Is Intraperitoneal Drainage Necessary Following Distal Pancreatectomy?

Pancreatic resections are commonly performed across the United States, yet still represent one of the most morbid abdominal operations in the country, with postoperative mortality as high as 7.7%. Distal pancreatectomy (DP) represents one of the most common approaches to pancreatic resection and is typically used for tumors of the pancreatic body or tail. This operation is known to have a high historic morbidity, with reports of overall morbidity between 12-52%. Common complications include intraabdominal abscess and surgical site infection. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) represents the most common complication following partial pancreatic resection, with rates reported with rates as high as 30% in multiple large retrospective studies. Multiple strategies to prevent postoperative pancreatic leak following distal pancreatectomy have been studied. One of the outstanding questions that remains is regarding the need for routine intraperitoneal drainage following DP, particularly since the advent of reinforced staple technology. This study aims to determine if intraperitoneal drainage is necessary following DP. This study will compare groups using a composite endpoint of complications.