Work

Real-world management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms – findings from a nationwide survey

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: A nationwide survey, covering all surgical departments, was conducted in a country with easily accessible tax-funded healthcare. The survey aimed to provide insight into 'real-world' intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (IPMN) surveillance, including the proportion of patients monitored, adherence to guidelines and details of follow-up. METHODS: = 46), an upper-gastrointestinal surgeon received a survey by mail with clinically oriented questions, including a mix of Likert scale, multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Up to three reminders were sent. RESULTS: Forty-five hospitals responded. In median 116 (10-1500) patients with IPMN were followed at each hospital. At the hospital with the largest volume 14 physicians were involved in IPMN surveillance. In 9/45 hospitals, other professionals, such as registered nurses and secretaries, were actively involved in surveillance. All hospitals were aware of the national care program for IPMN, and all but three adhered to it. Nevertheless, uncertainty persisted about whether resources are being used wisely in branch duct (BD)-IPMN surveillance (yes/no/unsure; university hospital 2/4/0, county hospital 0/20/3 and district hospital 3/7/1). Comorbidity, older age, patient's own decision, and a combination of age and stable radiological findings were reasons for ending surveillance. Twenty-eight of 45 responders believed that surveillance will be changed in 5 years and almost all, 42/45 in 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to the national care program for IPMN was very good, although a majority questioned the current follow-up of BD-IPMN from a resource perspective. There is a strong belief that new knowledge will change the guidelines in the near future.

Source: Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology

DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2026.2642822