Utility of drain fluid amylase measurement on the first postoperative day after distal pancreatectomy

Background: Early exclusion of a postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) may facilitate earlier drain removal in selected patients after distal pancreatectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of first postoperative day drain fluid amylase (DFA1) measurement to predict POPF. Methods: Patients in whom DFA1 was measured after distal pancreatectomy were identified from a prospectively maintained database over a five-year period. A cut-off value of DFA1 was derived using ROC analysis, which yielded sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100% for excluding POPF. Results: DFA1 was available in 53 of 138 (38%) patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy. 19 of 53 patients (36%) developed a pancreatic fistula (Grade A – 15, Grade B – 3, Grade C – 1). Median DFA1 was significantly higher in those who developed a pancreatic fistula (5473; range 613–28,450) compared those without (802; range 57–2350). p < 0.0001. Using ROC analysis, a DFA1 less than 600 excluded pancreatic fistula with a sensitivity of 100% (AUROC of 0.91; SE = 0.04, p < 0.001). Conclusion: First postoperative day drain fluid amylase measurement may have a role in excluding pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy. Such patients may be suitable for earlier drain removal.