Long-Term Assessment of Pancreatic Function After Pancreatectomy for Cystic Neoplasms

J Surg Res. 2020 Mar:247:547-555. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.09.045. Epub 2019 Nov 15.

Abstract

Background: With advances in cross-sectional imaging, pancreatic cysts are more frequently diagnosed and have become a common indication for pancreatectomy. The impact of pancreatectomy in these patients is important. The purpose of this study was to assess short-term outcomes, long-term nutritional status, quality of life (QOL), and pancreas function after pancreatectomy for cystic neoplasms.

Materials and methods: At a single institution, patients at least 3 y post-pancreatectomy for benign cystic neoplasms were identified. Using a validated questionnaire, short-term outcomes, long-term outcomes including endocrine and exocrine insufficiency, long-term nutritional status, and preoperative and postoperative QOL were compared based on operation and indication for resection.

Results: Among 102 eligible patients, 70 had valid contact information and 51 (72.9%) agreed to participate. Median follow-up was 6 (4-8) y. Patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy for benign cysts had higher morbidity than a similar cohort resected for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (patients with at least 1 ≥ grade 2 complication [49.0% versus 31.6%, P = 0.038]). After long-term follow-up, pancreatectomy did not significantly affect perceived QOL. Half of patients had mild-moderate or severe malnourishment, but pancreatic enzyme replacement was reported by only 4 (7.8%) patients. New-onset diabetes was present in 15 (29.4%) patients with median time-to-diagnosis of 6 (1-12) mo after resection.

Conclusions: Pancreatectomy for benign cysts did not negatively impact patients' perceived QOL. However, after long-term follow-up, malnutrition and pancreatic insufficiency occurred in a significant percentage and may be greater than previously estimated. Consideration of short- and long-term outcomes should factor into preoperative counseling, especially in cysts with minimal risk of progression to malignancy.

Keywords: Benign pancreatic cystic lesions; Exocrine and endocrine insufficiency; Long-term functional outcomes; Pancreatic resection; Quality of life.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutritional Status
  • Pancreatic Cyst / surgery*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Pancreaticoduodenectomy / adverse effects*
  • Patient Reported Outcome Measures
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life
  • Treatment Outcome