The road to tailored adjuvant chemotherapy for all four non-pancreatic periampullary cancers: An international multimethod cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Despite differences in tumour behaviour and characteristics between duodenal adenocarcinoma (DAC), the intestinal (AmpIT) and pancreatobiliary (AmpPB) subtype of ampullary adenocarcinoma and distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA), the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) on these cancers, as well as the optimal ACT regimen, has not been comprehensively assessed. This study aims to assess the influence of tailored ACT on DAC, dCCA, AmpIT, and AmpPB. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients after pancreatoduodenectomy for non-pancreatic periampullary adenocarcinoma were identified and collected from 36 tertiary centres between 2010 - 2021. Per non-pancreatic periampullary tumour type, the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy and the main relevant regimens of adjuvant chemotherapy were compared. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). RESULTS: The study included a total of 2866 patients with DAC (n = 330), AmpIT (n = 765), AmpPB (n = 819), and dCCA (n = 952). Among them, 1329 received ACT, and 1537 did not. ACT was associated with significant improvement in OS for AmpPB (P = 0.004) and dCCA (P < 0.001). Moreover, for patients with dCCA, capecitabine mono ACT provided the greatest OS benefit compared to gemcitabine (P = 0.004) and gemcitabine - cisplatin (P = 0.001). For patients with AmpPB, no superior ACT regime was found (P > 0.226). ACT was not associated with improved OS for DAC and AmpIT (P = 0.113 and P = 0.445, respectively). DISCUSSION: Patients with resected AmpPB and dCCA appear to benefit from ACT. While the optimal ACT for AmpPB remains undetermined, it appears that dCCA shows the most favourable response to capecitabine monotherapy. Tailored adjuvant treatments are essential for enhancing prognosis across all four non-pancreatic periampullary adenocarcinomas.

Postoperative Hyperamylasemia (POH) is an Early Predictor of Pancreatic Fistula Occurrence and Severity after Distal Pancreatectomy: Results from a European Multicentric Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this international multicentric study is to characterize postoperative hyperamylasemia (POH) after distal pancreatectomy (DP), with particular focus on its relationship with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) occurrence and severity. BACKGROUND: The clinical relevance of POH after DP and its relationship with the occurrence and severity of POPF have not been explored yet. METHODS: All patients undergoing DP for any indication between 2015 and 2021 at three European referral Centers for pancreatic surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Drain fluid amylase (DFA), C-reactive protein (C-RP), and serum amylase were examined from postoperative-day (POD) 1 to 3. Biochemical leak (BL), POPF, POH, and post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) were defined and graded according to ISGPS definitions. RESULTS: In total 1192 patients were included. Overall rates of POH and POPF were 18% (n= 210) and 29% (n= 344), respectively. The presence of DFA ≥2000 U/L on POD 1 (OR=2.11, 95% CI 1.68-2.86), C-RP ≥200 mg/L on POD 3 (OR=2.19, 95% CI 1.68-2.86), and POH (OR=1.58, 95% CI 1.14-2.19) were all independent early predictors of POPF (all P< 0.01). The presence of POH almost doubled the rate of POPF (43% vs. 26%, P<0.001), and higher POPF severity presented also higher POH rates (no POPF= 12%; BL= 19%; B POPF= 24%; C POPF= 52%). Among patients developing POPF, patients with POH had higher rates of PPH (22% vs 9%, P= 0.001), sepsis (24% vs 13%; P=0.011), re-operation (21% vs 8%; P< 0.01), and mortality (3% vs 0.3%; P= 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of POH is an early predictor of POPF and its severity after DP. The diagnosis of POH might define patients at higher risk for a complicated course, targeting them for prevention / mitigation strategies against pancreas specific complications.

