The clinical role of critical pathway implementation for pancreaticoduodenectomy in 179 patients

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: In June 2004, a critical pathway for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) was introduced. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical value of critical pathway implementation. METHODS: 256 consecutive patients who underwent PD between 2000 and 2010 were divided into 4 groups by date of operation as follows; group A (n = 77), the pre-pathway group; group B (n = 51), the CP implementation group who were managed according to departmental guidelines; group C (n = 78), the group who had no stenting in the reconstruction of PD; and group D (n = 50), the group who had reinforcement of the pancreaticojejunostomy. The success rates of clinical outcomes and post-operative morbidity were compared between each group, year by year and every 50 patients. RESULTS: The success rates of clinical outcomes, including the timings of nasogastric tube removal, discontinuation of prophylactic anti-microbial agent, drain removal, starting oral intake, and patient discharge, were significantly improved in group B relative to group A, and in group C relative to group B. There were no significant differences in mortality and morbidity between any of the groups. All clinical outcomes reached a plateau at 2-3 years or 100-150 patients' operations after critical pathway implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term use of a critical pathway is associated with improved clinical outcomes. A certain period of time or volume of patients is needed for this improvement in clinical outcomes to reach a plateau, which indicates achieving standardization of peri-operative management.