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Although high-volume centers are known to have better surgical outcomes, patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma often receive chemotherapy at treatment centers closer to home. This study aimed to determine whether treatment site of neoadjuvant therapy relative to surgery location impacts surgical timing and long-term outcomes.All patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent oncologic resection at a single, high-volume institution between January 2016 and February 2020 and had neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery were queried from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were sorted based on location of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.A total of 179 patients were included in the study. Seventy-four (41.3%) patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the same institution as their surgery (group A), 20 (11.2%) received chemotherapy outside of their surgical institution but within the same hospital/healthcare system (group B), and 85 (47.5%) received chemotherapy at an outside location (group C). The time from completion of neoadjuvant therapy to surgery was not significantly different between groups (A vs B vs C median [interquartile range]: 34.5 [14] vs 41.5 [24] vs 36 [22] days, P = .08). Thirty-day readmission rate was lower in group A (n (%): 1 (1.4%) vs 2 (10.0%) vs 11 (12.9%), P = .02). However, the 90-day mortality and overall survival did not differ significantly between groups.Patients may receive neoadjuvant therapy at local centers without impacting surgical scheduling. Although these patients may experience higher postoperative readmission rates, perioperative mortality and long-term survival are not adversely affected by location of chemotherapy. Multidisciplinary care can be effectively practiced in different locations without affecting overall outcomes in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Postoperative pulmonary complications are a common cause of postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing hepatectomy. This study aimed to identify risk factors, define severity, and evaluate the impact of postoperative pulmonary complications on postoperative morbidity after hepatectomy.We used a prospective database in identifying all hepatectomies from 2013 to 2018. The database was then augmented using extensive review of medical records. The Strasburg system was used in categorizing resections per complexity: major hepatic resection and minor hepatic resection, whereas the Clavien-Dindo system was used in defining postoperative pulmonary complications per severity. Potential confounders were controlled for on multiple regression models.A total of 702 cases were identified: major hepatic resection 413 (60%) and minor hepatic resection 289 (40%). Patients demonstrated comparable characteristics, but the postoperative pulmonary complications group was more likely to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (10% vs 5%; P = .02). Severe postoperative pulmonary complications among major hepatectomy was observed in 38 patients (13%). Predictors for severe postoperative pulmonary complications requiring intervention included postoperative liver failure (odds ratio = 2.8; P = .002) and biliary fistula (odds ratio = 3.5; P = .001). In addition, the occurrence of severe postoperative pulmonary complications markedly hindered recovery, increasing length of stay by 4.4-fold and readmission rates by 3-fold (P.001). On multivariable analysis, postoperative pulmonary complications significantly increase postoperative length of stay (8 vs 5 days; P.001) and readmission (odds ratio = 3.2; P = .001). Mortality was similar (1% vs 4%; P = .066).Postoperative pulmonary complications are a major cause of delayed recovery and worse outcomes after hepatectomy. Further, postoperative liver failure and biliary fistula can predict the occurrence of severe postoperative pulmonary complications among major hepatic resection and the associated need for readmission with these complications.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The natural history of KRAS mutations in mucinous pancreatic cysts (MPCs) over time remains to be fully understood. The aim of this study was to examine the performance of DNA markers and assess changes of KRAS mutations over time. METHODS: Patients who underwent EUS-FNA of pancreatic cysts with at least two separate molecular analysis results were included in the study. We assessed the baseline patient and cyst characteristics, and DNA fluid analysis. The presence of either a KRAS mutation, or a CEA > 192 ng/ml was used as the diagnostic standard for mucinous cysts when surgical pathology was not available. RESULTS: A total of 933 pancreatic cyst fluid samples were collected, including 117 with≥2 FNAs. Examinations were performed over a median of 30 months (range 1–115 months). Forty-three (36%) had a mutant KRAS on the index analysis out of which 26 had a change in their KRAS status to the wild-type. Eighty-one (64%) had a wild-type KRAS on the index analysis out of which 18 had change in their KRAS status to mutant type. There was no significant difference in the index cyst characteristics, presence of symptoms, or main duct involvement based on KRAS status change. Increasing age was associated with a changing KRAS mutation status (p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: KRAS mutations gain and loss in pancreatic cyst fluid appears to occur frequently during long-term surveillance of MPCs. Age appears to be the only predictor for KRAS change over time.

This study evaluated the performance of OviTex® 1S (TELA Bio Inc., Malvern, PA, USA) over 24 months when used for ventral hernia repair.This was a prospective, single-arm, multi-center clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03074474). A ninety-two patient cohort with ventral hernias were enrolled. The surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, or robotic) and plane of placement (retrorectus, intraperitoneal, or pre-peritoneal) were at the discretion of the surgeon. Patients were characterized as high risk for a surgical site occurrence (SSO) based on the following comorbidities: BMI between 30 and 40, active smoker, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, advanced age ( ≥ 75 years). Subjects underwent physical examinations to evaluate safety events and completed quality of life surveys at 1 months, 3 months, 12 months, and 24 months post-surgery.Sixty-five of the 92 enrolled patients (70.7%) completed 24-month follow-up. The Kaplan Meier estimate for risk of recurrence at day 730 (24 months) was 2.6%; among subjects who completed their 24-month visit or had a previous recurrence, the unadjusted rate of recurrence was 4.5% (3/66). SSOs were observed in 38.0% of patients (35/92). The most prevalent SSO was surgical site infection occurring in 20.7% (19/92) of patients, followed by seroma formation, which occurred in 13.0% of patients; however, only 3.3% required intervention. HerQLes and EQ-5D assessments showed improvement from baseline as soon as 3 months post-surgery. Continued improvement was observed through 24 months.Overall the BRAVO study demonstrates that use of the ovine reinforced tissue matrix OviTex 1S is a viable option for use in ventral hernia repair. Additional studies with longer term follow-up data are needed to draw definitive conclusions on the use of OviTex 1S.

The role of concomitant gastrostomy or jejunostomy feeding tube (FT) placement during pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and its impact on patient outcomes remain controversial. NSQIP database was surveyed for patients undergoing PD between 2014 and 2017. FT placement was identified using CPT codes. Propensity scores were used to match the two groups (1:1) on baseline characteristics and intraoperative variables including pancreas specific ones (duct size, gland texture, underlying disease, wound class, use of wound protector, drain placement, type of pancreatic reconstruction and vascular reconstruction). Outcomes were compared. Finally, a subset analyses for patients with delayed gastric emptying (DGE) or postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) were performed. Out of 15,224 PD, 1,104 (7.5%) had FT. POPF and DGE rates were 17% and 18%, respectively, for the entire cohort. Feeding jejunostomy was the most placed FT (88.2%). Patients with FT placement were more likely to be older (mean, 65.8 vs. 64.6 y), smokers (22.6% vs. 17.8%) who had preoperative weight loss (22.5% vs. 15.3%), ASA class ≥ 3 (80.8% vs. 77.5%), preoperative transfusion (1.5% vs. 0.84%), chemotherapy (22.8% vs. 17.5%), and radiation (14.5% vs. 6.8%, p 0.05). Patients with FT placement during PD tend to have higher postoperative morbidity and delayed recovery.

