The impact of surgical outcome after pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly patients

The impact of preoperative nutritional status on postoperative outcomes: an insight from Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in elderly pancreaticoduodenectomy patients

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is not uncommon among the elderly undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and is related to increased complications. Previous studies have shown that the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) predicts outcomes in various populations. Nevertheless, the research exploring the correlation between GNRI and postoperative outcomes in PD is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the preoperative malnutrition, as measured by GNRI, on outcomes in elderly patients undergoing PD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective analysis enrolled 144 elderly patients underwent PD for periampullary tumors from November 2016 to December 2021. Patients were stratified based on the GNRI value: high/moderate nutrition risk (GNRI ≤ 92, N = 54), low nutrition risk (92 < GNRI ≤ 98, N = 35), and no nutrition risk (GNRI > 98, N = 55). Perioperative outcomes and postoperative surgical complications were compared between these groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on major postoperative complications and prolonged postoperative length of stay (PLOS).

RESULTS

Patients in the high/moderate risk group were significantly older, with lower BMI (P = 0.012), higher mortality rate (11.1%, P = 0.024), longer PLOS (P < 0.001), and higher incidence of over grade IIIB complications (37.0%, P = 0.001), Univariate and multivariate analyses showed the high/moderate risk GNRI group (OR 3.61, P = 0.032), increased age (OR 1.11, P = 0.014) and operative time over 8 h (OR 3.04, P = 0.027) were significantly associated with increased major postoperative complications. The high/moderate risk GNRI group was also a significant predictor for prolonged PLOS (OR 3.91, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative GNRI has the potential to be a predictive tool for identifying high-risk elderly patients and monitoring nutritional status preoperatively to improve postoperative surgical outcomes following PD.

The impact of preoperative biliary drainage on postoperative healthcare-associated infections and clinical outcomes following pancreaticoduodenectomy: a ten-year retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a complex procedure and easily accompanied by healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This study aimed to assess the impact of PBD on postoperative infections and clinical outcomes in PD patients.

METHODS

The retrospective cohort study were conducted in a tertiary hospital from January 2013 to December 2022. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected from HAIs surveillance system and analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 2842 patients who underwent PD, 247 (8.7%) were diagnosed with HAIs, with surgical site infection being the most frequent type (n = 177, 71.7%). A total of 369 pathogenic strains were detected, with Klebsiella pneumoniae having the highest proportion, followed by Enterococcu and Escherichia coli. Although no significant association were observed generally between PBD and postoperative HAIs, subgroup analysis revealed that PBD was associated with postoperative HAIs in patients undergoing robotic PD (aRR = 2.174; 95% CI:1.011-4.674; P = 0.047). Prolonging the interval between PBD and PD could reduce postoperative HAIs in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (≥4 week: aRR = 0.292, 95% CI 0.100-0.853; P = 0.024) and robotic PD (≤2 week: aRR = 3.058, 95% CI 1.178-7.940; P = 0.022). PBD was also found to increase transfer of patients to ICU (aRR = 1.351; 95% CI 1.119-1.632; P = 0.002), extended length of stay (P < 0.001) and postoperative length of stay (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

PBD does not exhibit a significant association with postoperative HAIs or other outcomes. However, the implementation of robotic PD, along with a suitable extension of the interval between PBD and PD, appear to confer advantages concerning patients' physiological recuperation. These observations suggest potential strategies that may contribute to enhanced patient outcomes.

Impact of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol on short-term outcomes in elderly patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

To determine whether the short-term benefits associated with an enhanced recovery after surgery programme (ERAS) following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) vary with age.

METHODS

830 consecutive patients who underwent PD between January 2009 and March 2019 were divided according to age: elderly (≥75 years) vs. non-elderly patients (<75 years). Within each age group, cohort characteristics and outcomes were compared between patients treated pre- and post-ERAS (ERAS was systematically introduced in December 2012). Univariable and multivariable analysis were then performed, to assess whether ERAS was independently associated with length of hospital stay (LOS).

RESULTS

Of the entire cohort, 577 of 830 patients (69.5%) were managed according to an ERAS protocol, and 170 patients (20.5%) were aged ≥75 years old. Patients treated post-ERAS were significantly more comorbid than those pre-ERAS, with a mean Charlson Comorbidity Index of 4.6 vs. 4.1 (p < 0.001) and 6.0 vs. 5.7 (p = 0.039) for the non-elderly and elderly subgroups, respectively. There were significantly fewer medical complications in non-elderly patients treated post-ERAS compared to pre-ERAS (12.4% vs. 22.4%; p = 0.002), but not in elderly patients (23.6% vs. 14.0%; p = 0.203). On multivariable analysis, ERAS was independently associated with reduced LOS in both elderly (14.8% reduction, 95% CI: 0.7-27.0%, p = 0.041) and non-elderly patients (15.6% reduction, 95% CI: 9.2-21.6%, p < 0.001), with the effect size being similar in each group.

CONCLUSION

ERAS protocols can be safely applied to patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy irrespective of age. Implementation of an ERAS protocol was associated with a significant reduction in postoperative LOS in both elderly and non-elderly patients, despite higher comorbidity in the post-ERAS period.

