High-risk abdominal surgery is frequently complicated by postoperative complications, such as sepsis, pneumonia or anastomotic dehiscence. Asymptomatic myocardial injury after abdominal surgery (MINS) predicts non-cardiac complications. The etiology of MINS in abdominal surgery patients is unknown. Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a physiologic mechanism that exposes tissues to brief periods of non-lethal ischemia and reperfusion, creating resistence for future serious ischemic insults. RIPC in patients after cardiac or aortic surgery is associated with a protective effect on the heart. The effect of RIPC in abdominal surgery patients is unknown.

Objective of the study: To determine the effect of RIPC on MINS in patients after pancreatic sugery.

Study design: Randomised controlled parallel group mono-center pilot study.

Study population: 90 adult patients scheduled for elective pancreaticoduodenectomy in St. Antonius Hospital (45 in the intervention group and 45 in the control group).

Intervention: RIPC: 3 periods of 5 minutes of ischemia followed by 5 minutes of reperfusion are created by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the upper extremity after induction of anesthesia and prior to surgery. In the control group a non-inflated blood pressure cuff is placed on the upper extremity for 30 minutes.

Primary study parameters/outcome of the study: Maximum postoperative concentration of high-sensitive cardiac troponin T.

Secondary study parameters/outcome of the study: Markers of inflammatory, intestinal and renal injury, postoperative complications during 30 days, length of stay and hospital mortality.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elective pancreaticoduodenectomy
• Age >18

Exclusion Criteria:

• No informed consent