Background/aims: Central pancreatectomy is a pancreas-sparing alternative to standard pancreatic resections in selected cases. Although associated with high morbidity, the risk factors for surgical complications of this procedure are not yet defined.
Methodology: The clinicopathological and perioperative data of 24 patients who underwent central pancreatectomies (2002-2010) were correlated with surgical complications.
Results: The overall morbidity rate was 54% (pancreatic fistula, 40%). In a univariate analysis, age over 40 years, body mass index ≥30kg/m2, smoking and American Society of Anesthesiologists III scores were significantly correlated with increased morbidity. In a multivariate analysis, a significant correlation with the development of complications was found for body mass index ≥30kg/m2 and age over 40 years.
Conclusions: Certain patient-related factors (older age, obesity and smoking) appear to have a negative impact on early postoperative outcome after central pancreatectomy. For patients with these factors, an alternative distal pancreatectomy should be considered. Central pancreatectomy should be tailored not only to the pathology but also to the patient profile.