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Background: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are premalignant cystic neoplasms of the pancreas (CNPs), which can progress to invasive IPMN and pancreatic cancer. The available literature has shown controversial results regarding prognosis and clinical outcomes after the resection of invasive IPMN., Aims: This study aims to characterize the oncologic outcomes and metastatic progression pattern after the resection of non-metastatic invasive IPMN., Methods: Data were obtained from 24 clinical cancer registries participating in the German Cancer Registry Group of the Society of German Tumor Centers (ADT). Patients with invasive IPMN ( n = 217) as well as PDAC ( n = 5794) between 2000 and 2021 were included and compared regarding oncological outcomes., Results: Invasive IPMN was significantly smaller in size ( p < 0.001) and of a lower tumor grade ( p < 0.001), with fewer lymph node metastases ( p < 0.001), lymphangiosis ( p < 0.001), and consequently a higher R0 resection rate (88 vs. 74%) compared to PDAC. Moreover, invasive IPMN was associated with fewer local (11 vs. 15%) and distant recurrences (29 vs. 46%) and metastasized more frequently in the lungs only (26% vs. 14%). Invasive IPMN was associated with a longer median OS (29 vs. 19 months) and DFS (31 vs. 15 months) compared to PDAC and stayed independently prognostic in multivariable analyses. These survival differences were most pronounced in early tumor stages. Interestingly, postoperative chemotherapy was not associated with improved overall survival in surgically resected invasive IPMN., Conclusions: Invasive IPMN is a rare pancreatic entity with increasing incidence in Germany. It is associated with favorable histopathological features at the time of resection and longer OS and DFS compared to PDAC, particularly before the locoregional spread has occurred. Invasive IPMNs are associated with lung-only metastasis. The benefit of postoperative chemotherapy after the resection of invasive IPMN remains uncertain.

Background: Lymphoceles are amongst the most common complications following kidney transplantation. Therefore, effective strategies to prevent their development are needed. The ligation of lymphatic vessels has proven to be a successful concept for that purpose. However, whether electrocauterization or suture ligation is more effective is unclear. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis using a random effects model with the log risk ratio as the primary outcome measure. Additionally, an analysis using a random effects model with the raw mean difference in lymphatic sealing time between suture ligation and electrocauterization was performed. Adequate studies were found in a literature search conducted in PubMed, CENTRAL and Web of Science as well as from independent sources. Results: A total of 8 studies including 601 patients were included in the analysis. The estimated average log risk ratio based on the random effects model was µ = -0.374 (95% CI: -0.949 to 0.201), which did not differ significantly from zero (z = -1.28, p = 0.2). The lymphatic sealing time was 7.28 (95% CI:1.25-13.3) minutes shorter in the electrocauterization group. Conclusions: We conclude that neither technique is superior for the purpose of lymphocele prevention post kidney transplantation, and secondary criteria like time savings, cost and surgeons' preference should be considered in the decision for an optimal outcome.

