Postoperative pancreatic fistula: an international study group (ISGPF) definition.
BACKGROUND
Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is still regarded as a major complication. The incidence of POPF varies greatly in different reports, depending on the definition applied at each surgical center. Our aim was to agree upon an objective and internationally accepted definition to allow comparison of different surgical experiences.


METHODS
An international panel of pancreatic surgeons, working in well-known, high-volume centers, reviewed the literature on the topic and worked together to develop a simple, objective, reliable, and easy-to-apply definition of POPF, graded primarily on clinical impact.


RESULTS
A POPF represents a failure of healing/sealing of a pancreatic-enteric anastomosis or a parenchymal leak not directly related to an anastomosis. An all-inclusive definition is a drain output of any measurable volume of fluid on or after postoperative day 3 with an amylase content greater than 3 times the serum amylase activity. Three different grades of POPF (grades A, B, C) are defined according to the clinical impact on the patient's hospital course.


CONCLUSIONS
The present definition and clinical grading of POPF should allow realistic comparisons of surgical experiences in the future when new techniques, new operations, or new pharmacologic agents that may impact surgical treatment of pancreatic disorders are addressed.
Bassi
Claudio
C
Surgical and Gastroenterological Department, Hospital G.B. Rossi, University of Verona, Italy. claudio.bassi@univr.it
Dervenis
Christos
C
Butturini
Giovanni
G
Fingerhut
Abe
A
Yeo
Charles
C
Izbicki
Jakob
J
Neoptolemos
John
J
Sarr
Michael
M
Traverso
William
W
Buchler
Marcus
M
D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D010185:Pancreatic Fistula / Q000473:pathology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000473:pathology*; D009626:Terminology as Topic