Distal Fistula Risk Score: Preoperative Tool for Predicting Pancreatic Fistula in Distal Pancreatectomy

Researchers conducted a nationwide retrospective Dutch cohort study to validate the preoperative and intraoperative Distal Fistula Risk Score (D-FRS) for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) prediction in distal pancreatectomy (DP) patients. The study included 896 patients, of which 152 (17%) developed POPF. The preoperative D-FRS, based on pancreatic neck thickness and pancreatic duct diameter, had an acceptable predictive capacity (AUROC 0.73). The intraoperative D-FRS, including additional variables, showed slightly lower predictive capacity (AUROC 0.69). The findings suggest that the preoperative D-FRS could aid in improving preventative strategies, such as drain management.