The Five Periampullary Cancers, not Just Different Siblings but Different Families: An International Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer arising in the periampullary region can be anatomically classified in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA), duodenal adenocarcinoma (DAC), and ampullary carcinoma. Based on histopathology, ampullary carcinoma is currently subdivided in intestinal (AmpIT), pancreatobiliary (AmpPB), and mixed subtypes. Despite close anatomical resemblance, it is unclear how ampullary subtypes relate to the remaining periampullary cancers in tumor characteristics and behavior. METHODS: This international cohort study included patients after curative intent resection for periampullary cancer retrieved from 44 centers (from Europe, United States, Asia, Australia, and Canada) between 2010 and 2021. Preoperative CA19-9, pathology outcomes and 8-year overall survival were compared between DAC, AmpIT, AmpPB, dCCA, and PDAC. RESULTS: Overall, 3809 patients were analyzed, including 348 DAC, 774 AmpIT, 848 AmpPB, 1,036 dCCA, and 803 PDAC. The highest 8-year overall survival was found in patients with AmpIT and DAC (49.8% and 47.9%), followed by AmpPB (34.9%, P < 0.001), dCCA (26.4%, P = 0.020), and finally PDAC (12.9%, P < 0.001). A better survival was correlated with lower CA19-9 levels but not with tumor size, as DAC lesions showed the largest size. CONCLUSIONS: Despite close anatomic relations of the five periampullary cancers, this study revealed differences in preoperative blood markers, pathology, and long-term survival. More tumor characteristics are shared between DAC and AmpIT and between AmpPB and dCCA than between the two ampullary subtypes. Instead of using collective definitions for "periampullary cancers" or anatomical classification, this study emphasizes the importance of individual evaluation of each histopathological subtype with the ampullary subtypes as individual entities in future studies.

Comparing the accuracy of prediction models to detect clinically relevant post-hepatectomy liver failure early after major hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Arterial lactate measurements were recently suggested as an early predictor of clinically relevant post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). This needed to be evaluated in the subgroup of major hepatectomies only. METHOD: This observational cohort study included consecutive elective major hepatectomies at Karolinska University Hospital from 2010 to 2018. Clinical risk factors for PHLF, perioperative arterial lactate measurements and routine lab values were included in uni- and multivariable regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristics and risk cut-offs were calculated. RESULTS: In total, 649 patients constituted the study cohort, of which 92 developed PHLF grade B/C according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS). Lactate reached significantly higher intra- and postoperative levels in PHLF grades B and C compared to grade A or no liver failure (all P < 0.002). Lactate on postoperative day (POD) 1 was superior to earlier measurement time points in predicting PHLF B/C (AUC 0.75), but was outperformed by both clinical risk factors (AUC 0.81, P = 0.031) and bilirubin POD1 (AUC 0.83, P = 0.013). A multivariable logistic regression model including clinical risk factors and bilirubin POD1 had the highest AUC of 0.87 (P = 0.006), with 56.6% sensitivity and 94.7% specificity for PHLF grade B/C (cut-off ≥0.32). The model identified 46.7% of patients with 90-day mortality and had an equally good discriminatory potential for mortality as the established ISGLS criteria for PHLF grade B/C but could be applied already on POD1. CONCLUSION: The potential of lactate to predict PHLF following major hepatectomy was inferior to a prediction model consisting of clinical risk factors and bilirubin on first post-operative day.

Endoscopic main duct stenting in refractory postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy - a friend or a foe?

BACKGROUND: Clinically relevant (CR) postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP) are common. Endoscopic treatment (ET) has only scarcely been explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for CR POPF after DP and the efficacy of ET in adjunct to standard therapy. METHODS: Consecutive patients without previous pancreatic surgery who underwent DP between 2011 and 2020 were evaluated, analyzing risk factors for CR POPF. The choice and performance of ET, main pancreatic duct (MPD) stenting, was not standardized. Healing time and complications after ET were registered. RESULTS: 406 patients underwent DP, CR POPF occurred in 29.6%. ET was performed in 17 patients 27 days (median) after index surgery. Risk for CR POPF was increased in ASA-PS 1-2 patients, MPD ≤ 3 mm, procedure time ≥ 3 h, and CRP ≥ 180 on postoperative day 3. POPF resolved with standard treatment after 32 days and 59 days in the ET group (p < 0.001). There was one mortality in the ET-group (not procedure related). Mild post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in three patients. CONCLUSIONS: CR POPF is common after DP. Long operating time, a narrow MPD, low ASA score, and high postoperative CRP were risk factors for CR POPF. ET was not beneficial but proper evaluation was not possible due to few patients and non-standardized treatment. Complications after ET appeared mild.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Role of Total Pancreatectomy as an Alternative to Pancreatoduodenectomy in Patients at High Risk for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula: Is it a Justifiable Indication?

