Novel Insights into Postoperative Surveillance in Resected Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms—A Review

Abstract

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCL) are frequently encountered in clinical practice and some are referred to surgery due to their neoplastic risk or malignant transformation. The management of PCL involves complex decision-making, with postoperative surveillance being a key component for long-term outcomes, due to the potential for recurrence and postoperative morbidity. Unfortunately, the follow-up of resected patients is far from being optimal and there is a lack of consensus on recommendations with regard to timing and methods of surveillance. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the postoperative surveillance of neoplastic pancreatic cysts, focusing on the mechanisms and risk factors for recurrence, the recurrence rates according to the initial indication for surgery, the final result of the surgical specimen and neoplastic risk in the remaining pancreas, as well as the postsurgical morbidity comprising pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, metabolic dysfunction and diabetes after resection, according to the type of surgery performed. We analyze postsurgical recurrence rates and morbidity profiles, as influenced by different surgical techniques, to better delineate at-risk patients, and highlight the need for tailored surveillance strategies adapted to preoperative and operative factors with an impact on outcomes.