Somatostatin administration following pancreatoduodenectomy: a case-matched comparison according to surgical technique, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists' score and Fistula Risk Score.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the controversial role of somatostatin after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), stratifying patients for the main risk factors using the most recent postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) classification and including only patients who had undergone PD with the same technique of pancreatojejunostomy. METHODS: Between November 2010 and February 2020, 218 PD procedures were carried out via personal modified pancreatojejunostomy (mPJ-PD). Somatostatin was routinely administered between 2010 and 2016, while from 2017, 97 mPJ-PD procedures without somatostatin (WS) were performed. The WS group was retrospectively compared with a control (C) group obtained with one-to-one case-control matching according to the body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists' score, and Fistula Risk Score (FRS). RESULTS: A total of 144 patients (72 WS group versus 72 C group) were compared. In the WS group. 6 patients (8.3%) developed clinically relevant POPF, compared with 8 patients (11.1%) in the C group (p = 0.656). In addition, on analyzing the subgroup of high-risk patients according to the FRS, we did not note any significant differences in POPF occurrence. Furthermore, no marked differences in the morbidity or mortality were found. Digestive bleeding and diabetes onset rates were higher in the WS group than in the control group, but not significantly so. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study confirm no benefit with the routine administration of somatostatin after PD to prevent POPF, even in high-risk patients. However, a possible role in the prevention of postoperative digestive bleeding and diabetes was observed.

[Predictors of external pancreatic fistulae after pancreatic resection]. / Prediktory vozniknoveniya naruzhnykh pankreaticheskikh svishchei posle rezektsii podzheludochnoi zhelezy.

Despite a significant decrease in postoperative mortality after pancreatic resections in recent years (5.2-15% after pancreatoduodenectomy and about 5% after distal pancreatectomy), incidence of postoperative complications remains high (30-50% and 22-50%, respectively). Postoperative pancreatic fistula is one of the most common and formidable complications. Currently, most authors use the classification proposed by the International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula (biochemical failure, fistula type B and C). Prediction of the risk of postoperative fistula is still a complex and unresolved problem of modern surgical pancreatology. According to the literature, the main risk factors of postoperative pancreatic fistulae are obesity and high body mass index, concomitant cardiovascular diseases, no neoadjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy, soft pancreatic texture, narrow pancreatic duct, no fibrotic changes in parenchyma, adipose infiltration of the pancreas, advanced intraoperative blood loss, as well as center experience. Most often, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, ultrasound elastography and various multivariate risk assessment systems are used to estimate the risk of pancreatic fistulae. However, a generally accepted technique does not exist. This manuscript is devoted to analysis of risk factors of postoperative pancreatic fistulae and diagnostic methods for assessment of this risk.

[Manual suture or stapler closure: management of pancreatic stump during distal pancreatectomy].

Postoperative pancreatic fistula is the most common complication after distal pancreatectomy.With the update of the domestic and international guidelines or consensuses, the definition of pancreatic fistula has become more standardized.And the classification of pancreatic fistula is able to represent the severity of clinical outcomes more accurately.Currently, the determination of risk factors of pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy, the establishment of prediction model, and the surgical closure mode of pancreatic stump still remain the major topics.With the rapid development of laparoscopic and robotic surgery in pancreatectomy, there are more and more selectionsin transection and managing the pancreatic stump after distal pancreatectomy for prevention of pancreatic fistula.However, there has not been a uniform fashion in terms of manual suture or stapler use to close the pancreatic stump.Herein the current status and development of pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy are reviewed.The strategy of managing the pancreatic stump after distal pancreatectomy should be adopted individually according to the texture and thickness of pancreatic parenchyma.

Facing the surgeon's nightmare: Incidence and management of postoperative pancreatic fistulas grade C after pancreaticoduodenectomy based on the updated definition of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS).

