Progress in the relationship between postoperative pancreatic fistula and abdominal infection

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is one of the main life-threatening complications after pancreatectomy, with an incidence of 3% to 45%. Despite there were significant advances in pancreatic surgery in recent decades and continued decreasing mortality, the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula still remains high. Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreatic surgery is often accompanied by abdominal infection. Studies have shown that abdominal infection is not only related to postoperative pancreatic fistula, but also it’s an important factor which may induce and aggravate the development of postoperative pancreatic fistula. The exact correlation between POPF and abdominal infection is not clear. The goal of this review is to discuss the current research progress on the relationship between postoperative pancreatic fistula and abdominal infection. Key words: Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Postoperative pancreatic fistula; Infection