Risk factors of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Objective To investigate the risk factors of developing pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Methods Eighty-five patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy in the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Fuzhou General Hospital between January 2008 and February 2012 were studied.The management strategy and outcome, including pancreatic fistula, were evaluated.Eight potential risk factors for formation of pancreatic fistula were analyzed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results Pancreatic fistula occurred in ten of the patients, and accounted for 32.3% of the overall morbidity.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a preoperative total bilirubin (TBil) level of ≥171 μmol/L and soft texture of the pancreas were independent risk factors for pancreatic fistula. Conclusion Preoperative TBil≥171 μmol/L and soft texture of the pancreas predict a high probability of pancreatic fistula formation after pancreaticoduodenectomy.