Are reactive C protein and procalcitonin useful for early diagnosis of postoperative intraabdominal infection after pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer?

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between C reactive protein and procalcitonin levels and the appearance of post-operative intraabdominal infection, in patients with pancreaticoduodenectomy due to pancreatic cancer.

Method: A prospective observational study, including 35 patients, was made. Procalcitonin and C reactive protein were measured before surgery, as well as 24, 48 and 72 h after the surgical procedure.