Editorial Open Access
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2015. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Mar 21, 2015; 21(11): 3166-3169
Published online Mar 21, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i11.3166
Perioperative management of distal pancreatectomy
Yasuhiro Fujino, Department of Surgery, Hyogo Cancer Center, Akashi 673-8558, Japan
Author contributions: Fujino Y solely contributed to this paper.
Conflict-of-interest: The author declares no conflicts of interest.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Correspondence to: Yasuhiro Fujino, MD, PhD, Department of Surgery, Hyogo Cancer Center, 13-70 Kitaoji-cho, Akashi 673-8558, Japan. yasu120@hp.pref.hyogo.jp
Telephone: +81-78-9291151 Fax: +81-78-9292380
Received: November 25, 2014
Peer-review started: November 26, 2014
First decision: December 26, 2014
Revised: January 19, 2015
Accepted: February 5, 2015
Article in press: February 5, 2015
Published online: March 21, 2015

Abstract

Recent advances in surgical techniques and perioperative management have markedly reduced operative morbidity after distal pancreatectomy (DP). However, some questions remain regarding the protocol for the perioperative management of DP, in particular, with regard to the development of pancreatic fistula (PF). A review of DP was therefore conducted in order to standardize the management of patients for a favorable outcome. Overall, operative technique and perioperative management emerged as two critical factors contributing to favorable outcome in DP patients. As for the operative method, surgical and closure techniques exhibited differences in outcome. Laparoscopic DP generally yields more favorable perioperative outcomes compared to open DP, and is applicable for benign tumors and some ductal carcinomas of the pancreas. Robotic DP is also available for safe pancreatic surgery. En bloc celiac axis resection offers a high R0 resection rate and potentially allows for some local control in the case of advanced pancreatic cancer. Following resection, staple closure was not found to reduce the rate of PF when compared to hand-sewn closure. In addition, ultrasonic dissection devices, fibrin glue sealing, and staple closure with mesh reinforcement were shown to significantly reduce PF, although there was some bias in these studies. In perioperative management, both preoperative and postoperative treatment affected outcome. First, preoperative endoscopic pancreatic stenting may be an effective prophylactic measure against fistula development following DP in selected patients. Second, in postoperative management, a multifactorial approach including prophylactic antibiotics improved high surgical site infection rates following complex hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery. Furthermore, although conflicting results have been reported, somatostatin analogues should be administered selectively to patients considered to have a high risk for PF. Finally, careful drain management also facilitates a favorable outcome in patients with PF after DP. The results of the review indicate that laparoscopic DP coupled with perioperative management influences outcome in DP patients.

Key Words: Distal pancreatectomy, Pancreatic fistula, Perioperative management

Core tip: Perioperative management of distal pancreatectomy has been reviewed in order to standardize management for a favorable outcome in these patients.



INTRODUCTION

Distal pancreatectomy (DP) is generally performed on patients with benign and malignant neoplasms of the distal pancreas and chronic pancreatitis. Recent advances in surgical techniques and perioperative management have markedly reduced the rates of operative morbidity and mortality after DP[1,2]. However, pancreatic fistula (PF) still remains a major cause of morbidity[3]. The overall incidence of PF in patients undergoing DP is as high as 10%-30%[1,2]. In addition, PF is associated with additional complications such as intra-abdominal abscess or hemorrhage, and leads to a prolonged hospital stay[2]. Some factors have been reported to predispose patients to the development of PF, including the surgical technique, a soft or normal pancreas, pancreatic thickness, age, obesity, and extended lymphadenectomy[1-6]. A review of published results for DP in PubMed Central from January 1998 to October 2014 was conducted using the following terms: “distal pancreatectomy”, “pancreas”, and “randomized study”. Twenty-one articles and the references therein were reviewed. Favorable outcome associated with laparoscopic DP along with clear parameters for perioperative management are discussed.

OPERATIVE METHOD
Resection of the pancreas, closure of the remnant pancreas, and other techniques

Conventional resection of the pancreas was performed with scissors or electric scissors, bleeding points were ligated, and the main pancreatic duct was ligated. The remnant pancreas was closed with hand-sewn sutures[1,2]. In this approach, ligation of the main pancreatic duct was found to be important in preventing PF[7].