OBJECTIVE: Examine the potential benefit of total pancreatectomy (TP) as an alternative to pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) in patients at high risk for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: TP is mentioned as an alternative to PD in patients at high risk for POPF, but a systematic review is lacking. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analyses using Pubmed, Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane Library to identify studies published up to October 2022, comparing elective single-stage TP for any indication versus PD in patients at high risk for POPF. The primary endpoint was short-term mortality. Secondary endpoints were major morbidity (i.e., Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIa) on the short-term and quality of life. RESULTS: After screening 1212 unique records, five studies with 707 patients (334 TP and 373 high-risk PD) met the eligibility criteria, comprising one randomized controlled trial and four observational studies. The 90-day mortality after TP and PD did not differ (6.3% vs. 6.2%; RR=1.04 [95%CI 0.56-1.93]). Major morbidity rate was lower after TP compared to PD (26.7% vs. 38.3%; RR=0.65 [95%CI 0.48-0.89]), but no significance was seen in matched/randomized studies (29.0% vs. 36.9%; RR = 0.73 [95%CI 0.48-1.10]). Two studies investigated quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) at a median of 30-52 months, demonstrating comparable global health status after TP and PD (77% [±15] vs. 76% [±20]; P =0.857). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis found no reduction in short-term mortality and major morbidity after TP as compared to PD in patients at high risk for POPF. However, if TP is used as a bail-out procedure, the comparable long-term quality of life is reassuring.

Risk Factors, Management, and Outcome of Gastric Venous Congestion After Total Pancreatectomy: An Underestimated Complication Requiring Standardized Identification, Grading, and Management.

BACKGROUND: Gastric venous congestion (GVC) after total pancreatectomy (TP) is rarely studied despite its high 5% to 28% incidence and possible association with mortality. This study aimed to provide insight about incidence, risk factors, management, and outcome of GVC after TP. METHODS: This retrospective observational single-center study included all patients undergoing elective TP from 2008 to 2021. The exclusion criteria ruled out a history of gastric resection, concomitant (sub)total gastrectomy for oncologic indication(s) or celiac axis resection, and postoperative (sub)total gastrectomy for indication(s) other than GVC. RESULTS: The study enrolled 268 patients. The in-hospital major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIa) rate was 28%, and the 90-day mortality rate was 3%. GVC was identified in 21% of patients, particularly occurring during index surgery (93%). Intraoperative GVC was managed with (sub)total gastrectomy for 55% of the patients. The major morbidity rate was higher for the patients with GVC (44% vs 24%; p = 0.003), whereas the 90-day mortality did not differ significantly (5% vs 3%; p = 0.406). The predictors for major morbidity were intraoperative GVC (odds ratio [OR], 2.207; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.142-4.268) and high TP volume (> 20 TPs/year: OR, 0.360; 95% CI, 0.175-0.738). The predictors for GVC were portomesenteric venous resection (PVR) (OR, 2.103; 95% CI, 1.034-4.278) and left coronary vein ligation (OR, 11.858; 95% CI, 5.772-24.362). CONCLUSIONS: After TP, GVC is rather common (in 1 of 5 patients). GVC during index surgery is predictive for major morbidity, although not translating into higher mortality. Left coronary vein ligation and PVR are predictive for GVC, requiring vigilance during and after surgery, although gastric resection is not always necessary. More evidence on prevention, identification, classification, and management of GVC is needed.

Outcome after surgery for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia compared to conventional pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma - A Swedish nationwide register-based study.

BACKGROUND: The clinical importance of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) have increased last decades. Long-term survival after resection for invasive IPMN (inv-IPMN) compared to conventional pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is not thoroughly delineated. OBJECTIVE: This study, based on the Swedish national pancreatic and periampullary cancer registry aims to elucidate the outcome after resection of inv-IPMN compared to PDAC. METHODS: All patients ≥18 years of age resected for inv-IPMN and PDAC in Sweden between 2010 and 2019 were included. Clinicopathological variables were retrieved from the national registry. The effect on death was assessed in two multivariable Cox regression models, one for patients resected 2010-2015, one for patients resected 2016-2019. Median overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: We included 1909 patients, 293 inv-IPMN and 1616 PDAC. The most important independent predictors of death in multivariable Cox regressions were CA19-9 levels, venous resection, tumour differentiation, as well as T-, N-, M-stage and surgical margin. Tumour type was an independent predictor for death in the 2016-2019 cohort, but not in the 2010-2015 cohort. In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, inv-IPMN was associated with longer median OS in stage N0-1 and in stage M0 compared to PDAC. However, in stage T2-4 and stage N2 median OS was similar, and in stage M1 even shorter for inv-IPMN compared to PDAC. CONCLUSION: In this population-based nationwide study, outcome after resected inv-IPMN compared to PDAC is more favourable in lower stages, and similar to worse in higher.