BACKGROUND/AIM We created a novel, preoperative wellness program (WP) that promotes recovery. This study assessed its impact on patient outcomes after pancreatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Pancreatoduodenectomies (PD) and distal pancreatectomies (DP) performed from 2015 to 2018 were reviewed using our institutional NSQIP database. Patients in the WP had their medical conditions optimized and were provided with the following: chlorhexidine, topical mupirocin, incentive spirometer, and immune-nutrition supplements. RESULTS Out of a total of 669 pancreatectomy patients (411 PD, 258 DP), 308 were enrolled in the WP (188 PD, 120 DP). In the PD subgroup, on multivariable analysis (MVA), the WP patients had shorter lengths of hospital stay (LOS) (12 vs. 10 days, p

The decision to routinely leave a nasogastric tube after pancreatoduodenectomy remains controversial. We sought to determine the impact of immediate nasogastric tube removal versus early nasogastric tube removal ( 0.05). Incidence of delayed gastric emptying (11.1 versus 13.2%) was similar between groups. Patients with no nasogastric tube less frequently required nasogastric tube reinsertion (n = 4, 4%) compared to patients with NGT

Necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) is caused by hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) in up to 10% of patients. Clinical experience suggests that HTG-NP is associated with increased clinical severity; objective evidence is limited and has not been specifically studied in NP. The aim of this study was to critically evaluate outcomes in HTG-NP. We hypothesized that patients with HTG-NP had significantly increased severity, morbidity, and mortality compared to patients with NP from other etiologies. A case–control study of all NP patients treated at a single institution between 2005 and 2018 was performed. Diagnostic criteria of HTG-NP included a serum triglyceride level > 1000 mg/dL and the absence of another specific pancreatitis etiology. To control for differences in age, sex, and comorbidities, non-HTG and HTG patients were matched at a 4:1 ratio using propensity scores. Outcomes were compared between non-HTG and HTG patients. A total of 676 NP patients were treated during the study period. The incidence of HTG-NP was 5.8% (n = 39). The mean peak triglyceride level at diagnosis was 2923 mg/dL (SEM, 417 mg/dL). After propensity matching, no differences were found between non-HTG and HTG patients in CT severity index, degree of glandular necrosis, organ failure, infected necrosis, necrosis intervention, index admission LOS, readmission, total hospital LOS, or disease duration (P = NS). Mortality was similar in non-HTG-NP (7.1%) and HTG-NP (7.7%), P = 1.0. In this large, single-institution series, necrotizing pancreatitis caused by hypertriglyceridemia had similar disease severity, morbidity, and mortality as necrotizing pancreatitis caused by other etiologies.

Background Patients with necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) have the highest rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) of any hospitalized patient (57%). We hypothesized that VTE prophylaxis might be inadequate in the setting of this profound inflammatory disease and that early detection of deep vein thrombosis would limit pulmonary embolism. Study Design All patients with NP treated at a single center between August 2018 and December 2019 were enrolled in prospective, weekly VTE screening, including 4-extremity duplex ultrasound. Routine chemoprophylaxis included low-molecular-weight or unfractionated heparin. Peak serum anti-factor Xa concentration was measured during weekly screening (goal prophylaxis 0.2 to 0.4 IU/mL). Results Eighty-five patients with NP underwent a total of 201 screening events (mean 2.4 per patient). VTE developed in 55 patients (65%), including splanchnic vein thrombosis in 41 patients (48%) and extremity deep vein thrombosis (eDVT) in 32 patients (38%). Extremity DVT was diagnosed a mean ± SD of 44 ± 30 days after NP onset. Symptomatic pulmonary embolism was prevented in all patients diagnosed with eDVT and no contraindication to anticoagulation (0 of 29). Prophylactic anti-factor Xa concentration was only achieved in 21% (12 of 57 screening events); no eDVTs developed in patients achieving prophylactic anti-factor Xa concentration. Conclusions In patients with NP, identification of eDVT by screening ultrasound permits early treatment and prevents symptomatic pulmonary embolism. Fixed dosing of chemical prophylaxis is inadequate in most patients with NP and likely contributes to the mechanism of increased VTE in NP.

Background Necrotizing pancreatitis survivors develop complications beyond infected necrosis that often require invasive intervention. Remarkably few data have cataloged these late complications after acute necrotizing pancreatitis resolution. We sought to identify the types and incidence of complications after necrotizing pancreatitis. Design An observational study was performed evaluating 647 patients with necrotizing pancreatitis captured in a single-institution database between 2005 and 2017 at a tertiary care hospital. Retrospective review and analysis of newly diagnosed conditions attributable to necrotizing pancreatitis was performed. Exclusion criteria included the following: death before disease resolution (n = 57, 9%) and patients lost to follow-up (n = 12, 2%). Results A total of 578 patients were followed for a median of 46 months (range, 8 months to 15 y) after necrotizing pancreatitis. In 489 (85%) patients 1 or more complications developed and included symptomatic disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (285 of 578, 49%), splanchnic vein thrombosis (257 of 572, 45%), new endocrine insufficiency (195 of 549, 35%), new exocrine insufficiency (108 of 571, 19%), symptomatic chronic pancreatitis (93 of 571, 16%), incisional hernia (89 of 420, 21%), biliary stricture (90 of 576, 16%), chronic pain (44 of 575, 8%), gastrointestinal fistula (44 of 578, 8%), pancreatic duct stricture (30 of 578, 5%), and duodenal stricture (28 of 578, 5%). During the follow-up period, a total of 340 (59%) patients required an invasive intervention after necrotizing pancreatitis resolution. Invasive pancreatobiliary intervention was required in 230 (40%) patients. Conclusion Late complications are common in necrotizing pancreatitis survivors. A broad variety of problems manifest themselves after resolution of the acute disease process and often require invasive intervention. Necrotizing pancreatitis patients should be followed lifelong by experienced clinicians.

OBJECTIVE: Biliary stricture in necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) has not been systematically categorized; therefore, we sought to define the incidence and natural history of biliary stricture caused by NP. SUMMARY/BACKGROUND DATA: Benign biliary stricture occurs secondary to bile duct injury, anastomotic narrowing, or chronic inflammation and fibrosis. The profound loco-regional inflammatory response of NP creates challenging biliary strictures. METHODS: NP patients treated between 2005-2019 were reviewed. Biliary stricture was identified on cholangiography as narrowing of the extrahepatic biliary tree to

Patients with higher postoperative infection risk undergoing ventral hernia repair (VHR) have limited options for mesh use. Biosynthetic mesh is intended to utilize the durability of synthetic mesh combined with the biocompatibility of biologic mesh. We sought to assess the outcomes of a novel biosynthetic scaffold mesh for VHR in higher risk patients over a 12-month postoperative period. Two cohorts of 50 consecutive patients who underwent VHR with TELA Bio OviTex biosynthetic or synthetic mesh were retrospectively compared. Endpoints included surgical site occurrence (SSO), readmission rate, and hernia recurrence following VHR at 12 months postoperatively. OviTex mesh placement was associated with higher risk Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) distribution and more contaminated CDC wound class distribution compared to synthetic mesh placement (VHWG grade 3: 68% vs. 6%, p I: 70% vs. 6%, p

