Initial suction drainage decreases severe postoperative complications after pancreatic trauma:A cohort study

BACKGROUND Few studies have addressed the question of which drain types are more beneficial for patients with pancreatic trauma(PT).AIM To investigate whether sustained low negative pressure irrigation(NPI)suction drainage is superior to closed passive gravity(PG)drainage in PT patients.METHODS PT patients who underwent pancreatic surgery were enrolled consecutively at a referral trauma center from January 2009 to October 2021.The primary outcome was defined as the occurrence of severe complications(Clavien-Dindo grade≥Ⅲb).Multivariable logistic regression was used to model the primary outcome,and propensity score matching(PSM)was included in the regression-based sensitivity analysis.RESULTS In this study,146 patients underwent initial PG drainage,and 50 underwent initial NPI suction drainage.In the entire cohort,a multivariable logistic regression model showed that the adjusted risk for severe complications was decreased with NPI suction drainage[14/50(28.0%)vs 66/146(45.2%);odds ratio(OR),0.437;95%confidence interval(CI):0.203-0.940].After 1:1 PSM,44 matched pairs were identified.The proportion of each operative procedure performed for pancreatic injury-related and other intra-abdominal organ injury-related cases was comparable in the matched cohort.NPI suction drainage still showed a lower risk for severe complications[11/44(25.0%)vs 21/44(47.7%);OR,0.365;95%CI:0.148-0.901].A forest plot revealed that NPI suction drainage was associated with a lower risk of Clavien-Dindo severity in most subgroups.CONCLUSION This study,based on one of the largest PT populations in a single high-volume center,revealed that initial NPI suction drainage could be recommended as a safe and effective alternative for managing complex PT patients.

Risk Factors of Early Complications after Pancreaticoduodenectomy in 200 Consecutive Patients

To study the risk factors for early complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy （PD）. Methods： Two hundred patients undergoing PD at our hospital between December 1996 and September 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. Standard PD was performed on 176 cases, standard PD with extended lymphadenectomy on 24 patients, whereas pylorus-preserving PD was not used. An end-toside combined with mucosa-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy was performed on the patients with a hard pancreas and a dilated pancreatic duct, and a traditional end-to-end invagination pancreaticojejunostomy on the patients with a soft pancreas and a non-dilated duct. The risk factors with the potential to affect the incidence of complications were analyzed with SAS 8.12 software. Logistic regression was then used to determine the effect of multiple factors on early complications. Results： The overall rate of the major com- plications was 21% （42/200）, with the failure of pancreaticojejunal anastomosis being the most frequently encountered. Age （odds ratio [OR] 2.162）, diabetes mellitus （OR 4.086）, total serum bilirubin level （OR 7.556）, end-to-end pancreaticojejunostomy （OR 2.616）, T tube through the choledochojejunostomy （OR 0.100）, and blood transfusion over 1000 mL （OR 2.410） were the significant risk factors for the morbidity. Conclusion： The results from published series concerning morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy are not comparable because of lack of homogeneity between them. The knowledge of the complications rate in each particular department turns out essentially to provide the patient with tailored information about risks before surgery. Additionally, management of postoperative complications is essential for improving the results of this operation.

Vascular complications of chronic pancreatitis and its management

Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic fibro-inflammatory disorder of the pancreas,resulting in recurrent abdominal pain,diabetes mellitus,and malnutrition.It may lead to various other complications such as pseudocyst formation,benign biliary stricture,gastric outlet obstruction;and vascular complications like venous thrombosis,variceal and pseudoaneurysmal bleed.Development of varices is usually due to chronic venous thrombosis with collateral formation and variceal bleeding can easily be tackled by endoscopic therapy.Pseudoaneurysmal bleed can be catastrophic and requires radiological interventions including digital subtraction angiography followed by endovascular obliteration,or sometimes with a percutaneous or an endoscopic ultrasound-guided approach in technically difficult situations.Procedure-related bleed is usually venous and mostly managed conservatively.Procedure-related arterial bleed,however,may require radiological interventions.

