Sex Disparity and Procedure-Related Differences in Achieving an Ideal Outcome After Pancreatic Surgery: A National Observational Cohort Study.

Abstract

Introduction: An 'ideal outcome' represents a favorable postoperative journey defined by a composite endpoint. Gender-disparities and type of surgery may influence the chance to achieve an ideal outcome. We aimed to investigate factors associated with achieving an ideal outcome after pancreatectomy in a national cohort.

Methods: A complete nationwide cohort of all pancreatoduodenectomies or left-sided pancreatectomies across a universal healthcare system. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression models were performed related to procedure- and sex-related outcomes.

Results: Of 2057 patients, 1950 (95%) were included and 1,130 (57.9%) achieved an ideal outcome, with significant sex-disparities (62.3% vs. 54.1% for women and men, respectively, P<0.001). Women experienced fewer severe complications (22.6% vs. 30.1%, P<0.001), had fewer reoperations (5.5% vs. 10.1%, P<0.001), and lower 30-day mortality (0.8% vs. 1.9%, P=0.026) compared to men. Women also had lower rates of extended length of stay (22.1% vs. 26.1%, P=0.038) and lower 30-day readmission-rates (18.1% vs. 23.4%, P=0.004). Female sex was a strong predictor of achieving an ideal outcome (OR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.15-1.69, P<0.001), as was distal pancreatectomy compared to pancreatoduodenectomy (adjusted OR 2.09, 95% CI: 1.69-2.59, P<0.001). Sex-distribution of procedures (pancreatectomy vs. left-sided resections) was similar. Women were slightly older (24.0% vs. 20.3% >75 years, respectively; P=0.049) and lover rates of diabetes (12.8% vs. 21.2%, respectively; P<0.001).

Conclusion: Women more often achieved an ideal outcome and had better outcomes across all domains. Observed sex-disparities in outcome warrant investigation into putative biological mechanisms that may underlie these observed clinical differences.