated with CR-POPF are not used within risk prediction models. Data from this study can be used to shape future studies, research and audit across ethnic and geographic boundaries in POPF following pancreatoduodenectomy.

Early Post-Operative Pancreatitis and Systemic Inflammatory Response Assessed by Serum Lipase and IL-6 Predict Pancreatic Fistula

Background

Post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a critical complication after pancreatic resection. This prospective pilot study evaluates perioperative markers of pancreatitis and systemic inflammation to predict clinically relevant grade B/C-POPF (CR-POPF).

Methods

All patients undergoing pancreatic resection from December 2017 to April 2019 were prospectively enrolled. Surgical procedures and outcomes were correlated with perioperative blood markers. ROC analysis was performed to assess their predictive value for CR-POPF. Cut-offs were calculated with the Youden index.

Results

In total, 70 patients were analysed (43 pancreatoduodenectomies and 27 distal pancreatectomies). In-hospital/90-d mortality and morbidity were 5.7/7.1% (n = 4/n = 5) and 75.7% (n = 53). Major complications (Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3a) occurred in 28 (40.0%) patients, CR-POPF in 20 (28.6%) patients. Serum lipase (cut-off > 51U/L) and IL-6 (> 56.5 ng/l) on POD3 were significant predictors for CR-POPF (AUC = 0.799, 95%-CI 0.686–0.912 and AUC = 0.784, 95%-CI 0.668–0.900; combined AUC = 0.858, 95%-CI 0.758–0.958; all p < 0.001). Patients with both or one factor(s) above cut-off more frequently developed CR-POPF than cases without (100 vs. 50% vs. 7.5%, p < 0.001). This also applied for overall and severe complications (p = 0.013 and p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Post-operative pancreatitis and inflammatory response are major determinants for development of POPF. A combination of serum lipase and IL-6 on POD3 is a highly significant early predictor of CR-POPF and overall complications, potentially guiding patient management.

Clinical trial registration

The study protocol was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04294797)

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00268-020-05768-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The novel early predictive marker presepsin for postoperative pancreatic fistula: A pilot study

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (PF) is a major and serious complication that occurs after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the use of a novel biomarker, presepsin, for predicting clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after PD. A prospective pilot study was conducted using 30 consecutive patients who underwent PD. Risk factors and candidates for predictive biomarkers for CR-POPF were statistically analyzed. CR-POPF (grade B and C; determined according to the guidelines of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula) occurred in 15 patients (50%). Univariate analysis revealed that certain underlying conditions, including non-pancreatic cancer, smaller pancreatic ducts and soft pancreas texture were significantly associated with CR-POPF (P=0.005, P=0.004 and P=0.014, respectively). Furthermore, on day 1 post surgery (POD1), white blood cell count (P=0.040), levels of serum amylase (P=0.002) and serum presepsin (P=0.012), and the concentration of presepsin in drainage fluid (P<0.001) were significantly increased in CR-POPF compared with non-CR-POPF cases. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that, on POD1, serum amylase and the concentration of presepsin in drainage fluid had an area under the curve value exceeding 0.8. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher concentration of presepsin in the drainage fluid was an independent predictive marker for CR-POPF (odds ratio, 14.503; 95% confidence interval, 1.750-120.229; P=0.013). To the best of our knowledge, the present study demonstrated for the first time that presepsin concentration in drainage fluid is a useful marker of CR-POPF after PD.

Early recognition of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Early recognition of postoperative pancreatic fistula might decrease the risk of subsequent life threatening complications. The aim of this review was to systematically evaluate the accuracy of postoperative clinical, biochemical and radiologic variables for early recognition of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed up to August 2018. Clinical studies reporting on the association between postoperative variables and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula were included. Variables were stratified: early prediction (postoperative day 1-2) versus early diagnosis (day 3) and had to be reported in 2 cohorts.

RESULTS

Overall, 37 included studies reported on 17 different diagnostic variables after 8701 pancreatic resections. Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 1532/8701 patients (18%). Early prediction variables included elevated serum and drain amylase (day 1). Identified variables for early diagnosis were: non-serous drain efflux (day 3); positive drain culture (day 3); elevated temperature (any day); elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP; day 4); elevated white blood cell count (day 4) and peripancreatic collections on computed tomography (CT; day 5-10).

CONCLUSION

This review provides a comprehensive overview of postoperative variables associated with clinically relevant pancreatic fistula. Incorporation of variables in future algorithms could potentially mitigate the clinical impact of postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Acinar cell density at the pancreatic resection margin is associated with post-pancreatectomy pancreatitis and the development of postoperative pancreatic fistula

BACKGROUND

There has been recent evidence supporting post-pancreatectomy pancreatitis as a factor in the development of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). The aims of this study were to evaluate: (i) the correlation of the acinar cell density at the pancreatic resection margin with the intra-operative amylase concentration (IOAC) of peri-pancreatic fluid, postoperative pancreatitis, and POPF; and (ii) the association between postoperative pancreatitis on the first postoperative day and POPF.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent pancreatic resection between June 2016 and July 2017 were included for analysis. Fluid for IOAC was collected, and amylase concentration was determined in drain fluid on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5. Serum amylase and lipase and urinary trypsinogen-2 concentrations were determined on the first postoperative day. Histology slides of the pancreatic resection margin were scored for acinar cell density.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients were included in the analysis. Acinar cell density significantly correlated with IOAC (r = 0.566, p < 0.001), and was significantly associated with postoperative pancreatitis (p < 0.001), and POPF (p = 0.003). Postoperative pancreatitis was significantly associated with the development of POPF (OR 17.81, 95%CI 2.17-145.9, p = 0.001).

DISCUSSION

The development of POPF may involve a complex interaction between acinar cell density, immediate leakage of pancreatic fluid, and postoperative pancreatitis.

