Eduard A van Bodegraven, Alberto Balduzzi, Tess M E van Ramshorst, Giuseppe Malleo, Frederique L Vissers, Jony van Hilst, Sebastiaan Festen, Mohammad Abu Hilal, Horacio J Asbun, Nynke Michiels, Bas Groot Koerkamp, Olivier R C Busch, Freek Daams, Misha D P Luyer, Marco Ramera, Giovanni Marchegiani, Joost M Klaase, I Quintus Molenaar, Matteo de Pastena, Gabriella Lionetto, Pier Giuseppe Vacca, Hjalmar C van Santvoort, Martijn W J Stommel, Daan J Lips, Mariëlle M E Coolsen, J Sven D Mieog, Roberto Salvia, Casper H J van Eijck, Marc G Besselink
BACKGROUND: Prophylactic passive abdominal drainage is standard practice after distal pancreatectomy. This approach aims to mitigate the consequences of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) but its added value, especially in patients at low risk of POPF, is currently being debated. We aimed to assess the non-inferiority of a no-drain policy in patients after distal pancreatectomy. METHODS: In this international, multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled, non-inferiority trial, we recruited patients aged 18 years or older undergoing open or minimally invasive elective distal pancreatectomy for all indications in 12 centres in the Netherlands and Italy...
March 15, 2024: Lancet. Gastroenterology & Hepatology