Management of recurrent bleeding after pancreatoduodenectomy

Re-bleeding after management of a first haemorrhage following pancreatic surgery is an ever-present danger and often presents diagnostic and management dilemmas.

All cases of post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH) following pancreatoduodenectomy were identified from a tertiary referral, clinical database (April 2004-April 2013). Only those suffering a second re-bleeding episode were included in the final case notes review.

A total of 301 patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy during the study period (most common indication: pancreatic adenocarcinoma; 49.5%). Twenty-two (7.3%) patients suffered a PPH (five early). Of these cases, three suffered a re-bleeding event (one mortality). Endoscopy, interventional radiology and surgery were employed in each case.

PPH presents major clinical challenges and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Early detection of the site and type of bleeding are critical and multimodal therapy is usually required. Interventional radiology techniques are making a major contribution to overall management.