Previous upper abdominal surgery is a risk factor for nasogastric tube reinsertion after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background Pancreaticoduodenectomy without subsequent nasogastric tube management has not been widely adopted due to delayed gastric emptying, the specific and frequent morbidity associated with this surgical procedure. We assessed the feasibility of pancreaticoduodenectomy without use of nasogastric tubes and the risk factors for subsequent nasogastric tube reinsertion. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 465 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at a single institution between 2010 and 2019. Primary endpoint was the rate of nasogastric tube reinsertion. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors of nasogastric tube reinsertion and delayed gastric emptying. Results The rate of nasogastric tube reinsertion was 10.1% (47/465). The rate of delayed gastric emptying was 9.5% (44/465). Logistic regression analysis identified 4 independent risk factors for nasogastric tube reinsertion: male sex (odds ratio = 4.42; 95% confidence interval 1.50–13.0, P = .007), comorbidity of cardiac ischemia (odds ratio = 3.04; 95% confidence interval 1.05–8.79, P = .041), preoperative cholangitis or cholecystitis (odds ratio = 2.21; 95% confidence interval 1.02–4.76, P = .044), and previous upper abdominal surgery (odds ratio = 8.34; 95% confidence interval 3.07–22.7, P < .001). Independent risk factors for delayed gastric emptying were male sex (odds ratio = 3.20; 95% confidence interval 1.11–9.21, P = .031), comorbidity of cardiac ischemia (odds ratio = 3.81; 95% confidence interval 1.34–10.8, P = .012), concomitant organ resection (odds ratio = 3.99; 95% confidence interval 1.10–14.4, P = .035), and previous upper abdominal surgery (odds ratio = 7.21; 95% confidence interval 2.68–19.4, P < .001). Conclusion Pancreaticoduodenectomy without use of nasogastric tubes is feasible, but patients with previous upper abdominal surgery require careful postoperative nasogastric tube management.