BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between the degree of postoperative leukocytosis and major morbidity after elective distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (DPS). METHODS: Retrospective review of patients undergoing DPS for pancreatic diseases (2013-2016). Receiver operating characteristic curves, Youden's index, and area under the curve were used to identify ideal lab cut-off values and discriminatory ability of postoperative white blood cell count to detect complications. RESULTS: 158 patients underwent DPS. Median age was 57 years (range, 22-90) and 53% of patients were male. POD3 absolute WBC count ≥16 × 109/L or an increase in WBC count ≥9 × 109/L from preoperative baseline was associated with major morbidity after DPS (AUC 0.7 and 0.7, respectively). CONCLUSION: Postoperative day three leukocytosis ≥16 × 109/L or an increase in WBC of ≥9 × 109/L from preoperative baseline should raise clinical awareness for major postoperative complication after DPS.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between the degree of postoperative leukocytosis and major morbidity after elective distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (DPS). METHODS: Retrospective review of patients undergoing DPS for pancreatic diseases (2013-2016). Receiver operating characteristic curves, Youden's index, and area under the curve were used to identify ideal lab cut-off values and discriminatory ability of postoperative white blood cell count to detect complications. RESULTS: 158 patients underwent DPS. Median age was 57 years (range, 22-90) and 53% of patients were male. POD3 absolute WBC count ≥16 × 109/L or an increase in WBC count ≥9 × 109/L from preoperative baseline was associated with major morbidity after DPS (AUC 0.7 and 0.7, respectively). CONCLUSION: Postoperative day three leukocytosis ≥16 × 109/L or an increase in WBC of ≥9 × 109/L from preoperative baseline should raise clinical awareness for major postoperative complication after DPS.