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) grade C represent a rare but feared complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). They can contribute significantly to postoperative morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review for all patients who had undergone pancreatic head resection between 2007 and 2016 to identify those who suffered from POPF grade C according to the updated definition of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS). RESULTS: A total of 722 patients underwent PD. Twenty-three patients (3.19%) developed a POPF grade C. Cardiovascular diseases, soft pancreatic texture and main pancreatic duct diameter were identified as risk factors (P < .05). Reoperation was necessary in all affected patients on postoperative day 12 ± 9 on average. Mortality was significantly associated with POPF grade C (P < .05) being present in 39.1% (9/23). CONCLUSIONS: POPF grade C after PD remains a serious complication with a high level of morbidity and mortality. Surgical treatment is the sole curative therapy and thus the treatment of choice.

Prevention and treatment of pancreatic fistula after pancreatic body and tail resection: current status and future directions.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most common and critical complication after pancreatic body and tail resection. How to effectively reduce the occurrence of pancreatic fistula and conduct timely treatment thereafter is an urgent clinical issue to be solved. Recent research standardized the definition of pancreatic fistula and stressed the correlation between POPF classification and patient prognosis. According to the literature, identification of the risk factors for pancreatic fistula contributed to lowering the rate of the complication. Appropriate management of the pancreatic stump and perioperative treatment are of great significance to reduce the rate of POPF in clinical practice. After the occurrence of POPF, the treatment of choice should be determined according to the classification of the pancreatic fistula. However, despite the progress and promising treatment approaches, POPF remains to be a clinical issue that warrants further studies in the future.

Decoding Grade B Pancreatic Fistula: A Clinical and Economical Analysis and Subclassification Proposal.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe characteristics and management approaches for grade B pancreatic fistula (B-POPF) and investigate whether it segregates into distinct subclasses. BACKGROUND: The 2016 ISGPS refined definition of B-POPF is predicated on various postoperative management approaches, ranging from prolonged drainage to interventional procedures, but the spectrum of clinical severity within this entity is yet undefined. METHODS: Pancreatectomies performed at 2 institutions from 2007 to 2016 were reviewed to identify B-POPFs and their treatment strategies. Subclassification of B-POPFs into 3 classes was modeled after the Fistula Accordion Severity Grading System (B1: prolonged drainage only; B2: pharmacologic management; B3: interventional procedures). Clinical and economic outcomes, unique from the ISGPS definition qualifiers, were analyzed across subclasses. RESULTS: B-POPF developed in 320 of 1949 patients (16.4%), and commonly required antibiotics (70.3%), prolonged drainage (67.8%), and enteral/parenteral nutrition (54.7%). Percutaneous drainage occurred in 79 patients (24.7%), always in combination with other strategies. Management of B-POPFs was widely heterogeneous with a median of 2 approaches/patient (range 1 to 6) and 38 various strategy combinations used. Subclasses B1-3 comprised 19.1%, 52.2%, and 28.8% of B-POPFs, respectively, and were associated with progressively worse clinical and economic outcomes. These results were confirmed by multivariable analysis adjusted for clinical and operative factors. Notably, distribution of the B-POPF subclasses was influenced by institution and type of resection (P < 0.001), while clinical/demographic predictors proved elusive. CONCLUSION: B-POPF is a heterogeneous entity, where 3 distinct subclasses with increasing clinical and economic burden can be identified. This classification framework has potential implications for accurate reporting, comparative research, and performance evaluation.

Actualidad en fístula pancreática postoperatoria / Current status in postoperative pancreatic fistula

Fundamento: el cáncer de páncreas presenta una alta mortalidad, producto que la mayoría de las veces se diagnóstica en etapa avanzada. El tratamiento de elección es la resección quirúrgica, la cual debida a su complejidad está acompañada de una morbimortalidad importante, cuando no se realiza en centros de alto volumen. Dentro de las complicaciones, la fístula pancreática postoperatoria, es de aparición frecuente.Objetivo: realizar una revisión sistemática actualizada acerca del concepto y clasificación de la fístula pancreática postoperatoria. Métodos: se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura con la base de datos SCOPUS bajo los criterios que establecen sus revisores, se utillizaron las siguientes palabras claves: pancreatic fistula, pancreatic surgery, complications, mortality, Whipple procedure. Se incluyeron todas las publicaciones en inglés y español. El método de análisis y síntesis se utilizó para la interpretación de la bibliografía. Resultados: se revisaron 175 artículos, de los cuales, se escogieron 55, que cumplían con los criterios de selección. Entre ellos, cuatro metanálisis, ocho artículos de revisión y 33 artículos originales.Conclusiones: el concepto y clasificación de la fístula pancreática postoperatoria constituye una herramienta válida para la comparación de resultados quirúrgicos entre instituciones. La centralización de la atención en centros de alto volumen constituye la principal medida para disminuir esta complicación(AU)