Prognostic Effect of Age in Resected Pancreatic Cancer Patients: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Background

While the elderly population account for an indispensable proportion in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), these patients are underrepresented in clinical trials. Whether surgery offered the same benefit for elderly patients as that for younger cohort and which factors affected long-term outcome of elderly population remained unclear.

Aims

This study aims to evaluate long-term prognosis of elderly PDAC patients (≥70 years old) after surgery and to investigate potential prognostic factors.

Methods

This retrospective study included PDAC patients receiving radical resection from January 2012 to July 2019 in Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University. Patients were divided into young (<70) and old groups (≥70). Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to eliminate the confounding factors. We investigated potential prognostic factors via Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan–Meier estimator. Nomogram model and forest plot were constructed to illustrate the prognostic value of age.

Results

A total of 552 PDAC patients who received radical resection were included in this research. Elderly patients showed poorer nutritional status and were less likely to received adjuvant treatment. After matching, although age [hazard ratio (HR)=1.025, 95%CI 0.997–1.054; p=0.083] was not statistically significant in the multivariate cox regression analysis, further survival analysis showed that patients in the old group had poorer overall survival (OS) when compared with young group (p=0.039). Furthermore, reception of adjuvant chemotherapy (HR=0.411, 95%CI 0.201-0.837; p=0.014) was the only independent prognostic factor among elderly patients and could significantly improve OS. Subgroup analysis indicated that age had better prognostic value in PDAC patients with good preoperative nutritional status and relative low tumor burden. Finally, a prognostic prediction model contained age, reception of adjuvant chemotherapy, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th T and N stage was constructed and presented in nomogram, whose Harrell’s concordance index was 0.7478 (95%CI, 0.6960–0.7996). The calibration curves at 1 and 3 years indicated an optimal conformity between actual and nomogram-predicted survival probability in the PDAC patient who received surgery.

Conclusion

The elderly PDAC patients were associated with worse OS survival after radical resection, and the noticeable negative effect of age was observed among PDAC patients with better preoperative nutritional status and less aggressive tumor biology. Adjuvant chemotherapy was essential to improve survival outcome of elderly PDAC patients following radical resection.

Safety and feasibility of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy in octogenarians

INTRODUCTION

With continued technical advances in surgical instruments and growing surgical expertise, many laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomies (LPDs) have been safely performed with favorable outcomes, and this approach is being used more frequently. With an increase in the life expectancy, interest in treatments for elderly patients has increased. In this study, we investigated the safety and feasibility of LPD in octogenarians.

METHODS

From September 2005 to February 2020, resectable/borderline resectable periampullary tumors (PATs) were diagnosed in 71 octogenarians at Sincheon Severance Hospital and CHA Bundang Medical Center. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent surgery (PD, N = 38) and those who did not (NPD, N = 33). The group that underwent surgery was further divided into two groups: those who underwent open PD (OPD, N = 19), and those who underwent LPD (LPD, N = 19). Perioperative outcomes, including long-term survival, were retrospectively compared between these groups.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in age, sex, comorbidities, diagnosis, and chemo-radiotherapy between the surgery and non-surgery groups. The PD group had a better survival rate than the NPD group (p < 0.05). The baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were not significantly different between the OPD and LPD groups. Only three and two patients in the OPD and LPD groups had a biochemical leak (p > 0.999). There was no significant difference in overall survival and disease-free survival between the OPD and LPD groups (p = 0.816, p = 0.446, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

LPD is a good alternative for octogenarians with PAT requiring PD.

Skeletal Muscle Loss and Octogenarian Status Are Associated with S-1 Adjuvant Therapy Discontinuation and Poor Prognosis after Pancreatectomy

Simple Summary

Significant advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care, together with adjuvant chemotherapy, have contributed to the increasing number of patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing surgery. However, the results of some studies suggest that the postoperative complications and mortality might be higher in elderly patients undergoing pancreatectomy. We aimed to identify the utility of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy in elderly patients with resected pancreatic cancer. In our cohort of 80 patients, including 16 octogenarians, univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer. However, we also observed that skeletal muscle loss and age of 80 years or older predicted the failure to complete adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1. We propose that evaluation of skeletal muscle mass should be considered as a useful preoperative assessment approach for determining feasibility of adjuvant chemotherapy in elderly patients.

Abstract

The efficacy and prognosis of adjuvant chemotherapy for resected pancreatic cancer remain unclear. We investigated the utility and risk factors of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing pancreatectomy. This study comprised 80 patients, including 58 patients who received S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy. Skeletal muscle loss was defined using cutoff values of skeletal muscle mass index. In total, 16 (20%) octogenarian patients underwent pancreatectomy. Skeletal muscle loss was present in 56 (70%) patients. The entire course of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy for 6 months was completed in 33 patients (41%). S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy <6 months was an independent prognostic indicator of poor overall survival. Patients who completed S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy exhibited significantly longer overall and relapse-free survival rates than those did not complete the chemotherapy (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Being an octogenarian and skeletal muscle loss were independent variables associated with the discontinuation of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy. Finally, the S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy rates were 6.3% (1/16) and 28.6% (16/56) in octogenarian patients and those with skeletal muscle loss, respectively. S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy completion was associated with improved prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer. Skeletal muscle loss and octogenarian status predicted the failure of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy completion.

