The effect of duct width and pancreatic gland structure on pancreatic fistula rates in patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most important causes of morbidity in pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) surgery is pancreatic anastomosis leakage. There is a possibility of pancreatic fistula even in the most experienced hands. After PD, pancreatic fistula occurs between 10% and 20% in various series. This study aims to evaluate the effects of pancreatic duct size and pancreatic tissue on the development of pancreatic fistula after PD is performed in our center. Material and Method: Pancreatic duct size was categorized as small <3 mm and large >3 mm. Pancreatic gland tissue was categorized as a soft, medium, and hard. These variables were calculated preoperatively with the help of computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography(USG), and Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and postoperative pathology results. It was accepted that the 24-hour flow rate of the drain behind the pancreatic anastomosis was more than 50 ml during 3 days after PD and/or the amylase concentration of the drain content measured at 3 different times was 3 times higher than the serum amylase concentration. Results: A total of 90 patients were included in the study, anastomotic leakage was not observed in 63 (70%) of 90 patients, and leakage was observed in 27 (30%) patients. The mean age was 71.22±10.78 years (p=0.615). There was no statistically significant difference between the ductus diameters between the two groups (p=0.240). There was no statistical difference between the groups formed according to pancreatic duct width. (p=0.059). It was observed that 60.3% of the patients in the non-leakage group had a hard appearance, and this rate was statistically significantly reduced to 29.6% in the patients with leakage (p=0.008). Conclusion: In summary, our study showed that pancreatic fistula after PD is associated with soft pancreatic parenchyma. The surgeon should consider this risk factor when performing a PD and be more careful to reduce the rate of pancreatic fistula.