Pre-emptive resection for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia - Long-term outcome is similar between non-invasive and early invasive lesions in a tertiary single center.

BACKGROUND: Pre-emptive resection for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) aims to reduce the risk before invasive transformation has taken place. Pancreatic resections are highly associated with major morbidity and mortality. Long-term overall survival (OS) after resection for invasive IPMN (inv-IPMN) in early stages is favorable. Comparison of long-term OS for resected non-invasive IPMN and early staged inv-IPMN is poorly delineated. This study aims to compare outcomes for resected non-invasive IPMN and T1-staged inv-IPMN. METHODS: All patients ≥18 years of age resected for IPMN up to stage T1 at Karolinska University Hospital between 2008 and 2020 were included. Two-year OS were compared between groups by chi-squared test, and 5-year OS was estimated using Kaplan-Meier method. Covariates associated with death was assessed in multivariable Cox regression model. RESULTS: We included 284 patients, 264 (93%) non-invasive IPMN and 20 (7%) T1-staged inv-IPMN. Dysplasia of low grade (LGD) and high grade, i.e., tumor in situ (Tis) were present in 190 (67%) and 75 (26%) patients respectively. The 2-year OS for the entire cohort was 96%, and there were no differences between non-invasive and inv-IPMN (96% vs 92%, p = 0.203), nor between IPMN with LGD and Tis-T1b-staged IPMN (96% vs 95%, p = 0.734). CONCLUSION: Two thirds of the specimen from pre-emptive resections were of LGD and did not involve superior OS than in situ or early cancer. Due to high complication burden, efforts should be made to avoid resection when LGD is probable and rather identify more accurate predictors for surgery.

Risk factors for acute kidney injury after pancreatoduodenectomy, and association with postoperative complications and death.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality after general surgery, although little is known among patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy. The objective was to investigate the association between AKI and postoperative complications and death after pancreatoduodenectomy. METHODS: All patients ≥18 years who underwent a pancreatoduodenectomy 2008-2019 at the Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, were included. Standardized criteria for AKI, including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine volume measurements, were used to grade postoperative AKI. RESULTS: In total, 970 patients were included with a median age of 68 years (IQR 61-74) of whom 517 (53.3%) were men. There were 137 (14.1%) patients who developed postoperative AKI. Risk factors for AKI included lower preoperative eGFR, cardiovascular disease and treatment with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors or diuretics. Those who developed AKI had a higher risk of severe postoperative complications, including Clavien-Dindo score ≥ IIIa (adjusted OR 3.35, 95% CI 2.24-5.01) and ICU admission (adjusted OR 7.83, 95% CI 4.39-13.99). In time-to-event analysis, AKI was associated with an increased risk for both 30-day mortality (adjusted HR 4.51, 95% CI 1.54-13.27) and 90-day mortality (adjusted HR 4.93, 95% CI 2.37-10.26). Patients with benign histology and AKI also had an increased 1-year mortality (HR 4.89, 95% CI 1.88-12.71). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative AKI was associated with major postoperative complications and an increased risk of postoperative mortality. Monitoring changes in serum creatinine levels and urine volume output could be important in the immediate perioperative period to improve outcomes after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Painless chronic pancreatitis: experiences from a high-volume center.

INTRODUCTION: Although abdominal pain is the most prevalent and disabling symptom in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP), there are also patients who have painless CP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with a diagnosis of CP. A total of 279 patients with definite CP with completed demographic and clinical data were included in the final analysis. RESULTS: There were 75 (26.9%) patients with painless CP. These patients had a significantly higher mean age at diagnosis, 61.7 years, than the 52.5 years of patients with pain (p < 0.001). Painless and painful CP had similar rates of diabetes mellitus (DM) (28.4% vs. 31.6%) and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) (50.0% vs. 52.3%). Painless CP had lower rates of alcoholic etiology, 36.0%, than the 52.5% in painful CP (p < 0.05). Patients older than 55 at the time of CP diagnosis were associated with painless CP with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 3.27 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.62-6.60]. Alcoholic etiologies were not associated with painless CP, aOR of 0.51 (95% CI: 0.25-0.91). CONCLUSION: Patients with painless CP had a significantly higher mean age than patients with painful CP and increased aOR for those older than 55 at CP diagnosis. Painless and painful CP patients had similar rates of DM and PEI, confirming the necessity of routine follow up in all patients with CP.