Recently, more varied techniques and surgical devices have been introduced into pancreatic surgery for both resection and closure. Resection of the pancreas has been performed with ultrasonic dissection devices[8], saline-coupled bipolar electrocautery[9], and a vessel-sealing system[10]. Ultrasonic dissection devices in particular are easily available and also significantly reduce the occurrence of PF in DP[8]. Seromuscular patches[11], fibrin glue sealing[12], the application of surface-active meshes, and combinations of these techniques[13] were used for closure of the pancreas. Seromuscular patch closure of the pancreatic remnant has been described using either an isolated Roux-n-Y loop[11] or gastric serosa[14]. Hassenpflug et al[15] reported that coverage of the pancreatic remnant after DP decreased the occurrence of clinically relevant PF. Suzuki et al[12] reported that sealing with fibrin glue also prevented PF. In addition, PF was reduced when the remnant pancreas was tightly patched and sutured vertically with the hepatic ligament[16,17] or an absorbable fibrin sealant patch[18].

Stapling devices can be used at the same time to resect the pancreas[19]. This technique is applied mainly in laparoscopic DP[20]. However, a randomized trial demonstrated that staple closure did not reduce the occurrence of PF compared to hand-sewn closure[21]. Oláh et al[22] also reported that closure with a stapler in combination with a seromuscular patch from the jejunum did not reduce the occurrence of PF compared to the use of a stapler alone.

In a systematic review[23], ultrasonic dissection devices[8], fibrin glue sealing[12], and staple closure with mesh reinforcement[24] were shown to significantly reduce the occurrence of PF, although there was some bias in these studies.

Open vs laparoscopic and robotic surgeries

Laparoscopic techniques have been recently applied to hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery[25], so there are many studies reporting on the use of laparoscopic DP. Laparoscopic DP is used for resection of benign tumors and some ductal carcinomas of the pancreas[25]. Systematic reviews have demonstrated that laparoscopic DP leads to significantly more favorable perioperative outcomes[20,25]. Robotic DP is also available and safe for pancreatic surgery, but the influence of the technique on overall survival of oncology patients is still unknown[26].

Extended surgery

DP was performed with various extents of lymphadenectomy based on the disease and stage of cancer. Although tumors invading the celiac axis had been considered unresectable, Hirano et al[27] advocated DP with en bloc celiac axis resection. This strategy offers a high R0 resection rate and potentially allows for some local control of advanced pancreatic cancer. Although this method is associated with a high frequency of complications, Okada et al[28] demonstrated that preservation of the left gastric artery in DP with en bloc celiac axis resection reduced postoperative morbidity.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT
Prophylactic antibiotics

In general, a prophylactic, intravenous, broad-spectrum antibiotic (cefotiam or cefazolin sodium) was started intraoperatively. Once an infective complication was diagnosed, an appropriate sensitive antibiotic agent was selected and administered[17]. A recent study by Ceppa et al[29] reported that a multifactorial approach improved high surgical site infection rates following complex hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery.

Somatostatin analogues

Somatostatin analogues inhibit pancreatic exocrine secretion, but various groups reported conflicting results for their use in perioperative management of patients undergoing DP. In some studies, perioperative treatment with these compounds was shown to decrease the rate of clinically significant postoperative PF, leak, or abscess[30]. In contrast, other studies failed to demonstrate a benefit in the perioperative use of somatostatin analogues in patients undergoing DP[31,32]. Therefore, the use of somatostatin analogues should be administered selectively to patients considered to have a high risk for PF.

Drain management

Abdominal drains were positioned on the left sub-diaphragm and stump of the remnant pancreas. The drain of the left sub-diaphragm was usually removed on postoperative days 2-3, and the drain of the stump of the remnant pancreas was usually removed within six postoperative days based on clinical symptoms (no sign of infection) and the values of drain amylase and lipase (less than three times the serum amylase and lipase activity)[1,17].

