Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most serious complication of distal pancreatectomy (DP). When POPF occurs and becomes severe, it causes secondary complications and leads to a longer treatment period. This study aimed to identify early predictive factors of POPF after DP for pancreatic cancer (PC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective, single-institution study comprised of 55 patients with PC who underwent DP between 2010 and 2021 at the Gifu University Hospital. We statistically analyzed pre-, intra-, and post-operative factors to identify early predictive factors for POPF. RESULTS: According to the definition and grading of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF), 12 (21.8%) of 55 patients had POPF grades B and C. In the univariate analysis, POPF was significantly associated with the pancreas-to-muscle signal intensity ratio on T (1) -weighted magnetic resonance imaging (SIR on T (1) -w MRI), the drainage fluid amylase (D-Amy) levels on postoperative day 3 (POD3), C-reactive protein (CRP) on POD3, and heart rate on POD3. In multivariate analysis, pancreas-to-muscle SIR on T (1) -w MRI [>1.37; odds ratio (OR)=17.08; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.64-598.16; p=0.02], D-Amy levels on POD3 (>1,200 U/l; OR=20.00; 95% CI=1.73-563.83; p=0.02) and heart rate on POD3 (>100 bpm; OR=15.33; 95% CI=1.53-258.45; p=0.02) were identified as independent early predictive factors. CONCLUSION: Preoperative pancreas-to-muscle SIR on T (1) -w MRI and postoperative D-Amy levels and heart rate significantly correlated with POPF after DP for PC. Postoperative management based on these predictive factors may improve the postoperative course.