[Pancreatic fistula after left pancreatectomy. Frequency and severity]

In order to study the frequency and complications related to pancreatic fistula following distal pancreatectomy we have reviewed 19 patients operated on between January 1st 1981 and February 28 1986. There was no mortality but the incidence of pancreatic fistula was 52%. 40% of these cases developed a subphrenic abscess (21% of the total number of cases). These fistulas closed after an average post-operative period of 42 days. Reoperation for an infected collection was required in 4 cases. The incidence of pancreatic fistula was not related to the initial pancreatic pathology. Splenectomy did not influence the incidence of subphrenic abscess. Different techniques of closure of the distal pancreas after resection have not changed the incidence of this complication. The use of somatostatin appears to favourably influence the course of the fistula. These conclusions tend to confirm the results of other reported series.