Prediction of Pancreatic Fistula by Preoperatively Assessable Factors; Retrospective Review of Unified Operations by Single Surgeon

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This retrospective study was conducted to find preoperatively assessable risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in patients undergoing laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) using a slow compression method with a stapler, which we call pen-firing compression (PFC).

METHODOLOGY: Fifty-two patients underwent LDP, of whom 42 underwent PFC for pancreatic division using a stapler. The relationship between preoperatively assessable factors and the incidence of clinical POPF was statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: Overall rate of POPF was 7.1% in 42 patients. Univariate analysis showed that greater BMI (p = 0.004) and thicker pancreatic stump (0.0022) were significant risk factors for POPF. BMI and stump thickness remained significant (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001) by multivariate analysis. Cutoff points estimated by ROC curve were 27 kg/m2 for BMI and 27 mm for stump thickness.

CONCLUSIONS: High BMI value and thick pancreatic stump are significant risk factors for POPF after LDP. Alternative treatment of the pancreatic stump may prevent POPF in high-risk patients.