Objective: The available literature regarding outcome after pancreatic resection in locally advanced non-functional pNEN (LA-pNEN) is sparse. Therefore, this study evaluates the current survival outcomes and prognostic factors in after resection of LA-pNEN., Materials and Methods: This population-based analysis was derived from 17 German cancer registries from 2000 to 2019. Patients with upfront resected non-functional non-metastatic LA-pNEN were included., Results: Out of 2776 patients with pNEN, 277 met the inclusion criteria. 137 (45%) of the patients were female. The median age was 63 ± 18 years. Lymph node metastasis was present in 45%. G1, G2 and G3 pNEN were found in 39%, 47% and 14% of the patients, respectively. Resection of LA-pNEN resulted in favorable 3-, 5- and 10-year overall survival of 79%, 74%, and 47%. Positive resection margin was the only potentially modifiable independent prognostic factor for overall survival (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.71-3.69, p value = 0.046), whereas tumor grade G3 (HR 5.26, 95% CI 2.09-13.25, p value < 0.001) and lymphangiosis (HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.20-4.59, p value = 0.012) were the only independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival., Conclusion: Resection of LA-pNEN is feasible and associated with favorable overall survival. G1 LA-pNEN with negative resection margins and absence of lymph node metastasis and lymphangiosis might be considered as cured, while those not fulfilling these criteria might be considered as a high-risk group for disease progression. Herein, negative resection margins represent the only potentially modifiable prognostic factor in LA-pNEN but seem to be influenced by tumor grade., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: Adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas (ASCP) is a rare malignancy and its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Sparse clinical data suggest that clinical outcome and overall survival is worse in comparison to common pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods: We evaluated clinical outcome and prognostic factors for overall survival of patients with ASCP in comparison to patients with PDAC recorded between 2000 and 2019 in 17 population-based clinical cancer registries at certified cancer centers within the Association of German Tumor Centers (ADT). Results: We identified 278 (0.5%) patients with ASCP in the entire cohort of 52,518 patients with pancreatic cancer. Significantly, more patients underwent surgical resection in the cohort of ASCP patients in comparison to patients with PDAC (p < 0.001). In the cohort of 142 surgically resected patients with ASCP, the majority of patients was treated by pancreatoduodenectomy (44.4%). However, compared to the cohort of PDAC patients, significantly more patients underwent distal pancreatectomy (p < 0.001), suggesting that a significantly higher proportion of ASCP tumors was located in the pancreatic body/tail. ASCPs were significantly more often poorly differentiated (G3) (p < 0.001) and blood vessel invasion (V1) was detected more frequently (p = 0.01) in comparison with PDAC. Median overall survival was 6.13 months (95% CI 5.20−7.06) for ASCP and 8.10 months (95% CI 7.93−8.22) for PDAC patients, respectively (p = 0.094). However, when comparing only those patients who underwent surgical resection, overall survival of ASCP patients was significantly shorter (11.80; 95% CI 8.20−15.40 months) compared to PDAC patients (16.17; 95% CI 15.78−16.55 months) (p = 0.007). ASCP was a highly significant prognostic factor for overall survival in univariable regression analysis (p = 0.007) as well as in multivariable Cox regression analysis (HR 1.303; 95% CI 1.013−1.677; p = 0.039). Conclusions: In conclusion, ASCP showed poorer differentiation and higher frequency of blood vessel invasion indicative of a more aggressive tumor biology. ASCP was a significant prognostic factor for overall survival in a multivariable analysis. Overall survival of resected ASCP patients was significantly shorter compared to resected PDAC patients. However, surgical resection still improved survival significantly.

(1) Background: The aim of this study is to assess perioperative therapy in stage IA-III pancreatic cancer cross-validating the German Cancer Registry Group of the Society of German Tumor Centers-Network for Care, Quality, and Research in Oncology, Berlin (GCRG/ADT) and the National Cancer Database (NCDB). (2) Methods: Patients with clinical stage IA-III PDAC undergoing surgery alone (OP), neoadjuvant therapy (TX) + surgery (neo + OP), surgery+adjuvantTX (OP + adj) and neoadjuvantTX + surgery + adjuvantTX (neo + OP + adj) were identified. Baseline characteristics, histopathological parameters, and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. (3) Results: 1392 patients from the GCRG/ADT and 29,081 patients from the NCDB were included. Patient selection and strategies of perioperative therapy remained consistent across the registries for stage IA-III pancreatic cancer. Combined neo + OP + adj was associated with prolonged OS as compared to neo + OP alone (17.8 m vs. 21.3 m, p = 0.012) across all stages in the GCRG/ADT registry. Similarly, OS with neo + OP + adj was improved as compared to neo + OP in the NCDB registry (26.4 m vs. 35.4 m, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusion: The cross-validation study demonstrated similar concepts and patient selection criteria of perioperative therapy across clinical stages of PDAC. Neoadjuvant therapy combined with adjuvant therapy is associated with improved overall survival as compared to either therapy alone.