Association between acute peripancreatic fluid collections and early readmission in acute pancreatitis:A propensity-matched analysis

BACKGROUND Patients with acute pancreatitis(AP)frequently experience hospital readmissions,posing a significant burden to healthcare systems.Acute peripancreatic fluid collection(APFC)may negatively impact the clinical course of AP.It could worsen symptoms and potentially lead to additional complications.However,clinical evidence regarding the specific association between APFC and early readmission in AP remains scarce.Understanding the link between APFC and readmission may help improve clinical care for AP patients and reduce healthcare costs.AIM To evaluate the association between APFC and 30-day readmission in patients with AP.METHODS This retrospective cohort study is based on the Nationwide Readmission Database for 2016-2019.Patients with a primary diagnosis of AP were identified.Participants were categorized into those with and without APFC.A 1:1 propensity score matching for age,gender,and Elixhauser comorbidities was performed.The primary outcome was early readmission rates.Secondary outcomes included the incidence of inpatient complications and healthcare utilization.Unadjusted analyses used Mann-Whitney U andχ2 tests,while Cox regression models assessed 30-day readmission risks and reported them as adjusted hazard ratios(aHR).Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests verified readmission risks.RESULTS A total of 673059 patients with the principal diagnosis of AP were included.Of these,5.1%had APFC on initial admission.After propensity score matching,each cohort consisted of 33914 patients.Those with APFC showed a higher incidence of inpatient complications,including septic shock(3.1%vs 1.3%,P<0.001),portal venous thrombosis(4.4%vs 0.8%,P<0.001),and mechanical ventilation(1.8%vs 0.9%,P<0.001).The length of stay(LOS)was longer for APFC patients[4(3-7)vs 3(2-5)days,P<0.001],as were hospital charges($29451 vs$24418,P<0.001).For 30-day readmissions,APFC patients had a higher rate(15.7%vs 6.5%,P<0.001)and a longer median readmission LOS(4 vs 3 days,P<0.001).The APFC group also had higher readmission charges($28282 vs$22865,P<0.001).The presence of APFC increased the risk of readmission twofold(aHR 2.52,95%confidence interval:2.40-2.65,P<0.001).The independent risk factors for 30-day readmission included female gender,Elixhauser Comorbidity Index≥3,chronic pulmonary diseases,chronic renal disease,protein-calorie malnutrition,substance use disorder,depression,portal and splenic venous thrombosis,and certain endoscopic procedures.CONCLUSION Developing APFC during index hospitalization for AP is linked to higher readmission rates,more inpatient complications,longer LOS,and increased healthcare costs.Knowing predictors of readmission can help target high-risk patients,reducing healthcare burdens.

Elderly patients had more severe postoperative complications after pancreatic resection:A retrospective analysis of 727 patients

AIM To examine the impact of aging on the short-term outcomes following pancreatic resection(PR) in elderly patients.METHODS A retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data was conducted at the China National Cancer Center. Consecutive patients who underwent PR from January 2004 to December 2015 were identifiedand included. ‘Elderly patient' was defined as ones age 65 and above. Comorbidities, clinicopathology, perioperative variables, and postoperative morbidity and mortality were compared between the elderly and young patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazard model for severe postoperative complications(grades Ⅲb-Ⅴ).RESULTS A total of 454(63.4%) patients were < 65-yearsold and 273(36.6%) patients were ≥ 65-yearsold, respectively. Compared to patients < 65-yearsold, elderly patients had worse American Society of Anesthesiologists scores(P = 0.007) and more comorbidities(62.6% vs 32.4%, P < 0.001). Elderly patients had more severe postoperative complications(16.8% vs 9.0%, P = 0.002) and higher postoperative mortality rates(5.5% vs 0.9%, P < 0.001). In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model for severe postoperative complications, age ≥ 65 years [hazard ratio(HR) = 1.63; 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.18-6.30], body mass index ≥ 24 kg/m^2(HR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.07-5.89), pancreaticoduodenectomy(HR = 4.86, 95%CI: 1.20-8.31) and length of operation ≥ 241 min(HR = 2.97; 95%CI: 1.04-6.14) were significant(P = 0.010, P = 0.041, P = 0.017 and P = 0.012, respectively).CONCLUSION We found that aging is an independent risk factor for severe postoperative complications after PR. Our results might contribute to more informed decision-making for elderly patients.