Symptoms and life changes after total pancreatectomy: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Total pancreatectomy (TP) is a major surgical procedure that involves lifelong exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Qualitative evidence is sparse regarding patients' experiences after the operation. The aim of this study was to explore patients' experiences of symptoms that occur after TP and how these symptoms affect their health and life situations. METHODS: A qualitative design with prospective consecutive sampling and an inductive thematic analysis was used. Semistructured interviews were postoperatively performed at 6-9 months with 20 patients undergoing TP in two university hospitals in Sweden. RESULTS: Two main themes emerged from the analysis: "Changes in everyday life" and "Psychological journey". Patients experienced symptoms related to diabetes as the major life change after the operation, and they were also limited by symptoms of exocrine insufficiency, difficulties with food intake and physical weakness. In the psychological journey that patients underwent, the support received from family, friends and the health care system was important. Moreover, patients experienced a general need for more extensive information, especially regarding diabetes. CONCLUSION: Patients experience a lack of sufficient support and education after TP, particularly concerning their diabetes. Further efforts should be undertaken to improve information and the organization of diabetes care for this patient group.

Development and external validation of DISPAIR fistula risk score for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula risk after distal pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Highly utilized risk scores for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) have guided clinical decision-making in pancreatoduodenectomy. However, none has been successfully developed for distal pancreatectomy. This study aimed to develop and validate a new fistula risk score for distal pancreatectomy. METHODS: Patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland from 2013 to 2021, and at Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden, from 2010 to 2020, were included retrospectively. The outcome was CR-POPF, according to the 2016 International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery definition. Preoperative clinical demographics and radiological parameters such as pancreatic thickness and duct diameter were measured. A logistic regression model was developed, internally validated with bootstrapping, and the performance assessed in an external validation cohort. RESULTS: Of 668 patients from Helsinki (266) and Stockholm (402), 173 (25.9 per cent) developed CR-POPF. The final model consisted of three variables assessed before surgery: transection site (neck versus body/tail), pancreatic thickness at transection site, and diabetes. The model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.904 (95 per cent c.i. 0.855 to 0.949) after internal validation, and 0.798 (0.748 to 0.848) after external validation. The calibration slope and intercept on external validation were 0.719 and 0.192 respectively. Four risk groups were defined in the validation cohort for clinical applicability: low (below 5 per cent), moderate (at least 5 but below 30 per cent), high (at least 30 but below 75 per cent), and extreme (75 per cent or more). The incidences in these groups were 8.7 per cent (11 of 126), 22.0 per cent (36 of 164), 63 per cent (57 of 91), and 81 per cent (17 of 21) respectively. CONCLUSION: The DISPAIR score after distal pancreatectomy may guide decision-making and allow a risk-adjusted outcome comparison for CR-POPF.

Impact of spatio-temporal recurrence pattern on overall survival for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia - A comparison with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Resections for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (IPMN) have increased dramatically during the last decade. Recurrence pattern and impact of adjuvant chemotherapy for solid pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is well known, but not for invasive IPMN (inv-IPMN). OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the impact of spatio-temporal recurrence pattern and adjuvant chemotherapy on overall survival for inv-IPMN compared with PDAC. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single-center observational study of consecutive patients ≥18 years of age who underwent resection for inv-IPMN or PDAC at Karolinska University Hospital, between 2009 and 2018. Different initial recurrence sites and time frames as well as predictors for death were assessed with multivariable Cox and logistic regressions. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier model and log rank test. RESULTS: Of 396 resected patients, 92 were inv-IPMN and 304 PDAC. Both recurrence rate and death rate within three-years were lower for inv-IPMN compared to PDAC (p = 0.006 and p = 0.007 respectively). Across the whole cohort, the most common recurrence patterns were multi-site (25%), single-site liver (21%) and single-site locoregional (10%) recurrence. The most prominent predictors for death in multivariable Cox regression, especially if occurred within the first year, were multi-site (HR 17.0), single-site peritoneal (HR 13.6) and single-site liver (HR 13.1) recurrence. These predictors were less common in inv-IPMN compared to PDAC (p = 0.007). The effect of adjuvant chemotherapy was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Resected inv-IPMN exhibits a less aggressive recurrence pattern than PDAC that translates into a more favorable overall survival.

