Efficacy of Pre-Operative Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Patients Undergoing Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Multi-Center Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Background: The most common complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) are infectious, despite the standard use of cefazolin and metronidazole prophylaxis. Pre-operative biliary drainage (PBD) is a well-known risk factor for infectious complications. The objective was to identify the pathogens in intra-operative bile cultures in patients undergoing PD-with and without PBD-to determine the optimal antimicrobial prophylaxis regimen.

Patients and methods: Patients who underwent PD between 2009 and 2016 were identified retrospectively in three major teaching hospitals in The Netherlands. Organisms isolated from intra-operative bile cultures were studied. If pathogen coverage by standard prophylaxis was incomplete, the most appropriate alternative regimen was determined.

Results: Of this large cohort of 352 patients, 56% underwent PBD and 44% did not. Positive bile cultures were found in 87.9% in the PBD group, compared with 31.8% in the non-PBD group. The micro-organisms isolated most commonly were Enterococcus, Streptococcus, and Klebsiella species. Cefazolin and metronidazole were appropriate in only 71% of patients. Adding gentamicin would provide complete coverage in 99% of PBD and 100% of non-PBD patients.

Conclusions: Our data confirm that PBD prior to PD leads to microbial colonization and antibiotic resistance. To potentially prevent infectious complications, gentamicin may be added to the standard antimicrobial prophylaxis.

Keywords: antibiotic prophylaxis; bile cultures; pancreaticoduodenectomy; post-operative infectious complications; pre-operative biliary drainage.