Topically applied 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond) for prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

OBJECTIVE: We examined whether 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond) topically applied to the pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) anastomotic site after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) reduces the rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF).

METHODS: Patients who underwent PD with duct-to-mucosa PJ were evaluated (n = 124). Outcome was compared between patients who received Dermabond (n = 75) after PD and historic patients who did not (n = 49). Risk factors for POPF were identified.

RESULTS: Overall and clinically relevant rates of POPF were significantly lower in patients who received Dermabond than in patients who did not (2.6 % and 1.3 % vs. 22 % and 12 %, respectively; p = 0.001). In univariate analysis, pancreatic duct diameter ≤3 mm, low serum albumin level, and no Dermabond were independent risk factors for POPF; in multivariate analysis, no Dermabond was an independent risk factor for POPF. In patients with pancreatic duct diameter ≤3 mm, the rate of POPF was significantly lower in patients who received Dermabond than in patients who did not (3.5 % versus 36 %, respectively; p = 0.0001). Patients who received Dermabond had significantly shorter hospital stays and lower re-operation and re-admission rates.

CONCLUSIONS: Topical application of Dermabond to the PJ anastomotic site after PD significantly reduced the rate of POPF, particularly in patients at risk.