Long-Term Assessments After Pancreaticoduodenectomy with Pancreatic Duct Invagination Anastomosis

Purpose The purpose of this cohort was to evaluate the long-term patency of the anastomosis and the remnant pancreatic functions. Methods Fifty-six consecutive patients undergoing a pancreaticoduodenectomy with pancreatic duct invagination anastomosis were enrolled in this study. During the follow-up, changes in the remnant pancreatic duct size, pancreatic exocrine and endocrine functions, and nutritional status were monitored. Results No seriously activated pancreatic fistula, no hemorrhagic complications, no reoperations, and no in-hospital deaths were observed after surgery. A dilatation of remnant pancreatic duct was detected a total of 37 times (51%) during annual computed tomography (CT) evaluations. Pancreatic dysfunctions were observed in a considerable number of patients (exocrine 4/12, 9/14, and 8/16, endocrine 9/35, 8/27, and 4/16 at 1, 2, and 3 postoperative years, respectively). Functional declines in the remnant pancreas, duct dilatation, and a decrease in the body mass index were observed from the first year. However, these data did not progressively deteriorate thereafter, at least during the first 3 postoperative years. This study demonstrated a significant correlation between the duct dilatation and endocrine dysfunction. Conclusion Our pancreatic duct invagination anastomosis resulted in somewhat limited long-term outcomes, although it did prevent serious complications in the short-term.     

Schematic Pancreatic Configuration: A Risk Assessment for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Introduction

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a serious complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Preoperative risk assessment of POPF is desirable in careful preparation for operation. The aim of this study was to assess simple and accurate risk factors for clinically relevant POPF based on a schematic understanding of the pancreatic configuration using preoperative multidetector computed tomography.

Methods

Three hundred and eighteen consecutive patients who underwent PD in the National Cancer Center Hospital East between November 2006 and March 2013 were investigated. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative clinicopathological findings as well as pancreatic configuration data were analyzed for the risk of clinically relevant POPF. POPF was defined according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula classification. POPF grade A occurred in 52 patients (16.4 %), grade B in 84 (26.4 %), and grade C in 6 (1.9 %).

Conclusions

Independent risk factors for POPF grade B/C included main pancreatic duct diameter (MPDd) < 2 mm (P = 0.001), parenchymal thickness ≥ 8 mm (P = 0.018), not performing portal vein/superior mesenteric vein resection (P = 0.004), and amylase level of drainage fluid on postoperative day 3 ≥ 375 IU/L (P < 0.001). Pancreatic configuration data including MPDd and parenchymal thickness were good indicators of clinically relevant POPF.     

Risk-Adapted Anastomosis for Partial Pancreaticoduodenectomy Reduces the Risk of Pancreatic Fistula: A Pilot Study

Background

Pancreatic fistula (PF) is the main cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality after pancreatectomy. Two reasons for PF are a “soft” pancreatic texture and a narrow pancreatic duct (high-risk gland). Pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) may lead to a higher fistula rate in such glands. In the literature there are no data available on risk-adapted assignment of pancreatogastrostomy (PG) in a high-risk gland. Therefore, an observational pilot study was conducted to address this issue.

Methods

Since January 2007 the concept of a “risk-adapted pancreatic anastomosis” (RAP) was introduced (PG for high-risk glands). The PF rate, morbidity, and mortality during this period (January 2007 to December 2008, n = 74) were compared to those between January 2004 and December 2006 (n = 119, only PJ). PF was defined according to the International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery.

Results

Through RAP the PF rate was reduced from 22 to 11% (P = 0.0503). Grade C PF rate was reduced from 6.7 to 1.4% (P = 0.1569) and grade A PF from 6 to 1.4% (P = 0.2537). The PF-associated mortality was reduced from 3.4 to 1.4%. PG revealed a PF rate of 7% and PJ accounted for 19% of PFs (P = 0.1765). There was no incidence of grade C PF following PG. The incidence of intraluminal hemorrhage (P = 0.0422) and delayed gastric emptying (P = 0.0572) was higher following PG.