Peri-operative, long-term, and quality of life outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy in the elderly: greater justification for periampullary cancer compared to pancreatic head cancer

BACKGROUND

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is more challenging in the elderly.

METHODS

Data of patients undergoing PD above 70 years of age was analysed to study short and long-term outcomes along with the quality of life parameters (QOL).

RESULTS

Out of 1271 PDs performed, 94 (7%) patients were 70 years or more. American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) scores were higher in comparison to patients below 70 years (ASA 1;20% vs. 54% and ASA 2&3;80% vs. 46%, p < 0.001). The postoperative 90-day mortality rate of 5.3% and morbidity (Clavein Grade III and IV of 27%) was higher but non-significant compared to 3.9% (p = 0.50) and 20% (p = 0.11) in patients less than 70 years. The median survival of 40 months was significantly better for periampullary carcinoma when compared to 15 months in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) (p < 0.0001). Patients, less than 70 years had significantly better 3-year survival; 64% vs 43% with periampullary etiology (p < 0.01) and 29% vs 0% with PDAC (p < 0.0001). QLQ-PAN 26 questionnaire responses were suggestive of good long term QOL in these patients.

CONCLUSION

Although PD is safe and feasible in the elderly population with good long-term QOL, postoperative morbidity and mortality can be slightly higher and long-term survival significantly lower.

Short-term outcomes after minimally invasive versus open pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly patients: a propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

To date, the evidence on the safety and benefits of minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) in elderly patients is still controversy. This study aim to compare the risk and benefit between MIPD and open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) in elderly patients.

METHODS

From 2016 to 2020, we retrospective enrolled 26 patients underwent MIPD and other 119 patients underwent OPD. We firstly compared the baseline characteristics, 90-day mortality and short-term surgical outcomes of MIPD and OPD. Propensity score matching was applied for old age patient (≥ 65-year-old vs. < 65-year-old) for detail safety and feasibility analysis.

RESULTS

Patients received MIPD is significantly older, had poor performance status, less lymph node harvest, longer operation time, less postoperative hospital stay (POHS) and earlier drain removal. After 1:2 propensity score matching analysis, elderly patients in MIPD group had significantly poor performance status (P = 0.042) compared to OPD group. Patients receiving MIPD had significantly shorter POHS (18 vs. 25 days, P = 0.028), earlier drain removal (16 vs. 21 days, P = 0.012) and smaller delay gastric empty rate (5.9 vs. 32.4% P = 0.036). There was no 90-day mortality (0% vs. 11.8%, P = 0.186) and pulmonary complications (0% vs. 17.6%, P = 0.075) in MIPD group, and the major complication rate is comparable to OPD group (17.6% vs. 29.4%, P = 0.290).

CONCLUSION

For elderly patients, MIPD is a feasible and safe option even in patients with inferior preoperative performance status. MIPD might also provide potential advantage for elderly patients in minimizing pulmonary complication and overall mortality over OPD.

The role of older age and obesity in minimally invasive and open pancreatic surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of older age (≥70 years) and obesity (BMI ≥30) on surgical outcomes of minimally invasive pancreatic resections (MIPR). Subsequently, open pancreatic resections or MIPR were compared for elderly and/or obese patients.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted as part of the 2019 Miami International Evidence-Based Guidelines on MIPR (IG-MIPR). Study quality assessment was according to The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). A meta-analysis was performed to assess the impact of MIPR or open pancreatic resections in elderly patients.

RESULTS

After screening 682 studies, 13 observational studies with 4629 patients were included. Elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) had less blood loss (117 mL, p < 0.001) and a shorter hospital stay (3.5 days p < 0.001) than elderly patients undergoing open distal pancreatectomy (ODP). Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) B/C, major complication and reoperation rate were not significantly different in elderly patients undergoing either laparoscopic or open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD). One study compared robot PD with OPD in obese patients, indicating that patients with robotic surgery had less blood loss (mean 250 ml vs 500 ml, p = 0.001), shorter operative time (mean 381 min vs 428 min, p = 0.003), and lower rate of POPF B/C (13% vs 28%, p = 0.039).

CONCLUSION

The current available limited evidence does not suggest that MIPR is contraindicated in elderly or obese patients. Additionally, outcomes in MIPR are equal or more beneficial compared to the open approach when applied in these patient groups.

Laparoscopic vs. open pancreaticoduodenectomy: a comparative study in elderly people