Paraduodenal pancreatitis - problem in the groove.

BACKGROUND: Paraduodenal pancreatitis (PDP) is a particular form of chronic pancreatitis (CP) occurring in and around the duodenal wall. Despite its low prevalence, this rare condition presents a significant challenge in clinical practice. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the electronic medical charts of all patients with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and identified those with PDP, between January 1999 and December 2020. RESULTS: There were 35 patients diagnosed with PDP (86% males and 14% females); median age of 56 ± 11 (range 38-80). Alcohol overconsumption was reported in 81% and smoking in 90% of patients. Abdominal pain was the leading symptom (71%), followed by weight loss, nausea and vomiting, jaundice, and diarrhoea. In 23 patients (66%), recurrent acute pancreatitis attacks were noted. Focal duodenal wall thickening was present in 34 patients (97%), cystic lesions in 80%, pancreatic duct dilatation in 54% and common bile duct dilatation in 46%. Endoscopic treatment was performed on nine patients (26%) and five patients (14%) underwent surgery. Complete symptom relief was reported in 12 patients (34%), partial symptom relief in three (9%), there was no improvement in five (14%), data were not available in three (9%) and 12 (34%) patients died before data analysis. CONCLUSIONS: PDP is a rare form of pancreatitis, most commonly occurring in the 5th or 6th decade of life, with a predominance in males and patients with a history of smoking and high alcohol consumption. Focal thickening and cystic lesions of the duodenal wall are the most common imaging findings, followed by pancreatic duct and common bile duct dilatation. A minority of patients requires surgery.

Surgical management of severe pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy: a comparison of early versus late rescue pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Rescue pancreatectomy for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is associated with high mortality. However, in-depth literature is scarce and hard to interpret. This study aimed to evaluate the indications, timing and perioperative outcomes of rescue pancreatectomy for severe POPF after PD. METHODS: Retrospective single-centre study from all consecutive patients (2008-2020) with POPF-C after PD (ISGPS 2016 definition). Major morbidity and mortality during hospitalization or within 90 days after index surgery were evaluated. Time from index surgery to rescue pancreatectomy was dichotomized in early and late (≤ 11 versus > 11 days). RESULTS: From 1076 PDs performed, POPF-B/C occurred in 190 patients (17.7%) of whom 53 patients (4.9%) with POPF-C were included. Mortality after early rescue pancreatectomy did not differ significantly compared to late rescue pancreatectomy (13.6% versus 35.3%; p = 0.142). Timing of a rescue pancreatectomy did not change significantly during the study period: 11 (IQR, 8-14) (2008-2012) versus 14 (IQR, 7-33) (2013-2016) versus 8 days (IQR, 6-11) (2017-2020) (p = 0.140). Over time, the mortality in patients with POPF grade C decreased from 43.5% in 2008-2012 to 31.6% in 2013-2016 up to 0% in 2017-2020 (p = 0.014). However, mortality rates after rescue pancreatectomy did not differ significantly: 31.3% (2008-2012) versus 28.6% (2013-2016) versus 0% (2017-2020) (p = 0.104). CONCLUSIONS: Rescue pancreatectomy for severe POPF is associated with high mortality, but an earlier timing might favourably influence the mortality. Hypothetically, this could be of value for pre-existent vulnerable patients. These findings must be carefully interpreted considering the sample sizes and differences among subgroups by patient selection.

Surgery in Autoimmune Pancreatitis.

INTRODUCTION: Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a disease that may mimic malignant pancreatic lesions both in terms of symptomatology and imaging appearance. The aim of the present study is to analyze experiences of surgery in patients with AIP in one of the largest European cohorts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective study of patients diagnosed with AIP at the Department of Abdominal Diseases at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, between January 2001 and October 2020. RESULTS: There were 159 patients diagnosed with AIP, and among them, 35 (22.0%) patients had surgery: 20 (57.1%) males and 15 (42.9%) females; median age at surgery was 59 years (range 37-81). Median follow-up period after surgery was 50 months (range 1-235). AIP type 1 was diagnosed in 28 (80%) patients and AIP type 2 in 7 (20%) patients. Malignant and premalignant lesions were diagnosed in 8 (22.9%) patients for whom AIP was not the primary differential diagnosis, but in all cases, it was described as a simultaneous finding and recorded in retrospective analysis in histological reports of surgical specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of AIP is not always straightforward, and in some cases, it is not easy to differentiate it from the malignancy. Surgery is generally not indicated for AIP but might be considered in patients when suspicion of malignant/premalignant lesions cannot be excluded after complete diagnostic workup.

