Abdominal contamination with Candida albicans after pancreaticoduodenectomy is related to hemorrhage associated with pancreatic fistulas.

Background/objectives: Pancreatic fistulas are one of the most frequent morbidities after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Several reports have suggested a relationship between bacterial infections and postoperative pancreatic fistulas, although details of the mechanisms involved in hemorrhage in association with the fistulas have not been elucidated. This study retrospectively examined the relationship between positive drainage culture and hemorrhage associated with pancreatic fistulas after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Methods: From January 2012 to December 2015, 142 consecutive patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at our institution. We retrospectively reviewed the patients' demographic data, perioperative laboratory data, and drainage culture results.

Results: Twenty-four (17%) patients had clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas, whereas thirty-four (24%) patients experienced positive drainage culture. Multivariable analysis revealed that positive drainage culture was independently associated with clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas (odds ratio, 18.1; 95% confidence interval, 5.5-72.2; P < 0.001). Additionally, the prevalence of Candida albicans in the lavage of eight patients significantly correlated with hemorrhage associated with pancreatic fistulas (odds ratio, 43.5; 95% confidence interval, 6.2-513.3; P < 0.001). Seventy-five percent (6/8) of these patients suffered potentially lethal hemorrhagic complications and needed intervention.

Conclusions: A positive abdominal drainage culture is associated with the development of pancreatic fistulas. Moreover, the presence of Candida albicans in drainage fluid may be a risk factor for hemorrhagic complications.