Rita Quesada Díez


The aim of my Thesis is to determine whether Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the pancreas and subsequent transection of the main pancreatic duct may avoid the risk of both necrotizing pancreatitis and postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) formation.
In a first step, thirty-two rats were subjected to RFA and section of the pancreas over their portal vein. Animals were killed at 3, 7, 15 and 21 days (Groups 0-3, respectively). Two additional control groups (sham operation and user manipulation only, respectively) of 15 days of postoperative period were considered. Postoperative complications, histological changes (including morphometric and immunohistochemical analysis) and incidence of POPF were evaluated. The results of this first phase showed a significant increase in serum amylase levels (p<0.05) on the 3rd postoperative day which return to baseline levels in the following weeks in groups 0-3. Those groups showed a rapid atrophy of the distal pancreas by apoptosis with no signs of necrotizing pancreatitis or POPF. The distal pancreas in groups 1-3 compared to group 0 and control groups showed a significant increase of small islets (<1000 μm2). The conclusion of the study in rats suggest that the rapid acinar atrophy of the distal pancreas after RFA and section of the pancreatic ducts in this model does not lead to necrotizing pancreatitis. A second phase will try to confirm these results in a porcine model.

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