The Landmark Series: Mitigation of the Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula

Pancreatic fistula has been the defining complication and challenge of pancreatic surgery. Better awareness and mitigation of postoperative pancreatic fistulas has led to significant improvements in morbidity and mortality of pancreatic surgery. The definition and management of pancreatic fistulas has sequentially progressed over the last three decades; the literature ranges from retrospective, observational studies to prospective multicenter randomized controlled trials. The landmark literature contributions driving the perioperative management of pancreatic fistulas are detailed in this article.

Automated summary

Pancreatic fistula has been a major complication and challenge in pancreatic surgery, with advancements in understanding and mitigation leading to significant improvements in morbidity and mortality. Over the past three decades, the definition and management of pancreatic fistulas have progressed sequentially, with literature ranging from retrospective studies to prospective multicenter trials. Landmark literature contributions driving perioperative management of pancreatic fistulas are detailed in this article.