Hypoattenuated area (HA) formation at the pancreatojejunostomy (PJ) site on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) is significantly associated with clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after open pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) (O-PD). Here, we evaluated the impact of HA formation in robotic PD (R-PD) and surgical factors predictive of HA formation.

The study retrospectively analyzed 66 patients who underwent either O-PD or R-PD and exhibited a drain amylase level exceeding three times the upper limit of normal range, with CE-CT assessment performed on postoperative days 3-14. Patients were divided into two groups, with evident HA (≥ 5 mm) (E-HA) and subtle HA (< 5 mm) (S-HA), and their data were analyzed by multivariate and propensity-score matching analyses.

Among the patients, 24 (36.3%) exhibited E-HA and 42 (63.7%) S-HA. The percentages of R-PD and CR-POPF in E-HA group were significantly lower and higher, respectively, than S-HA group (R-PD: 29.2% vs 54.8%, p = 0.0446; CR-POPF: 70.8% vs 4.8%, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed the surgical approach as a significant factor associated with E-HA formation (odds ratio: 0.26; p = 0.0223). Propensity-score matching analysis revealed significantly fewer patients with E-HA formation and CR-POPF in R-PD group than O-PD group (E-HA: 14.3% vs 64.3%, p = 0.0068; CR-POPF: 14.3% vs 57.1%, p = 0.0180).

The impact of HA formation in predicting CR-POPF was confirmed in the patients undergoing PD, including O-PD and R-PD. Furthermore, the data suggest that R-PD, compared with O-PD, significantly decreased the incidence of E-HA formation, indicating an advantage of R-PD over O-PD in reducing CR-POPF via HA formation.

To develop a universally accepted complexity and experience grading system to guide the safe implementation of robotic and laparoscopic minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD).

Despite the perceived advantages of MIPD, its global adoption has been slow due to the inherent complexity of the procedure and challenges to acquiring surgical experience. Its wider adoption must be undertaken with an emphasis on appropriate patient selection according to adequate surgeon and center experience.

The International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) developed a complexity and experience grading system to guide patient selection for MIPD based on an evidence-based review and a series of discussions.

The ISGPS complexity and experience grading system for MIPD is subclassified into patient-related risk factors and provider experience-related variables. The patient-related risk factors include anatomic (main pancreatic and common bile duct diameters), tumor-specific (vascular contact), and conditional (obesity and previous complicated upper abdominal surgery/disease) factors, all incorporated in an A-B-C classification, graded as no, a single, and multiple risk factors. The surgeon and center experience-related variables include surgeon total MIPD experience (cutoffs 40 and 80) and center annual MIPD volume (cutoffs 10 and 30), all also incorporated in an A-B-C classification.

This ISGPS complexity and experience grading system for robotic and laparoscopic MIPD may enable surgeons to optimally select patients after duly considering specific risk factors known to influence the complexity of the procedure. This grading system will likely allow for a thoughtful and stepwise implementation of MIPD and facilitate a fair comparison of outcomes between centers and countries.

Surgical management of pancreas cancer is complex, including the timing of surgery, surgical approach, intraoperative techniques, and postoperative management, which are reviewed in detail in this manuscript. Ultimately, referral to a high-volume pancreatic surgeon or pancreatic surgery center is critical to ensuring appropriate short-term and long-term outcomes.

To compare pylorus resecting pancreaticoduodenectomy (PRPD) with classical pancreaticoduodenectomy (classical PD) in terms of short term outcomes.

There is some evidence that Pylorus resecting PD (PRPD) is associated with lesser incidence of DGE when compared to pylorus preserving PD (PPPD). However, no study has previously compared PRPD with classical PD.

Patients requiring PD were randomly assigned to either PRPD or classical PD after intraoperative assessment to rule out metastases and unresectable disease. Occurrence of DGE was the primary end point.

A total of 154 patients (103 males; Mean age:53.3 ± 12.2 years) were included in the final analysis (PRPD = 78, classical PD = 76). PRPD group had significantly shorter operation [Mean difference: 41 min (95 % CI:18-65)]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of DGE [32 (41.0 %)vs37 (48.7 %); p = 0.339] and clinically significant DGE [22 (28.2 %)vs19 (25.0 %); p = 0.789] between PRPD and classical PD. There was also no difference in the rates of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula [20 (25.6 %)vs22 (28.9 %); p = 0.780], severe morbidity [21 (26.9 %)vs19 (25.0 %); p = 0.930], operative mortality [6 (7.7 %)vs2 (2.6 %); p = 0.157] and median postoperative stay [12 (5-47) days vs 12 (6-56) days; p = 0.861].

