Shah KP, Baugh KA, Brubaker LS, Van Buren G, Villafane-Ferriol N, McElhany AL, Mohamed S, Silberfein EJ, Hsu C, Massarweh NN, Tran Cao HS, Mendez-Reyes JE, Fisher WE. Long-Term Assessment of Pancreatic Function After Pancreatectomy for Cystic Neoplasms. The Journal of surgical research. 2020 Mar 1; 247:547-555.

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Abstract: BACKGROUND: With advances in cross-sectional imaging, pancreatic cysts are more frequently diagnosed and have become a common indication for pancreatectomy. The impact of pancreatectomy in these patients is important. The purpose of this study was to assess short-term outcomes, long-term nutritional status, quality of life (QOL), and pancreas function after pancreatectomy for cystic neoplasms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At a single institution, patients at least 3 y post-pancreatectomy for benign cystic neoplasms were identified. Using a validated questionnaire, short-term outcomes, long-term outcomes including endocrine and exocrine insufficiency, long-term nutritional status, and preoperative and postoperative QOL were compared based on operation and indication for resection. RESULTS: Among 102 eligible patients, 70 had valid contact information and 51 (72.9%) agreed to participate. Median follow-up was 6 (4-8) y. Patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy for benign cysts had higher morbidity than a similar cohort resected for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (patients with at least 1  =  grade 2 complication [49.0% versus 31.6%, P  =  0.038]). After long-term follow-up, pancreatectomy did not significantly affect perceived QOL. Half of patients had mild-moderate or severe malnourishment, but pancreatic enzyme replacement was reported by only 4 (7.8%) patients. New-onset diabetes was present in 15 (29.4%) patients with median time-to-diagnosis of 6 (1-12) mo after resection. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatectomy for benign cysts did not negatively impact patients'' perceived QOL. However, after long-term follow-up, malnutrition and pancreatic insufficiency occurred in a significant percentage and may be greater than previously estimated. Consideration of short- and long-term outcomes should factor into preoperative counseling, especially in cysts with minimal risk of progression to malignancy.