Conclusions

The rate of PF could be significantly reduced with the use of RAP. One should be cautious about the indication for PG, since it is associated with a higher rate of intraluminal hemorrhage and delayed gastric emptying. There are no long-term results on PG with respect to its durability and function. A general recommendation for its use cannot currently be made.     

Prognostic Factors and Adjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy After Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Background  The aim of this study was to determine prognostic factors for survival after resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC) and to compare outcomes after surgery alone versus surgery plus adjuvant therapy. Methods  We performed a retrospective review of 219 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for PC with curative intent between 1995 and 2007. Data were collected prospectively. Postoperative adjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) consisted of fluorouracil or gemcitabine-based chemotherapy; the median radiation dose was 45 Gy. Results  The 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 24.3% and 14.2%, respectively. Median OS was 14.0 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 12–16 months]. Patients with metastatic lymph nodes experienced improved median survival (16 vs 10 months; P < 0.001) and 3-year OS (3-year OS 28% vs 8%) after adjuvant CRT compared with those who had no CRT. Patients who underwent non-curative resection had the same effect (median OS, 13 vs 8 months; P = 0.037). Lymph node metastasis and non-curative resection showed no significance on multivariate analysis. Poor differentiation [risk ratio (RR) = 2.10; P < 0.001] and tumor size >3 cm (RR = 1.57; P = 0.018) were found to be adverse prognostic factors; adjuvant CRT had borderline significance (RR = 0.70; P = 0.087). Conclusions  Adjuvant CRT benefited a subset of patients with resected PC, particularly those with lymph node metastasis and those undergoing non-curative resection. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients with tumors larger than 3 cm and poor differentiation had poor prognosis.     

Perioperative Net Fluid Balance Predicts Pancreatic Fistula After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background

Our goal was to evaluate the relationship between perioperative fluid administration and the development of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

Methods

Retrospectively, we analyzed fluid balance over the first 72 h in 104 consecutive patients who underwent PD between 2013 and 2017. Patients were categorized into tertiles (low, medium, and high) by net fluid balance.

Results

POPF was identified in 17.3% of patients (n?=?18). No significant demographic differences were identified among tertiles. Similarly, there were no differences in ASA, smoking status, hemoglobin A1C, pathologic findings, operative time, blood loss, intraoperative fluid administration, use of pancreatic stents, use of epidurals, or postoperative lactate. Patients with high 72-h net fluid balance had significantly increased rates of POPF compared with those in the medium and low tertiles (31.4% vs. 11.4% vs. 8.8%, p?=?0.02). On multivariate analysis, increasing net fluid balance remained associated with CR-POPF (OR 1.26, CI 1.03–1.55, p?=?0.03).

Conclusion

High net 72-h fluid balance is an independent predictor of POPF after PD. Given ongoing efforts to minimize PD morbidity, net fluid balance may represent a clinical predictor and, possibly, a modifiable target for prevention of POPF.

     

Association Between the Incidence of Pancreatic Fistula After Pancreaticoduodenectomy and the Degree of Pancreatic Fibrosis

Objective

The objective of this study is to investigate the association between the incidence of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and the degree of pancreatic fibrosis.

Method

Between January 2013 and December 2016, the analysis of the clinical data of 529 cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy patients of our hospital was performed in a retrospective fashion. The univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were done using the Pearson chi-squared test and binary logistic regression analysis model; correlations were analyzed by Spearman rank correlation analysis. The value of the degree of pancreatic fibrosis to predict the incidence of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

The total incidence of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy was 28.5% (151/529). Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis showed that BMI?≥?25 kg/m², pancreatic duct size ≤?3 mm, pancreatic CT value<?30, the soft texture of the pancreas (judged during the operation), and the percent of fibrosis of pancreatic lobule ≤?25% are prognostic factors of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy (P?<?0.05); the pancreatic CT value and the percent of fibrosis of pancreatic lobule in pancreatic fistula group were both lower than those in non-pancreatic fistula group (P?<?0.05). Results indicated that there is a negative correlation between the severity of pancreatic fistula and the pancreatic CT value or the percent of fibrosis of pancreatic lobule (r?=???0.297, ??0.342, respectively). The areas under the ROC curve of the percent of fibrosis of pancreatic lobule and the pancreatic CT value were 0.756 and 0.728, respectively.

