Canadian practice patterns for pancreaticoduodenectomy

Discordant practice patterns may be a consequence of evidence-practice gaps or deficiencies in knowledge translation. We examined the current strategies used by hepato-pancreatico-biliary (HPB) surgeons in Canada for the perioperative management of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

We generated a web-based survey that focused on the perioperative measures surrounding PD. The survey was distributed to all members of the Canadian Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Association.

The survey was distributed to 74 surgeons and received a response rate of 50%. Many similarities in surgical techniques were reported; for example, most surgeons (86.5%) reconstruct the pancreas with pancreaticojejunostomy rather than pancreaticogastrostomy. In contrast, variable techniques regarding the use of peritoneal drainage tubes, anastomotic stents, octreotide and other intraoperative modalities were reported. Most surgeons (75.7%) reported that their patients frequently required preoperative biliary drainage, yet there was minimal agreement with the designated criteria. There was variability in postoperative care, including the use of epidural analgesia and timing of postoperative oral nutrition.

We identified heterogeneity among Canadian HPB surgeons, suggesting a number of evidence-practice gaps within specific domains of pancreatic resections. Focused research in these areas may facilitate technical agreement and improve patient outcomes following PD.