The location of perianastomotic fluid collection predicts postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Purpose: Perianastomotic fluid collection (PFC) is one of the postoperative complications of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, no studies have investigated the clinical significance of PFC location and volume during the early postoperative period. This study aimed to assess the association between PFC during the early postoperative period and postoperative complications.Methods: Medical records of 148 patients who had undergone PD and computed tomography (CT) on postoperative day 4 were retrospectively reviewed. The location-superior, inferior, ventral, dorsal, or splenic hilum-and PFC index, which is the estimated volume of fluid collection, were determined using CT. The associations between postoperative complication and the presence of PFC, and PFC index according to the location, were assessed.Results: The PFC group included 102 patients (69%). Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and organ/space surgical site infection (SSI) were more frequent in the PFC group (42% vs 9%, p < 0.001 and 29% vs 11%, p = 0.020, respectively). Additionally, the PFC index was larger in patients who developed POPF, organ/space SSI, or pseudoaneurysm (81 cm3 vs 19 cm3, p < 0.001; 75 cm3 vs 30 cm3, p = 0.001; and 185 cm3 vs 31 cm3, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, superior and ventral PFCs were associated with pseudoaneurysm (11% vs 0%, p = 0.006 and 14% vs 1%, p = 0.002, respectively), whereas inferior and dorsal PFCs were associated with deep incisional SSI (9% vs 0%, p = 0.027 and 8% vs 1%, p = 0.034, respectively).Conclusion: The PFC location during the early postoperative period is associated with postoperative complications. Our findings may help determine the optimal location of prophylactic drains