Surgical Outcome After Distal Pancreatectomy With and Without Portomesenteric Venous Resection in Patients with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Transatlantic Evaluation of Patients in North America, Germany, Sweden, and The Netherlands (GAPASURG)

Ann Surg Oncol. 2024 Nov;31(12):8327-8339. doi: 10.1245/s10434-024-15932-3. Epub 2024 Aug 9.

Abstract

Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma located in the pancreatic body might require a portomesenteric venous resection (PVR), but data regarding surgical risks after distal pancreatectomy (DP) with PVR are sparse. Insight into additional surgical risks of DP-PVR could support preoperative counseling and intraoperative decision making. This study aimed to provide insight into the surgical outcome of DP-PVR, including its potential risk elevation over standard DP.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study including all patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent DP ± PVR (2018-2020), registered in four audits for pancreatic surgery from North America, Germany, Sweden, and The Netherlands. Patients who underwent concomitant arterial and/or multivisceral resection(s) were excluded. Predictors for in-hospital/30-day major morbidity and mortality were investigated by logistic regression, correcting for each audit.

Results: Overall, 2924 patients after DP were included, of whom 241 patients (8.2%) underwent DP-PVR. Rates of major morbidity (24% vs. 18%; p = 0.024) and post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage grade B/C (10% vs. 3%; p = 0.041) were higher after DP-PVR compared with standard DP. Mortality after DP-PVR and standard DP did not differ significantly (2% vs. 1%; p = 0.542). Predictors for major morbidity were PVR (odds ratio [OR] 1.500, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.086-2.071) and conversion from minimally invasive to open surgery (OR 1.420, 95% CI 1.032-1.970). Predictors for mortality were higher age (OR 1.087, 95% CI 1.045-1.132), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 4.167, 95% CI 1.852-9.374), and conversion from minimally invasive to open surgery (OR 2.919, 95% CI 1.197-7.118), whereas concomitant PVR was not associated with mortality.

Conclusions: PVR during DP for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the pancreatic body is associated with increased morbidity, but can be performed safely in terms of mortality.

Keywords: Distal pancreatectomy; Pancreatic cancer; Surgical outcome; Venous resection.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma* / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma* / surgery
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mesenteric Veins* / pathology
  • Mesenteric Veins* / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • North America
  • Pancreatectomy* / adverse effects
  • Pancreatectomy* / methods
  • Pancreatectomy* / mortality
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Portal Vein* / pathology
  • Portal Vein* / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications* / etiology
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survival Rate
  • Sweden / epidemiology