Conclusion

The degree of pancreatic fibrosis is a prognostic factor which can influence the pancreatic texture and the incidence of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy. The pancreatic CT value can be used as a quantitative index of the degree of pancreatic fibrosis to predict the incidence of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

     

No Mortality or Pancreatic Fistula After Full-Thickness Suture Pancreaticogastrostomy in 39 Patients Who Underwent Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is considered the standard operation for periampullary tumors. Despite major advances in pancreatic surgery, pancreatic fistula is still an important cause of morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Meticulous surgical technique and proper reconstruction of the pancreas are essential to prevent pancreatic fistula. Pancreaticogastrostomy is a safe method for reconstruction of the pancreas after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Regardless of pancreatic texture or duct diameter, the reconstruction is performed by passing full-thickness sutures through both the anterior and posterior sides of the pancreas. In this study, we report 39 cases of reconstruction with pancreaticogastrostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy without mortality or pancreatic fistula.Key words: Pancreaticogastrostomy, Pancreatic fistula, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, Full-thickness suturesPancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is considered the standard treatment for periampullary tumors. Despite major advances in pancreatic surgery, overall postoperative morbidity after PD is high, even in high-volume centers.¹ While the operation-associated mortality rate of pancreatic surgery has decreased to less than 4%, the operation-associated morbidity rate is reported to be as high as 50%, largely due to the pancreaticoenteric anastomosis, the “Achilles'' heel” of pancreatic surgery.^2–4Pancreatic fistula (PF) is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality after PD. Soft pancreatic tissue texture and small pancreatic duct diameter have been identified as risk factors for PF. Pancreatic fistula may cause life-threatening complications, such as postoperative hemorrhage and peritonitis.⁵ We report the first cases without mortality or PF in 39 patients who were reconstructed with pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) after PD. In this study, we performed the PG by passing full-thickness sutures through the pancreas wall from both the anterior and posterior sides of the gland regardless of pancreatic tissue texture or pancreatic duct diameter.     

Pancreatic Atrophy Relative to External Versus Internal Drainage of the Pancreatic Duct After Pylorus-Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background

Atrophy of the pancreatic parenchyma, which occurs frequently after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD), is often associated with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Many surgeons prefer to insert a drainage tube into the remnant pancreatic duct primarily to prevent pancreatic leakage at the pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) after PPPD. Drainage methods vary widely but can be roughly classified as internal or external drainage. This study intended to evaluate their effects on pancreatic parenchymal atrophy following PPPD.

Methods

Fifty-seven patients who underwent PPPD were retrospectively divided into two groups, 28 who underwent external and 29 who underwent internal pancreatic drainage. External drainage tubes were removed 4 weeks after PPPD. The volume of the pancreatic parenchyma was serially measured on abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans before PPPD, as well as 7 days and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Degree of pancreatic parenchymal atrophy was determined by calculating pancreatic volume relative to that on day 7.

Results

Univariate analysis showed that patient sex, age, body mass index, concurrent pancreatitis, pathology, and types of PJ did not significantly affect changes in pancreatic volume following PPPD. The degree of pancreatic volume atrophy did not differ significantly in the external and internal drainage groups. No patient in the external drainage group experienced drainage-related surgical complications. The incidence of PJ leak was comparable in the two groups. Postoperative pancreatic atrophy did not induce new-onset diabetes mellitus at 1 year.

Conclusions

Both external and internal pancreatic drainage methods showed similar atrophy rate of the pancreatic parenchyma following PPPD.     