Kawai et al[33] also showed that early removal of drains was a critical factor in the reduction of morbidity following pancreaticoduodenectomy. These results support the view that drains are not mandatory and that, if placed, should be removed as soon as possible after DP. Thus, careful drain management also facilitates a favorable outcome in patients with PF after DP[34].

Stent management

Prophylactic transpapillary pancreatic stenting has been proposed as a strategy to prevent PF. However, this technique does not reduce PF when standardized resection of the body and tail of the pancreas is performed[35]. However, Abe et al[36] reported that preoperative endoscopic pancreatic stenting might be an effective prophylactic measure against fistula development following DP in select patients.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative management is important for an early favorable outcome in patients undergoing DP. Laparoscopic DP facilitates favorable results.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author is grateful to Dr. Yoshikazu Kuroda for his advice.

Footnotes

P- Reviewer: Cecka F, Limongelli P, Michalopoulos N S- Editor: Qi Y L- Editor: A E- Editor: Liu XM

References
1.  Lillemoe KD, Kaushal S, Cameron JL, Sohn TA, Pitt HA, Yeo CJ. Distal pancreatectomy: indications and outcomes in 235 patients. Ann Surg. 1999;229:693-698; discussion 698-700.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 428]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 432]  [Article Influence: 17.3]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
2.  Kleeff J, Diener MK, Z’graggen K, Hinz U, Wagner M, Bachmann J, Zehetner J, Müller MW, Friess H, Büchler MW. Distal pancreatectomy: risk factors for surgical failure in 302 consecutive cases. Ann Surg. 2007;245:573-582.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 308]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 322]  [Article Influence: 18.9]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
3.  Goh BK, Tan YM, Chung YF, Cheow PC, Ong HS, Chan WH, Chow PK, Soo KC, Wong WK, Ooi LL. Critical appraisal of 232 consecutive distal pancreatectomies with emphasis on risk factors, outcome, and management of the postoperative pancreatic fistula: a 21-year experience at a single institution. Arch Surg. 2008;143:956-965.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 196]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 219]  [Article Influence: 13.7]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
4.  Balcom JH, Rattner DW, Warshaw AL, Chang Y, Fernandez-del Castillo C. Ten-year experience with 733 pancreatic resections: changing indications, older patients, and decreasing length of hospitalization. Arch Surg. 2001;136:391-398.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 578]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 614]  [Article Influence: 26.7]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
5.  Yoshioka R, Saiura A, Koga R, Seki M, Kishi Y, Morimura R, Yamamoto J, Yamaguchi T. Risk factors for clinical pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy: analysis of consecutive 100 patients. World J Surg. 2010;34:121-125.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 75]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 80]  [Article Influence: 5.7]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
6.  Okano K, Oshima M, Kakinoki K, Yamamoto N, Akamoto S, Yachida S, Hagiike M, Kamada H, Masaki T, Suzuki Y. Pancreatic thickness as a predictive factor for postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy using an endopath stapler. Surg Today. 2013;43:141-147.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 41]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 45]  [Article Influence: 3.8]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
7.  Bilimoria MM, Cormier JN, Mun Y, Lee JE, Evans DB, Pisters PW. Pancreatic leak after left pancreatectomy is reduced following main pancreatic duct ligation. Br J Surg. 2003;90:190-196.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 171]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 182]  [Article Influence: 8.7]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
8.  Suzuki Y, Fujino Y, Tanioka Y, Hori Y, Ueda T, Takeyama Y, Tominaga M, Ku Y, Yamamoto YM, Kuroda Y. Randomized clinical trial of ultrasonic dissector or conventional division in distal pancreatectomy for non-fibrotic pancreas. Br J Surg. 1999;86:608-611.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 116]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 120]  [Article Influence: 4.8]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
9.  Makino I, Kitagawa H, Nakagawara H, Tajima H, Ninomiya I, Fushida S, Fujimura T, Ohta T. Management of remnant pancreatic stump fto prevent the development of postoperative pancreatic fistulas after distal pancreatectomy: current evidence and our strategy. Surg Today. 2013;43:595-602.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 16]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 14]  [Article Influence: 1.2]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
