Laparoscopic pancreatic resection. From enucleation to pancreatoduodenectomy. 11-year experience

Robotic pancreatic resection. Personal experience with 105 cases

OBJECTIVE

the first robotic pancreatic resection in Brazil was performed by our team in 2008. Since March 2018, a new policy prompted us to systematically employ the robot in all minimally invasive pancreatic surgery. The aim of this paper is to review our experience with robotic pancreatic resection.

METHODS

all patients who underwent robotic pancreatic resection from March 2018 through December 2019 were identified. Descriptive data were collected. Preoperative variables included age, sex, and indication for surgery. Intraoperative variables included operative time, bleeding, blood transfusion.

RESULTS

105 patients underwent robotic pancreatectomy. Median age was 60.5 years old. Fifty-five patients were female. 51 patients underwent robotic pancreatoduodenectomies, 34 distal pancreatectomy. Morbidity was 23.8%, mainly related to postoperative pancreatic fistula and one death occurred (mortality of 0.9%). Three patients (2.8%) were converted to open surgery. Four patients had delayed gastric emptying and two presented bleeding. Twenty-four patients had pancreatic fistula that was treated conservatively with late removal of the pancreatic drain. No patient required percutaneous drainage, reintervention or hospital readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

the robotic platform is useful for the reconstruction of the alimentary tract after pancreatoduodenectomy or after central pancreatectomy. It may increase the preservation of the spleen during distal pancreatectomies. Pancreas sparing techniques, such as enucleation, resection of uncinate process and central pancreatectomy, should be used to avoid exocrine and/or endocrine insufficiency. Robotic resection of the pancreas is safe and feasible for selected patients. It should be performed in specialized centers by surgeons with experience in both open and minimally invasive pancreatic surgery.

Hybrid pancreatoduodenectomy in laparoscopic and robotic surgery: a single-center experience in China

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive surgery is beneficial for pancreatic surgery, and the indication has been expanded to pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). The aim of this study was to share our experiences with hybrid PD in laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

METHODS

Sixty-four patients underwent hybrid PD in which specimen resection and gastrojejunostomy were performed through the laparoscopic route and pancreatojejunostomy and hepaticojejunostomy were performed via a robotic approach by the same surgeon at a single institution between July 2016 and June 2019. The primary endpoint was complications; secondary endpoints were operative time (OT), the length of hospital stay, and blood loss. The data for the patients were retrospectively obtained from electrical medical records.

RESULTS

All patients underwent surgery with the hybrid procedure. The mean OTs and estimated blood loss (EBL) were 309.7 ± 77.6 min (range 17-620 min), 160 ± 31.7 mL (range 50-800 mL). The mean number of lymph nodes retrieved was 7.3 ± 6.7 (range 0-37), and that among 45 malignant cases was 8.42 ± 6.7 (range 1-37). The average length of postoperative stay in the hospital was 11.14 ± 7.03 days (range 6-47 days). Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPFs) occurred in 39 (60.9%) cases, and most were biochemical leak POPF (29 cases, 45.3%); only 10 (15.6%) cases were grade B/C (8 cases were Grade B and 2 cases were Grade C treated with digital subtraction angiography). Bile leakage occurred in 2 (3.1%) patients. One (1.5%) patient had a gastric fistula, and 3 (4.7%) developed postoperative delayed gastric emptying categorized as International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) Grade A. Three (4.7%) patients were readmitted for postoperative bleeding, and 2 (3.1%) died within 30 days.

CONCLUSION

Hybrid PD with laparoscopic and robot surgery is safe and feasible. OT can be reduced by switching from the laparoscopic approach to the robotic procedure at the appropriate timepoint.

LAPAROSCOPIC DISTAL PANCREATECTOMY WITH OR WITHOUT SPLEEN PRESERVATION: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SHORT AND LONG-TERM OUTCOMES

Background:

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is the preferred approach for resection of tumors in the distal pancreas because of its many advantages over the open approach.

Aim:

To analyse and compare short and long-term outcomes from LDP performed through two different techniques: with splenectomy vs. spleen preservation and splenic vessel preservation.

Method:

Fifty-eight patients were operated and subsequently divided between two groups: Group 1, LDP with splenectomy (LDPS); and Group 2, LDP with spleen preservation and preservation of splenic vessels (LDPSPPSV).

