Investigation on the psychological impact of grade B or C pancreatic fistula of post pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) on surgeon-in-chief and its related factors

Abstract Background Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most common complication of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), and it is the main cause of mortality. A survey was conducted among hepatobiliary pancreatic surgeons to understand the experience of the surgeon-in-chief in PD and POPF, focusing on the psychological impact of POPF on the surgeon-in-chief, related factors, and factors to alleviate psychological pressure. Methods A 21-question questionnaire was conducted among hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeons, adopting the method of a retrospective cross-sectional survey. The questionnaire was distributed through Wechat, and the software platform was questionnaire star. Count data were expressed in absolute values or percentages, and the x 2 test was used in univariate analysis. Results A total of 97 hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeons completed the questionnaire. Eighty-six out of the ninety-seven (88.66%) participants were from third-level first-class hospitals, and participants from hospitals below third-level first-class made up 11/97 (11.34%). Ninety-two out of ninety-seven (94.85%) participants felt uneasy, nervous, or anxious after their patients suffered from grade B or C POPF. Participants making 67/97 (69.07%) suffered from sleeplessness, and 56/97(57.73%) participants' decision-making ability for treatment was affected. Participants making a total of 73/97(75.26%) were worried about grade B or C POPF when performing PD again, becoming overly alert. Conclusions Whether hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeons in hospitals of Third-Level First Class or below, whether they have PD experience, and whether they have experienced grade B or C POPF will have a psychological impact on the surgeon-in-chief.