Three level risk assessment for pancreatic fistula formation after distal pancreatectomy with a strategy for prevention

Distal pancreatectomy (DP) has a high post-operative morbidity predominantly due to pancreatic fistula though the mortality is very low. Data on distal pancreatectomy was reviewed to analyse the risk factors that contribute to this morbidity. Thirty three patients underwent distal pancreatectomy with sutured closure of the remnant, over a 5-year period between May 2006 and April 2011. Pancreatic fistula (PF) was defined according to the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula definition. Patient and surgical risk factors were subdivided as those reflecting a poorer pre-morbid status, those associated with increased complexity of surgery and those related to pancreas gland and were analyzed for incidence of pancreatic fistula. Indications for DP included 16 (51.5%) pancreatic tumours, 13 (39.4%) chronic pancreatitis and 3 (9.1%) trauma. Spleen was preserved in 12 patients (36.4%). There was no mortality while the morbidity rate was 45.5% (n = 15). Incidence of pancreatic fistula was 30.3% (n = 10); eight were grade A (80%) and two were grade C (20%). Incidence of clinically significant pancreatic fistulae was 6.1%. PF was significantly more common if the pancreatic duct was not identified (p = 0.024) was significantly less with extensive peri-pancreatic adhesions (p = 0.036). Identification and ligation of main pancreatic duct can help reduce the incidence of pancreatic fistulae. The identification of patients at high risk of developing a PF helps to implement prevention strategies.