近端胃切除残胃空肠双通道吻合在胃上部癌根治术中的应用

目的探讨近端胃切除后残胃与空肠双通道吻合在胃上部癌根治术中的价值。方法我院2007年1月至2009年6月期间对40例胃上部癌患者行近端胃根治性切除,保留远端胃,行食管-空肠端侧吻合、残胃-空肠侧侧吻合、空肠-空肠侧侧吻合的双通道消化道重建。结果本组病例距肿瘤远切缘5cm,切缘阴性。清扫淋巴结(21±6)枚,符合D2根治术的规范。未发生吻合口漏、梗阻、出血等并发症。术后钡餐造影,部分钡剂经过残胃-十二指肠径路进入空肠,无钡剂返流入食管。随访6～30个月(平均18个月)患者无明显返流性食管炎;1例有轻微倾倒综合征表现;患者血红蛋白较术前均有明显升高,近期生活质量满意。结论近端胃根治性切除,保留远端胃,作残胃与空肠双通道吻合治疗胃上部癌,清扫、切除范围合理,残胃有一定储袋作用,能较好地预防返流性食管炎和倾倒综合征;保留了十二指肠径路,改善了生活质量,近期效果满意;手术重建结构简单,操作不复杂,难度小,是胃上部癌根治术较理想的消化道重建方式。     

Proximal Roux-en-y Gastrojejunal Anastomosis with Pyloric Ring Resection Improves Gastric Emptying After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a common complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy. We determined the efficiency of a new reconstruction technique, designed to preserve motilin-secreting cells and maximize the utility of their receptors, in reducing the incidence of DGE after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Methods

From April 2005 to September 2014, 217 consecutive patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at our institution. Nine patients who underwent total pancreatectomy were excluded. We compared outcomes between patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy with resection of the pyloric ring followed by proximal Roux-en-y gastrojejunal anastomosis (group I, n?=?90) and patients who underwent standard pancreaticoduodenectomy with the orthotopic reconstruction technique (group II, n?=?118).

Results

Overall and clinically relevant rates of DGE were significantly lower in group I than in group II (10 and 2.2 % vs. 57 and 24 %, respectively; p?<?0.05). Length of hospital stay as a result of DGE was shorter in group I than in group II. In univariate analysis, older age, comorbidities, ASA grade 4, operative time, preoperative diabetes, standard reconstruction technique, and postoperative complications were significant risk factors for DGE. In multivariate analysis, older age, standard technique, and postoperative complications were independent risk factors for DGE.

Conclusion

Our new reconstruction technique reduces the occurrence of DGE after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

     

Tumor Infiltration in the Medial Resection Margin Predicts Survival After Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Background

Microscopic tumor involvement (R1) in different surgical resection margins after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been debated.

Methods

Clinico-pathological data for 258 patients who underwent PD between 2001 and 2010 were retrieved from a prospective database. The rates of R1 resection in the circumferential resection margin (pancreatic transection, medial, posterior, and anterior surfaces) and their prognostic influence on survival were assessed.

Results

For PDAC, the R1 rate was 57.1?% (48/84) for any margin, 31.0?% (26/84) for anterior surface, 42.9?% (36/84) for posterior surface, 29.8?% (25/84) for medial margin, and 7.1?% (3/84) for pancreatic transection margin. Overall and disease-free survival for R1 resections were significantly worse than those for R0 resection (17.2 vs. 28.7?months, P?=?0.007 and 12.3 vs. 21.0?months, P?=?0.019, respectively). For individual margins, only medial positivity had a significant impact on survival (13.8 vs. 28.0?months, P?<?0.001), as opposed to involvement in the anterior (19.7 vs. 23.3?months, P?=?0.187) or posterior margin (17.5 vs. 24.2?months, P?=?0.104). Multivariate analysis demonstrated R0 medial margin was an independent prognostic factor (P?=?0.002, HR?=?0.381; 95?% CI 0.207?C0.701).

Conclusion

The medial surgical resection margin is the most important after PD for PDAC, and an R1 resection here predicts poor survival.     

