Counting the cost: financial implications of complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background: Morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has been reported to be about 30–53%. These complications can double hospital costs. We sought to explore the financial implications of complications after PD in a large institutional database. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing PD from 2010-2017 was performed. Costs for index hospitalization were divided into categories: operating room, postoperative ward, radiology and interventional radiology. Complications were categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Univariable and mutivariable analysis were performed. Results: Median cost of index admission for 997 patients who underwent PD was $23,704 (range $10,988–$528,531). Patients with major complications incurred significantly greater median costs compared to those without ($40,005 vs $21,306, p < 0.001). Patients with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) grade A, B and C had progressively increasing costs ($32,164, $50,264 and $102,013, p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis ileus/delayed gastric emptying, respiratory failure, clinically significant POPF, thromboembolic complications, reoperation, duration of surgery >240 minutes and male sex were associated with significantly increased costs. Conclusion: Complications after PD significantly increase hospital costs. This study identifies the major contributors towards increased cost post-PD. Initiatives that focus on prevention of complications could reduce associated costs and ease financial burden on patients and healthcare organizations.