10.  Chamberlain RS, Korvick D, Mootoo M, Story S, Dubiel B, Sharpnack D. Can harmonic focus curved shear effectively seal the pancreatic ducts and prevent pancreatic leak? Feasibility evaluation and testing in ex vivo and in vivo porcine models. J Surg Res. 2009;157:279-283.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 8]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 9]  [Article Influence: 0.6]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
11.  Moriura S, Kimura A, Ikeda S, Iwatsuka Y, Ikezawa T, Naiki K. Closure of the distal pancreatic stump with a seromuscular flap. Surg Today. 1995;25:992-994.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 33]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 32]  [Article Influence: 1.1]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
12.  Suzuki Y, Kuroda Y, Morita A, Fujino Y, Tanioka Y, Kawamura T, Saitoh Y. Fibrin glue sealing for the prevention of pancreatic fistulas following distal pancreatectomy. Arch Surg. 1995;130:952-955.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 134]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 138]  [Article Influence: 4.8]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
13.  Thaker RI, Matthews BD, Linehan DC, Strasberg SM, Eagon JC, Hawkins WG. Absorbable mesh reinforcement of a stapled pancreatic transection line reduces the leak rate with distal pancreatectomy. J Gastrointest Surg. 2007;11:59-65.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 71]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 75]  [Article Influence: 4.4]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
14.  Kluger Y, Alfici R, Abbley B, Soffer D, Aladgem D. Gastric serosal patch in distal pancreatectomy for injury: a neglected technique. Injury. 1997;28:127-129.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 21]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 21]  [Article Influence: 0.8]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
15.  Hassenpflug M, Hartwig W, Strobel O, Hinz U, Hackert T, Fritz S, Büchler MW, Werner J. Decrease in clinically relevant pancreatic fistula by coverage of the pancreatic remnant after distal pancreatectomy. Surgery. 2012;152:S164-S171.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 47]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 42]  [Article Influence: 3.5]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
16.  Iannitti DA, Coburn NG, Somberg J, Ryder BA, Monchik J, Cioffi WG. Use of the round ligament of the liver to decrease pancreatic fistulas: a novel technique. J Am Coll Surg. 2006;203:857-864.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 65]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 63]  [Article Influence: 3.5]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
17.  Fujino Y, Sendo H, Oshikiri T, Sugimoto T, Tominaga M. A novel surgical technique to prevent pancreatic fistula in distal pancreatectomy using a patch of the falciform ligament. Surg Today. 2015;45:44-49.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 5]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 5]  [Article Influence: 0.5]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
18.  Montorsi M, Zerbi A, Bassi C, Capussotti L, Coppola R, Sacchi M. Efficacy of an absorbable fibrin sealant patch (TachoSil) after distal pancreatectomy: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. Ann Surg. 2012;256:853-859; discussion 859-860.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 100]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 100]  [Article Influence: 9.1]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
19.  Kajiyama Y, Tsurumaru M, Udagawa H, Tsutsumi K, Kinoshita Y, Akiyama H. Quick and simple distal pancreatectomy using the GIA stapler: report of 35 cases. Br J Surg. 1996;83:1711.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]
20.  Venkat R, Edil BH, Schulick RD, Lidor AO, Makary MA, Wolfgang CL. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is associated with significantly less overall morbidity compared to the open technique: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Surg. 2012;255:1048-1059.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 374]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 366]  [Article Influence: 30.5]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
21.  Diener MK, Seiler CM, Rossion I, Kleeff J, Glanemann M, Butturini G, Tomazic A, Bruns CJ, Busch OR, Farkas S. Efficacy of stapler versus hand-sewn closure after distal pancreatectomy (DISPACT): a randomised, controlled multicentre trial. Lancet. 2011;377:1514-1522.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 413]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 377]  [Article Influence: 29.0]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
22.  Oláh A, Issekutz A, Belágyi T, Hajdú N, Romics L. Randomized clinical trial of techniques for closure of the pancreatic remnant following distal pancreatectomy. Br J Surg. 2009;96:602-607.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 70]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 76]  [Article Influence: 5.1]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
23.  Cečka F, Jon B, Subrt Z, Ferko A. Surgical technique in distal pancreatectomy: a systematic review of randomized trials. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:482906.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 14]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 15]  [Article Influence: 1.5]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
