Is Intraperitoneal Drainage Necessary Following Distal Pancreatectomy?

Pancreatic resections are commonly performed across the United States, yet still represent one of the most morbid abdominal operations in the country, with postoperative mortality as high as 7.7%. Distal pancreatectomy (DP) represents one of the most common approaches to pancreatic resection and is typically used for tumors of the pancreatic body or tail. This operation is known to have a high historic morbidity, with reports of overall morbidity between 12-52%. Common complications include intraabdominal abscess and surgical site infection. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) represents the most common complication following partial pancreatic resection, with rates reported with rates as high as 30% in multiple large retrospective studies. Multiple strategies to prevent postoperative pancreatic leak following distal pancreatectomy have been studied. One of the outstanding questions that remains is regarding the need for routine intraperitoneal drainage following DP, particularly since the advent of reinforced staple technology. This study aims to determine if intraperitoneal drainage is necessary following DP. This study will compare groups using a composite endpoint of complications.

Inclusion criteria

• Subjects must be undergoing a scheduled distal pancreatectomy (with or without concurrent splenectomy)
• Age ≥18 years
• Subjects must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients < 18 years old
• Patients who are pregnant
• Patients with a history of previous pancreatic surgery
• Patients with a history of prior gastric resection, gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy
• Patients with prior cystogastrostomy procedure
• Patients who have failed prior endoscopic intervention or ultrasound due to esophageal or other gastrointestinal stricture
• Patients with Type 3 or Type 4 Paraesophageal Hernia noted either on pre-operative imaging or intra-operatively
• Patients undergoing concurrent resection of organs other than the pancreas or spleen or gallbladder
• Patients who undergo oversewing of the pancreatic transection margin
• Patients with unexpected intraoperative bleeding or adhesive disease which deem it unsafe to proceed without an intraabdominal drain
• Patients who are unable to provide informed consent