The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) is safe and feasible for elderly patients. From December 2015 to January 2019, 142 LPD surgeries and 93 OPD surgeries were performed by the same surgeon in the third affiliated hospital of Soochow University. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we retrospectively collected the date of three defined groups: LPD aged < 70 years (group I, 84 patients), LPD aged ≥ 70 years (group II, 56 patients) and OPD aged ≥ 70 years (group III, 28 patients). Baseline characteristics and short-term surgical outcomes of group I and group II, group II and group III were compared. Totally, 168 patients were included in this study; 100 cases were men; 68 cases were women; mean age was 67.9 ± 9.5 years. LPD does not perform as well in elderly as it does in non-elderly patients in terms of intraoperative blood loss (300.0 (200.0-500.0) ml vs. 200.0 (100.0-300.0) ml, p = 0.003), proportion of intraoperative transfusion (17.9% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.026) and time to oral intake (5.0 (4.0-7.0) day vs. 5.0 (3.0-6.0) day, p = 0.036). Operative time, conversion rate, postoperative stay, and proportion of reoperation, Clavien-Dindo classification, 30-day readmission and 90-day mortality were similar in two groups. In elderly patients, when compared with OPD, LPD had the advantage of shorter time to start oral intake (5.0 (4.0-7.0) day vs. 7.0 (5.0-11.3) day, p = 0.005) but the disadvantage of longer operative time (380.0 (306.3-447.5) min vs. 292.5 (255.0-342.5) min, p < 0.001) and higher hospitalization cost (12447.3 (10,189.7-15,340.0) euros vs. 7251.9 (8994.0-11,717.4) euros, p < 0.001). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative stay, and proportion of reoperation, Clavien-Dindo classification, 30-day readmission and 90-day mortality. LPD is safe and feasible for elderly people, but we need to consider its high cost and long operative time over OPD.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly patients

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) in elderly patients by short-term surgical effects.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected clinical data of 55 non-elderly patients (< 70 years), 27 elderly patients (≥ 70 years) underwent LPD, and 19 elderly patients underwent open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) in biliopancreatic surgery department of Huadong Hospital, affiliated to Fudan University, from Jan 2015 to Jan 2018. Patients were divided into 3 groups: LPD aged < 70 years, LPD aged ≥ 70 years, and OPD aged ≥ 70 years, according to their age at admission and surgical approach in order to compare baseline characteristics and short-term surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Totally 101 patients were included in this study; 59 cases were male; 42 cases were female; mean age was 66 years old. Elderly LPD patients seemed to have higher overall morbidity (41% vs. 20%, P = 0.05) compared to non-elderly patients. This difference is even more significant in our multivariable analysis model with an odds ratio of 4.48 (95% CI 1.31-17.87, P = 0.018). The 90-days mortality, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), and post-operative hospital stay (POHS) were similar in two groups. Elderly LPD patients had less EBL and shorter POHS than elderly OPD patients. However, the mortality and morbidity rate were comparable in these two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Aging patients have higher overall morbidity than younger patients in LPD. However, for aging population who need to undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy, LPD might have some advantages over OPD.

Age-related risks of complications after distal pancreatectomy for neuroendocrine and cystic neoplasms

BACKGROUND

Distal pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) and pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) are often incidentally found in older adults, requiring careful consideration between operative management and watchful waiting. This study analyzes the short-term complications associated with distal pancreatectomy (DP) for PNET and PCN in older adults to inform clinical decision-making.

METHODS

Patients undergoing DP for PNET and PCN were analyzed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database and the pancreatectomy procedure-targeted dataset. Associations between decade of age and 30-day outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

1626 patients were analyzed from 2014 to 2015. 692 (42.6%) were younger than 60 years, 507 (31.2%) were sexagenarians, 342 (21.0%) were septuagenarians, and 85 (5.2%) were octogenarians. Minimally invasive approaches were used in 62.7%. While septuagenarians and octogenarians constituted 26.3% of the cohort, they were affected by 55.6% of reintubations, 66.7% of failures to wean, 82.4% of myocardial infarctions, and 57.1% of septic shock. Septuagenarians and octogenarians had longer hospital stays, as compared to those younger than 60 years.

CONCLUSION

Septuagenarians and octogenarians are disproportionately affected by perioperative complications after DP for PNET and PCN. Careful patient selection and thorough counseling should be provided when surgery is considered.

Pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic head tumors in the elderly - Systematic review and meta-analysis

The age at which patients are undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy is increasing worldwide. The data on the outcome of this surgical procedure in the elderly is constantly expanding. This meta-analysis aims to assess the safety of pancreatoduodenectomy in elderly population, primarily focusing on morbidity and mortality. We searched the Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases to identify eligible studies. The most recent search was performed on 10th April 2017. Inclusion criteria were: (1) comparison of the characteristics and perioperative outcomes of older patients versus younger patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy; (2) objective evaluation of mortality or overall morbidity; and (3), publication in English. Exclusion criteria were: (1) a lack of comparative data; (2) a lack of primary outcomes or insufficient data to analyze; (3) a focus on procedures other than pancreatoduodenectomy; or (4), the impossibility of extraction of data specifically concerning pancreatoduodenectomy. Primary outcomes were overall morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes analyzed postoperative complications, R0 rate and length of hospital stay. 45 eligible studies were chosen, with a combined total of 21,295 patients. Older patients compared to younger patients had a higher risk of death (2.26% vs. 4.54%; RR: 2.23; 95% CI 1.74-2.87) and a higher complication rate (47.23% vs. 39.35%; RR: 1.17; 95% CI 1.12-1.24). There were no differences in pancreatic fistula occurrence (p = 0.27), bile leakage (p = 0.81), postoperative hemorrhage (p = 0.08), or R0 rate (p = 0.92). Our review confirms, that in the case of pancreatoduodenectomy, advanced age is a risk factor for increased non-surgical morbidity and, by extension, higher mortality.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy for palliative management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in elderly and medically inoperable patients