Results:

The epidemiological characteristics were statistically similar between the two groups (age, gender, BMI and lesion size). Both the mean of operative time (p=0.04) and the mean of intra-operative blood loss (p=0,03) were higher in Group 1. The mean of resected lymph nodes was also higher in Group 1 (p<0.000). There were no statistic differences between the groups in relation to open conversion, morbidity or early postoperative mortality. The mean hospital stay was similar between groups. Pancreatic fistula (grade B and C) was similar between the groups. The mean of overall follow-up was 37.6 months (5-96). Late complications were similar between the groups.

Conclusion:

Both techniques were superimposable; however, LDPS presented, respectively, higher intra-operative bleeding, longer duration of the operation and higher number of lymph nodes resected. No differences were observed in the studied period in relation to the appearance of infections or neoplasm related to splenectomy during follow-up. Maintenance of the spleen avoided periodic immunizations in patients in LDPSPSV. It is indicated in small pancreatic lesions with indolent course.

LAPAROSCOPIC DISTAL PANCREATECTOMY WITH SPLEEN PRESERVATION

Background:

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy has been the choice for resection of distal pancreas lesions due many advantages over open approach. Spleen preservation technique seems minimizes infectious complications in long-term outcome.

Aim:

To present the results of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies with spleen preservation by Kimura´s technique (preservation of spleen blood vessels) performed by single surgical team.

Methods:

Retrospective case series aiming to evaluate both short and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies with spleen preservation.

Results:

A total of 54 laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies were performed, in which 26 were laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies with spleen preservation by Kimura´s technique. Mean age was 47.9 years-old (21-75) where 61.5% were female. Mean BMI was 28.5 kg/m² (18-38.8). Mean diameter of lesion was 4.3 cm (1.8-7.5). Mean operative time was 144.1 min (90-200). Intraoperative bleeding was 119.2 ml (50-600). Conversion to laparotomy 3% (n=1). Postoperative morbidity was 11.5%. Postoperative mortality was null. Mean of hospital stay was 4.8 days (2-14). Mean time of follow-up period was 19.7 months (2-60). There was no neoplasm recurrence or mortality on evaluated period. There was no infectious complication.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with spleen and splenic vessels preservation is feasible, safe, and effective procedure. This technique presented both low morbidity and null mortality on this sample. There were neither infectious complications nor neoplasm recurrence on long-term follow-up period.

Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary disease: a comprehensive review of literature and meta-analysis of outcomes compared with open surgery

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) has been gradually attempted. However, whether MIPD is superior, equal or inferior to its conventional open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) is not clear.

METHODS

Studies published up to May 2017 were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Main outcomes were comprehensively reviewed and measured including conversion to open approach, operation time (OP), estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion, length of hospital stay (LOS), overall complications, postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), delayed gastric emptying (DGE), post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH), readmission, reoperation and reasons of preoperative death, number of retrieved lymph nodes (RLN), surgical margins, recurrence, and survival. The software of Review Manage version 5.1 was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

One hundred studies were included for systematic review and 26 out of them (totally 3402 cases, 1064 for MIPD, 2338 for OPD) were included for meta-analysis. In the early years, most articles were case reports or non-control case series studies, while in the last 6 years high-volume and comparative researches were increasing gradually. Systematic review revealed conversion rates of MIPD to OPD ranged from 0% to 40%. The mean or median OP of MIPD ranged from 276 to 657 min. The total POPF rates vary between 3.8% and 50% observed in all systematic reviewed studies. Meta-analysis demonstrated MIPD had longer OP (WMD = 99.4 min; 95%CI: 46.0 ~ 152.8, P < 0.01), lower blood loss (WMD = -0.54 ml; 95% CI, -0.88 ~ -0.20 ml; P < 0.01), lower transfusion rate (RR = 0.73, 95%CI: 0.57 ~ 0.94, P = 0.02), shorter LOS (WMD = -3.49 days; 95%CI: -4.83 ~ -2.15, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in time to oral intake, postoperative complications, POPF, reoperation, readmission, perioperative mortality and number of retrieved lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates MIPD is technically feasible and safety on the basis of historical studies. MIPD is associated with less blood loss, faster postoperative recovery, shorter length of hospitalization and longer operation time. These findings are waiting for being confirmed with robust prospective comparative studies and randomized clinical trials.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pancreatic Disease - Current Status

