Does moderate celiac axis stenosis identified on preoperative multidetector computed tomographic angiography predict an increased risk of complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy for malignant pancreatic tumors?

OBJECTIVES

To identify any association between celiac artery compromise found on computed tomographic angiography and the incidence of postoperative and perioperative complications.

METHODS

The computed tomographic angiograms of 36 patients who underwent the Whipple procedure for pancreatic adenocarcinoma were examined retrospectively. The association between the results and surgical course was investigated.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (33%) had significant postoperative complications. Ten (28%) had evidence of celiac artery stenosis. Stenosis ranged from 20% to 60%. There was no evidence of a difference between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

There seems to be no evidence of an increased risk of postoperative or perioperative complication in patients undergoing the Whipple procedure, with a celiac stenosis of up to 60%.