Management and outcomes of hemorrhage after distal pancreatectomy: a multicenter study at high volume centers

Côme Duclos1, Thibault Durin2, Ugo Marchese3

  • 1Department of Digestive Surgical Oncology, Liver Transplantation Unit. CHU Besançon, Besançon, France.

Insights

Clinically relevant post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (CR-PPH) after distal pancreatectomy (DP) is uncommon but significantly increases 90-day mortality and failure-to-rescue rates. Understanding risk factors is crucial for managing this rare complication.

Area of Science:

  • Surgical Oncology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Hepatobiliary Surgery

Background:

  • Limited data exist on clinically relevant post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (CR-PPH) following distal pancreatectomy (DP).
  • Existing studies primarily focus on pancreatoduodenectomy, leaving a gap in understanding DP-specific hemorrhage risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the incidence, risk factors, management, and outcomes of CR-PPH after distal pancreatectomy (DP).
  • To compare the severity and outcomes of CR-PPH with other post-pancreatectomy complications.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of non-extended DP procedures performed between 2014 and 2018.
  • Inclusion criteria encompassed Grade B and C post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH).
  • Multivariable analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for CR-PPH.

Main Results:

  • 5.5% of patients developed CR-PPH, requiring reintervention in 87.7% of cases.
  • CR-PPH was significantly associated with increased 90-day mortality, morbidity, and hospital stay.
  • Prolonged operative time and concurrent pancreatico-enteric fistula (POPF) were independent risk factors for CR-PPH.

Conclusions:

  • CR-PPH after DP is a rare but severe complication.
  • It is linked to significantly higher 90-day mortality and failure-to-rescue rates compared to POPF.
  • Identifying and managing risk factors for CR-PPH is critical for improving patient outcomes.
Abstract