Efficacy and hepatic complications of three endovascular treatment approaches for delayed postpancreatectomy hemorrhage: evolution over 15 years

Background: Delayed postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) is a fatal complication caused by arterial erosion. This study reports a single-center experience of managing delayed PPH with different endovascular treatment approaches.

Methods: We reviewed the data of patients who had delayed PPH due to hepatic artery or gastroduodenal artery stump perforation and underwent endovascular treatment between 2003 and 2018. We categorized endovascular treatment approaches involving hepatic artery sacrifice, superselective pseudoaneurysm embolization with hepatic artery preservation, and covered stent placement. Technical success rates, hemorrhage recurrence rates, major and minor hepatic complication rates, and 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were assessed.

Results: A total of 18 patients were reviewed; 11 (61%), 4 (22%), and 3 (17%) delayed PPH cases were managed through hepatic artery sacrifice, superselective pseudoaneurysm embolization, and hepatic artery stenting, respectively. Multidetector computed tomography was performed in 14 (78%) patients. The technical success rate was 100%. The overall hemorrhage recurrence rate was 39%, with superselective pseudoaneurysm embolization having a 100% hemorrhage recurrence rate-much higher than that of hepatic artery sacrifice or stent graft placement. The overall major and minor hepatic complication rates were 56% and 83%, respectively. The overall 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were 11% and 25%, respectively. The 30-day and 1-year mortality rates and minor and major hepatic complication rates were similar in each group.

Conclusion: Hepatic artery sacrifice is more effective than superselective pseudoaneurysm embolization in the management of delayed PPH. Covered stent placement may be a reasonable alternative treatment to hepatic artery sacrifice.