Risk factors for perforated marginal ulcers following pancreaticoduodenectomy and prospective analysis of marginal ulcer development.

BACKGROUND

Perforated marginal ulcers (PMUs) are a feared long-term complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), which always require relaparotomy compared to marginal ulcers.

METHODS

First, we performed a retrospective chart review for all patients who underwent PD from 2007-2016 to identify incidence and risk factors associated with PMUs. Second, we analyzed follow up gastroscopies in all patients undergoing PD from 2007-2011 to identify the overall incidence of marginal ulcers.

RESULTS

A total of 725 patients underwent PD in the retrospective study period. 17 patients (2.3%) suffered from PMU at a median postoperative time of 13 months. These patients were significantly younger (median age: 49 vs. 62 years; P=0.02) and suffered most often from chronic pancreatitis (P<0.001). Smoking and alcohol consumption were significantly more common (P=0.01 and P=0.023). An elevated level of carcinoembryonic antigen and chronic pancreatitis were identified as independent risk factors. Overall, 373 patients were enrolled for prospective analysis. Marginal ulcers occurred in 5-5.9% over a postoperative period of 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous treatment with proton-pump inhibitors for at least 5 years, immediate smoking cessation and follow-up gastroscopies are obligate for patients undergoing PD to avoid marginal ulcers and PMUs.