There are no studies examining the use of subhepatic drains after simultaneous resection of synchronous colorectal liver metastases (sCRLM). This study aimed to (1) describe the current practices regarding primary drain placement, (2) evaluate drain efficacy in mitigating postoperative complications, and (3) determine impact of drain maintenance duration on patient outcomes. The ACS-NSQIP targeted data from 2014 to 2017 were analyzed. Propensity score of surgical drain versus no drain cohorts was performed. Main study outcomes were mortality, major morbidity, organ/space surgical site infection (SSI), secondary drain/aspiration procedure, and any septic events. Additional univariate/multivariate logistic analyses were performed to identify associations with drain placement and duration. Major hepatectomy was defined as formal right hepatectomy and any trisectionectomy. 584 combined liver and colorectal resection (CRR) cases were identified. Open partial hepatectomy with colectomy was the most common procedure (70%, n = 407). Nearly 40% of patients received surgical drains (n = 226). Major hepatectomy, lower serum albumin, and no intraoperative portal vein occlusion (Pringle maneuver) were significantly associated with drain placement (p

Unplanned readmission rates in necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) are among the highest of any medical disease (72%). Recent work has identified several potentially preventable causes of unplanned readmission in NP. We hypothesized that intensive outpatient communication would identify developing problems and decrease unplanned hospital readmission.A review of NP patients treated at a single institution between 2016 and 2019 compared patients 2 y before (NP-pre, 2016-2018) and 1 y after (NP-post, 2018-2019) the establishment of a dedicated pancreatitis nurse coordinator. Unplanned hospital readmission and emergency room visits were compared between groups.A total of 178 NP patients were treated-112 patients in the NP-pre group and 66 patients in the NP-post group. No differences between groups were observed in age, sex, comorbidities, pancreatitis etiology, NP severity, or mortality. A mean of 5.4 ± 0.2 outpatient communications per patient with the pancreatitis nurse coordinator was documented in the NP-post group. Unplanned readmission rates decreased significantly from 64% (NP-pre) to 45% (NP-post; P = 0.02). The frequency of readmission decreased from 1.6 readmissions per patient (NP-pre) to 0.8 readmissions per patient (NP-post; P = 0.001). Readmissions because of symptomatic necrosis, failure to thrive, nonnecrosis infection, and drain dysfunction decreased (P 0.05). Overall disease duration was similar (NP-pre, 4.6 ± 0.3 mo; NP-post, 5.0 ± 0.3 mo; P = 0.4); however, the mean number of unplanned inpatient days decreased from 15.4 ± 2.2 d (NP-pre) to 7.8 ± 1.6 d (NP-post; P = 0.02).Improved outpatient communication identifies treatable problems and significantly decreases unplanned readmission in NP patients.

OBJECTIVES A proteomic discovery study was performed to determine if urine possesses a unique biosignature that could form the basis for a noninvasive test able to predict intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) dysplasia. METHODS Urine was collected from patients undergoing surgery for IPMN (72 low/moderate, 27 high-grade/invasive). Quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics was performed. Proteins of interest were identified by differential expression analysis followed by principal component analysis. RESULTS Proteomics identified greater than 4800 urinary proteins. Low/moderate and high-grade/invasive IPMN were distinguished by 188 proteins (P < 0.05). Following principal component analysis and heatmap visualization, vitamin D binding protein (DBP), apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), and alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) were selected. The proteomic abundance of DBP (median [interquartile range]) was significantly higher for high-grade/invasive than for low/moderate IPMN (219,735 [128,882-269,943] vs. 112,295 [77,905-180,773] normalized reporter ion intensity units; P = 0.001). Similarly, APOA1 was more abundant in the high-grade/invasive than low/moderate groups (235,420 [144,933-371,247] vs 150,095 [103,419-236,591]; P = 0.0007) as was A1AT (567,514 [358,544-774,801] vs 358,393 [260,850-477,882]; P = 0.0006). CONCLUSIONS Urinary DBP, APOA1, and A1AT represent potential biomarker candidates that may provide a noninvasive means of predicting IPMN dysplastic grade.

Background The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between the degree of postoperative leukocytosis and major morbidity after elective distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (DPS). Methods Retrospective review of patients undergoing DPS for pancreatic diseases (2013–2016). Receiver operating characteristic curves, Youden’s index, and area under the curve were used to identify ideal lab cut-off values and discriminatory ability of postoperative white blood cell count to detect complications. Results 158 patients underwent DPS. Median age was 57 years (range, 22–90) and 53% of patients were male. POD3 absolute WBC count ≥16 × 109/L or an increase in WBC count ≥9 × 109/L from preoperative baseline was associated with major morbidity after DPS (AUC 0.7 and 0.7, respectively). Conclusion Postoperative day three leukocytosis ≥16 × 109/L or an increase in WBC of ≥9 × 109/L from preoperative baseline should raise clinical awareness for major postoperative complication after DPS.

Background Optimal treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma of the neck, body and tail (PDAC-NBT) necessitates R0 surgical resection. Preoperative radiographic identification of patients likely to achieve successful oncologic resection remains difficult. This study seeks to identify preoperative imaging characteristics predictive of non-R0 resections or impaired survival for PDAC-NBT. Methods Patients at five high-volume centers who underwent resection for PDAC-NBT were retrospectively analyzed. The most immediate preoperative cross-sectional scan was assessed along with outcome measures of overall survival and margin status. Results 330 patients were treated between 2001 and 2016. Margin status included 247 R0 (78.2%), 67 R1 (21.2%), and 2 R2 (0.6%). A non-R0 resection predicted worse survival (p = 0.0002). On preoperative imaging, patients with tumors greater than 20 mm, tumor attenuation greater than 70 Hounsfield units, or who demonstrated pancreatic atrophy and/or calcifications also had worse survival (p = 0.010, p = 0.036, p = 0.025 respectively). Patients with tumors interfacing with the splenic artery or vein or extending posteriorly achieved fewer R0 resections (p = 0.0006, p = 0.0004, p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion Preoperative cross-sectional imaging can identify tumor characteristics associated with poor survival and non-R0 resection. Further investigation is needed to identify the appropriate surgical and treatment modifications necessary to clinically benefit this subset of patients.

Background Secretin-induced duodenal aspiration (SIDA) of pancreatic duct fluid has been proposed for pancreatic neoplasm screening in very high-risk patients. We sought to determine the clinical yield and safety of commercially-analyzed SIDA samples in patients at moderately elevated risk. Patients and methods A prospectively maintained institutional database of pancreatic fluid DNA profiles was retrospectively reviewed. Results Fifty-seven patients underwent SIDA testing, most commonly for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (n=43) and not otherwise specified solitary cysts (n=9). SIDA mutation yield was low compared to 37 concomitant endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) samples of pancreatic fluid: KRAS (2.5% vs. 40.0%), GNAS (2.6% vs. 11.1%) and allelic loss of heterozygosity (3.1% vs. 0%). Patients undergoing SIDA alone experienced no complications while 3 patients with concomitant EUS-FNA had post-procedural pancreatitis. Conclusion The genetic yield of commercially-analyzed SIDA samples was relatively low in a moderately elevated risk cohort. SIDA testing may have a better safety profile than EUS-FNA.

