One hundred and seventy-eight consecutive pancreatoduodenectomies without mortality:role of the multidisciplinary approach

BACKGROUND:Pancreatoduodenectomy offers the only chance of cure for patients with periampullary cancers.This,however,is a major undertaking in most patients and is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality.A multidisciplinary approach to the workup and follow-up of patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy was initiated at our institution to improve the diagnosis,resection rate,mortality and morbidity.We undertook the study to assess the effect of this approach on diagnosis,resection rates and short-term outcomes such as morbidity and mortality.METHODS:A prospective database of patients presenting with periampullary cancers to a single surgeon between April 2004 and April 2010 was reviewed.All cases were discussed at a multidisciplinary meeting comprising surgeons,gastroenterologists,radiologists,oncologists,radiation oncologists,pathologists and nursing staff.A standardized investigation and management algorithm was followed.Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.RESULTS:A total of 295 patients with a periampullary lesion were discussed and 178 underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (resection rate 60%).Sixty-one patients (34%) required either a vascular or an additional organ resection.Eighty-nine patients experienced complications,of which the commonest was blood transfusion (12%).Thirty-four patients (19%) had major complications,i.e.grade 3 or above.There was no in-hospital,30-day or 60-day mortality.CONCLUSIONS:Pancreatoduodenectomy can safely be performed in high-volume centers with very low mortality.The surgeon’s role should be careful patient selection,intensive preoperative investigations,use of a team approach,and an unbiased discussion at a multidisciplinary meeting to optimize the outcome in these patients.