C-Reactive Protein on Postoperative Day 1 Is a Reliable Predictor of Pancreas-Specific Complications After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pancreatic fistula and pancreas-specific complications have a significant influence on patient management and outcomes after pancreatoduodenectomy. The aim of the study was to assess the value of serum C-reactive protein on the postoperative day 1 as early predictor of pancreatic fistula and pancreas-specific complications.

METHODS

Between 2013 and 2016, 110 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Clinical, biological, intraoperative, and pathological characteristics were prospectively recorded. Pancreatic fistula was graded according to the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula classification. A composite endpoint was defined as pancreas-specific complications including pancreatic fistula, intra-abdominal abscess, postoperative hemorrhage, and bile leak. The diagnostic accuracy of serum C-reactive protein on postoperative day 1 in predicting adverse postoperative outcomes was assessed by ROC curve analysis.

RESULTS

Six patients (5%) died and 87 (79%) experienced postoperative complications (pancreatic-specific complications: n = 58 (53%); pancreatic fistula: n = 48 (44%)). A soft pancreatic gland texture, a main pancreatic duct diameter < 3 mm and serum C-reactive protein ≥ 100 mg/L on postoperative day 1 were independent predictors of pancreas-specific complications (p < 0.01) and pancreatic fistula (p < 0.01). ROC analysis showed that serum C-reactive protein ≥ 100 mg/L on postoperative day 1 was a significant predictor of pancreatic fistula (AUC: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.60-0.79, p < 0.01) and pancreas-specific complications (AUC: 0.72; 95%CI: 0.62-0.82, p < 0.01). ROC analysis showed that serum C-reactive protein ≥ 50 mg/L at discharge was a significant predictor of 90-day hospital readmission (AUC: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.60-0.79, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

C-reactive protein levels reliably predict risks of pancreatic fistula, pancreas-specific complications, and hospital readmission, and should be inserted in risk-stratified management algorithms after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula: a review of traditional and emerging concepts

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains the major cause of morbidity after pancreatic resection, affecting up to 41% of cases. With the recent development of a consensus definition of POPF, there has been a large number of reports examining various risk factors, prediction models, and mitigation strategies for this costly complication. Despite these strategies, the rates of POPF have not significantly diminished. Here, we review the literature and evidence regarding both traditional and emerging concepts in POPF prediction, prevention, and management. In particular, we review the evidence for the association between postoperative pancreatitis and POPF, and present a novel proposed mechanism for the development of POPF.

Modified end-to-side double-layer open pancreaticogastrostomy after Whipple procedure: surgical tips for a safe anastomosis

Pancreatic fistula (PF) remains the Achilles' heel of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) appears to be associated with a lower risk of postoperative leak according to recent evidence. We started to fashion PG, especially in soft pancreas, modifying the original technique described by Bassi. At our institution, 105 PD procedures were carried out from January 2011 to December 2016; pancreatic-enteric continuity was restored by PG in 35 cases. Superior mesenteric/portal vein resection/reconstruction was necessary in three patients. A total of 34/35 patients underwent PG with an open anterior gastrostomy approach. Briefly, our double-layer PG anastomosis (illustrated by a video) starts with a posterior row of interrupted absorbable 4/0 monofilament sutures including the gastric serosa and the pancreatic capsule. It is essential to mobilize the left pancreas for 4-5 cm and to shape the posterior gastrostomy shorter than the pancreatic stump. After a wide anterior auxiliary gastrostomy the pancreas is invaginated into the stomach and an interrupted row of sutures between the posterior gastric wall (full-thickness) and the body of the pancreatic stump is fashioned. The anterior gastrostomy is closed with an absorbable running suture. Finally, a further layer of sutures is applied over the posterior suture line between the gastric serosa and the pancreatic capsule. The 90-day postoperative mortality was nihil. No biliary leakage was detected and the overall PF rate was 11.4% (4/35) according to the ISGPF study group. Only one patient suffered a grade B PF (in this case, PG was carried out only through a posterior gastrostomy), whereas three patients had a minor (grade A) PF. Our modified PG proved to be safe and easy to perform, while it carried excellent outcomes even in the setting of soft pancreas. Despite the limited number of cases, such modified PG appears promising, particularly for pancreatic remnants at higher risk of PF.

Defining post-operative pancreatitis as a new pancreatic specific complication following pancreatic resection

INTRODUCTION

Post-operative pancreatic fistula has been well defined. However the underlying aetiology remains poorly understood. The aim of this review was to investigate whether the underlying aetiology for a proportion of patients suffering from post-operative pancreatic fistula was due to post-operative pancreatitis.

METHOD

A systematic literature review according to the PRISMA guidelines. The date range was from 2005 to 2016. The search strategy included the terms: post-operative pancreatitis, pathophysiology, post-operative pancreatic fistula, pancreaticoduodenectomy, ischaemic pancreatitis, microcirculation and pancreatitis, serum and drain amylase and lipase. The data was summarised without quantitative or qualitative analysis.

RESULTS

There exists significant physiological, biochemical, clinical and histological evidence in the literature that a proportion of post-operative pancreatic fistula is due to post-operative pancreatitis. A new definition of post-operative pancreatitis based on the presence of biochemical evidence for pancreatic inflammation (urinary trypsinogen-2 >50 ug/L or serum amylase/lipase > upper limit of normal) between post-operative days 0-2. Predicted severity is based on C-reactive protein with a cut-off of 180 mg/L at post-operative day 2. The proposed grading of severity is in line with previous work by international study group of pancreatic surgery.

CONCLUSION

Post-operative pancreatitis should be recognised as a separate pancreatic specific complication following pancreatic resection. Improved recognition may allow better understanding of potential methods of prevention, treatment and prediction of severity.