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) represents a promising treatment option for patients with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who cannot tolerate surgical therapy. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with localized PDAC treated with SBRT at our institution between 2010 and 2016 to identify patients deemed medically inoperable due to poor performance status, advanced age, and/or comorbid conditions. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local progression-free survival (LPFS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Twenty-nine patients were included. Median age was 74 (IQR 68-79). Thirteen patients (45%) had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2. Six patients (19%) had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 9 (31%) had cardiovascular disease, and 17 (58%) had diabetes mellitus. SBRT was delivered over 5 fractions to a median dose of 28 Gy (IQR, 25-33). Twenty-two patients (76%) received induction chemotherapy prior to SBRT, and 9 (31%) received maintenance chemotherapy after SBRT. Median OS was 13 months from diagnosis. Median OS and PFS were 8 and 6 months from SBRT, respectively. Six and 12-month LPFS rates were 91% and 78%, respectively. Patients receiving induction chemotherapy had superior survival from diagnosis than those who did not (14 vs. 7 months, p = 0.01). Three patients (10%) experienced acute grade ≥3 toxicity, and 1 patient (4%) experienced grade ≥3 late toxicity. Symptom relief was achieved at three-month follow-up in 8 of 11 patients (73%) experiencing abdominal pain. These results suggest SBRT may be safe and effective for patients who cannot tolerate surgery.

Elderly patients had more severe postoperative complications after pancreatic resection: A retrospective analysis of 727 patients

AIM

To examine the impact of aging on the short-term outcomes following pancreatic resection (PR) in elderly patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data was conducted at the China National Cancer Center. Consecutive patients who underwent PR from January 2004 to December 2015 were identified and included. ‘Elderly patient’ was defined as ones age 65 and above. Comorbidities, clinicopathology, perioperative variables, and postoperative morbidity and mortality were compared between the elderly and young patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazard model for severe postoperative complications (grades IIIb-V).

RESULTS

A total of 454 (63.4%) patients were < 65-years-old and 273 (36.6%) patients were ≥ 65-years-old, respectively. Compared to patients < 65-years-old, elderly patients had worse American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (P = 0.007) and more comorbidities (62.6% vs 32.4%, P < 0.001). Elderly patients had more severe postoperative complications (16.8% vs 9.0%, P = 0.002) and higher postoperative mortality rates (5.5% vs 0.9%, P < 0.001). In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model for severe postoperative complications, age ≥ 65 years [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18-6.30], body mass index ≥ 24 kg/m² (HR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.07-5.89), pancreaticoduodenectomy (HR = 4.86, 95%CI: 1.20-8.31) and length of operation ≥ 241 min (HR = 2.97; 95%CI: 1.04-6.14) were significant (P = 0.010, P = 0.041, P = 0.017 and P = 0.012, respectively).

CONCLUSION

We found that aging is an independent risk factor for severe postoperative complications after PR. Our results might contribute to more informed decision-making for elderly patients.

The challenge of treating older patients with pancreaticobiliary malignancies

Pancreatic and biliary tract cancers are aggressive malignancies. They commonly present with metastatic or unresectable disease. Those that do present with resectable cancer have high rates of recurrence. Despite recent advances in surgical technique, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy regimens, they are associated with poor survival outcomes. These cancers represent an exception to the trend of improved overall survival evident in most malignancies in recent decades. Depending on the goal of treatment, active management of pancreatic and biliary cancers involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, either alone or in combination. Both pancreatic and biliary tract cancers have a preponderance in the older population. Older patients are a heterogeneous group; although tolerability of multimodality treatment may be a challenge for some, many fit older patients may be undertreated based on their age alone. The growing field of geriatric oncology has highlighted the importance of a comprehensive assessment of these patients, and not relying on age alone as a discriminating factor for treatment. Management of older patients with pancreaticobiliary cancers is particularly challenging owing to limited prospective data in this population. As such, there is uncertainty with regard to optimal treatment approaches for these patients. In this article, we outline the therapeutic options available to patients with localized or advanced pancreatic and biliary tract cancers, and the evidence for specified treatment options in the elderly. We examine the inclusion and outcomes of elderly patients in relevant clinical trials; the morbidity that may be encountered by elderly patients receiving specified treatments and the tools that may assist the physician in selecting elderly patients for particular treatments.

A semi-automated assessment of sarcopenia using psoas area and density predicts outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic malignancy

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia has been associated with increased adverse outcomes after major abdominal surgery. Sarcopenia defined as decreased muscle volume or increased fatty infiltration may be a proxy for frailty. In conjunction with other preoperative clinical risk factors, radiographic measures of sarcopenia using both muscle size and density may enhance prediction of outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for malignancy.

METHODS

Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of patients undergoing PD for malignancy were analyzed from a prospective pancreatic surgery database. Sarcopenia was assessed both manually and with a semi-automated technique by measuring the total psoas area index (TPAI) and average Hounsfield units (HU) at the L3 lumbar level to estimate psoas muscle volume and density, respectively. Adjusting for known pre-operative risk factors, preoperative sarcopenia measurements were analyzed relative to perioperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Sarcopenia assessments of 116 subjects demonstrated good correlation between the semi-automated and the manual techniques (P<0.0001). Lower TPAI (OR 0.34, P=0.009) and HU (OR 0.84, P=0.002) measurements were predictive of discharge to skilled nursing facility (SNF), but not major complications, length of stay, readmissions or recurrence on univariate analysis. Lower TPAI was protective against the risk of organ/space surgical site infection (SSI) including pancreatic fistula (OR 3.12, P=0.019). On multivariate analysis, the semi-automated measurements of TPAI and HU remained as independent predictors of organ/space SSI including pancreatic fistula (OR 4.23, P=0.014) and discharge to SNF (OR 0.79, P=0.019) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

When combined with preoperative clinical assessments in patients with pancreatic malignancy, semi-automated sarcopenia metrics are a simple, reproducible method that may enhance prediction of outcomes after PD and help guide clinical management.

