Single institute experience of pancreatico-enteric anastomosis failure after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Purpose: We have summarized the experience of our institution related to what treatment has been performed in patients with pancreatic fistula and their outcome. Methods: Seventy-eight pancreatico-enteric anastomosis failure (PEAF) patients of 403 pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) were included for this retrospective study. PEAF was defined by the presence of rich amylase (over 10,000 IU/L) in drainage fluid at postoperative day 5 to 7 and radiographic demonstration of the anastomotic breakdown and associated local fluid collection. The management was analyzed by observation group (O group), intervention (I group) and surgery group (S group). Results: Preoperative clinical status of the PEAF group and non-PEAF group was similar. Bile duct cancer was the highest risk subgroup of the PEAF (P=0.001) and the pancreatic adenocarcinoma showed the least risk for the PEAF (P<0.001). Among the 78 PEAF patients, 50 were managed as a conservative treatment, 15 patients were received radiologic intervention and 13 patients performed rescue surgery. Among these three subgroups, there was no statistical significance in the patient’s demographics, clinical status, surgical factors and disease nature. However, mortality was significantly higher in the S group (P<0.001). The mortality cases were developed one and six patients in O and S group, respectively. Surgical procedures in S group were completion total pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy (n=12) and pancreatectomy preserving spleen in four (28.6%). Pancreaticogastrostomy repair and Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy reconstruction were performed each case, respectively. Conclusion: Proper drainage catheter indwelling during the PD or postoperative radiological intervention can effectively manage the PEAF without surgical interventional treatment.