We found no significant difference in the early postoperative outcomes between PRPD and classical PD. PRPD was found to be significantly faster than the classical PD.

The invisible fluid leaking from a partially resected pancreas is associated with complications including postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), calling for strategies to visualize intraoperative leakage. This single-arm, monocentric trial aims to evaluate the usefulness and safety of SmartPAN, a hydrogel that reacts to alkali pancreatic fluids by changing color and thus enables the surgeon to take immediate action to close leakage.

Patients awaiting partial pancreatic resection for any indication were recruited to receive intraoperative SmartPAN application. Trial endpoints covered SmartPAN usability and safety according to reports completed by surgeons after each operation, laboratory measurements of nonbiodegradable compounds in body fluids, and clinical evaluations over 30 days of follow-up.

In total 42 patients were recruited to the trial and 29 received partial pancreatic resection with SmartPAN application according to protocol. All 16 attending surgeons rated SmartPAN as easy to learn and use, mostly agreeing that it was useful and that they intended to use it frequently. No adverse effects or complications were associated with SmartPAN, nor were its compounds detected in blood or abdominal fluids. Positive leakage response was detected in 10/29 surgeries. POPF developed in 7 patients, including 2 intraoperatively detected leakages, thereof 1 with targeted closure as well as 5 with no leakage detected.

This study represents the first-in-human clinical trial of SmartPAN and the precursor to randomized controlled trials. The outcomes support SmartPAN's clinical usability and safety and showcase the device's potential to intraoperatively visualize precursors of POPF.

We sought to characterize the impact of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) on primary healthcare utilization and expenditures following partial pancreatectomy (PP).

Patients who underwent PP between 2004 and 2019 were identified using SEER-Medicare. Patients who developed EPI within 6 months following surgery were included in the EPI cohort and were followed for 1-year post-surgery. Differences in post-surgery PCP visit frequency and healthcare expenditures within 1-year were evaluated.

Among 1119 patients, median age was 74 years (IQR: 69-78), about one-half were female (52.5%), and the majority were White (85.2%). Following PP, 22.4% of patients developed EPI. Patients with EPI were more likely to be concomitantly diagnosed with diabetes following PP (EPI: 11.6% vs. no EPI: 3.7%; p < 0.001). On multivariable analyses, EPI was associated with increased PCP visits (Ref. No EPI; percent difference [%diff]: 29.62, 95%CI 15.15-45.90) and higher healthcare costs (Ref. No EPI; total postoperative expenditure: %diff 37.01, 95%CI 12.89-66.29; p < 0.01) within 1-year following PP.

Roughly 1 in 4 patients experienced EPI after PP. EPI was associated with increased PCP utilization and higher healthcare expenditures.

The postoperative overall survival of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is not optimal. The aim of this study was to explore the perioperative risk factors for overall survival after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). From January 2015 to January 2022, consecutive patients who underwent LPD with a pathological diagnosis of PDAC at our center were included in the study. LASSO regression and multivariate Cox regression were used to explore perioperative risk factors associated with overall survival. A total of 159 patients were included in the study. The median overall survival was 21 months. In the multivariate analysis, the level of direct bilirubin in serum (HR: 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, P = 0.043), postoperative pancreatic fistula (HR: 0.36, 95% CI 0.18-0.86, P = 0.010), and adjuvant therapy after surgery within 12 weeks (HR: 0.53, 95% CI 0.34-0.83, P = 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors associated with overall survival. A high level of direct bilirubin in the serum, happened with postoperative pancreatic fistula and delayed postoperative adjuvant therapy are prognostic risk factors affecting the overall survival of patients with PDAC after LPD.

Infectious complications after pancreatic resections are common, but perioperative factors linked to postoperative bacterial growth are not well-studied.

This retrospective study analyzed bacterial cultures from patients undergoing pancreatic resection (November 2008 to October 2022), assessing predictors for positive cultures and characterizing bacteria. Complications and outcomes of patients with positive cultures were also examined.

Among 620 patients, bile samples were collected in 95 (95/620; 15.3%), with 60 (60/95; 63.1%) testing positive, 58 of them underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Of these, in 50 (50/58; 86.2%) the culture yielded polymicrobial growth but specific types of bacteria were not identified. Multivariate analysis identified preoperative bile duct stenting as a significant predictor of positive bile cultures (OR: 3.54; 95% CI: 1.95-6.42; p < 0.001), and positive cultures were linked to higher reoperation rates (OR: 2.40; 95% CI:1.18-4.90; p < 0.001. Positive drain cultures within 30 days from surgery were associated with higher rates of clinically significant pancreatic fistula (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.00-5.11; p = 0.05), and reoperations) OR: 4.37; 95% CI: 1.62-11.79; p = 0.03). Patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and positive bile cultures had shorter disease-free survival with a median of 13 months (95% CI: 8-17) versus 18 months (95% CI: 8-29; p = 0.04).