Laparoscopic procedures have advanced to represent the new gold standard in many surgical fields. Although application in pancreatic surgery is hampered by the friable nature of the gland and the difficulty of its exposure, advanced technology and surgeons' experience are leading to an expansion of minimally invasive pancreatic surgery. Addressing the whole range of main operative procedures, this review analyzes the literature data so far to give an overview about the current status of minimally invasive pancreatic surgery, its indications and limitations. In acute pancreatitis, a step-up approach from percutaneous drainage to retroperitoneoscopic necrosectomy seems beneficial. Transgastric necrosectomy also preserves the retroperitoneal compartment in contrast to the laparoscopic approach, which has widely been abandoned. In tumor pathology, laparoscopic access is adequate for small benign lesions in the pancreatic tail and body. Oncological outcome shows to be at least equal to the open procedure. Concerning laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy, there is no evidence for a patients' benefit currently although several studies prove that it can be done.

Laparoscopic Pancreatoduodenectomy in 50 Consecutive Patients with No Mortality: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery has gradually expanded to include pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). This study presents data regarding the efficacy of laparoscopic PD in a single center.

METHODS

This was a single-cohort, prospective observational study. From March 2012 to September 2015, 50 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic PD using a five-trocar technique. Reconstruction of the digestive tract was performed with double jejunal loop technique whenever feasible. Patients with radiological signs of portal vein invasion were operated by open approach.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven women and 23 men with a median age of 63 years (range 23-76) underwent laparoscopic PD. Five patients underwent total pancreatectomy. All, but 1 patient (previous bariatric operation), underwent pylorus-preserving resection. Reconstruction was performed with double jejunal loop in all cases except in 5 cases of total pancreatectomy. Conversion was required in 3 patients (6%) as a result of difficult dissection (two cases) and unsuspected portal vein invasion (1 patient). Median operative time was 420 minutes (range 360-660), and the 90-day mortality was nil. Pancreatic fistula occurred in 13 patients (26%). There was one grade C (reoperated), one grade B (percutaneous drainage), and all remaining were grade A (conservative treatment). Other complications included port site bleeding (n = 1), biliary fistula (n = 2), and delayed gastric emptying (n = 2). Mean hospital stay was 8.4 days (range 5-31).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic PD is feasible and safe, but is technically demanding and may be reserved to highly skilled laparoscopic surgeons with proper training in high-volume centers. Isolated pancreatic anastomosis may be useful to decrease the severity of postoperative pancreatic fistulas. Therefore, it could be a good option in patients with a high risk for developing postoperative pancreatic, as well as by less-experienced surgeons.

Robot-Assisted Middle Pancreatectomy for Elderly Patients: Our Initial Experience

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications, safety, feasibility, and short- and long-term outcomes for elderly patients who underwent robot-assisted middle pancreatectomies (MPs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ten patients (≥60 years) underwent robot-assisted middle pancreatectomies from 2012 to 2015. The perioperative data, including tumor size, operating time, rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), postoperative morbidity, and other parameters, were analyzed. We collected and analyzed the follow-up information.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 64.30 years (range, 60-73 years). The average tumor size was 2.61 cm. The 10 cases were all benign or low-grade malignant lesions. The mean operating time was 175.00 min. The mean blood loss was 113.00 ml with no blood transfusion needed. Postoperative fistulas developed in 5 patients; there were 2 Grade A fistulas and 3 grade B fistulas. There were 3 patients who underwent postoperative complications, including 2 Grade 1 or 2 complications and 1 Grade 3 complication. No reoperation and postoperative mortality occurred. The mean hospital stay was 19.91 days. After a median follow-up of 23 months, new onset of diabetes mellitus developed in 1 patient and none suffered from deterioration of previously diagnosed diabetes or exocrine insufficiency, and no tumor recurrence happened.

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted middle pancreatectomy was safe and feasible for elderly people. It had low risk of exocrine or endocrine dysfunction and benefited patients' long-term outcomes. Incidence of POPF was relatively high but we could prevent it from resulting in bad outcomes by scientific perioperative care and systemic treatment.

[Robot-assisted pancreatoduodenectomy]

AIM

To compare the results of robot-assisted and conventional techniques of pancreatoduodenectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

It was performed the retrospective investigation of results of robot-assisted and conventional pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy in 7 and 7 patients respectively.

