Central or distal pancreatectomy in patients with pancreatic tumors: assessment of short‑term outcomes

Objective: to compare short-term and long-term postoperative complications between patients who have undergone central pancreatectomy (CP) and distal pancreatectomy (DP).
Materials and methods. This retrospective study included patients who had CP for benign pancreatic tumors and tumors of low malignant potential (cases) and patients who had DP for similar reasons (controls). The controls were randomly selected and matched cases for tumor size, presence of diabetes mellitus (Dm), and ASA physical status. we evaluated the incidence of grade ≥III complications (Clavien–Dindo classification), clinically significant pancreatic fistulas, Dm, and impaired exocrine pancreatic function in the late postoperative period.
Results. There were 25 cases and 25 controls. Both groups were matched for the main clinical characteristics. Surgeries were significantly longer in the CP groups compared to the DP group (230 min vs 180 min, р < 0.0001). There was no difference in the overall incidence of postoperative complications (9 (36 %) vs 14 (56 %), р = 0.26); there was a trend towards a higher incidence of postoperative complications in the CP group. Two patients after CP (8 %) required repeated surgeries. none of the study participants died. Clinically significant (B and C) pancreatic fistulas were registered in 8 (32 %) and 11 (44 %) patients, respectively (p = 0.56). Two patients in the DP group (8 %) developed impairments of exocrine pancreatic function that required pharmacotherapy. none of the patients developed Dm postoperatively.
Conclusion. Despite the fact that CP and DP outcomes were comparable in terms of the main parameters evaluated, severe post-CP complications indicate that there is a need for careful selection of patients for such interventions and further accumulation of experience. Our findings can be used in the subsequent analysis of the experience of different clinics.