Heterogeneity in outcome reporting impacts pancreatic surgery research

A systematic review of 156 studies on curative surgery for pancreatic adenocarcinoma reveals significant inconsistencies in outcome reporting. Researchers identified 2088 reported outcomes, resulting in 399 unique endpoints, with no single outcome universally reported. Alarmingly, 45% of these outcomes were undefined, indicating a lack of clarity. Most outcomes focused on adverse events and care delivery, leaving minimal emphasis on patient well-being post-surgery. This underscores the need for uniform definitions and a core outcome set to enhance future research.