RESULTS

Duration of robot-assisted and conventional surgery was 460.71±119.77 and 288.57±62.2 minutes, volume of blood loss--414.28±285.36 and 400±163.30 ml respectively. Postoperative complications after robot-assisted technique were classified as Grade I according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Pancreatic fistulae were absent (ISGPF (2005)). Lower duration of abdominal drainage and opioid analgesia were observed. Also narcotic drugs were required by not all patients after robot-assisted surgery. Histological study revealed the large number of excised lymphatic nodes.

CONCLUSION

Obvious advantage of robot-assisted operation was precision of great vessels and lymphatic nodes dissection, performing anastomoses. Robot-assisted pancreatoduodenectomy corresponds to all requirements inherent to radical cancer surgery.

Analysis of risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula following pancreaticoduodenectomy

AIM: To explore the morbidity and risk factors of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

METHODS: The data from 196 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, performed by different surgeons, in the General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army between January 1^st, 2013 and December 31^st, 2013 were retrospectively collected for analysis. The diagnoses of POPF and clinically relevant (CR)-POPF following pancreaticoduodenectomy were judged strictly by the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula Definition. Univariate analysis was performed to analyze the following factors: patient age, sex, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, serum CA19-9 level, history of jaundice, serum albumin level, blood loss volume, pancreatic duct diameter, pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy, pancreatic drainage and pancreaticojejunostomy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the main independent risk factors for POPF.

RESULTS: POPF occurred in 126 (64.3%) of the patients, and the incidence of CR-POPF was 32.7% (64/196). Patient characteristics of age, sex, BMI, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, serum CA19-9 level, history of jaundice, serum albumin level, blood loss volume, pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreaticojejunostomy showed no statistical difference related to the morbidity of POPF or CR-POPF. Pancreatic duct diameter was found to be significantly correlated with POPF rates by univariate analysis and multivariate regression analysis, with a pancreatic duct diameter ≤ 3 mm being an independent risk factor for POPF (OR = 0.291; P = 0.000) and CR-POPF (OR = 0.399; P = 0.004). The CR-POPF rate was higher in patients without external pancreatic stenting, which was found to be an independent risk factor for CR-POPF (OR = 0.394; P = 0.012). Among the entire patient series, there were three postoperative deaths, giving a total mortality rate of 1.5% (3/196), and the mortality associated with pancreatic fistula was 2.4% (3/126).

CONCLUSION: A pancreatic duct diameter ≤ 3 mm is an independent risk factor for POPF. External stent drainage of pancreatic secretion may reduce CR-POPF mortality and POPF severity.

[Complications of minimally invasive pancreas resection for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors]

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic pancreas resections are performed with increasing frequency for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and other benign and malignant diseases.

OBJECTIVES

This article describes the complications arising from laparoscopic resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and compares them to complications arising from similar open procedures.

METHODS

Case series, reports, trials and meta-analyses were analyzed and the results are described and discussed.

RESULTS

The types and the frequencies of complications are comparable for laparoscopic and open resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The lack of the ability to perform an intraoperative examination of the pancreas to detect the tumors can be alleviated by laparoscopic ultrasound examination or in the case of tumors expressing somatostatin receptors by preoperative DOTATATE positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT) scanning.

CONCLUSION

The complications arising from the resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors do not justify a recommendation for a laparoscopic or open approach.

FIRST SINGLE-PORT LAPAROSCOPIC PANCREATECTOMY IN BRAZIL

ContextPancreatic surgery is an extremely challenging field, and the management of pancreatic diseases continues to evolve. In the past decade, minimal access surgery is moving towards minimizing the surgical trauma by reducing numbers and size of the port. In the last few years, a novel technique with a single-incision laparoscopic approach has been described for several laparoscopic procedures.ObjectivesWe present a single-port laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy. To our knowledge, this is the first single-port pancreatic resection in Brazil and Latin America.MethodsA 33-year-old woman with neuroendocrine tumor underwent spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy via single-port approach. A single-incision advanced access platform with gelatin cap, self-retaining sleeve and wound protector was used.ResultsOperative time was 174 minutes. Blood loss was minimal, and the patient did not receive a transfusion. The recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 4.ConclusionsSingle-port laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy is feasible and can be safely performed in specialized centers by skilled laparoscopic surgeons.