Background: pancreatic cancer presents a high mortality, a product that most of the time is diagnosed in advanced stage. The treatment of choice is surgical resection, which due to its complexity is accompanied by significant morbidity and mortality when it is not performed in high-volume centers. Among the complications, the postoperative pancreatic fistula is of frequent appearance. Objective: to carry out an updated systematic review about the concept and classification of postoperative pancreatic fistula.Methods: a systematic review of the literature was carried out using the SCOPUS database under the criteria established by its reviewers, using the following keywords: pancreatic fistula, pancreatic surgery, complications, mortality, Whipple procedure. All publications in English and Spanish were included. The method of analysis and synthesis was used for the interpretation of the bibliography. Results: 175 articles were reviewed, of which 55 were chosen that met the selection criteria. Among them, 4 meta-analyzes, 8 review articles and 33 original articles.Conclusions: the concept and classification of postoperative pancreatic fistula constitutes a valid tool for the comparison of surgical results between institutions. The centralization of care in high-volume centers is the main measure to reduce this complication(AU)

Surgical management of the grade C pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of severe pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy remains challenging, and carries high mortality. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare different surgical techniques used at relaparotomy for pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy, and to identify factors predictive of failure to rescue. METHODS: A total of 43 patients after pancreatoduodenectomy developed a pancreatic fistula requiring relaparotomy. The perioperative data and outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Completion pancreatectomy, simple drainage of the pancreatic anastomosis and external wirsungostomy were performed in 17, 16, and 10 cases, respectively. The mortality rate for completion pancreatectomy was 47.1%, compared with 56.3% for simple drainage (p = 0.598) and 50.0% for external wirsungostomy (p = 0.883). Simple drainage was associated with a higher rate of further relaparotomies (56.3%) in comparison with completion pancreatectomy (23.5%, p = 0.055) and external wirsungostomy (0%, p = 0.003). A rescue resection of the pancreatic remnant after failed simple drainage resulted invariably in death. On multivariate analysis, the factors predictive of mortality after relaparotomy for pancreatic fistula were organ failure on the day of reoperation (p = 0.001) and need of further surgical reintervention (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Timely reintervention and appropriate surgical technique are essential for reducing mortality after reoperation for pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Current Definition of and Controversial Issues Regarding Postoperative Pancreatic Fistulas.

The International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) made the first attempt to standardize the outcome measure of fistulas in the field of pancreatic surgery by publishing the definition and classification of postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPFs) in 2005. POPFs were determined by any measurable volume of fluid output via an operatively placed drain with amylase activity greater than three times the upper normal serum value. Taking into account more than 10 years of reported experience worldwide, the updated definition published in 2016 by the reconvened International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) attempted to overcome the limits of the previous classification. The crucial concept of POPF clinical significance was introduced by eliminating grade A from the fistula scenario. The wider use of interventional procedures has also made it necessary to recode grade C POPFs, which now have clearer boundaries, toward the worst end of the severity scale. Grade B still represents the most prevalent and heterogeneous category of POPFs, both in terms of clinical burden and management. In the near future, further efforts will be required to better stratify grade B POPFs to standardize treatment strategies and compare outcomes among institutions.

