Short-term outcomes of pancreatoduodenectomy in older individuals over a 9-year period using real-world data: A multilevel analysis based on a nationwide administrative database in Japan

Abstract

Background

We aimed to evaluate the short-term outcomes of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) in older individuals.

Methods

Data from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database on 62 275 patients who underwent PD from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2020 were analyzed. Patients were divided into five age groups: <70, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, and ≥85 years. The associations between postoperative outcomes and age were investigated using multilevel analysis. The mean differences in length of hospital stay and cost were also compared.

Results

The rate of PD in older individuals increased annually. Compared with the youngest age group (< 70 years), the incidence rate ratios for in-hospital mortality were 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30–1.76), 2.07 (1.82–2.37), 2.29 (1.94–2.71), and 2.92 (2.20–3.87) in the 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, and ≥ 85-year-old age groups, respectively (all p < .001). Postoperative complications, length of postoperative hospital stay, and cost increased significantly with increasing age.

Conclusions

These real-world data emphasize the higher levels of morbidity, mortality, and cost in older patients. Careful attention should be paid when considering the indication for PD in older individuals.