Impact of feeding strategy after pancreatoduodenectomy on delayed gastric emptying and hospital stay: nationwide study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Delayed gastric emptying is a major contributor to prolonged hospital stay following pancreatoduodenectomy. Although enhanced recovery after surgery guidelines recommend unrestricted feeding after pancreatoduodenectomy, nationwide studies evaluating the impact of different feeding strategies after surgery on delayed gastric emptying and length of hospital stay are limited. This study aimed to identify the use and impact of different feeding strategies after pancreatoduodenectomy on delayed gastric emptying and length of hospital stay. METHODS: This nationwide cohort study included consecutive patients after pancreatoduodenectomy from the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Audit (2021-2023). Primary endpoints were delayed gastric emptying grade B/C and length of hospital stay. Feeding strategies were categorized based on structured interviews with representatives from 15 centres. Multilevel analysis was used to assess associations between feeding strategy, delayed gastric emptying, and length of hospital stay. Predictors of delayed gastric emptying were determined. RESULTS: Overall, 2354 patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy were included, of whom 526 (23%) developed delayed gastric emptying grade B/C. Median length of hospital stay was 13 days longer in patients with delayed gastric emptying (23 versus 10 days; P < 0.001). Feeding strategies were: unrestricted feeding (3 centres, 637 patients; delayed gastric emptying 18%); step-up feeding (9 centres, 1462 patients; delayed gastric emptying 24%); and artificial feeding (3 centres, 255 patients; delayed gastric emptying 25%). No association was observed between feeding strategy and delayed gastric emptying: step-up versus unrestricted feeding (odds ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 0.53 to 2.47) and artificial versus unrestricted feeding (odds ratio 1.76, 0.65 to 4.73). Similarly, no association was found between feeding strategy and length of hospital stay. The strongest predictor of delayed gastric emptying was pancreatic fistula after surgery (odds ratio 3.16, 2.47 to 4.05). CONCLUSION: This study found no significant association between feeding strategy and incidence of delayed gastric emptying or length of hospital stay after pancreatoduodenectomy. Efforts to reduce delayed gastric emptying should focus on reducing pancreatic fistula after surgery.
Source: BJS Open
Authors: Tessa E Hendriks, Bo T M Strijbos, Michiel F G Francken, Mahsoem Ali, J Annelie Suurmeijer, Marcel G W Dijkgraaf, Jana S Hopstaken, Kees van Laarhoven, Quintus Molenaar, Vincent E de Meijer, Erwin van der Harst, Marcel den Dulk, Werner Draaisma, Vincent Nieuwenhuijs, Michael F Gerhards, Mike S L Liem, George van der Schelling, Eric Manusama, Ignace de Hingh, Hjalmar van Santvoort, Bas Groot Koerkamp, Olivier R Busch, Bert A Bonsing, Martijn W J Stommel, Marc G Besselink, J Haver, E Steenhagen
Institutions: Leiden University Medical Center, Dutch Institute for Clinical Auditing, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Cancer Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Radboud University Nijmegen, Radboud University Medical Center, Amsterdam Public Health, Utrecht University, University Medical Center Utrecht, St. Antonius Ziekenhuis, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Maasstad Ziekenhuis, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht University, Jeroen Bosch Ziekenhuis, Isala, OLVG, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Amphia Ziekenhuis, Medisch Centrum Leeuwarden, Catharina Ziekenhuis, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,881
OpenAlex ID: W4411299333