Density and enhancement of the pancreatic tail on computer tomography predicts acinar score and pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Acinar score calculated at the pancreatic resection margin is associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). The present study evaluates the association between (i) computed tomography (CT) density of the pancreas and the acinar score of the pancreatic resection margin, and (ii) CT density of the pancreas and POPF after PD. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent PD were included for analysis. CT densities of the pancreatic head, neck, body and tail were measured in non-contrast (NC), arterial (ART) and portal venous (PV) phases. Histologic slides of the pancreatic resection margin were scored for acinar cell density. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included for analysis. Non-contrast density of the pancreatic tail was a good predictor of POPF (AUROC 0.704, p = 0.036), and a cut-off value of >40 Hounsfield units predicted POPF with 70.0% sensitivity and 73.4% specificity. The ratio of densities between PV and NC phases in the pancreatic tail was also a good predictor of POPF (AUROC 0.712, p = 0.030), and a cut-off value of <2.29 predicted POPF with 70.9% sensitivity and 80% specificity. CONCLUSION: Non-contrast CT density of the pancreatic tail correlates with acinar cell density of the pancreatic resection margin and predicts the development of POPF after PD.

Risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula: Analysis of 170 consecutive cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy based on the updated ISGPS classification and grading system.

This study was designed to analyze the risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).Between September 2015 and August 2017, 170 successive patients underwent a radical PD in the Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Wuhan. We carried out a retrospective study of these cases and the prospective conditions, which might be related to POPF, were examined with univariate and multivariate analysis. POPF was defined as a drain output of any measurable volume of fluid with an amylase level more than 3 times the upper limit of serum amylase activity on postoperative day 3, accompanied by a clinically relevant condition according to the 2016 update of the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) definition. In our study, the POPF was just referred to as grade B and grade C pancreatic fistula in accordance with the ISGPS consensus, because the former grade A pancreatic fistula is now redefined as a biochemical leak, namely no-POPF, which has no clinical impact and needs no other special therapy.Pancreatic fistula occurred in 44 (25.9%) patients after PD, with a mean length of hospital stay of 24.98 ±â€Š14.30 days. Thirty-six patients (21.2%) developed grade B pancreatic fistula, and 8 patients (4.7%) had grade C pancreatic fistula. Among patients with grade C pancreatic fistula, 4 patients died, 3 patients were operated on again, and 3 patients developed multiple organ failure.Univariate analysis showed a significantly important association between POPF and the following factors: pancreas texture (soft vs hard: 39.1% vs 10.3%, P < .0001) and fasting blood glucose level (<108.0 mg/dL vs ≥108.0 mg/dL: 32.5% vs 12.5%, P = .005). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified 2 independent factors related to POPF: soft pancreas texture and fasting blood glucose level <108.0 mg/dL.A soft pancreas and a fasting blood glucose level of <108.0 mg/dL are risk factors for the development of a POPF.

Clinical impact of the updated international postoperative pancreatic fistula definition in distal pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains the most common complication after distal pancreatectomy. The International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery definition of POPF is used worldwide. Recently, an update of the definition was published. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical impact of the update. METHODS: An international retrospective validation study, including patients who underwent DP (2005 -2016) in 5 centers was performed. Distribution of complications amongst POPF grades were compared for the old and updated definition. RESULTS: In total, 1089 patients were included. The incidence of POPF decreased with the updated definition from 47% to 24% (P < 0.01), largely because a downgrade of grade A and grade B into biochemical leak. Comparable morbidity was seen in the old and updated 'no POPF group' (Clavien -Dindo 3 5% vs. 6% P = 0.320 and hospital stay (7 vs. 7 days P = 0.301). The change in definition of POPF grade B resulted in more Clavien -Dindo 3 (38% vs. 51%) P < 0.01) and longer hospital stay (9 [9 -13] vs. 9 days [7 -15] P < 0.01) in the updated `grade B group'. CONCLUSION: Applying the updated POPF definition showed improved discrimination between grades and should therefore be used to report POPF after DP.

Use and acceptance of the International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) definition and criteria in the surgical literature.

BACKGROUND: The level of utilization and acceptance of the 2005 International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) definition for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) has not be quantified. The aim of this study was to determine the uptake of the ISGPF definition and evaluate its use in the surgical literature. METHODS: A sample of primary studies, review articles, and textbooks were identified through screening of literature searches. Included citations were assessed for their definition of POPF and use of the ISGPF criteria. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2009, 6%-63% of primary papers were compliant with the ISGPF definition compared to 84%-98% from 2010 onwards. Of the primary studies compliant with the ISGPF criteria, 36% focused on grade B and C fistula and 15% did not report grade A fistula. 88% of European papers used the criteria compared to 77% and 72% of Asian and North American papers, respectively (p = 0.033). 46% of review articles and textbooks did not define POPF. Among those that defined POPF, 74% cited the ISGPF definition exclusively while 26% mentioned other definitions. CONCLUSION: The ISGPF criteria have been widely adopted and accepted as the standard for defining POPF, although the utility of grade A fistulas is questionable.

