Objective: Defining robust and standardized outcome references for distal pancreatectomy (DP) by using Benchmark analysis. Background: Outcomes after DP are recorded in medium or small-sized studies without standardized analysis. Therefore, the best results remain uncertain. Methods: This multicenter study included all patients undergoing DP for resectable benign or malignant tumors in 21 French expert centers in pancreas surgery from 2014 to 2018. A low-risk cohort defined by no significant comorbidities was analyzed to establish 18 outcome benchmarks for DP. These values were tested in high risk, minimally invasive and benign tumor cohorts. Results: A total of 1188 patients were identified and 749 low-risk patients were screened to establish Benchmark cut-offs. Therefore, Benchmark rate for mini-invasive approach was ≥36.8%. Benchmark cut-offs for postoperative mortality, major morbidity grade ≥3a and clinically significant pancreatic fistula rates were 0%, ≤27%, and ≤28%, respectively. The benchmark rate for readmission was ≤16%. For patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, cut-offs were ≥75%, ≥69.5%, and ≥66% for free resection margins (R0), 1-year disease-free survival and 3-year overall survival, respectively. The rate of mini-invasive approach in high-risk cohort was lower than the Benchmark cut-off (34.1% vs ≥36.8%). All Benchmark cut-offs were respected for benign tumor group. The proportion of benchmark cases was correlated to outcomes of DP. Centers with a majority of low-risk patients had worse results than those operating complex cases. Conclusion: This large-scale study is the first benchmark analysis of DP outcomes and provides robust and standardized data. This may allow for comparisons between surgeons, centers, studies, and surgical techniques.

Objective The centralization of complex surgical procedures is associated with better postoperative outcomes. However, little is known about the impact of hospital volume on the outcome after distal pancreatectomy. Methods Using the French national hospital discharge database, we identified all patients having undergone distal pancreatectomy in France between 2012 and 2015. A spline model was applied to determine the caseload cut-off in annual distal pancreatectomy that influenced 90-day postoperative mortality. Results A total of 3314 patients were identified. Use of a spline model did not reveal a cut-off in the annual distal pancreatectomy caseload. By taking the median number of distal pancreatectomy (n = 5) and the third quartile (n = 15), we stratified centers into low, intermediate, and high hospital volume groups. The overall postoperative mortality rate was 3.0% and did not differ significantly between these groups. In a multivariable analysis, age, Charlson comorbidity score, septic complications, hemorrhage, shock, and reoperation were independently associated with a greater overall risk of death. However, hospital volume had no impact on mortality after distal pancreatectomy (odds ratio, 0.954; 95% confidence interval, 0.552–1.651, P = 0.867). Conclusions Hospital volume does not seem to influence mortality after distal pancreatectomy in France, and centralization may not necessarily improve outcomes.

Background By inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria and modulating the local intestinal immune system, probiotics may reduce bacterial translocation and systemic endotoxaemia, factors partially responsible for post‐operative complications following liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis. Methods Patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma developed in the setting of chronic liver disease were prospectively divided into two equal‐sized groups: one receiving probiotic treatment 14 days prior to surgery and the other receiving placebo. The primary endpoint was the level of circulating endotoxins after hepatectomy. Secondary endpoints were systemic inflammation (inflammatory cytokine levels), post‐operative liver function and overall post‐operative complication rate. Results From May 2013 to December 2018, 64 patients were randomized, and 54 patients were included in the analysis, 27 in each arm. No significant change in endotoxin levels was observed over time in either group (P = 0.299). No difference between the groups in terms of post‐operative liver function and overall complication rates was observed. The only differences observed were significant increases in the levels of TNFalpha (P = 0.019) and interleukin 1‐b (P = 0.028) in the probiotic group in the post‐operative period. Conclusion Contrary to the modest data reported in the literature, the administration of probiotics before minor liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma developed in the setting of compensated chronic liver disease does not seem to have an impact on circulating endotoxin levels or post‐operative complication rates. Trial registration Trial registration: NCT02021253.

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