Investigation on the psychological impact of grade B or C pancreatic fistula of post pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) on surgeon-in-chief and its related factors

Abstract

Abstract Background Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most common complication of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), and it is the main cause of mortality. A survey was conducted among hepatobiliary pancreatic surgeons to understand the experience of the surgeon-in-chief in PD and POPF, focusing on the psychological impact of POPF on the surgeon-in-chief, related factors, and factors to alleviate psychological pressure. Methods A 21-question questionnaire was conducted among hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeons, adopting the method of a retrospective cross-sectional survey. The questionnaire was distributed through Wechat, and the software platform was questionnaire star. Count data were expressed in absolute values or percentages, and the x2 test was used in univariate analysis. Results A total of 97 hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeons completed the questionnaire. Eighty-six out of the ninety-seven (88.66%) participants were from third-level first-class hospitals, and participants from hospitals below third-level first-class made up 11/97 (11.34%). Ninety-two out of ninety-seven (94.85%) participants felt uneasy, nervous, or anxious after their patients suffered from grade B or C POPF. Participants making 67/97 (69.07%) suffered from sleeplessness, and 56/97(57.73%) participants' decision-making ability for treatment was affected. Participants making a total of 73/97(75.26%) were worried about grade B or C POPF when performing PD again, becoming overly alert. Conclusions Whether hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeons in hospitals of Third-Level First Class or below, whether they have PD experience, and whether they have experienced grade B or C POPF will have a psychological impact on the surgeon-in-chief.