Pancreaticoduodenectomy After Liver Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience

Background The aim of this study is to report the feasibility and short-term outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in patients who have undergone orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Methods We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained pancreatic surgical database for all patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) after liver transplant from January 1995 until June 2022. Demographics, indications for pancreatic resection, liver transplant and time from liver transplant to PD were reported. Operative mortality and morbidity were recorded within 90 days of surgery. Continuous variables were recorded as mean and range, while categorical variables were summarized using frequency and percentage. Postoperative complications within 90 days from PD were graded based on Clavien–Dindo classification with major complication recorded as grade IIIa or higher. Additionally, a comprehensive literature review was performed. Results A total of 916 patients who underwent PD at our institution between January 1995 and June 2022 were identified, and 9 patients had previous OLT. Five patients were females and 4 males with a mean age of 65 years (range 51–78). Average body mass index (BMI) was 30.8. Two patients had major complications, and three patients had minor complications. No clinically relevant POPF, PPH or DGE were observed. One patient died within 90 days from PD due to ischemic biliary pancreatic limb causing intrabdominal sepsis. Conclusion Although uncommon, PD after OLT is feasible with acceptable outcomes at high volume institutions and if performed by experienced surgeons.