The Utility of 24/7 Interventional Radiology Service Post-pancreaticoduodennectomy

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Surgical Outcomes
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Pancreaticoduodenectomy is a complex procedure with significant post-operative morbidity.
• Access to timely interventional radiology (IR) services is vital for managing complications.
• This study evaluates IR utility in patients post-pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the outcomes and necessity of interventional radiology procedures in patients following pancreaticoduodenectomy.
• To determine the proportion of procedures required outside of regular working hours.
• To advocate for 24/7 interventional radiology availability at high-volume centers.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of pancreaticoduodenectomy patients from January 2019 to December 2023.
• Analysis of interventional radiology procedures performed within 90 days post-operation.
• Defined 'out-of-hours' as procedures outside Monday-Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm.

Main Results:

• 293 pancreaticoduodenectomies were performed; 112 patients (38%) underwent 212 IR procedures.
• 60 procedures (28.3%) were performed out-of-hours, indicating a significant need for emergency care.
• High technical (98.1%) and overall (85.4%) success rates were achieved for IR interventions.

Conclusions:

• A substantial number of patients require urgent interventional radiology interventions outside standard hours.
• Rapid deterioration is common in pancreaticoduodenectomy patients, emphasizing the need for immediate care.
• Centers performing pancreaticoduodenectomy must ensure 24-hour interventional radiology service availability to improve patient outcomes.