Background/aim: The impact of venous resections and reconstruction techniques on morbidity after surgery for pancreatic cancer (PDAC) remains controversial., Patients and Methods: A total of 143 patients receiving pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for PDAC between 2013 and 2018 were identified from a prospective database. Morbidity and mortality after PD with tangential resection versus end-to-end reconstruction were assessed., Results: Fifty-two of 143 (36.4%) patients underwent PD with portal venous resection (PVR), which was associated with longer operation times [398 (standard error (SE) 12.01) vs. 306 (SE 13.09) min, p<0.001]. PVR was associated with longer intensive-care-unit stay (6.3 vs. 3.8 days, p=0.054); morbidity (Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) grade IIIa-V 45.8% vs. 35.8%, p=0.279) and 30-day mortality (4.1% vs. 4.2%, p>0.99) were not different. Tangential venous resection was associated with similar CDC grade IIIa-IV (42.9% vs. 50.0%, p=0.781) and 30-day mortality rates (3.5% vs. 4.1%, p=0.538) as segmental resection and end-to-end venous reconstruction., Conclusion: Both tangential and segmental PVR appear feasible and can be safely performed to achieve negative resection margins., (Copyright © 2021 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The aim of this study was to define histo-morphological stroma characteristics by analyzing stromal components, and to evaluate their impact on local and systemic tumor spread and overall survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)., Methods and Materials: Patients who underwent oncologic resections with curative intent for PDAC were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Histological specimens were re-evaluated for morphological stroma features as stromal fibers, fibroblast morphology, stroma matrix density, microvessel density and distribution of immune cell populations., Results: A total of 108 patients were identified undergoing curative resection for PDAC in the period from 2011-2016. 33 (30.6%) patients showed parallel alignment of stroma fibers while 75 (69.4%) had randomly oriented stroma fibers. As compared to parallel alignment, random orientation of stroma fibers was associated with larger tumor size (median 3.62 cm vs. median 2.87cm, p = 0.037), nodal positive disease (76.0% vs. 54.5%, p = 0.040), higher margin positive resection rates (41.9% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.008) and a trend for higher rates of T3/4 tumors (33.3% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.064). In univariate analysis, patients with parallel alignment of stroma fibers had improved overall survival rates as compared to patients with random orientation of stroma fibers (42 months vs. 22 months, p = 0.046). The combination of random orientation of stroma fibers and low microvessel density was associated with impaired overall survival rates (16 months vs. 36 months, p = 0.019). A high CD4/CD3 ratio (16 months vs. 33 months, p = 0.040) and high stromal density of CD163 positive cells were associated with reduced overall survival (27 months vs. 34 months, p = 0.039). In multivariable analysis, the combination of random orientation of stroma fibers and low microvessel density (HR 1.592, 95%CI 1.098-2.733, p = 0.029), high CD4/CD3 ratio (HR 2.044, 95%CI 1.203-3.508, p = 0.028) and high density of CD163 positive cells (HR 1.596, 95%CI 1.367-1.968, p = 0.036) remained independent prognostic factors., Conclusion: Alignment of stroma fibers and microvessel density are simple histomorphological features serving as surrogate markers of local tumor progression dissemination and surgical resectability and determine prognosis in PDAC patients. High CD4/CD3 ratio and CD163 positive cell counts determine poor prognosis., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background: Borderline resectability in pancreatic cancer (PDAC) is currently debated. Methods: Patients undergoing pancreatic resections for PDAC were identified from a prospectively maintained database. As new borderline criteria, the presence of any superior mesenterico-portal vein alteration (SMPV) and perivascular stranding of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was evaluated in preoperative imaging. The accuracy of established radiological borderline criteria as compared to the new borderline criteria in predicting R status (sensitivity/negative predictive value) and overall survival was assessed. (3) Results: 118 patients undergoing pancreatic resections for PDAC from 2013 to 2018 were identified. Forty-three (36.4%) had radiological perivascular SMA stranding and 55 (46.6%) had SMPV alterations. Interrater reliability was 90% for SMA stranding and 87% for SMPV alterations. The new borderline definition including SMPV alterations and perivascular SMA stranding was the best predictor of conventional R status ( p = 0.040, sensitivity 53%, negative predictive value 81%) and Leeds/Wittekind circumferential margin status ( p = 0.050, sensitivity 73%, negative predictive value 79%) as compared to established borderline resectability definition criteria. Perivascular SMA stranding qualified as an independent negative prognostic parameter (HR 3.066, 95% CI 1.078-5.716, p = 0.036). Conclusion : The radiological evaluation of any SMPV alteration and perivascular SMA stranding predicts R status and overall survival in PDAC patients, and may serve to identify potential candidates for neoadjuvant therapy.