Bile sampling is recommended in all pancreaticoduodenectomies. Managing polymicrobial growth with broad and prolonged antibiotics may reduce postoperative infections.

There is an ongoing debate about the most appropriate method for reconstructing the pancreas after a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This study assessed the impact of pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) with an external pancreatic stent on postoperative outcomes following PD in high-risk patients.

This study involves a propensity score-matched analysis of high-risk patients who underwent PD with PG reconstruction. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula (POPF). Secondary outcomes included operative time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, re-exploration rate, as well as postoperative morbidity and mortality rates.

The study included 78 patients; 26 patients underwent PD with Pancreatogastrostomy (PG) and an external pancreatic stent, while 52 underwent PG without a pancreatic stent. Blood loss and operative time did not significantly differ between the two groups. The overall postoperative morbidity was higher in the group without a stent than in the stented group (34.6% vs. 15.4%, P = 0.06). No patient in the pancreatic stent group developed a clinically relevant POPF; however, in the non-stented group of PG, 17.3% developed POPF. There were no cases of hospital mortality in the stented group. However, in the non-stented group, two hospital mortality happened (one case was due to the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) secondary to POPF grade C, and the other was due to pulmonary embolism.

PG with an external pancreatic stent results in fewer clinically relevant pancreatic fistulas, a decrease in postoperative morbidities, and a non-existent mortality rate in high-risk patients.

An increasing number of elderly patients are being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, with increasing need to consider pancreatic surgery. This study aims to provide an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the outcomes following pancreaticoduodenectomy in octogenarians.

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed via a search of Medline, PubMed and Cochrane databases. Studies comparing outcomes of patients >80 years to younger patients undergoing PD were included.

26 studies were included. This included 22481 patients, with 20134 (89.6%) aged <80 years old, and 2347 (10.4%) octogenarians. Octogenarians were associated with higher rates of mortality (OR 2.37 (95%CI 1.91-2.94, p < 0.00001)), all-cause morbidity (OR 1.60 (95%CI 1.30-1.96), p<0.00001) and re-operation (OR 1.41 (95%CI 1.13-1.75), p = 0.002). Octogenarians had a two-fold risk of cardiac complications and respiratory complications (OR 2.13 (95%CI 1.67-2.73), p < 0.00001), (OR 2.38 (95%CI 1.72-3.27), p < 0.0001). There was no difference in postoperative pancreatic fistula, post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage or delayed gastric emptying. Younger patients were more likely to return to adjuvant therapy (OR 0.20 (95%CI 0.12-0.34), p < 0.00001).

Octogenerians are associated with higher mortality rate, postoperative complications, and reduced likelihood to undergo adjuvant therapy. Careful preoperative assessment and selection of elderly patients for consideration of pancreatic surgery is essential.

The recent International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) risk classification for postoperative pancreatic fistula (grade B/C) was developed based on data from open and mixed minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy. The ISGPS risk classification model has not been validated specifically for POPF after robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD).

We calculated the rate of POPF (ISGPS 2016 definition, grade B/C) by analyzing consecutive patients after RPD by surgeons after their learning curves (80 RPDs per surgeon). The validation of the ISGPS 4-tier and the simplified 3-tier risk classification was conducted using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC).

From 2019 to 2023, 187 patients after RPD were included. Neither the ISGPS 4-tier nor the simplified 3-tier classification model showed robust discrimination (AUC: 0.696 and 0.685, respectively). Moreover, both risk classifications failed to differentiate the rates of POPF and major complications among subgroups. Multivariate analysis suggested that soft pancreatic texture and pancreatic duct ≤ 2 mm were independent risk factors for POPF after RPD. After adjusting the duct size's cutoff from 3 to 2 mm, the revised 4-tier "2 mm" classification model showed no significant difference between risk categories B and C (6.7% vs. 9.4%, P = 0.063). The revised 3-tier "2 mm" classification model stratified patients into A (n = 54), B (n = 68), and C (n = 65) groups, with corresponding POPF rates of 0.0%, 8.8%, and 23.1% (P < 0.001), and major complication rates of 5.6, 14.7, and 24.6% (P = 0.014), respectively. Compared to the simplified 3-tier classification model, the revised 3-tier "2 mm" classification model showed improved discrimination (AUC: 0.753 vs. 0.685, P = 0.034) and clinical utility.

