This Nationwide stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial is designed to evaluate if the implementation of a best practice algorithm for postoperative care results in a decrease in incidence of major complications and death after pancreatic resection as compared to current practice.

Rationale

Pancreatic resection is a major abdominal operation with 50% chance of postoperative complications. A feared complication is severe pancreatic fistula, in which there is leakage of enzyme rich fluid into the abdominal cavity. Adequate complication management appears to be the most important factor in improving outcomes of patients undergoing pancreatic resection.

Objective

To investigate whether implementation of a best practice algorithm for postoperative care focusing on early detection and step-up management of postoperative pancreatic fistula results in a lower rate of major complications and death after pancreatic resection as compared to current practice

Study design

A nationwide stepped-wedge, cluster randomized, superiority trial. In this design all participating centers cross over from current practice to best practice according to the algorithm, but are randomized to determine the exact order. At the end of the trial, all centers will have implemented the best practice algorithm.

Study population

All centers performing pancreatic surgery in the Netherlands (i.e. the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group).

Intervention

Cluster level education on postoperative care according to a best practice algorithm, focusing on early detection and step-up management of postoperative pancreatic fistula. This algorithm is based on findings in Dutch observational cohort studies, systematic literature analyses, an inventory in current protocols on postoperative care and expert opinion. The proposed algorithm is validated in a multicenter cohort and consensus upon this algorithm is reached with pancreatic surgeons from all centers of the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group. The final algorithm was reviewed critically by the advisory committee of internationally respected experts in the field of pancreatology before implementation in this trial.

Comparison

Postoperative care according to current practice.

Endpoints

The primary outcome was measured in all patients undergoing pancreatic resection and is a composite of major complications (i.e. postpancreatectomy bleeding, new-onset organ failure and death). Secondary endpoints include the individual components of the primary endpoint and other clinical outcomes, number of patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, healthcare resource utilization and costs analysis. Follow-up will be 90 days after pancreatic resection.

Inclusion Criteria for Clusters:

• All Dutch centers performing pancreatic surgery (i.e. performing at least 20 pancreatoduodenectomies a year)

Exclusion Criteria for Clusters:

• None

Inclusion Criteria for Patients:

• Patients underoging pancreatic resection for any indication

Exclusion Criteria for Patients:

• None (i.e. complete enumeration)

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are/will be available upon request from Hjalmar van Santvoort (h.van.santvoort@antoniusziekenhuis.nl)

Upon request

Upon request