胰管空肠内固定支架粘膜吻合术预防胰十二指肠切除术后胰漏

目的探讨胰管空肠内固定支架粘膜吻合术对预防胰十二指肠切除术后胰空肠吻合口漏的效果。方法壶腹周围癌患者23例，胰十二指肠切除后行胰管空肠吻合时于胰管内放置内固定支架并引流至空肠肠腔内。结果23例均行胰管空肠内固定支架粘膜吻合术成功，术后无一例发生胰漏，均治愈出院。结论胰管空肠内固定支架粘膜吻合术可预防胰漏发生，方法简单有效，值得推广。     

Preoperative Sarcopenia Strongly Influences the Risk of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula Formation After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a serious complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Sarcopenia is a newly identified marker of frailty. We performed this study to assess whether preoperative sarcopenia has an impact on clinically relevant POPF formation.

Methods

A total of 266 consecutive patients who underwent a PD between 2010 and 2014 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Skeletal muscle mass was measured using preoperative computed tomography images. The impact of preoperative sarcopenia on clinically relevant POPF formation was analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Of the 266 patients, 132 (49.6 %) were classified as having preoperative sarcopenia. The rate of clinically relevant POPF formation was significantly higher in the sarcopenia group (22.0 vs. 10.4 %; P?=?0.011). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sarcopenia (odds ratio, 2.869; P?=?0.007) was an independent risk factor for the development of clinically relevant POPF, along with a soft pancreas and a parenchymal thickness at the pancreatic resection site of ≥8 mm.

Conclusions

Preoperative sarcopenia was identified as a strong and independent risk factor for clinically relevant POPF formation after PD. Perioperative rehabilitation and nutrition therapy may contribute to the prevention of POPF formation and a safer PD.

     

Impact of Obesity and Body Fat Distribution on Survival After Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Background

Epidemiologic studies have reported a positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and pancreatic cancer risk, but clinical relevance of obesity and/or body fat distribution on tumor characteristics and cancer-related outcome remain controversial. We sought to assess the influence of obesity and body fat distribution on pathologic characteristics and survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Demographic and biometric data were collected on 328 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. In a subset of patients, pancreatic fatty infiltration and fibrosis were assessed pathologically, and visceral fat area (VFA) was evaluated. Influence of BMI and body fat distribution on tumor characteristics and survival were evaluated.

Results

A significant positive correlation between BMI and VFA was observed, with a wide range of VFA value within each BMI class. According to BMI or VFA distribution, there were no significant differences in patient characteristics, intraoperative or perioperative outcome, or pathologic characteristics, with the exception of significantly higher blood loss in patients with an increased body weight or VFA. Unadjusted overall and disease-free survival between BMI class and VFA quartile were not significantly different.

Conclusions

In this study, obesity and body fat distribution were not correlated with specific tumor characteristics or cancer-related outcome.     

Pancreatic Fibrosis Correlates With Delayed Gastric Emptying After Pylorus-Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy With Pancreaticogastrostomy

OBJECTIVE: To show that residual pancreatitis delays gastric emptying, the authors used surgical specimens and studied gastric stasis after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Delayed gastric emptying is a leading cause of complications after PPPD, occurring in 30% of patients. The pathogenesis of delayed gastric emptying remains unclear. METHODS: Surgical specimens of the pancreas from 25 patients undergoing PPPD and pancreaticogastrostomy were collected and examined by microscopy according to progressive pancreatic fibrosis and divided into three groups: no fibrosis, periductal fibrosis, and intralobular fibrosis. The authors then measured gastric output from the nasogastric tube, pancreatic output from the pancreatic tube, and the time until patients tolerated a solid diet. RESULTS: Pancreatic juice output was significantly related to the degree of pathologic findings, and gastric output was inversely related to them. A significant prolongation of postoperative solid diet tolerance correlated with increased pancreatic fibrosis and gastric fluid production. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic fibrosis and increased gastric fluid production correlate with delayed gastric emptying after PPPD with pancreaticogastrostomy.