The pancreatic surgery known as pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is one of the most difficult that exists. Although it is a very safe surgery today and the risk of death is low, postoperative complications are still very common. In fact, between 15 and 27 out of every 100 patients have to be readmitted to the hospital shortly after going home.
Why does this happen? The main causes are usually infections, problems digesting food, or leaks in the operated area. For a patient, being readmitted is a hard emotional blow, and for the hospital it represents a significant use of resources.
What is being done? At Dr. Balmis Hospital, a study is being carried out to better understand what influences these readmissions. By identifying factors such as nutrition or drain management, doctors can create personalized plans so that recovery is definitive and patients do not need to be hospitalized again.