Comparison of laparoscopic to open pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the study is to compare perioperative and survival outcomes in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) to those undergoing open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD).

METHODS

Patients aged ≥ 75 years with pancreatic adenocarcinoma undergoing LPD or OPD were identified from the NCDB (2010-2013). Baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were compared using a χ ² and Student's t test. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to generate survival curves, and differences were tested using a log-rank test. A multivariate cox proportional hazard model was applied to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of LPD on overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

We identified 1768 patients aged ≥ 75 years who underwent LPD (n = 248, 14.0%) or OPD (n = 1520, 86.0%). The majority of patients in the LPD group had their surgery at facilities performing less than 5 LPDs per year (n = 165, 66.5%). 90-day mortality was significantly lower in the LPD compared to the OPD (7.2 vs. 12.2%, p = 0.049). The laparoscopic conversion rate was 30% (n = 74) and was associated with higher readmission rates (13.5 vs. 8.1%), 30-day mortality (8.0 vs. 3.8%), and 90-day mortality (10.4 vs. 6.0%), but these did not reach statistical significance. Median OS was significantly longer in the LPD group (19.8 vs. 15.6 months, p = 0.022). After adjusting for patient and tumor-related characteristics, there was a trend towards improved survival in the LPD group (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.69-1.03).

CONCLUSION

The vast majority of the NCDB participating facilities perform less than 5 LPD cases per year, which was associated with an increased risk of perioperative mortality. Overall 90-day mortality was significantly lower in the LPD group and there was a trend towards improved OS in the LPD group compared to the OPD group after adjusting for patient and tumor-related characteristics. Studies with increased sample size and longer follow-up are needed before definitive conclusions can be made.

Fast-Track Pancreaticoduodenectomy in the Elderly

It remains uncertain whether enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols can be safely implemented for elderly patients, especially after highly complex surgery such as pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The present study was designed to assess the feasibility and safety of an ERAS protocol in elderly patients undergoing PD. Starting January 2010 to February 2015, we prospectively collected data from 85 consecutive patients who underwent PD with a fast-track program. Data of patients older and younger than 70 years were compared. Endpoints were morbidity, mortality, readmissions, length of stay, and compliance with ERAS elements. Forty-five patients were less than 70 years old and 40 patients were 70 years of age or older. Both mortality (4.4% vs 5%; P = 1.000) and overall morbidity (33.3% vs 37.5%; P = 0.821) did not differ significantly between the groups. Rates of intervention and relaparotomy were similar in both groups. Length of stay (10 vs 11.8 days; P = 0.099) did not differ significantly between the groups, nor did the readmission rates (6.7% vs 5.0%; P = 0.272). There were no differences in compliance with ERAS elements between groups. An ERAS program seems feasible and can be safely implemented for elderly patients undergoing PD.

Clinical outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy in octogenarians: a surgeon's experience from 2007 to 2015

BACKGROUND

As the number of elderly people in our population increases, there will be a greater number of octogenarians who will need pancreaticoduodenectomy as the only curative option for periampullary malignancies. This study evaluated clinical outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy in octogenarians, in comparison to younger patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of 216 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy from January 2007 to April 2015. A two-sided Fisher's exact statistical analysis was used to compare pre-operative comorbidities, intra-operative factors, surgical pathology, and post-operative complication rates between non-octogenarians and octogenarians.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty three non-octogenarians and 33 octogenarians underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Of patients with periampullary adenocarcinoma, octogenarians were more likely to present with advanced disease state (P=0.01). The two cohorts had similar ASA scores (P=0.62); however, octogenarians were more likely to have coronary artery disease (P=0.03). The length of operation was shorter in octogenarians (P=0.002). Mortality rates (P=0.49) and overall postoperative complication rates (P=1.0) were similar in two cohorts; however octogenarians had a higher incidence of pulmonary embolism (P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrates that octogenarians can undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy with outcomes similar to those in younger patients. Thus, patients should not be denied a curative surgical option for periampullary malignancy based on advanced age alone.

Outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly patients

BACKGROUND

Although the mortality and morbidity of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) have improved significantly over the past years, the concerns for elderly patients undergoing PD are still present. Furthermore, the frequency of PD is increasing because of the increasing proportion of elderly patients and the increasing incidence of periampullary tumors. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of PD in elderly patients.

METHODS

We studied all patients who had undergone PD in our center between January 1995 and February 2015. The patients were divided into three groups based on age: group I (patients aged <60 years), group II (those aged 60 to 69 years) and group III (those aged ≥70 years). The primary outcome was the rate of total postoperative complications. Secondary endpoint included total operative time, hospital mortality, length of postoperative hospital stay, delayed gastric emptying, re-exploration, and survival rate.