Pancreatic necrosis:Complications and changing trend of treatment

Incidence of acute pancreatitis seems to be increasing in the Western countries and has been associated with significantly increased morbidity. Nearly 80% of the patients with acute pancreatitis undergo resolution; some develop complications including pancreatic necrosis. Infection of pancreatic necrosis is the leading cause of death in these patients. A significant portion of these patients needs surgical interventions. Traditionally, the "gold standard" procedure has been the open surgical necrosectomy, which is now being completed by the relatively lesser invasive interventions. Minimally invasive surgical(MIS) procedures include endoscopic drainage, percutaneous image-guided catheter drainage, and retroperitoneal drainage. This review article discusses the open and MIS interventions for pancreatic necrosis with each having its own respective benefits and disadvantages are covered.

Complications of modern pancreaticoduodenectomy:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:In the past decades,the perioperative management of patients undergoing pancreaticoduo-denectomy(PD)has undergone major changes worldwide.This review aimed to systematically determine the burden of complications of PD performed in the last 10 years.Data sources:A systematic review was conducted in PubMed for randomized controlled trials and ob-servational studies reporting postoperative complications in at least 100 PDs from January 2010 to April 2020.Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool for randomized studies and the method-ological index for non-randomized studies(MINORS).Pooled complication rates were estimated using random-effects meta-analysis.Heterogeneity was investigated by subgroup analysis and meta-regression.Results:A total of 20 randomized and 49 observational studies reporting 63229 PDs were reviewed.Mean MINORS score showed a high risk of bias in non-randomized studies,while one quarter of the ran-domized studies were assessed to have high risk of bias.Pooled incidences of 30-day mortality,overall complications and serious complications were 1.7%(95%CI:0.9%-2.9%;I 2=95.4%),54.7%(95%CI:46.4%-62.8%;I 2=99.4%)and 25.5%(95%CI:21.8%-29.4%;I 2=92.9%),respectively.Clinically-relevant postopera-tive pancreatic fistula risk was 14.3%(95%CI:12.4%-16.3%;I 2=92.0%)and mean length of stay was 14.8 days(95%CI:13.6-16.1;I 2=99.3%).Meta-regression partially attributed the observed heterogeneity to the country of origin of the study,the study design and the American Society of Anesthesiologists class.Conclusions:Pooled complication rates estimated in this study may be used to counsel patients scheduled to undergo a PD and to set benchmarks against which centers can audit their practice.However,cautious interpretation is necessary due to substantial heterogeneity.

Application of omental interposition to reduce pancreatic fistula and related complications in pancreaticoduodenectomy:A propensity score-matched study

BACKGROUND The life-threatening complications following pancreatoduodenectomy(PD),intraabdominal hemorrhage,and postoperative infection,are associated with leaks from the anastomosis of pancreaticoduodenectomy.Although several methods have attempted to reduce the postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF)rate after PD,few have been considered effective.The safety and short-term clinical benefits of omental interposition remain controversial.AIM To investigate the safety and feasibility of omental interposition to reduce the POPF rate and related complications in pancreaticoduodenectomy.METHODS In total,196 consecutive patients underwent PD performed by the same surgical team.The patients were divided into two groups:An omental interposition group(127,64.8%)and a non-omental interposition group(69,35.2%).Propensity scorematched(PSM)analyses were performed to compare the severe complication rates and mortality between the two groups.RESULTS Following PSM,the clinically relevant POPF(CR-POPF,10.1%vs 24.6%;P=0.025)and delayed postpancreatectomy hemorrhage(1.4%vs 11.6%;P=0.016)rates were significantly lower in the omental interposition group.The omental interposition technique was associated with a shorter time to resume food intake(7 d vs 8 d;P=0.048)and shorter hospitalization period(16 d vs 21 d;P=0.031).Multivariate analyses showed that a high body mass index,nonapplication of omental interposition,and a main pancreatic duct diameter<3 mm were independent risk factors for CR-POPF.CONCLUSION The application of omental interposition is an effective and safe approach to reduce the CR-POPF rate and related complications after PD.

Is it sufficient to evaluate only preoperative systemic inflammatory biomarkers to predict postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy?

Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates are still very high among patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD).However,mortality rates secondary to morbidities that are detected early and well-managed postoperatively are lower among patients undergoing PD.Since early detection of complications plays a very important role in the management of these patients,many ongoing studies are being conducted on this subject.Recent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and biliary drainage history of the patient study group is important for comparison of C-reactive protein(CRP),an inflammatory parameter evaluated in the retrospective study by Coppola et al published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery and titled“Utility of preoperative systemic inflammatory biomarkers in predicting postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy:Literature review and single center experience”.Therefore,it may be more appropriate to compare CRP values in randomized patients.

Impact of continuous local lavage on pancreatic juice-related postoperative complications: Three case reports

BACKGROUND Postoperative pancreatic leakage readily results in intractable pancreatic fistula and subsequent intraperitoneal abscess.This refractory complication can be fatal;therefore,intensive treatment is important.Continuous local lavage (CLL) has recently been reevaluated as effective treatment for severe infected pancreatitis,and we report three patients with postoperative intractable pancreatic fistula successfully treated by CLL.We also discuss our institutional protocol for CLL for postoperative pancreatic fistula.CASE SUMMARY The first patient underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy,and pancreatic leakage was observed postoperatively.Intractable pancreatic fistula led to intraperitoneal abscess,and CLL near the pancreaticojejunostomy site was instituted from postoperative day (POD) 8.The abscess resolved after 7 d of CLL.The second patient underwent distal pancreatectomy.Pancreatic leakage was observed,and intractable pancreatic fistula led to intraperitoneal abscess near the pancreatic stump.CLL was instituted from POD 9,and the abscess resolved after 4 d of CLL.The third patient underwent aneurysmectomy and splenectomy with wide exposure of the pancreatic parenchyma.Endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage was performed on POD 15 to treat pancreatic fistula;however,intraperitoneal abscess was detected on POD 59.We performed CLL endoscopically via the transgastric route because the percutaneous approach was difficult.CLL was instituted from POD 63,and the abscess resolved after 1 wk of CLL.CONCLUSION CLL has therapeutic potential for postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Clavien-Dindo classification and risk factors of complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Objective: To analyze Clavien-Dindo classification and risk factors of complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy and inves-tigate the relationship between the major risk factors and Clavien-Dindo classification of complications. Methods: The retrospective case-control study was adopted. The clinical data of 200 patients who underwent pancreatico-duodenectomy at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University from January 2010 to June 2015 were collected. The patients underwent Whipple procedure or pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy according to the tumor site. Observation indicators included: (1) postoperative complications using Clavien-Dindo classification;(2) univariate and multivariate analyses: patients' basic information, surgery-related factors, pancreas-related factors;(3) relationship between independent risk factors and Clavien-Dindo classification of complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy. The chi-square test was applied to univariate analysis and categorical data. The comparison between groups was done by using independent samples nonparametric test (Kolmogorov-Smirnov Z), and multivariate analysis was done by using Logistic regression model. Results: (1) Postoperative complications: Of 200 patients, 122 underwent Whipple procedure and 78 underwent pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy, including 6 cases combined with vascular reconstructions and 1 case with RFA of liver tumors. Ninety-eight patients had postoperative complications, including 41 patients with no less than 2 types of complications. After surgery, pancreatic fistula was detected in 80 patients, including 42 cases with grade A, 28 cases with grade B and 10 cases with grade C;incisional infection in 29 patients;gastric retention in 24 patients;intra-abdominal infection in 16 patients;intra-abdominal hemorrhage in 10 patients, including 8 patients receiving interventional treatment;biliary leakage in 7 patients and unplanned reoperation in 2 patients. Three patients were dead during hospitalization. The incidences of complications in grade Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ (Ⅲ a and Ⅲ b), Ⅳ and Ⅴ of Clavien-Dindo classification were 28.00% (56/200), 13.00% (26/200), 5.00% (10/200), 1.50% (3/200) and 1.50% (3/200). (2) Univariate and multivariate analyses: The results of univariate analysis showed that body mass index (BMI) and pancreas texture were risk factors affecting complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (χ2 = 6.483, Z = -3.189, p < .05). The results of multivariate analysis showed that BMI > 23.9 kg/m2 and soft pancreas were independent risk factors affecting complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (OR = 2.044, 1.649, 95% confidence interval: 1.212-3.447, 1.194-2.275). (3) The relationship between independent risk factors and Clavien-Dindo classification of complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy was analyzed. There were statistically significant differences between BMI or pancreas texture and Clavien-Dindo classification of complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (χ2 = 13.897, 27.077, p < .05). Conclusions: Clavien-Dindo classification of complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy contributes to comprehensive com-parison and evaluation, and this type of classification in this study mainly refers to grade I and II. Reducing BMI and good management of pancreatic stump may improve Clavien-Dindo classification of complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Pathogenic aspects of pulmonary complications in acute pancreatitis patients