Clinical Implications of the 2016 International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery Definition and Grading of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula on 775 Consecutive Pancreatic Resections.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical implications of the 2016 International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) definition and classification of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) using a single high-volume institutional cohort of patients undergone pancreatic surgery. BACKGROUND: The ISGPS definition and grading system of POPF has been recently updated. Although the rationale for the changes was supported by previous studies, the effect of the new definition and classification scheme on surgical series has not been established. METHODS: A total of 775 patients undergone pancreatic surgery in our institute from 2013 to 2015 were reviewed. The parameters modified in the ISGPS classification were analyzed according to postoperative outcomes. Finally the classification was validated by external clinical and economical outcomes. RESULTS: Applying the 2016 scheme, 17.5% of patients changed classification group compared to the 2015 system. Grade B increased from 11.5% to 22.1%, whereas grade C decreased from 15.2% to 4.6%. Biochemical leak occurred in 7% of patients, and it did not differ from the non-POPF condition in terms of surgical outcomes. Non-POPF group, grades B and C POPF differed significantly in terms of intensive care unit staying (P < 0.001), length of stay (P < 0.001), readmission rate (P < 0.001), and hospital costs (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study has confirmed the pertinence of the changes introduced in the 2016 ISGPS POPF definition and grading. This updated classification is effective in identifying three conditions that differ in terms of clinical and economic outcomes. These results suggested the reliability of the new definition and scheme in classifying POPF-related outcomes.

Pancreatic Leaks and Fistulae: An Endoscopy-Oriented Classification.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic leaks occur as a complication of upper gastrointestinal surgery, acute pancreatitis, or abdominal trauma. Pancreatic fistulas and leaks are primarily managed conservatively. Overall, conservative measures are successful in more than half of cases. Whenever conservative treatment is not efficient, surgery is usually considered the treatment of choice. Nowadays however, endoscopic treatment is being increasingly considered and employed in many cases, as a surgery sparing intervention. AIM: To introduce a classification of pancreatic fistulas according to the location of the leak and ductal anatomy and finally propose the best suited endoscopic method to treat the leak according to current literature. METHODS: We performed an extensive review of the literature on pancreatic fistulae and leaks. RESULTS: In this paper, we review the various types of leaks and propose a novel endoscopic classification of pancreatic fistulas in order to standardize and improve endoscopic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A proper and precise diagnosis should be made before embarking on endoscopic treatment for pancreatic leaks in order to obtain prime therapeutic results. A multidisciplinary team of interventional endoscopists, pancreatic surgeons, and interventional radiologists is best suited to care for these patients.

[Prognostic Factors of Open Abdomen Treatment in Visceral Surgery]. / Prognosefaktoren der offenen Abdominalbehandlung in der Viszeralchirurgie.

Introduction In general surgery, open abdomen treatment (OAT) is used to treat abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and sepsis, often after a primary surgical procedure associated with complications. The results achieved in this patient population may depend on factors that are yet unknown. This study evaluates independent patient-related prognostic factors after OAT. Methods 38 clinical parameters and survival data of 165 consecutive general surgery patients after OAT were entered into a prospective database according to a defined algorithm in order to analyse the underlying surgical pathology, predictors of survival and important aspects of OAT-related morbidity. Independent predictors of survival, OAT-related morbidity and duration of hospital stay were identified. Results Common indications for OAT were peritonitis, haemorrhage and ACS. Median age was 60 years and > 80 % of patients were ASA III/IV; median follow-up was 23 months. Oncologic surgery was performed in 19 % of cases. 30-day and 1-year mortality was 11 % and 34 %, respectively. Malignancy was a negative predictor (OR: 4.63, 95 % CI: 2.00-10.7) while mild obesity (BMI 25-35) and primary fascial closure, which was achieved in 82 % of patients, improved survival (OR: 0.2, 95 % CI: 0.07-0.55; OR: 0.19, 95 % CI: 0.06-0.57). Enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) and giant hernia with impossible fascial closure were frequent after OAT (19 and 18 %), and malignancy was an independent risk factor for EAF (OR 3.47, CI [95 %]: 1.41-8.53). Vacuum-assisted wound closure or polyglactin mesh interposition did not affect EAF incidence. Conclusions General surgery patients after OAT differ significantly from trauma patients, and mortality as well as long-term morbidity is high. Outcome is greatly determined by independent patient-related factors after OAT. A tailored surgical approach based on objective evidence is needed to further improve the results after OAT.