Background: Distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC) is a rare malignancy and validated prognostic markers remain scarce. We aimed to evaluate the role of serum CA19-9 as a potential biomarker in DCC., Methods: Patients operated for DCC at 6 high-volume surgical centers from 1994 to 2015 were identified from prospectively maintained databases. Patient baseline characteristics, surgical and histopathological parameters, as well as overall survival after resection were assessed for correlation with preoperative bilirubin-adjusted serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9). Preoperative CA19-9 to bilirubin ratio (CA19-9/BR) was classified as elevated (≥ 25 U/ml/mg/dl) according to the upper serum normal values of CA19-9 (37 U/ml) and bilirubin (1.5 mg/dl) giving a cut-off at ≥ 25 U/ml/mg/dl., Results: In total 179 patients underwent resection for DCC during the study period. High preoperative CA19-9/BR was associated with advanced age and regional lymph node metastases. Median overall survival after resection was 27 months. Elevated preoperative serum CA19-9/bilirubin ratio (HR 1.6, p = 0.025), T3/4 stage (HR 1.8, p = 0.022), distant metastasis (HR 2.5, p = 0.007), tumor grade (HR 1.9, p = 0.001) and R status (HR 1.7, p = 0.023) were identified as independent negative prognostic factors following multivariable analysis., Conclusion: Elevated preoperative bilirubin-adjusted serum CA19-9 correlates with regional lymph node metastases and constitutes a negative independent prognostic factor after resection of DCC., (Copyright © 2019 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Pancreatoduodenectomy is the most common operative procedure performed for distal bile duct carcinoma. Data on outcome after surgery for this rare malignancy is scarce, especially from western countries. The purpose of this study is to explore the prognostic factors and outcome after pancreatoduodenectomy for distal bile duct carcinoma., Methods: Patients receiving pancreatoduodenectomy for distal bile duct carcinoma were identified from institutional databases of five German and one Russian academic centers for pancreatic surgery. Univariable and multivariable general linear model, Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox regression were used to identify prognostic factors for postoperative mortality and overall survival., Results: N = 228 patients operated from 1994 to 2015 were included. Reoperation (OR 5.38, 95%CI 1.51-19.22, p = 0.010), grade B/C postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (OR 3.73, 95%CI 1.13-12.35, p = 0.031), grade B/C postoperative pancreatic fistula (OR 4.29, 95%CI 1.25-14.72, p = 0.038), and advanced age (OR 4.00, 95%CI 1.12-14.03, p = 0.033) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in multivariable analysis. Median survival was 29 months, 5-year survival 27%. Positive resection margin (HR 2.07, 95%CI 1.29-3.33, p = 0.003), high tumor grade (HR 1.71, 95%CI 1.13-2.58, p = 0.010), lymph node (HR 1.68, 95%CI 1.13-2.51, p = 0.011), and distant metastases (HR 2.70, 95%CI 1.21-5.58, p = 0.014), as well as severe non-fatal postoperative complications (HR 1.64, 95%CI 1.04-2.58, p = 0.033) were independent negative prognostic factors for survival in multivariable analysis., Conclusion: Distant metastases and positive resection margin are the strongest negative prognostic factors for survival after pancreatoduodenectomy for distal bile duct carcinoma; thus, surgery with curative intent is only warranted in patients with local disease, where R0 resection is feasible.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess intraoperative, postoperative, and oncologic outcome in patients undergoing laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) versus open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) for benign and malignant lesions of the pancreas., Methods: Data from patients undergoing distal pancreatic resection were extracted from the StuDoQ|Pancreas registry of the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery. After propensity score case matching, groups of LDP and ODP were compared regarding demography, comorbidities, operative details, histopathology, and perioperative outcome., Results: At the time of data extraction, the StuDoQ|Pancreas registry included over 3000 pancreatic resections from over 50 surgical departments in Germany. Data from 353 patients undergoing ODP (n = 254) or LDP (n = 99) from September 2013 to February 2016 at 29 institutions were included in the analysis. Baseline data showed a strong selection bias in LDP patients, which disappeared after 1:1 propensity score matching. A comparison of the matched groups disclosed a significantly longer operation time, higher rate of spleen preservation, more grade A pancreatic fistula, shorter hospital stay, and increased readmissions for LDP. In the small group of patients operated for pancreatic cancer, a lower lymph node yield with a lower lymph node ratio was apparent in LDP., Conclusions: LDP needed more time but potential advantages include increased spleen preservation and shorter hospital stay, as well as a trend for less transfusion, ventilation, and mortality. LDP for pancreatic cancer was performed rarely and will need critical evaluation in the future. Data from a prospective randomized registry trial is needed to confirm these results.

