Preoperative cholangitis is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer

•Biliary stenting is often required in patients with pancreatic carcinoma who undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy.•Despite stenting, some patients develop cholangitis. The impact of which is unclear.•Preoperative cholangitis is associated with increased mortality. Preoperative cholangitis does not affect ability to complete neoadjuvant chemotherapy or successful surgery.•Clinicians should be aware of the detrimental impact of preoperative cholangitis on patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.