Biliary fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of early postoperative biliary fistula for developing biliary anastomotic stricture after PD. Retrospective review of all PD performed for various indications at a single institution between 2013 and 2018. Postoperative biliary fistulae were graded according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) as grade A–C. Multivariable analysis was performed for all comparative patient subgroups. A total of 843 patients underwent PD for malignant (68%) and benign (32%) indications. Postoperative biliary fistula developed in 66 (8%) patients; ISGLS grade A in 29 (3%), grade B in 32 (4%), and grade C in 5 (0.6%). Ninety-day mortality was 3% (25 patients). The remaining 818 patients were evaluated with a median follow-up of 16 months (IQR, 5–32 months). Biliary anastomotic stricture developed in 41 (5%) patients at a median of 10 months (IQR, 6–18 months) postoperatively. Strictures were managed with percutaneous (27 patients, 66%) or endoscopic (14 patients, 34%) stenting. No biliary stricture required operative anastomotic revision. Postoperative biliary fistula (HR, 4.4; 95% CI, 2.0–9.9; P = 0.0002) was associated with biliary anastomotic stricture; an increased risk for biliary anastomotic stricture was seen in patients with grade A (HR, 6.4; 95% CI, 2.4–16.9; P = 0.0002) and grade B (HR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.2–10.9; P = 0.02) postoperative biliary fistula. Postoperative biliary fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy, including clinically insignificant, transient biliary fistula, is associated with an increased risk of a late biliary anastomotic stricture requiring stenting.

Objective To investigate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of colon involvement in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis. Summary/background data Necrotizing pancreatitis is characterized by a profound inflammatory response with local and systemic implications. Mesocolic involvement can compromise colonic blood supply leading to ischemic complications; however, few data exist regarding this problem. We hypothesized that the development of colon involvement in necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) negatively affects morbidity and mortality. Methods Six hundred forty-seven NP patients treated between 2005 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with colon complications, including ischemia, perforation, fistula, stricture/obstruction, and fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis. Clinical characteristics were analyzed to identify risk factors and effect of colon involvement on morbidity and mortality. Results Colon involvement was seen in 11% (69/647) of NP patients. Ischemia was the most common pathology (n = 29) followed by perforation (n = 18), fistula (n = 12), inflammatory stricture (n = 7), and fulminant C difficile colitis (n = 3). Statistically significant risk factors for developing colon pathology include tobacco use (odds ratio (OR), 2.0; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2-3.4, P = 0.009), coronary artery disease (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.7; P = 0.04), and respiratory failure (OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 1.1-26.3; P = 0.049). When compared with patients without colon involvement, NP patients with colon involvement had significantly increased overall morbidity (86% vs 96%, P = 0.03) and mortality (8% vs 19%, P = 0.002). Conclusion Colon involvement in necrotizing pancreatitis is common; clinical deterioration should prompt its evaluation. Risk factors include tobacco use, coronary artery disease, and respiratory failure. Colon involvement in necrotizing pancreatitis is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality.

In patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy, non-home discharge is common and often results in an unnecessary delay in hospital discharge. This study aimed to develop and validate a preoperative prediction model to identify patients with a high likelihood of non-home discharge following pancreatoduodenectomy. Patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy from 2013 to 2018 were identified using an institutional database. Patients were categorized according to discharge location (home vs. non-home). Preoperative risk factors, including social determinants of health associated with non-home discharge, were identified using Pearson’s chi-squared test and then included in a multiple logistic regression model. A training cohort composed of 80% of the sampled patients was used to create the prediction model, and validation carried out using the remaining 20%. Statistical significance was defined as P

Visceral artery pseudoaneurysms (VA-PSA) occur in necrotizing pancreatitis; however, little is known about their natural history. This study sought to evaluate the incidence and outcomes of VA-PSA in a large cohort of patients with necrotizing pancreatitis.Data for patients with necrotizing pancreatitis who were treated between 2005 and 2017 at Indiana University Health University Hospital and who developed a VA-PSA were reviewed to assess incidence, presentation, treatment and outcomes.Twenty-eight of 647 patients with necrotizing pancreatitis (4.3%) developed a VA-PSA between 2005 and 2017. The artery most commonly involved was the splenic artery (36%), followed by the gastroduodenal artery (24%). The most common presenting symptom was bloody drain output (32%), followed by incidental computed tomographic findings (21%). The median time from onset of necrotizing pancreatitis to diagnosis of a VA-PSA was 63.5 days (range 1-957 d). Twenty-five of the 28 patients who developed VA-PSA (89%) were successfully treated with percutaneous angioembolization. Three patients (11%) required surgery: 1 patient rebled following embolization and required operative management, and 2 underwent upfront operative management. The mortality rate attributable to hemorrhage from a VA-PSA in the setting of necrotizing pancreatitis was 14% (4 of 28 patients).In this study, VA-PSA occurred in 4.3% of patients with necrotizing pancreatitis. Percutaneous angioembolization effectively treated most cases; however, mortality from VA-PSA was high (14%). A high degree of clinical suspicion remains critical for early diagnosis of this potentially fatal problem.Les faux anévrismes des artères viscérales (FAAV) surviennent en présence d’une pancréatite nécrosante; on en sait cependant peu sur leur histoire naturelle. L’objectif de l’étude était d’évaluer l’incidence et les issues des FAAV dans une grande cohorte de patients atteints de pancréatite nécrosante.Nous avons examiné les données des patients atteints de pancréatite nécrosante traités entre 2005 et 2017 à l’Hôpital universitaire de l’Université de l’Indiana qui ont fait un FAAV afin d’évaluer l’incidence, les premiers signes, le traitement et les issues de cette affection.Vingt-huit (4,3 %) des 647 patients atteints de pancréatite nécrosante inclus (2005–2017) ont fait un FAAV. L’artère la plus souvent touchée était l’artère splénique (36 %), suivie de l’artère gastroduodénale (24 %). Les premiers signes les plus courants étaient la présence de sang dans les liquides évacués par drainage (32 %), puis les résultats d’une tomodensitométrie effectuée pour une autre raison (21 %). Le délai médian entre l’apparition de la pancréatite nécrosante et le diagnostic de FAAV était de 63,5 jours (intervalle : 1 à 957 jours). Vingt-cinq des 28 patients ayant fait un FAAV (89 %) ont été traités avec succès par angioembolisation percutanée. Trois patients (11 %) ont dû être opérés : 2 dès le début, et le troisième parce qu’il a recommencé à saigner après l’embolisation. Le taux de mortalité par hémorragie due à un FAAV chez les personnes atteintes d’une pancréatite nécrosante était de 14 % (4 patients sur 28).Dans cette étude, 4,3 % des patients atteints de pancréatite nécrosante ont connu un FAAV. L’angioembolisation percutanée s’est avérée efficace dans la plupart des cas; cependant, la mortalité associée aux FAAV était élevée (14 %). Il est crucial de faire preuve d’une grande suspicion clinique afin de diagnostiquer tôt cette affection potentiellement mortelle.

Background/objectives Minimally invasive approaches, such as percutaneous drainage (PD), are increasingly utilized as initial treatment in necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) requiring intervention. Predictors of success of PD as definitive treatment are lacking. Our aim was to assess the application, predictors of success, and natural history of PD in NP. We hypothesized that necrosis morphology patterns and disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) may predict the ability of PD to provide definitive therapy. Methods 714 NP patients were treated from 2005 to 2018. Patients achieving disease resolution with PD alone (PD) were compared to those requiring an escalation in intervention (Step). Outcomes were compared between groups using independent samples t-test, Fisher’s exact test, and Pearson’s correlation, as appropriate. P Results 115 patients were initially managed with PD (42 PD, 73 Step). No difference in necrosis morphology was seen between the two groups. The PD group underwent significantly more repeat percutaneous interventions (PD, 3.2; Step, 2.0; P = 0.0006) including additional drain placement and drain upsize/reposition procedures. Patients with DPDS were more likely to require an escalation in intervention (odds ratio, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.5–7.6; P = 0.003). The mean number of months to NP resolution was similar (PD, 5.7; Step, 5.8; P = 0.9). Mortality was similar (PD, 7%; Step 14%, P = 0.3). Conclusions Necrosis morphology in and of itself does not reliably predict successful definitive treatment by percutaneous drainage. However, patients with disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome were less likely to have definitive resolution with PD alone.

