Textbook outcome following pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly patients: age-stratified analysis and predictive factors

Despite advancements in pancreatic surgery, managing elderly patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains challenging. Textbook Outcome (TO) serves as a benchmark for surgical success, but its relevance in elderly patients has not been well explored. This study aims to evaluate TO in elderly patients undergoing PD and identify predictors of TO failure. A retrospective analysis was conducted on elderly patients (≥ 70 years) who underwent PD between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2023 in two international HPB centers. TO achievement rates were assessed and stratified by age groups (70–74, 75–79, ≥ 80). Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for TO failure. Of 222 patients, 54.5% achieved TO after PD. TO rates decreased with age, with only 35.0% of octogenarians achieving TO, compared to 57.1% in those aged 70–74. Multivariate analysis revealed that age ≥ 80, an ASA score ≥ 2, and histopathologic types other than pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma or distal cholangiocarcinoma were significant risk factors for failing to achieve TO. Nearly half of elderly patients achieved TO, with a lower likelihood in older age groups, particularly among octogenarians. Higher ASA scores were also associated with lower TO achievement. These findings underscore the importance of a comprehensive preoperative assessment, considering age, to optimize surgical outcomes in elderly patients undergoing PD.