Background: Mesenterico-portal vein resection (PVR) during pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic head cancer was established in the 1990s and can be considered a routine procedure in specialized centers today. True histopathologic portal vein invasion is predictive of poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between mesenterico-portal venous tumor infiltration (PVI) and features of aggressive tumor biology., Methods: Patients receiving PVR for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Immunohistochemical staining of tumor tissue was performed for the markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) E-Cadherin, Vimentin and beta-Catenin. Morphology of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) was assessed as inactive or activated. Statistical calculations were performed with MedCalc software., Results: In total, 41 patients could be included. Median overall survival was 25 months. PVI was found in 17 patients (41%) and was significantly associated with loss of membranous E-Cadherin in tumor buds (p = 0.020), increased Vimentin expression (p = 0.03), activated CAF morphology (p = 0.046) and margin positive resection (p = 0.005)., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that PVI is associated with aggressive tumor biology and disseminated growth less amenable to margin-negative resection., (Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Purpose: Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) with superior mesenteric/portal venous resection (PVR) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is performed routinely in case of tumor adhesion to the superior mesenteric or portal vein. True histopathological portal vein invasion (PVI) is found in a subgroup of patients. Even though this procedure has become routine in most centers for pancreatic surgery, data on prognostic factors in this situation is limited. The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors after PD with PVR for PDAC., Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on the basis of a prospectively maintained database, and paraffin-embedded formalin-fixed tissue slides stained for hematoxylin-eosin were re-evaluated by two independent pathologists. Statistical analysis was conducted using MedCalc software., Results: From 2001 to 2012, 86 cases of PD with PVR for PDAC with long-term follow-up and sufficient tissue for re-assessment were identified. Histopathological re-review disclosed PVI in 39 resection specimens and adhesion without infiltration in 47. Overall median survival in all patients was 22 months. Patients with PVI versus no PVI showed comparable baseline demographic and standard histopathological parameters; however, PVI was associated with microscopic hemangiosis (p = 0.001) and positive margin status (p = 0.001). Median survival in patients with PVI was 14 months versus 25 months in patients without PVI (p = 0.042). Only lymph node ratio and PVI were independent predictors of survival after resection., Conclusion: The only independent factors influencing overall survival after PD with PVR for PDAC were lymph node ratio and PVI. PVI might indicate aggressive tumor biology, but the available data remains controversial.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a strong fibrotic stromal reaction and diffuse growth pattern. Peritumoral fibrosis is often evident during surgery but only distinguishable from tumor by microscopic examination. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of clearance of fibrotic stromal reaction at the mesopancreatic resection margin as a criterion for radical resection and preoperative assessment of resectability.Mesopancreatic stromal clearance status (S-status) was defined as the presence or absence (S+/S0) of fibrotic stromal reaction at the mesopancreatic resection margin. Detailed retrospective clinicopathologic re-evaluation of margin status and preoperative cross-sectional imaging was performed in a cohort of 91 patients operated for pancreatic head PDAC from 2001 to 2011.Conventional margin positive resection (R+, tumor cells directly at the margin) was found in 36%. However, S-status further divided the margin negative (R0) group into patients with median survival of 14 months versus 31 months (S+ versus S0, P = 0.005). Overall rate of S+ was 53%. S-status and lymph node ratio constituted the only independent predictors of survival. Stranding of the superior mesenteric artery fat sheath was the only independent radiologic predictor of S+ resection, and achieved a 71% correct prediction of S-status.Mesopancreatic stromal clearance is a major determinant of curative resection in PDAC, and preoperative prediction by cross-sectional imaging is possible, setting the basis for a new definition of borderline resectability., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Objective: Acute dislocations of the glenohumeral joint are common in wilderness activities. Emergent reduction should take place at the site of trauma to reduce the patient's pain and the risk of vascular and