RESULTS

A total of 828 patients who had undergone PD for resection of periampullary tumor were included in this study. There were 579 (69.9%) patients in group I, 201 (24.3%) in group II, and 48 (5.8%) in group III. The overall incidence of complications was higher in elderly patients (25.9% in group I, 36.8% in group II, and 37.5% in group III; P=0.006). There were more patients complicated with delayed gastric emptying in group II compared with the other two groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula, biliary leakage, pancreatitis, pulmonary complications and hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

PD can be performed safely in selected elderly patients. Advanced age alone should not be a contraindication for PD. The outcome of elderly patients who have undergone PD is similar to that of younger patients, and the increased rate of complications is due to the presence of associated comorbidities.

Management of pancreatic cancer in the elderly

Currently, pancreatic adenocarcinoma mainly occurs after 60 years of age, and its prognosis remains poor despite modest improvements in recent decades. The aging of the population will result in a rise in the incidence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma within the next years. Thus, the management of pancreatic cancer in the elderly population is gaining increasing relevance. Older cancer patients represent a heterogeneous group with different biological, functional and psychosocial characteristics that can modify the usual management of this disease, including pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes, polypharmacy, performance status, comorbidities and organ dysfunction. However, the biological age, not the chronological age, of the patient should be the limiting factor in determining the most appropriate treatment for these patients. Unfortunately, despite the increased incidence of this pathology in older patients, there is an underrepresentation of these patients in clinical trials, and the management of older patients is thus determined by extrapolation from the results of studies performed in younger patients. In this review, the special characteristics of the elderly, the multidisciplinary management of localized and advanced ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas and the most recent advances in the management of this condition will be discussed, focusing on surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and palliative care.

Radiographic Sarcopenia and Self-reported Exhaustion Independently Predict NSQIP Serious Complications After Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Older Adults

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia is linked to poor outcomes after abdominal surgery. We hypothesized that radiographic sarcopenia metrics enhance prediction of complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) when combined with clinical and frailty data.

METHODS

Preoperative geriatric assessments and CT scans of patients undergoing PD were reviewed. Sarcopenia was assessed at L3 using total psoas area index (TPAI) and weighted average Hounsfield units (HU), i.e., estimates of psoas muscle volume and density. Outcomes included 30-day American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) serious complications, Clavien-Dindo complications, unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospital length of stay (LOS), non-home facility (NHF) discharge, and readmission rates.

RESULTS

Low HU score correlated with NSQIP serious complications (r = -0.31, p = 0.0098), Clavien-Dindo complication grade (r = -0.29, p = 0.0183), unplanned ICU admission (r = -0.28, p = 0.0239), and NHF discharge (r = -0.25, p = 0.0426). Controlling for a "base model" of age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and comorbidity burden, Fried's exhaustion (odds ratio [OR] 4.72 [1.23-17.71], p = 0.021), and HU (OR 0.88 [0.79-0.98], p = 0.024) predicted NSQIP serious complications. Area under the receiver-operator characteristic (AUC) curves demonstrated that the combination of the base model, exhaustion, and HU trended towards improving the prediction of NSQIP serious complications compared with the base model alone (AUC = 0.81 vs. 0.70; p = 0.09). Additionally, when controlling for the base model, TPAI (β-coefficient = 0.55 [0.10-1.01], p = 0.018) and exhaustion (β-coefficient = 2.47 [0.75-4.20], p = 0.005) predicted LOS and exhaustion (OR 4.14 [1.48-11.6], p = 0.007) predicted readmissions.

CONCLUSIONS

When combined with clinical and frailty assessments, radiographic sarcopenia metrics enhance prediction of post-PD outcomes.

Outcomes of pancreatic surgery in patients older than 70 years

INTRODUCTION

The proportion of elderly patients is growing rapidly. Knowing the results of pancreatic surgery in this group of patients would help surgeons to make therapeutic decisions. The objective is to evaluate the surgical outcomes of pancreatic resections in patients over 70 years.

METHODS

Retrospective study including patients undergoing pancreatic resection during the period 2009-2014. The sample was divided into 2 groups. G1: Patients under 70 years and G2: Patients older than 70 years. Surgical results between the 2 groups were evaluated.

RESULTS

Seventy three pancreatic resections were performed, 51 (70%) patients belonged to G1 and 22 (30%) to G2. There were no significant differences between G1 and G2 in terms of operative time and hospitalization days. No significant difference was obtained in the incidence of delayed gastric emptying, pancreatic fistula or biliary fistula. The overall mortality in the series was 4.1% showing difference between both groups, with 2% in G1 and 13.6% in G2 (P=.04). When a sub-analysis in G2 was made, mortality in this group occurred only in patients with significant comorbidities with ASA ≥ 3 (P=.004). Both groups with oncologic disease had similar overall survival and disease-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Age should not be a limiting factor for pancreatic resections. The elderly have similar results as younger patients and their increased perioperative mortality is due to the presence of important associated comorbidities rather than age as an independent risk factor.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly adults: is it justified in terms of mortality, long-term morbidity, and quality of life?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate long-term morbidity, mortality, and quality of life (QoL) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in elderly adults.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and sixty-eight individuals aged 70 and older who underwent PD between 1995 and 2010.