BACKGROUND:Experimental and clinical observations show that proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress are involved in the development of local and particularly systemic complications in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients. There are often pulmonary complications in such patients. The mechanisms through which lung injury is induced in AP are not fully clear. METHODS:In order to assess the role of activated neutrophils, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules at the onset and development of respiratory complications and respiratory failure, we measured the serum levels of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-1ra, IL-10) cytokines in 51 AP patients who had been diagnosed with pancreatitis-associated lung injury with and without the development of organ dysfunction. RESULTS:When admitted to the hospital, severe AP patients had increased concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, and TNF-α. The concentration of IL-18 alone was considerably increased in the patients who later developed respiratory failure. The onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome in the AP patients was accompanied by an increase in the level of anti-inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-10. It was noted that in severe lung injury, myeloperoxidase activity in the blood increased significantly, but still reflected the processes taking place in the lung parenchyma. Increase in the concentrations of adhesion molecules preceded the development of pulmonary infiltration with respiratory failure symptoms, which provoked endothelial dysfunction and determined the capillary surface permeability for neutrophils and monocytes.CONCLUSIONS:In the pathogenesis of respiratory complications in AP cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules, in particular IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, TNF-α, ICAM-1, and E-selectin play major roles. At IL-18 concentrations >650 pg/ml, AP patients are likely to develop pulmonary dysfunction (sensitivity 58%, specificity 100%, LR-positive >58) which allows us to use it as a screening test.

Surgical and interventional management of complications caused by acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. It requires acute hospitalization, with a reported annual incidence of 13 to 45 cases per 100000 persons. In severe cases there is persistent organ failure and a mortality rate of 15% to 30%, whereas mortality of mild pancreatitis is only 0% to 1%. Treatment principles of necrotizing pancreatitis and the role of surgery are still controversial. Despite surgery being effective for infected pancreatic necrosis, it carries the risk of long-term endocrine and exocrine deficiency and a morbidity and mortality rate of between 10% to 40%. Considering high morbidity and mortality rates of operative necrosectomy, minimally invasive strategies are being explored by gastrointestinal surgeons, radiologists, and gastroenterologists. Since 1999, several other minimally invasive surgical, endoscopic, and radiologic approaches to drain and debride pancreatic necrosis have been described. In patients who do not improve after technically adequate drainage, necrosectomy should be performed. When minimal invasive management is unsuccessful or necrosis has spread to locations not accessible by endoscopy, open abdominal surgery is recommended. Additionally, surgery is recognized as a major determinant ofoutcomes for acute pancreatitis, and there is general agreement that patients should undergo surgery in the late phase of the disease. It is important to consider multidisciplinary management, considering the clinical situation and the comorbidity of the patient, as well as the surgeons experience.

Magnetic resonance imaging for local complications of acute pancreatitis: A pictorial review

Acute pancreatitis is a common disease characterized by sudden upper abdominal pain and vomiting. Alcoholism and choledocholithiasis are the most common factors for this disease. The choice of treatment for acute pancreatitis might be affected by local complications, such as local hemorrhage in or around the pancreas, and peripancreatic infection or pseudoaneurysm. Diagnostic imaging modalities for acute pancreatitis have a significant role in confirming the diagnosis of the disease, helping detect the extent of pancreatic necrosis, and for diagnosing local complications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might be indicated in acute pancreatitis for detecting and characterizing local complications of acute pancreatitis that involve necrotic, hemorrhagic, infectious, vascular, and pseudocyst disorders. The general MRI sequences for pancreatitis require the combined use of T1-weighted, T2-weighted sequences, and magnetic resonance chol-angiopancreatography. For imaging of pancreatic necrosis, the combination of T1-weighted and T2-weighted findings with dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging gives a comprehensive evaluation of the extent of necrosis and full range of inflammatory extension. For imaging of infectious complications, dynamic contrast-enhanced examinations might help differentiate pancreatic cellulitis or abscesses, from pancreatic fluid collection or simple pseudocysts. For vascular abnormalities, the combination of cross-sectional pancreatic parenchyma imaging with MRA represents a single diagnostic modality for the full evaluation of peripancreatic artery and vein involvement, such as arterial pseudoaneurysms and venous thromboses. The purpose of this pictorial review is to examine the MRI appearances of various local complications of acute pancreatitis and to discuss the practical setup of MRI in local complications of acute pancreatitis.