Background Demand for pancreatic surgery is rising, occasionally necessitating consecutive PDs to be performed by a single surgeon in the same workday. The safety of this practice is unknown. Methods Institutional prospective ACS-NSQIP data were reviewed for PDs (2013–2017). Instances where a single surgeon performed two PDs in the same day were a PD pair (PD1, PD2) and compared with univariable analysis. Paired vs. unpaired-PD matched analyses were performed. Results 661 PDs (25-PD pairs) were performed. PD1 and PD2 revealed similar infectious (12% vs16%), pulmonary (8% vs8%), cardiovascular (12% vs4%), and aggregate (24% vs24%) morbidity (P>0.05). Pancreatic fistula (B + C 0%), delayed gastric emptying (4% vs12%), hospital stay (9.3 vs8.8 days), and 30-day mortality (4% vs4%) were similar (P > 0.05). Matched outcomes were similar except higher cardiovascular morbidity for paired vs. unpaired PD (7% vs0%; P = 0.015). Conclusion With proper patient selection, and in experienced hands at high-volume centers, two consecutive open PDs may be safely performed.

Background Disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) is common after necrotizing pancreatitis (NP). Surgical management may be by internal drainage or left (distal) pancreatectomy. Therapeutic decision-making must consider sinistral portal hypertension, parenchymal volume of disconnected pancreas, and timing relative to definitive management of pancreatic necrosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate outcomes after operative management for DPDS. Methods All patients with NP undergoing an operation for DPDS were included in the study (2005-2017). Perioperative outcomes and long-term durability were evaluated. Results Among 647 patients with NP, 299 (46%) had DPDS. Operative management was required in 202/299 (68%) patients with DPDS. Median follow-up was 30 mo (2-165). Definitive operative therapy included internal drainage (n = 111) or resection (n = 91). Time from NP diagnosis to operation was 126 d (20 d to 81 mo). Overall morbidity was 46%. Postoperative length of stay was 7 d (2-97). Readmission was required in 39 patients (19%). Mortality was 2%. Repeat pancreatic intervention was required in 23 patients (11%) at a median of 15 mo (1-98). Repeat pancreatectomy was performed in nine patients and the remaining 14 patients were managed with endoscopic therapy. Conclusions DPDS is a common and challenging consequence of NP. Appropriate operation is durable in nearly 90% of patients.

Hepatectomy is a complex operative procedure frequently performed at academic institutions with trainee participation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of assistant’s training level on outcomes following hepatectomy. A retrospective review of a prospective, single-institution ACS-NSQIP database was performed for patients that underwent hepatectomy (2013–2016). Patients were divided by trainee assistant level: hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) fellow versus general surgery resident (PGY 4–5). Demographic, perioperative, and 30-day outcome variables were compared using Chi-Square/Fisher’s exact, Mann–Whitney U test, and multivariable regression. Cases involving a senior-level general surgery resident or HPB fellow as first assistant were included (n = 352). Those with a second attending, junior-level resident, or no documented assistant were excluded (n = 39). Patients undergoing hepatectomy with an HPB fellow as primary assistant had more frequent preoperative biliary stenting, longer operative time, and more concomitant procedures including biliary reconstruction, resulting in a higher rate of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) (15% vs. 8%, P = 0.044). However, trainee level did not impact PHLF on multivariable analysis (OR 0.60, 95% CI [0.29–1.25], P = 0.173). Fellows assisted with proportionally more major hepatectomies (45% vs. 31%; P = 0.010) and resections for hepatobiliary cancers (31% vs. 19%, P = 0.014). On stratified analysis of major and minor hepatectomies, outcomes were similar between trainee groups. Fellows performed higher complexity cases with longer operative time. Despite these differences, outcomes were similar regardless of assistant training level. Resident and HPB fellow participation in operations requiring liver resection provide comparable quality of care.

Enteral nutrition plays a central role in managing necrotizing pancreatitis (NP). Although the nasojejunal (NJ) route is widely used, percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG-J) is an alternative technique that is also applied commonly. We hypothesized that NJ and PEG-J had similar morbidity in the setting of NP. All patients receiving preoperative enteral nutrition before surgical debridement for NP (2005–2015) were segregated into NJ or PEG-J. A total of 242 patients had complete data for analysis (155 men/87 women; median age 54 years; 47% biliary and 16% alcohol-related pancreatitis). NJ was used exclusively in 187 patients (77%); 25 patients (10%) were fed exclusively by PEG-J; the remaining 30 patients (13%) had NJ first, followed by PEG-J. Equal proportions of NJ and PEG-J patients reached enteral feeding goal (67% vs. 68%, p ≈ 1) and increased serum albumin (39% vs. 36%, p = 0.87). No difference was seen in rate of pancreatic necrosis infection (NJ 53% vs. PEG-J 49%, p = 0.64). NJ patients had significantly more complications compared to PEG-J (51%vs.27%,p = 0.0015). However, NJ patients had more grade I/II complication, compared to PEG-J patients, who had more grade III/IV complication (Grade I/II: NJ 51%vs. PEG-J 16%; Grade III/IV NJ 0%vs. PEG-J 11%, p < 0.0001). In necrotizing pancreatitis, NJ and PEG-J both delivered enteral nutrition effectively. Patients with NJ feeding had significantly more complications than those with PEG-J; however, NJ complications were less severe.

Obesity is epidemic in the USA. Limited data exist examining obesity's influence on necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) disease course.Retrospective review of prospectively maintained database of 571 adult necrotizing pancreatitis patients treated between 2007 and 2018. Patients were grouped according to body mass index (BMI) at disease onset. Patient characteristics, necrotizing pancreatitis course, and outcomes were compared between non-obese (BMI 30) and obese (BMI 30) patients.Among 536 patients with BMI data available, 304 (57%) were obese (BMI 30), and 232 (43%) were non-obese (BMI 30). NP etiology in the obese group was more commonly biliary (55% versus 46%, p = 0.04) or secondary to hypertriglyceridemia (10% versus 2%, p 0.001) and less commonly alcohol (17% versus 26%, p = 0.01). Obese patients had a higher incidence of baseline comorbid disease. The CT severity index was similar between groups though obese patients had a higher rate of 50% pancreatic gland necrosis (27% versus 19%, p = 0.02). The rates of infected necrosis and organ failure were higher among obese patients. Percutaneous drainage was more common in obese patients. Time to first necrosis intervention was earlier with increasing BMI. NP disease duration was longer in obese patients. The overall mortality rate of non-obese and obese patients did not differ. However, mortality rate increased with increasing BMI.Necrotizing pancreatitis in obese patients is characterized by a prolonged disease course, a higher risk of organ failure, infected necrosis, and the need for early necrosis-related intervention. Mortality increases with increasing BMI.

