Postoperative Intensive Care Management and Early Postoperative Outcomes Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Aim: Postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) care after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is essential for managing perioperative complications. This study evaluated ICU outcomes, mortality, reoperation, and major postoperative complications following PD.Material and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients undergoing PD between January 1, 2015, and August 1, 2025, who required postoperative ICU admission. Postoperative ICU admission was reserved for selected high-risk patients based on perioperative clinical assessment. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, need for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), length of ICU stay, reoperation rates, major postoperative complications, and mortality were analyzed.Results: A total of 80 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria among the 179 who underwent PD. The cohort had a median age of 65 years, with males constituting the majority of the population (53,66.2%). Common comorbidities included hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and almost all patients were categorized as ASA physical status III. Preoperative epidural catheterization was performed in 22 patients (27%). Reoperation was required in 3 patients (3.8%), CRRT was required in 3 patients (3.8%), and 8 patients (10%) required ICU readmission, while ICU mortality occurred in 7 patients (8.8%).Conclusion: Due to its complexity, PD is frequently linked to notable morbidity and mortality rates and typically requires close postoperative monitoring in the ICU. This descriptive analysis provides insight into postoperative ICU outcomes following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Early recognition of clinical deterioration during postoperative ICU monitoring may facilitate timely intervention and potentially improve clinical outcomes.