Pathophysiology of pulmonary complications of acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis in its severe form is complicated by multiple organ system dysfunction, most importantly by pulmonary complications which include hypoxia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, atelectasis, and pleural effusion. The pathogenesis of some of the above complications is attributed to the production of noxious cytokines. Clinically significant is the early onset of pleural effusion, which heralds a poor outcome of acute pancreatitis. The role of circulating trypsin, phospholipase A2, platelet activating factor, release of free fatty acids, chemoattractants such as tumor necrsosis factor （TNF）- alpha, interleukin （IL）-1, IL-6, IL-8, fMet-leu-phe （a bacterial wall product）, nitric oxide, substance P, and macrophage inhlbitor factor is currently studied. The hope is that future management of acute pancreatitis with a better understanding of the pathogenesis of lung injury will be directed against the production of noxious cytokines.

Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography complications:How can they be avoided?

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) has a significant complication rate which can be lowered by adopting technical variations of proven beneficial effect and prophylactic maneuvers such as pancreatic stenting during ERCP or periprocedural non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration.However,adoption of these prophylactic maneuvers by endoscopists is not uniform.In this editorial we discuss the beneficial effects of the aforementioned maneuvers.

Early complications after interventions in patients with acute pancreatitis

AIM: To identify the possible predictors of early complications after the initial intervention in acute necrotizing pancreatitis.METHODS: We collected the medical records of 334 patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis who received initial intervention in our center. Complications associated with predictors were analyzed.RESULTS: The postoperative mortality rate was 16% (53/334). Up to 31% of patients were successfully treated with percutaneous catheter drainage alone. The rates of intra-abdominal bleeding, colonic fistula, and progressive infection were 15% (50/334), 20% (68/334), and 26% (87/334), respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that Marshall score upon admission, multiple organ failure, preoperative respiratory infection, and sepsis were the predictors of postoperative progressive infection (P &#x0003c; 0.05). Single organ failure, systemic inflammatory response syndrome upon admission, and C-reactive protein level upon admission were the risk factors of postoperative colonic fistula (P &#x0003c; 0.05). Moreover, preoperative Marshall score, organ failure, sepsis, and preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome were the risk factors of postoperative intra-abdominal bleeding (P &#x0003c; 0.05).CONCLUSION: Marshall score, organ failures, preoperative respiratory infection, sepsis, preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and C-reactive protein level upon admission are associated with postoperative complications.

Diagnostic value of contrast enhanced ultrasound for splenic artery complications following acute pancreatitis

AIM: To assess the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in diagnosing splenic artery complications (SACs) after acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: One hundred and eighteen patients with AP were enrolled in the study. All patients were examined by CEUS and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). CECT was accepted as a gold standard for the diagnosis of SACs in AP. The diagnostic accuracy of splenic CEUS and pancreatic CEUS was compared with that of CECT. Splenic infarction was the diagnostic criterion for splenic artery embolism and local dysperfusion of the splenic parenchyma was the diagnostic criterion for splenic arterial stenosis. The incidence of splenic sub-capsular hemorrhage, splenic artery aneurysms, and splenic rupture was all lower than that of SACs. RESULTS: Nine patients were diagnosed as having SACs after AP by CECT among the 118 patients. The patients with SACs were diagnosed with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Among them, 6 lesions were diagnosed as splenic artery embolism, 5 as splenic artery aneurysms, and 1 as splenic arterial stenosis. No lesion was diagnosed by pancreatic CEUS and 5 lesions were diagnosed by splenic CEUS. By splenic CEUS, 4 cases were diagnosed as splenic artery embolism and 1 as splenic arterial stenosis. The accuracy of splenic CEUS in diagnosis of SACs in SAP was 41.7% (5/12), which was higher than that of pancreatic CEUS (0%). CONCLUSION: Splenic CEUS is a supplementary method for pancreatic CEUS in AP patients, which can decrease missed diagnosis of SACs. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.

