POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOMES AND INTENSIVE CARE MANAGEMENT FOLLOWING CEPHALIC DUODENOPANCREATECTOMY

Background: Cephalic duodenopancreatectomy (CDP), also known as the Whipple procedure, is one of the most complex surgeries in digestive oncology. Despite advances that have significantly reduced perioperative mortality in specialized centers, this procedure continues to carry substantial morbidity requiring meticulous perioperative and intensive care management. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics, perioperative care, postoperative complications, and outcomes of patients undergoing CDP, with a specific focus on their management in the surgical intensive care unit.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 30 patients who underwent CDP and were admitted to the surgical ICU at Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca between March 2021 and January 2025. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, perioperative management, postoperative complications, and outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Conclusion: CDP remains a high-risk but essential procedure for the management of tumors of the pancreatobiliary region. Effective perioperative optimization, vigilant ICU monitoring, and prompt management of complications are critical to improving patient outcomes. Multidisciplinary collaboration is key to reducing morbidity and mortality associated with this demanding surgery.