The Effect of Perioperative Dexamethasone on Postoperative Complications after Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of perioperative dexamethasone on postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Background: The glucocorticoid dexamethasone has been shown to improve postoperative outcomes in surgical patients, but its effects on postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy are unclear. Methods: This multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted in four Chinese high-volume pancreatic centers. Adults undergoing elective pancreaticoduodenectomy were randomized to receive either 0.2 mg/kg dexamethasone or a saline placebo as an intravenous bolus within 5 minutes after anesthesia induction. The primary outcome was the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) score within 30 days after the operation, analyzed using the modified intention-to-treat principle. Results: Among 428 patients for eligibility, 300 participants were randomized and 265 were included in the modified intention-to-treat analyses. 134 patients received dexamethasone and 131 patients received a placebo. The mean (SD) CCI score was 14.0 (17.5) in the dexamethasone group and 17.9 (20.3) in the placebo group (mean difference, −3.8; 95% CI, −8.4 to 0.7; P=0.100). The incidence of major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III) (12.7% vs. 16.0%, risk ratio 0.79; 95% CI, 0.44 to 1.43; P=0.439) and postoperative pancreatic fistula (25.4% vs. 31.3%, risk ratio 0.81; 95% CI, 0.55 to 1.19; P=0.286) were not significantly different between the two groups. In the stratum of participants with a main pancreatic duct ≤3 mm (n=202), the CCI score was significantly lower in the dexamethasone group (mean difference, -6.4; 95% CI, −11.2 to −1.6; P=0.009). Conclusion: Perioperative dexamethasone did not significantly reduce postoperative complications within 30 days after pancreaticoduodenectomy.