AUTHOR=Wu Zhouyu , Zong Kezhen , Zhou Baoyong , Yin Kunli , Zhang Anlan , Li Ming TITLE=Incidence and risk factors of postoperative acute pancreatitis after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis JOURNAL=Frontiers in Surgery VOLUME=10 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/surgery/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2023.1150053 DOI=10.3389/fsurg.2023.1150053 ISSN=2296-875X ABSTRACT=Background

Postoperative acute pancreatitis (POAP) is a specific complication after pancreatectomy. The acute inflammatory response of the residual pancreas may affect the healing of pancreatoenteric anastomoses, leading to postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPFs), abdominal infections, and even progressive systemic reactions, conditions that negatively affect patients' prognoses and can cause death. However, to the best of our knowledge, no systematic reviews or meta-analytic studies have assessed the incidence and risk factors of POAP after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

Method

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant literature describing the outcomes of POAP after PD until November 25, 2022, and we used the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale to assess the quality of the studies. Next, we pooled the incidence of POAP and the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the risk factors using a random-effect meta-analysis. I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity between the studies.

Results

We analyzed data from 7,164 patients after PD from 23 articles that met the inclusion criteria for this study. The subgroup results of the meta-analysis by different POAP diagnostic criteria showed that the incidences of POAP were 15% (95% CI, 5–38) in the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery group, 51% (95% CI, 42–60) in the Connor group, 7% (95% CI, 2–24) in the Atlanta group, and 5% (95% CI, 2–14) in the unclear group. Being a woman [OR (1.37, 95% CI, 1.06–1.77)] or having a soft pancreatic texture [OR (2.56, 95% CI, 1.70–3.86)] were risk factors of POAP after PD.

Conclusion

The results showed that POAP was common after PD, and its incidence varied widely according to different definitions. Large-scale reports are still needed, and surgeons should remain aware of this complication.

Systematic Review Registration

identifier: CRD42022375124.