Risk factors and prevention of pancreatic fistula after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Abstract

Following laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG), one of the critical complications that can arise is a pancreatic fistula (PF). The inability to promptly prevent, diagnose, and manage this condition can lead to severe complications and potentially be life-threatening for the patient. The incidence of PF post-LG in gastric cancer treatment is related to factors such as surgical approach, surgical instruments, characteristics of the pancreas itself, tumor stage, and the surgeon’s experience. Currently, the diagnosis of postoperative PF is mainly based on the definition and diagnostic criteria consensus established by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery. Gastrointestinal surgeons should be aware of the risk factors for PF, perform LG for gastric cancer with great care and precision, avoid pancreatic injury, and actively work to reduce the risk of postoperative PF.

Keywords: Gastric cancer; Laparoscopic surgery; Pancreatic fistula; Risk factors; Prevention

Core Tip: Pancreatic fistula after laparoscopic gastrectomy can lead to serious complications and even endanger the patient’s life. Therefore, it is of great significance to detail the risk factors connected to the onset of postoperative pancreatic fistula and to actively prevent it in order to accelerate postoperative recovery of patients and promote clinical work.