neurological complications. A limited number of reduction methods are applicable in remote areas. The aim of this study is to present our method of reduction of anterior shoulder luxation that is easily applicable in remote areas without medication, adjuncts, and assistants and is well tolerated by patients., Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted during a 5-year period. The patients included underwent closed manual reduction with our technique. After each reduction, the physician who performed the reduction completed a standardized detailed history, and reexamined the patient (for acute complications). The patients were contacted 6 months after the trauma to investigate long-term postreduction complications., Results: Reduction was achieved with our method in 39 (100.0%) of 39 patients. The mean pain felt during our reduction procedure was rated 1.7 ± 1.4 (on a scale of 10) using the visual analog scale scoring system. No complications were noted before or after the reduction attempts. We did not find any long-term complications., Conclusions: The reduction method presented in the present study is an effective method for the reduction of acute shoulder luxations in remote places. Our data suggest that this method could be applied for safe and effective reduction of shoulder dislocation., (Copyright © 2015 Wilderness Medical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Minimal-access video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) has now become a widespread technique in the treatment of benign thyroid disease. No studies systematically investigate risk factors for postoperative complications. The aim of our study was to investigate possible risk factors for postoperative complications in MIVAT in patients with benign disease., Methods: One-hundred eighty-nine patients who underwent MIVAT for benign disease were retrospectively identified in a prospectively-maintained institutional register of thyroid surgery. Exclusion criteria were: (1) thyroid volume>45 mL; (2) malignant disease; (3) prior neck surgery; (4) prior neck irradiation; (5) nodule size>3 cm; (6) intrathoracic component; (7) follow-up<1 year. Age, sex, comorbidities, body mass index, existence of symptoms, duration of disease evolution, thyroid volume, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, and the duration of surgery were analyzed as risk factors for complications. We applied both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses in order to identify risk factors associated with postoperative complications., Results: Complications were presented by 28 patients (14.8%). The variables associated as independent risk factors with these complications were hyperthyroidism (OR = 4.31; P = 0.003) and thyroiditis (OR = 3.59; P = 0.035). Age, sex and thyroid volume up to 45 mL do not seem to be independent risk factors., Conclusions: In endocrine surgery units, two independent risk factors for postoperative complications could be identified in MIVAT patients: hyperthyroidism and thyroiditis. Surgeons operating on patients presenting these factors should be aware of the potential augmented risk in order to correctly adapt intraoperative and postoperative care., (Copyright © 2014 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is regarded as the most serious complication of pancreatic surgery. The preoperative risk stratification of patients by simple means is of interest in perioperative clinical management., Methods: Based on prospective data, we performed a risk factor analysis for POPF after pancreatoduodenectomy in 62 patients operated between 2006 and 2008 with special focus on clinical parameters that might serve to predict POPF. A predictive score was developed and validated in an independent second dataset of 279 patients operated between 2001 and 2010., Results: Several pre- and intraoperative factors, as well as underlying pathology, showed significant univariate correlation with rate of POPF. Multivariate analysis (binary logistic regression) disclosed soft pancreatic texture (odds ratio [OR] 10.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.80-62.20) and history of weight loss (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04-0.66) to be the only independent preoperative clinical factors influencing POPF rate. The subjective assessment of pancreatic hardness by the surgeon correlated highly with objective assessment of pancreatic fibrosis by the pathologist (r = -0.68, P < 0.001, two-tailed Spearman's rank correlation). A simple risk score based on preoperatively available clinical parameters was able to stratify patients correctly into three risk groups and was independently validated., Conclusions: Preoperative stratification of patients regarding risk for POPF by simple clinical parameters is feasible. Pancreatic texture, as evaluated intraoperatively by the surgeon, is the strongest single predictive factor of POPF. The findings of the study may have important implications for perioperative risk assessment and patient care, as well as for the choice of anastomotic techniques.