Impact of body mass index on complications following pancreatectomy:Ten-year experience at National Cancer Center in China

AIM: To examine the impact of body mass index(BMI)on outcomes following pancreatic resection in the Chinese population.METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data was conducted at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China National Cancer Center. Individuals who underwent pancreatic resection between January2004 and December 2013 were identified and included in the study. Persons were classified as having a normal weight if their BMI was < 24 kg/m2 and overweight/obese if their BMI was ≥ 24 kg/m2 as defined by the International Life Sciences Institute Focal Point in China. A χ 2 test(for categorical variables) or a t test(for continuous variables) was used to examine the differences in patients' characteristics between normal weight and overweight/obese groups. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the associationsof postoperative complications, operative difficulty,length of hospital stay, and cost with BMI, adjusting for age, sex, and type of surgery procedures.RESULTS: A total of 362 consecutive patients with data available for BMI calculation underwent pancreatic resection for benign or malignant disease from January1, 2004 to December 31, 2013. Of the 362 patients,156 were overweight or obese and 206 were of normal weight. One or more postoperative complications occurred in 35.4% of the patients following pancreatic resection. Among patients who were overweight or obese, 42.9% experienced one or more complications,significantly higher than normal weight(29.6%)individuals(P = 0.0086). Compared with individuals who had normal weight, those with a BMI ≥ 24.0kg/m2 had higher delayed gastric emptying(19.9% vs5.8%, P < 0.0001) and bile leak(7.7% vs 1.9%, P =0.0068). There were no significant differences seen in pancreatic fistula, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, reoperation,readmission, or other complications. BMI did not show a significant association with intraoperative blood loss, operative time, length of hospital stay, or cost.CONCLUSION: Higher BMI increases the risk for postoperative complications after pancreatectomy in the Chinese population. The findings require replication in future studies with larger sample sizes.

The impacts of infectious complications on outcomes in acute pancreatitis: a retrospective study

Background: The occurrence of infectious complications characterizes the more severe forms of acute pancreatitis(AP) and is associated with high mortality. We investigated the effects of infection at different sites in patients with AP, including those with necrotizing pancreatitis(NP).Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 285 patients who met the inclusion criteria for AP and were admitted to Tianjin Nankai Hospital between January 2016 and September 2019. According to the source of the culture positivity during hospitalization, patients were divided into four groups: sterile group(n=148), pancreatic infection group(n=65), extrapancreatic infection group(n=22) and combined infection group(n=50). The source of infection, microbiology, biochemical parameters and prognostic indicators were analyzed.Results: In terms of baseline characteristics, the four groups were similar in age, sex, aetiology, previous pancreatitis and diabetes. Compared with the severity of the disease in the other groups, the APACHE II scores(9.91±4.65, 9.46±5.05, respectively) and organ failure rate(40.9% and 50%, respectively)were higher in the extrapancreatic infection group and the combined infection group(P<0.05). The frequency of surgical intervention and hospitalization time in patients with NP complicated with extrapancreatic infection was greatly increased(P<0.05). Regarding the primary outcome, patients in the combined infection group had longer hospital stays(68.28±51.80 vs. 55.58±36.24, P<0.05) and higher mortality(24.0% vs. 9.2%, P<0.05) than patients in the pancreatic infection group. In addition, patients in the extrapancreatic infection group also showed high intensive care utilization(59.1%) and mortality rates(18.2%). Among the 137 AP patients with infection complications, 89 patients exhibited multidrug-resistant(MDR) microorganisms, and the mortality rate of patients with MDR bacterial infection was higher than that of patients with non-MDR bacterial infection(24.7% vs. 3.6%, P=0.001).Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware that extrapancreatic infection(EPI) significantly aggravates the main outcome in pancreatic infection patients. Infection with MDR bacteria is also associated with AP mortality.