What Factors Contribute to Delayed Gastric Emptying After Duodenopancreatectomy With Piloric Preservation?

Abstract

Background: The delay in gastric emptying is the second most frequent complication after duodenopancreatectomy with pyloric preservation, that increases hospitalization time and hospital costs. Aim: To identify factors that contribute to the appearance the delay in this surgical procedure. Method: Ninety-five patients were submitted to duodenopancreatectomy with pyloric preservation. After retrospective analysis of the medical records, it was observed that 60 had prolonged hospitalization due to complications. Thus, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze predictors of delayed gastric emptying. Results: Delay was present in 65% (n=39) and pancreatic fistula in 38.3% (n=23). Univariate analysis revealed that the presence of pancreatic complications (pancreatic fistula, p=0.01), other intracavitary complications with the appearance of abdominal collections (p=0.03) and hypoalbuminemia (p=0.06) were responsible, also confirmed by the multivariate analysis. In those who presented delay without a determined cause, it was observed that high levels of total bilirubin (p=0.01) and direct bilirubin (p=0.01) could be related to it. Conclusion: The delay in gastric emptying in patients undergoing duodenopancreatectomy with pyloric preservation is due to intracavitary complications.