Daily triglyceride output volume as an early predictor for chyle leak following pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background/Aim: Useful prophylaxes of chyle leak (CL) after pancreatic surgery have not been established. The aim of the study was to identify an early clinical predictor for CL. Patients and Methods: Fifty-five patients who underwent subtotal stomach preserved pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSPPD) were included. Clinical factors associated with postoperative CL were evaluated. Results: Eleven patients (20%) developed a CL after SSPPD. Shorter operative time, absent pancreatic fistula, and triglyceride output volume at postoperative day (POD) two were independent risk factors for CL. The receiver operating characteristics curve of the daily triglyceride output volume at POD two indicated a cutoff point of 177 mg (AUC=0.782; p=0.004; 95% CI=0.639-0.925). CL was significantly associated with prolonged postoperative hospital stay in patients who did not develop a pancreatic fistula (p=0.003). Conclusion: Daily triglyceride output volume of >177 mg at POD two may be a predictor of CL following pancreaticoduodenectomy.