Large Variation in Diagnosis and Treatment of Chyle Leak after Pancreatic Surgery: A Nationwide Insight

Abstract

Background: In the current literature different diagnosis and treatment strategies for chyle leak after pancreatic surgery are described. In 2017, the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery defined a consensus-based definition for diagnosis. However, consensus on the optimal treatment strategy is lacking. Aim: The aim of this multicenter study is to investigate the current treatment and diagnosis of chyle leak after pancreatic surgery in clinical practice in the Netherlands to gain insight into practical applications of chyle leak. Methods: A nationwide survey about the diagnosis and treatment of chyle leak was sent to specialized dieticians and pancreatic surgeons from all 16 pancreatic centers collaborating in the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group. Data was quantitative processed according to thematic content analysis and by using descriptive analysis. Results: In total, 16 dieticians from 16 centers and 20 surgeons from 12 centers completed the questionnaire. Analysis showed that the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery-definition for chyle leak was used in clinical practice by 31% (n=11) of the respondents. The results show also large nationwide variation in treatment of chyle leak after pancreatic surgery, as well between as within centers. The most common treatment was a step-up approach of nutritional therapies (44% (n=16)), which starts with an enteral fat restricted diet enriched with medium chain fatty acids followed by total parenteral nutrition. Conclusion This study shows that the current diagnosis and treatment strategies for chyle leak after pancreatic surgery in clinical practice on a nationwide scale are different. More comparable studies are needed to define the optimal treatment strategy for chyle leak. There is need for an international multidisciplinary (sub)working group to reach consensus on the treatment strategy of chyle leak and to discuss implementation strategies for clinical practice.