Acute pancreatitis with local complications after cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy

Abstract

Background: The incidence of acute pancreatitis immediately after cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy is up to 55% and is associated with the development of pancreatic fistula.
Objective: The aim of this study is to report three cases of acute pancreatitis after pancreaticoduodenectomy with local complications with a review of the literature.
Material and methods: The information about pancreatic resections was retrieved from a prospective database. Patients with diagnosis acute pancreatitis with local lesions immediately after pancreaticoduodenectomy were identified. Pancreatic fistula was defined according to the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) Definition and pancreatitis was defined as serum amylase or lipase >3x upper limit of normal associated with abdominal pain or imaging criteria.
Results: A total of 260 pancreaticoduodenectomies were performed between 2008 and 2019. Three patients developed postoperative acute pancreatitis with local complications.
Conclusions: Postoperative acute pancreatitis is a common complication that solves spontaneously in most cases.