Analysis of risk factors associated with distant metastasis detected at laparotomy in patients with radiologically resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the preoperative risk factors in patients with radiologically resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs), deemed to be unresectable intraoperatively.Methods: Data on patients radiologically diagnosed with resectable PDACs and subsequently underwent pancreatectomy between January 2020 and December 2021 were retrospectively collected. Preoperative risk factors were also analysed.Results: Fifty-three patients with resectable PDAC who underwent laparotomy for curative intent were divided into the no-metastases (n = 32) and distant metastases (n = 21) groups. Univariate analysis identified factors associated with distant metastases found intraoperatively, such as significant weight loss (odds ratio [OR] 5.29, P = .02), tumour size >35 mm (OR 4.15, P = .017), tumours located at the body and tail of the pancreas (OR 6, P = .041), superior mesenteric vein (SMV) abutment from the tumour (OR 7.5, P = .02), serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 > 385 IU/mL (OR 3.58, P = .031) and serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels >9 IU/mL. However, multivariate analysis showed that only significant weight loss (adjusted OR 27.19, P = .011), SMV abutment from the tumour (adjusted OR 52.64, P = .01) and serum CEA levels >9 IU/mL were associated with distant metastases found intraoperatively.Conclusion: Significant weight loss, SMV abutment and serum CEA levels of >9 IU/mL were intraoperatively associated with distant metastases. Staging laparoscopy and positron emission tomography-computed tomography may reduce unnecessary laparotomies and change clinical management in these patients.