MEASUREMENTS

A prospective pancreatic surgery database was analyzed for postoperative morbidity; mortality; intensive care unit (ICU), hospital, and rehabilitation facility stay; and readmissions after surgery. QoL was assessed using a validated questionnaire completed 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Seventy-two percent of the participants had an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 or greater. There was no intraoperative death. Thirty- and 60-day postoperative mortality rates were 5.9% and 6.5%, respectively. Median ICU stay was 2 days, and median hospital stay was 22 days. Sixty-four participants (37.5%) were discharged to a rehabilitation facility. The first-year readmission rate was 31%. One- and 2-year overall survival rates were 58% and 36%, respectively. Global QoL scores 3 and 12 months after surgery were 68% and 73%, respectively. Scores were lower yet comparable with those of matched individuals undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSION

Most elderly adults with pancreatic cancer survive longer than 1 year after PD; 36% survive longer than 2 years. These individuals are likely to have acceptable long-term morbidity and overall good QoL, corresponding with their age.

Surgical outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary tumors in elderly patients

BACKGROUNDS

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is an aggressive surgery with considerable operative risks, but offers the only chance for cure in patients with periampullary tumors. A growing number of elderly patients are being offered PD because of the aging of populations in developed countries. We examined surgical outcomes of PD in patients aged 75 years and older (≥75 years).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed in 65 consecutive patients who underwent PD for periampullary tumors at a single medical center during the 5 years from 2006 to 2010. We analyzed surgical outcomes such as mortality and morbidity after PD in patients aged ≥75 years (n = 21) compared to those in patients aged <75 years (n = 44).

RESULTS

The positive rate of comorbidities such as hypertension was significantly higher in patients aged ≥75 years than in patients aged <75 years (76 vs. 48 %; p = 0.03). The incidence of wound infection was significantly higher in patients aged ≥75 years than in patients aged <75 years (19 vs. 0 %; p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the mortality rate (0 vs. 2 %; p = 0.49) or the overall morbidity rate (33 vs. 32 %; p = 0.90). There was no significant difference in changes in body weight or serum albumin levels during the 3 months after PD between the two groups, but the recovery of serum prealbumin levels from 1 to 3 months after PD in patients aged ≥75 years was significantly delayed compared to that in patients aged <75 years (p = 0.04). There was no statistically significant difference in long-term survival between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced age alone should not discourage surgeons from offering PD, although nutritional supports after PD for elderly patients aged ≥75 years are needed.

Advanced age is a risk factor for post-operative complications and mortality after a pancreaticoduodenectomy: a meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

The aim of this meta-analysis was to analyse the outcomes of major pancreatic surgery among the elderly (≥75 and ≥80 years of age).

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane and PubMed databases on all studies published between January 1990 and April 2012 reporting peri-operative outcomes after a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) among the elderly. Primary end-points measured were peri-operative mortality and the incidence of post-operative complications. Secondary outcomes considered included the incidence of post-operative pancreatic fistula formation (POPF), delayed gastric emptying (DGE), wound infection, pneumonia, post-operative bleeding and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Eleven trials were included comprising 5186 patients; 7 studies comparing endpoints in patients aged ≥75 years vs. younger populations and 4 studies comparing endpoints in patients aged ≥80 years vs. younger populations. In both groups, there was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of mortality and post-operative pneumonia in the elderly population. The incidence of post-operative complications was also found to be statistically significant among patients ≥80 years of age vs. their younger cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an increased incidence of post-operative mortality and pneumonia after a PD among all elderly patients ≥75 years of age, as well as an increased incidence of post-operative complications among patients ≥80 years of age. Additional randomized control trials studying post-PD operative outcomes in elderly vs. younger patients with standardization of comorbidities is therefore necessary to confirm the conclusions presented here.

Targeting early deaths following pancreaticoduodenectomy to improve survival

INTRODUCTION

There is increasing focus on disease-specific outcomes. This study was undertaken to analyze early mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy as part of a strategy to improve long-term outcome.

METHODS

One thousand thirty-one patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy from 1992 to 2010 were studied. Median data are reported.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight (5.6%) patients died within 90 days after pancreaticoduodenectomy. All patients had at least one significant comorbidity, commonly cardiorespiratory in nature (76%). Sixty percent of patients had depressed serum albumin levels, and 43% were jaundiced. The American Society of Anesthesiologists class was: 17% class II, 72% class III, and 10% class IV. Seventy-four percent had malignant disease. Twenty-two percent of patients underwent a major vascular resection at the time of pancreaticoduodenectomy. Causes of death were vascular/bleeding related (26%), cardiorespiratory causes (17%), multiorgan failure (12%), leak/perforation (10%), cancer progression (9%), infection (7%), or indeterminate (19%).

CONCLUSIONS

Death within 90 days after pancreaticoduodenectomy is uncommon, occurs in relatively older deconditioned patients, and is generally not causally related to underlying malignancy. Early death is generally associated with vascular or bleeding complications. Strategies to minimize early death should focus on careful patient selection and prompt recognition and management of herald bleeding or vascular thrombosis, as it can often result in perioperative death following pancreaticoduodenectomy.