Preoperative heart disease and risk for postoperative complications after pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Comorbidities increase the risk for postoperative complications after pancreatoduodenectomy. The importance of different categories of heart disease on postoperative outcomes has not been thoroughly studied. METHODS: Patients aged ≥18 years undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy between 2008 and 2019 at Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden were included. Heart disease was defined as a preoperatively established diagnosis, and subcategorized into ischaemic, valvular, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Postoperative outcome was analysed by multivariable regression. RESULTS: Out of 971 patients, 225 (23.3%) had heart disease. Heart disease was associated with an increased risk for complications; Clavien-Dindo score ≥ IIIa (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-2.18; p = 0.019), intensive care unit admissions (OR 3.20, 95% CI 1.81-5.66; p < 0.001) and longer hospitalizations (median 14 vs. 11 days; p < 0.001). Although heart disease was not associated with 90-day mortality, it conferred a shorter median overall survival (22 vs. 32 months; p < 0.001). Atrial fibrillation and heart failure were each associated with increased risk for postoperative complications, whereas ischaemic and valvular heart disease were not. CONCLUSION: Atrial fibrillation and heart failure were independently associated with increased risk for postoperative complications. Despite no association with early postoperative mortality, heart disease negatively affected long-term survival.

Pure biliary leak vs. pancreatic fistula associated: non-identical twins following pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Biliary leak (BL) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) may have diffrent severity depending on its association with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). METHODS: Data of 2715 patients undergoing PD between 2011 and 2020 at two European third-level referral Centers for pancreatic surgery were retrospectively reviewed. These included BL incidences, grading, outcomes, specific treatments, and association with POPF. RESULTS: BL occurred in 6% of patients undergoing PD. Among 143 BL patients, 47% had an associated POPF and 53% a pure BL. Major morbidity (64% vs 36%) and mortality (19% vs 4%) were higher in POPF-associated BL group (all P< 0.01). Day of BL onset was similar between groups (POD 2 vs 3; P = 0.2), while BL closure occurred earlier in pure BL (POD 12 vs 23; P < 0.01). Conservative treatment was more frequent (55% vs 15%; P < 0.01), and the rate of percutaneous and/or trans-hepatic drain placement was lower (30% vs 16%; P = 0.04) in pure BL group. Relaparotomy was more common in POPF-associated BL group (42% VS 17%; P < 0.01) but was performed earlier in pure BL (POD 2 vs 10; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Pure BL represents a more benign entity, managed conservatively in half of the cases.

Total pancreatectomy as an alternative to high-risk pancreatojejunostomy after pancreatoduodenectomy: a propensity score analysis on surgical outcome and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Total pancreatectomy (TP) is mentioned as alternative to pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) with high-risk pancreatojejunostomy (PJ) to avoid severe pancreatic fistula-related complications, but its benefit is controversial and comparative studies are scarce. METHODS: Cross-sectional single-center study among patients after PD with high-risk PJ versus patients after single-stage elective TP for any indication (2015-2017), using propensity scores to evaluate surgical outcomes and long-term quality of life (QoL) in three risk strata. EORTC QLQ-C30 and EQ-5D-5L were used for QoL assessment. RESULTS: Overall, 77 patients after TP (68.8%) and 102 patients after high-risk PD (34.5%) were included. Major morbidity (29.9% vs. 41.2%; p = 0.119) and 90-day mortality (5.2% vs. 8.8%; p = 0.354) did not differ significantly between TP and high-risk PD. Interventions for intra-abdominal fluid collections (9.1% vs. 23.5%, p = 0.011) and postpancreatectomy haemorrhage (6.5% vs. 18.6%; p = 0.018) were more often required after high-risk PD, but these differences did not remain after stratification. QoL was comparable after TP and high-risk PD (75% vs. 83%; p = 0.720), even after stratification. CONCLUSIONS: TP seems not to be inferior to high-risk PD regarding surgical outcomes and QoL. TP could be considered as an alternative to a very high-risk PD, but reluctance persists since TP does not appear to reduce mortality.