The 2016 update of the International Study Group (ISGPS) definition and grading of postoperative pancreatic fistula: 11 Years After.

BACKGROUND: In 2005, the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula developed a definition and grading of postoperative pancreatic fistula that has been accepted universally. Eleven years later, because postoperative pancreatic fistula remains one of the most relevant and harmful complications of pancreatic operation, the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula classification has become the gold standard in defining postoperative pancreatic fistula in clinical practice. The aim of the present report is to verify the value of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula definition and grading of postoperative pancreatic fistula and to update the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula classification in light of recent evidence that has emerged, as well as to address the lingering controversies about the original definition and grading of postoperative pancreatic fistula. METHODS: The International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula reconvened as the International Study Group in Pancreatic Surgery in order to perform a review of the recent literature and consequently to update and revise the grading system of postoperative pancreatic fistula. RESULTS: Based on the literature since 2005 investigating the validity and clinical use of the original International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula classification, a clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula is now redefined as a drain output of any measurable volume of fluid with an amylase level >3 times the upper limit of institutional normal serum amylase activity, associated with a clinically relevant development/condition related directly to the postoperative pancreatic fistula. Consequently, the former "grade A postoperative pancreatic fistula" is now redefined and called a "biochemical leak," because it has no clinical importance and is no longer referred to a true pancreatic fistula. Postoperative pancreatic fistula grades B and C are confirmed but defined more strictly. In particular, grade B requires a change in the postoperative management; drains are either left in place >3 weeks or repositioned through endoscopic or percutaneous procedures. Grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula refers to those postoperative pancreatic fistula that require reoperation or lead to single or multiple organ failure and/or mortality attributable to the pancreatic fistula. CONCLUSION: This new definition and grading system of postoperative pancreatic fistula should lead to a more universally consistent evaluation of operative outcomes after pancreatic operation and will allow for a better comparison of techniques used to mitigate the rate and clinical impact of a pancreatic fistula. Use of this updated classification will also allow for more precise comparisons of surgical quality between surgeons and units who perform pancreatic surgery.

[Distal Pancreatectomy with Autologous Fibrin Sealant - Implementation of an Established Concept of Tissue Sealing in Pancreatic Surgery]. / Die Pankreaslinksresektion mit autologem Fibrinkleber ­ Anwendung eines etablierten Versiegelungskonzepts in der Pankreaschirurgie.

Background: Postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) remain a major concern after distal pancreatectomy. Irrespective of the technique to close the pancreatic remnant, pancreatic fistulas will occur in approximately 30 % of patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy. For the first time ever, autologous fibrin sealant (Vivostat®) was used to additionally seal the pancreatic remnant after a distal pancreatectomy. The aim was to analyse whether this changes the postoperative outcome. Patients/Material and Methods: In 2015, a technical case series was performed in 15 patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy. The pancreatic remnant was additionally sealed with autologous fibrin sealant (Vivostat®). Results: A postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) occurred in 5/15 patients (33 %). One patient had a POPF grade A (1/15, 6.7 %), whereas a POPF grade B occurred in 4/15 patients (26.7 %). 75 % (3/4) of the patients with a POPF grade B were sufficiently treated with antibiotics, whereas a CT-guided percutaneous drainage had to be placed only in one case. Conclusion: Autologous fibrin sealant is simple to apply and seems to be well tolerated. However, it does not seem to avoid the development of postoperative pancreatic fistulas after distal pancreatectomy.