Treatment of necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) has shifted in favor of a minimally invasive step-up approach rather than early open pancreatic debridement. We hypothesized that this paradigm shift would be reflected in the intervention, morbidity, and mortality profile of NP patients.Single-institution retrospective review of 767 NP patients treated between 2005 and 2019. Two eras of NP intervention were identified relative to the introduction of a minimally invasive approach to NP. Patients treated between 2005 and 2010 were classified as the "early" group and compared with patients treated between 2011 and 2019, classified as the "late" group.In total, 299 NP patients comprised the early group and 468 patients comprised the late group. No differences were seen in patient demographics, comorbidity profile, or NP etiology between groups. Necrosis volume, necrosis location, CT severity index (CTSI), and rates of infected necrosis were similar between groups. No difference was seen in mortality. Mechanical intervention for NP was more common in the early than the late group (86% vs. 73%, p 0.001). Time to first intervention was similar between groups (79 ± 7d vs. 75 ± 6d). The early group had higher rates of open pancreatic debridement (72% vs. 55%, p 0.001). Endoscopic intervention was less common in the early than the late group (7% vs. 16%, p 0.001). NP disease duration was longer in the early than the late group (223 ± 12d vs. 179 ± 7d, p = 0.001).Contemporary management of necrotizing pancreatitis is marked by less frequent operative debridement and shorter disease duration.

Objectives Select patients with anatomically favorable walled off pancreatic necrosis may be treated by endoscopic (Endo-TGD) or operative (OR-TGD) transgastric debridement. We compared our experience with these two approaches. Summary background data Select necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) patients are suitable for transgastric debridement which may be accomplished endoscopically or surgically. Limited experience exists contrasting these techniques exists. Methods Patients undergoing Endo-TGD and OR-TGD at a single, high-volume pancreatic center between 2008-2019 were identified from a prospective database. Patient characteristics, procedural details, and outcomes of these two groups were compared. Results Among 498 NP patients undergoing necrosis intervention, 160 (32%) had TGD: 59 Endo-TGD and 101 OR-TGD. The groups were statistically similar in age, comorbidity, pancreatitis etiology, necrosis anatomy, pancreatitis severity, and timing of TGD from pancreatitis insult. OR-TGD required 1.1 ± 0.5 and Endo-TGD 3.0 ± 2.0 debridements/patient. Fewer hospital readmissions and repeat necrosis interventions, and shorter total inpatient length of stay were observed in OR-TGD patients. New onset organ failure [Endo-TGD (13%); OR-TGD (13%); P = 1.0] was similar between groups. Hospital length of stay after TGD was significantly longer in patients undergoing Endo-TGD (13.8 ± 20.8 days) compared to OR-TGD (9.4 ± 6.1 days; P = 0.047). Mortality was 7% in Endo-TGD and 1% in OR-TGD (P = 0.04). Conclusions Operative and endoscopic transgastric debridement achieve necrosis resolution with different temporal and procedural profiles. Clear multidisciplinary communication is essential to determine appropriate approach to individual necrotizing pancreatitis patients.

Background Surgical site infection affects 25% of patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy. This double-blind, randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of intraperitoneal antibiotic irrigation in decreasing infection and pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy. Methods Patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy were randomized (1:1 ratio) to intraperitoneal antibiotic (polymyxin B, 500,000 units/L) irrigation or 0.9% NaCl irrigation. All patients received 1 dose of standard parenteral antibiotics within 1 hour of incision. The trial was powered to detect a 15% difference in any surgical site infection (primary endpoint) within 30 days after pancreatoduodenectomy. Results One hundred ninety patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy were randomized: 95 to antibiotic irrigation and 95 to saline irrigation. Groups were well matched regarding demographics, diagnosis, preoperative biliary stenting, bactibilia, texture of the pancreatic parenchyma, pancreatic and bile duct size, portal vein resection, and anastomotic technique. Overall, 30-day surgical site infection was observed in 24 (13%) patients: antibiotic irrigation in 10 (11%) versus saline in 14 (15%) (P = .62). Superficial (n = 9, 5%) and organ-space (n = 15, 8%) surgical site infection rates were 3% and 7% (antibiotic) and 6% and 8% (saline), respectively (P > .31). Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 11 (12%) patients in the antibiotic arm and 10 (11%) in saline controls (P > .95). Conclusion The addition of antibiotic solution to intraperitoneal irrigation does not decrease the incidence of postoperative infectious complications or pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy.

MINI: The characteristics of cystic pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (cPanNENs) are largely unknown, and their clinical management remains unclear; specifically, an observational strategy for asymptomatic cPanNENs ≤2 cm has been proposed by recent guidelines, but evidence is scarce and limited to single institutional series. In this international cohort study of 263 resected cPanNENs from 16 institutions worldwide, a preoperative size >2 cm was independently associated with aggressive behavior both in the whole cohort and in the subset of asymptomatic patients; notably, only 1 of 61 asymptomatic cPanNENs ≤2 cm was aggressive. Based on these results, a watch-and-wait policy for sporadic asymptomatic cPanNENs ≤2 cm seems justified and safe. Objective The aim of this study was to characterize an international cohort of resected cystic pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (cPanNENs) and identify preoperative predictors of aggressive behavior. Background The characteristics of cPanNENs are unknown and their clinical management remains unclear. An observational strategy for asymptomatic cPanNENs ≤2 cm has been proposed by recent guidelines, but evidence is scarce and limited to single-institutional series. Methods Resected cPanNENs (1995-2017) from 16 institutions worldwide were included. Solid lesions (>50% solid component), functional tumors, and MEN-1 patients were excluded. Aggressiveness was defined as lymph node (LN) involvement, G3 grading, distant metastases, and/or recurrence. Results Overall, 263 resected cPanNENs were included, among which 177 (63.5%) were >2 cm preoperatively. A preoperative diagnosis of cPanNEN was established in 162 cases (61.6%) and was more frequent when patients underwent endoscopic ultrasound [EUS, odds ratio (OR) 2.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.52-4.77] and somatostatin-receptor imaging (OR 3.681, 95% CI 1.809-7.490), and for those managed in specialized institutions (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.57-6.21). Forty-one cPanNENs (15.6%) were considered aggressive. In the whole cohort, LN involvement on imaging, age >65 years, preoperative size >2 cm, and pancreatic duct dilation were independently associated with aggressive behavior. In asymptomatic patients, older age and a preoperative size >2 cm remained independently associated with aggressiveness. Only 1 of 61 asymptomatic cPanNENs ≤2 cm displayed an aggressive behavior. Conclusions The diagnostic accuracy of cPanNENs is increased by the use of EUS and somatostatin-receptor imaging and is higher in specialized institutions. Preoperative size >2 cm is independently associated with aggressive behavior. Consequently, a watch-and-wait policy for sporadic asymptomatic cPanNENs ≤2 cm seems justified and safe for most patients.