24.  Hamilton NA, Porembka MR, Johnston FM, Gao F, Strasberg SM, Linehan DC, Hawkins WG. Mesh reinforcement of pancreatic transection decreases incidence of pancreatic occlusion failure for left pancreatectomy: a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Ann Surg. 2012;255:1037-1042.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 91]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 92]  [Article Influence: 7.7]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
25.  Nakamura M, Nakashima H. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and pancreatoduodenectomy: is it worthwhile? A meta-analysis of laparoscopic pancreatectomy. J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Sci. 2013;20:421-428.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 111]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 123]  [Article Influence: 11.2]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
26.  Parisi A, Coratti F, Cirocchi R, Grassi V, Desiderio J, Farinacci F, Ricci F, Adamenko O, Economou AI, Cacurri A. Robotic distal pancreatectomy with or without preservation of spleen: a technical note. World J Surg Oncol. 2014;12:295.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 13]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 15]  [Article Influence: 1.5]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
27.  Hirano S, Kondo S, Hara T, Ambo Y, Tanaka E, Shichinohe T, Suzuki O, Hazama K. Distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer: long-term results. Ann Surg. 2007;246:46-51.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 255]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 233]  [Article Influence: 13.7]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
28.  Okada K, Kawai M, Tani M, Hirono S, Miyazawa M, Shimizu A, Kitahata Y, Yamaue H. Preservation of the left gastric artery on the basis of anatomical features in patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis en-bloc resection (DP-CAR). World J Surg. 2014;38:2980-2985.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 49]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 45]  [Article Influence: 5.0]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
29.  Ceppa EP, Pitt HA, House MG, Kilbane EM, Nakeeb A, Schmidt CM, Zyromski NJ, Lillemoe KD. Reducing surgical site infections in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. HPB (Oxford). 2013;15:384-391.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 64]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 55]  [Article Influence: 5.0]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
30.  Allen PJ, Gönen M, Brennan MF, Bucknor AA, Robinson LM, Pappas MM, Carlucci KE, D’Angelica MI, DeMatteo RP, Kingham TP. Pasireotide for postoperative pancreatic fistula. N Engl J Med. 2014;370:2014-2022.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 283]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 252]  [Article Influence: 25.2]  [Reference Citation Analysis (1)]
31.  Ramos-De la Medina A, Sarr MG. Somatostatin analogues in the prevention of pancreas-related complications after pancreatic resection. J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg. 2006;13:190-193.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]
32.  Sarr MG. The potent somatostatin analogue vapreotide does not decrease pancreas-specific complications after elective pancreatectomy: a prospective, multicenter, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Am Coll Surg. 2003;196:556-564; discussion 564-565; author reply 565.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]
33.  Kawai M, Tani M, Terasawa H, Ina S, Hirono S, Nishioka R, Miyazawa M, Uchiyama K, Yamaue H. Early removal of prophylactic drains reduces the risk of intra-abdominal infections in patients with pancreatic head resection: prospective study for 104 consecutive patients. Ann Surg. 2006;244:1-7.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 343]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 362]  [Article Influence: 20.1]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
34.  Balzano G, Zerbi A, Cristallo M, Di Carlo V. The unsolved problem of fistula after left pancreatectomy: the benefit of cautious drain management. J Gastrointest Surg. 2005;9:837-842.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]
35.  Frozanpor F, Lundell L, Segersvärd R, Arnelo U. The effect of prophylactic transpapillary pancreatic stent insertion on clinically significant leak rate following distal pancreatectomy: results of a prospective controlled clinical trial. Ann Surg. 2012;255:1032-1036.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 70]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 72]  [Article Influence: 6.0]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
36.  Abe N, Sugiyama M, Suzuki Y, Yamaguchi Y, Yanagida O, Masaki T, Mori T, Atomi Y. Preoperative endoscopic pancreatic stenting for prophylaxis of pancreatic fistula development after distal pancreatectomy. Am J Surg. 2006;191:198-200.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]