Centralization of complex surgical care leads to increased travel distances for patients. We sought to determine if increased travel distance to the index hospital altered inpatient Visit rates following pancreatectomy.Pancreatectomies from 2013-2016 were reviewed retrospectively from a single high-volume institution. Travel distance for 936 patients was determined, and patients were grouped by 50-mile increments. Visits (Observations or Readmissions) and corresponding reasons were gathered.222 patients (23.7%) had a Visit to any hospital (AH) within 90 days postoperative; 195 (87.8%) were to the index hospital (IH). The50 miles group had the highest Visit rate to AH (28.6% vs. 17.8% vs. 24.6%; P = 0.008) and the IH (26.9% vs. 15.2% vs. 20.6%; P = 0.002) compared to 50-100 and 100 miles. This trend was statistically significant for Observations, but not Readmissions. Gastrointestinal (GI) complaints alone led to 20.7% patients requiring Visits to AH at 90-days, mostly in50miles group for Visits and Observations at AH and IH.Patients closest to the IH had the highest Visit and Observation rate following pancreatectomy without affecting Readmission rate, with GI complaints as a driving factor. Inpatient education and outpatient symptom management may reduce repeat hospitalization.

Background Management of Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction (SOD) requires advanced techniques (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography via gastrostomy [GERCP]) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for obesity. Transduodenal sphincteroplasty (TS) is also performed yet carries the risks of surgery. We hypothesized that TS would have increased morbidity and mortality but provide a more durable remission of symptoms. Methods All patients between 2005 and 2016 with RYGB for obesity undergoing endoscopic or surgical management for type I or II SOD were included in the study. Patients with type III SOD, or who underwent RYGB for nonobesity indications, were excluded. Results Thirty-eight patients were identified. GERCP was initially performed in 17 patients, whereas TS was performed in 21. Thirty-day mortality was 0% in our cohort, and 30-d morbidity was similar between GERCP and TS (29% versus 10%; P = 0.207). Resolution of symptoms after initial therapy was seen in 41% of GERCP (7/17) and 67% of TS (14/21) (P = 0.190), respectively, and overall after 35% (8/23) and 64% (16/24) of procedures performed (P = 0.042). Symptom resolution, as defined by the median ratio of days of total remission by total days of observed follow-up, was shorter after initial and all interventions with GERCP compared with TS (0.67 versus 1.00, P = 0.036 and 0.52 versus 1.00, P = 0.028, respectively). Conclusions Endoscopic and surgical treatment of SOD had similar morbidity and mortality. However, treatment success and duration of remission was higher in those treated with surgery.

Background For pancreatic cysts with negative cytology, Integrated Molecular Pathology (IMP) is a malignancy risk score integrating clinical criteria with pancreatic cyst fluid DNA profiling. Aside from main pancreatic duct (MPD) diameter, integrated clinical criteria are not International Consensus Guidelines High-Risk Stigmata. We predicted exclusion of clinical criteria except MPD diameter could simplify the IMP and better distinguish invasive/malignant disease. Methods Records of >1100 patients with IPMN were reviewed retrospectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of conventional IMP for invasive / malignant disease was compared to DNA profile including only MPD ≥10mm (IMP-10.) Invasive outcomes were invasive-IPMN/adenocarcinoma on surgical pathology, pathologic or radiographic evidence of invasive/metastatic disease during surveillance. Malignant outcomes included high grade dysplastic IPMN (HGD-IPMN). Results 225 patients who met study criteria underwent 283 IMP evaluations: 98 followed by surgery, 185 followed by ≥ 23 months surveillance. IMP-10 had greater specificity (90.1% vs. 73.7%) and accuracy (89.8% vs. 74.2%) for invasive disease compared to IMP in surgery + surveillance patients, but lower sensitivity (77.8% vs. 88.9%). Trends were similar in surgery patients alone and malignant outcome analyses. Conclusion IMP-10 excludes less-reliable clinical factors resulting in greater accuracy in predicting invasive / malignant disease and fewer patients with benign disease being recommended for surgery.

The objectives are to report practice patterns and management of operatively placed drains and to compare outcomes in patients with early versus delayed drain removal after pancreatoduodenectomy.Early drain removal after pancreatoduodenectomy, when guided by postoperative day (POD) 1 drain fluid amylase (DFA-1), is associated with reduced rates of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF). However, whether surgeons have altered their management based on this strategy is unknown.The American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) 2014 Participant Use File was queried to identify patients having undergone pancreatoduodenectomy (n = 3093). Patients with intraoperatively placed drains were stratified according to measurement of DFA-1 and day of drain removal. Patients with POD 1 DFA-1 of ≤5000 U/L whose drains were removed by POD 3 were propensity score-matched with patients whose drains were removed after POD 3.Of 2698 patients, 580 (21.5%) had a DFA-1 recorded. Measurement of DFA-1 was associated with earlier time to drain removal and shorter postoperative length of stay (P0.01). Propensity score matching revealed that early drain removal when DFA-1 was ≤5000 U/L was associated with significant (P0.05) reductions in overall morbidity (35.3% vs 52.3%), CR-POPF (0.9% vs 7.9%), and length of stay (6 vs 8 days).Significant variation exists in the use of drain fluid amylase in the management and timing of surgical drain removal after pancreatoduodenectomy. Clinical outcomes are best when drain fluid amylase is low and operatively placed drains are removed by POD 3.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are predominantly solid lesions with malignant potential. Cystic PNETs are a small subset in which data are scarce. The aim of this study was to compare clinical and biologic differences between cystic and solid PNETs.Patients with PNETs undergoing pancreatectomy between 1988 and 2016 at a high-volume center were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic, clinical, and histopathologic data were collected and analyzed.347 patients with PNETs were identified; 27% (n = 91) were cystic. Patients with cystic PNETs were generally older (59 vs. 55 years, p = 0.05). Cystic PNETs were more commonly non-functional (95% vs. 82%, p = 0.004), asymptomatic (44% vs. 28%, p = 0.009), and located in the pancreatic body/tail (81% vs. 60%, p 0.001) than solid PNETs. Although cystic and solid PNETs had similar sizes and pathologic stage at the time of resection, Ki-67 proliferation index (Ki-67 ≤ 9%: 98% vs. 85%; p = 0.007), and histologic grade (grade I: 84% vs. 59%; p = 0.009) had less aggressive features in cystic PNETs.In addition to reporting a higher than previously published incidence of cystic PNET (27%), this study found significant differences in multiple clinicopathologic variables between cystic and solid PNETs. Cystic PNET may be a distinct and possibly less aggressive subtype of PNET yet have similar pathologic stage, recurrence, and survival to solid PNETs. Cystic PNETs require further attention to better understand the true natural history.

Necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) is a complex and heterogeneous disease with a protracted disease course. Hospital readmission is extremely common; however, few data exist regarding the cause of readmission in NP. A retrospective review of NP patients treated between 2005 and 2017 identified patients readmitted both locally and to our hospital. All patients with unplanned hospital readmissions were evaluated to determine the cause for readmission. Clinical and demographic factors of all patients were recorded. As appropriate, two independent group t tests and Pearson’s correlation or Fisher’s exact tests were performed to analyze the relationship between index admission clinical factors and readmission. p values of

A dilated main pancreatic duct in the distal remnant after proximal pancreatectomy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) poses a diagnostic dilemma. We sought to determine parameters predictive of remnant main-duct IPMN and malignancy during surveillance. Three hundred seventeen patients underwent proximal pancreatectomy for IPMN (Indiana University, 1991–2016). Main-duct dilation included those ≥ 5 mm or “dilated” on radiographic reports. Statistics compared groups using Student’s T/Mann-Whitney U tests for continuous variables or chi-square/Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables with P

The clinical significance of postoperative serum pancreatic enzyme elevation after pancreatoduodenectomy is understudied. We hypothesized that elevation in serum enzymes predicts morbidity and mortality after pancreatoduodenectomy.Retrospective review of 677 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy at a single institution from 2013 to 2019. Patients were categorized based on serum enzyme concentrations. Patient characteristics, drain amylase, and outcomes among groups were compared.In total, 415 of 677 patients had postoperative serum amylase concentrations measured. Of these, 243 (59%) were normal, 96 (23%) were classified as postoperative serum hyperamylasemia, and 76 (18%) were classified as postoperative acute pancreatitis. Major morbidity was lower among patients with normal enzyme concentration (10%) and higher in patients with postoperative serum hyperamylasemia (23%) and postoperative acute pancreatitis (18%) (P = .008). Patients with normal enzymes were less likely to develop postoperative pancreatic fistula (5%) compared with patients with postoperative serum hyperamylasemia (26%) and postoperative acute pancreatitis (21%) (P.001) and less likely to develop delayed gastric emptying (9% vs 23% and 20%, respectively); P = .002. No difference in mortality was seen among groups.Elevated serum pancreatic enzyme concentration occurs frequently after pancreatoduodenectomy and is associated with increased postoperative morbidity. Serum enzyme concentration should be considered in management after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Simple Summary More than 80% of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) suffer cachexia, characterized by loss of muscle and fat. However, most cachexia studies were predominantly focused on muscle. Our clinical study showed adipose tissue loss as a prognosticator in PDAC cachexia. Our study aims to understand the concurrent muscle and adipose changes using transcriptome profiling. We identified tissue-specific gene expression profiles with changes in adipose being more dynamic. Pathway analysis suggests that muscle and adipose wasting may be mediated through independently targetable mechanisms which may have therapeutic implications. Many of the well-known and novel cachexia genes have been validated using an external muscle and adipose datasets. The study provides the groundwork for future studies to understand if fat wasting precedes muscle wasting in PDAC and if adipose can be targeted for therapeutic interventions. The study also shows that age related muscle loss has distinct mechanisms compared to cachexia. Abstract The vast majority of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) suffer cachexia. Although cachexia results from concurrent loss of adipose and muscle tissue, most studies focus on muscle alone. Emerging data demonstrate the prognostic value of fat loss in cachexia. Here we sought to identify the muscle and adipose gene profiles and pathways regulated in cachexia. Matched rectus abdominis muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue were obtained at surgery from patients with benign conditions (n = 11) and patients with PDAC (n = 24). Self-reported weight loss and body composition measurements defined cachexia status. Gene profiling was done using ion proton sequencing. Results were queried against external datasets for validation. 961 DE genes were identified from muscle and 2000 from adipose tissue, demonstrating greater response of adipose than muscle. In addition to known cachexia genes such as FOXO1, novel genes from muscle, including PPP1R8 and AEN correlated with cancer weight loss. All the adipose correlated genes including SCGN and EDR17 are novel for PDAC cachexia. Pathway analysis demonstrated shared pathways but largely non-overlapping genes in both tissues. Age related muscle loss predominantly had a distinct gene profiles compared to cachexia. This analysis of matched, externally validate gene expression points to novel targets in cachexia.

The role of concomitant gastrostomy or jejunostomy feeding tube (FT) placement during pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and its impact on patient outcomes remain controversial.NSQIP database was surveyed for patients undergoing PD between 2014 and 2017. FT placement was identified using CPT codes. Propensity scores were used to match the two groups (1:1) on baseline characteristics and intraoperative variables including pancreas specific ones (duct size, gland texture, underlying disease, wound class, use of wound protector, drain placement, type of pancreatic reconstruction and vascular reconstruction). Outcomes were compared. Finally, a subset analyses for patients with delayed gastric emptying (DGE) or postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) were performed.Out of 15,224 PD, 1,104 (7.5%) had FT. POPF and DGE rates were 17% and 18%, respectively, for the entire cohort. Feeding jejunostomy was the most placed FT (88.2%). Patients with FT placement were more likely to be older (mean, 65.8 vs. 64.6 y), smokers (22.6% vs. 17.8%) who had preoperative weight loss (22.5% vs. 15.3%), ASA class ≥ 3 (80.8% vs. 77.5%), preoperative transfusion (1.5% vs. 0.84%), chemotherapy (22.8% vs. 17.5%), and radiation (14.5% vs. 6.8%, p 0.05). The matched cohort included 880 patients in each group with completely balanced preoperative and intraoperative characteristics. In the matched cohort, patients with FT placement had higher overall morbidity (52.2% vs. 44.3%, p = 0.001), major morbidity (28.4% vs. 22.5%, p = 0.004), organ/space infection (14.4% vs. 10.9%, p = 0.026), re-operation (8.6% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.003), DGE (26.8% vs. 16.4%, p 0.001), and longer mean hospital length of stay (12.9 vs. 11.2 days, p = 0.001) than those without FT. There was no difference in mortality (1.7% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.488) or readmission rate (20.2% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.099). In patients with DGE and POPF, FT placement was not associated with morbidity, mortality, length of stay, or readmission rate (p 0.05).Patients with FT placement during PD tend to have higher postoperative morbidity and delayed recovery.

Dumping syndrome is a common but underdiagnosed complication of gastric and oesophageal surgery. We initiated a Delphi consensus process with international multidisciplinary experts. We defined the scope, proposed statements and searched electronic databases to survey the literature. Eighteen experts participated in the literature summary and voting process evaluating 62 statements. We evaluated the quality of evidence using grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Consensus (defined as >80% agreement) was reached for 33 of 62 statements, including the definition and symptom profile of dumping syndrome and its effect on quality of life. the panel agreed on the pathophysiological relevance of rapid passage of nutrients to the small bowel, on the role of decreased gastric volume capacity and release of glucagon-like peptide 1. Symptom recognition is crucial, and the modified oral glucose tolerance test, but not gastric emptying testing, is useful for diagnosis. An increase in haematocrit >3% or in pulse rate >10 bpm 30 min after the start of the glucose intake are diagnostic of early dumping syndrome, and a nadir hypoglycaemia level, Methusalem grant from KULeuven; Methusalem grant from Leuven University, J.T. is supported by a Methusalem grant from KULeuven. T.V. is a senior clinical investigator from the Flanders research foundation (FWO Vlaanderen). the Delphi process was supported by a Methusalem grant from Leuven University to J.T.

Background Duodenal complications of necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) are challenging and understudied. We sought to characterize the demographics and clinical course of NP patients with duodenal complications. Methods Single institution retrospective review of 687 NP patients treated from 2005 to 2018. Results Duodenal complications developed in 40 (6%) patients including fistula in 11 (2%) and stricture in 29 (4%) patients. Patients with duodenal complications had increased computed tomography severity index (CTSI), degree of glandular necrosis, organ failure, infected necrosis, and disease duration. Mortality from NP was increased in patients with duodenal fistula (36%) compared to patients with duodenal stricture (7%) and patients without duodenal complications (9%). Surgical management of duodenal complications was required in 9/11 (82%) patients with fistula and 17/29 (59%) patients with stricture. Conclusions Duodenal complications occurred in 6% of necrotizing pancreatitis patients. Sixty five percent of patients with duodenal complications required surgical correction. Duodenal fistula was associated with increased mortality.