The current ISGPS 4-tier and the simplified 3-tier classification models lacked sufficient discrimination in patients after RPD. We propose a revised 3-tier "2 mm" risk classification model for RPD with a robust discrimination, which requires further international validation with prospectively obtained data.

The rising use of diagnostic imaging has led to an increase in the incidental detection of pancreatic cysts, with reported incidences of 1.2-2.6% on Computed Tomography and 2.4-49.1% on Magnetic Resonance Imaging. While many of these cysts are asymptomatic and benign, the enhanced imaging techniques have also revealed malignant and premalignant lesions. Mucinous neoplasms, including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and mucinous cystic neoplasms, are particularly concerning due to their potential for malignant transformation. Recent studies highlight significant variations in dysplasia across IPMN types, with main duct IPMNs showing a higher likelihood of high-grade dysplasia or invasive carcinoma compared to branch duct IPMNs. Management and follow-up of these lesions remain controversial due to inconsistent guidelines. This article reviews and compares six major guidelines: the 2015 American Gastroenterological Association guidelines, the 2017 International Association of Pancreatology (IAP/Fukuoka) guidelines, the 2017 American College of Radiology guidelines, the 2018 American College of Gastroenterology guidelines, the 2018 European Study Group guidelines, and the newly released, 2024 Kyoto guidelines. We summarize key differences in risk factors, surveillance protocols, and surgical referral criteria, with a focus on the updated 2024 Kyoto guidelines and the implications of recent research advancements.

The feasibility and safety of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) in overweight patients is still controversial. This study was designed to analyze the impact of overweight on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing LPD.

Data from patients who underwent LPD between January 2018 and July 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. A 1:1 propensity score-matching (PSM) analysis was performed to minimize bias between groups.

A total of 432 patients were enrolled, with a normal weight group (n = 241) and an overweight group (n = 191). After matching, 144 patients were enrolled in each group. The results showed that the incidence of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) and delayed gastric emptying (DGE) was significantly higher in the overweight group compared to the normal weight group (P = 0.036). However, there were no significant differences in perioperative mortality (1.4% vs. 2.1%, P = 0.652) and long-term survival outcomes between malignancy patients with different body mass index (BMI) before and after PSM (all P > 0.05).

It is safe and feasible for overweight patients to undergo LPD with mortality and long-term survival outcomes comparable to the normal weight group. High-quality prospective randomized controlled trials are still needed.

Indicators, such as mortality and complications, are commonly used to measure the quality of care. However, a more comprehensive assessment of surgical quality is captured using composite outcome measures such as Textbook Outcome (TO), Optimal Pancreatic Surgery, and a newer 'Ideal Outcome' (IO) measure. We reviewed our institutional experience to assess the impact of demographics, comorbidities, and operative variables on IO after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).

A retrospective study was conducted on PD patients at Northwell Health between 2009 and 2023. IO was determined by the absence of six adverse outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, Clavien-Dindo ≥ III complications, clinically-relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula, reoperation, hospital stay > 75th percentile, and readmission within 30 days. Logistic regression analyzed the effects of various factors on achieving IO.

Of the 578 patients who underwent PD, 248 (42.91%) achieved the IO. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with increased odds of achieving IO included neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.05-1.62) and the presence of neuroendocrine tumors (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.35-8.41). Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14-0.80) and older age (≥ 70 years) (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.32-0.74) were associated with decreased odds of achieving IO. Patients with IO had significantly improved survival on Kaplan-Meier log-rank test (p = 0.001) as well as adjusted Cox analysis (HR 0.62 95% CI: 0.39-0.97).

IO may offer a comprehensive metric for assessing PD outcomes, highlighting the impact of age, chemotherapy, biliary drainage, and tumor types. These findings suggest targeted interventions and quality improvements could enhance PD outcomes by addressing modifiable factors and refining clinical strategies.

Pancreatic cyst management can be distilled into three separate pathways - discharge, monitoring or surgery- based on the risk of malignant transformation. This study compares the performance of artificial intelligence (AI) models to clinical care for this task.

Two explainable boosting machine (EBM) models were developed and evaluated using clinical features only, or clinical features and cyst fluid molecular markers (CFMM) using a publicly available dataset, consisting of 850 cases (median age 64; 65 % female) with independent training (429 cases) and holdout test cohorts (421 cases). There were 137 cysts with no malignant potential, 114 malignant cysts, and 599 IPMNs and MCNs.

The EBM and EBM with CFMM models had higher accuracy for identifying patients requiring monitoring (0.88 and 0.82) and surgery (0.66 and 0.82) respectively compared with current clinical care (0.62 and 0.58). For discharge, the EBM with CFMM model had a higher accuracy (0.91) than either the EBM model (0.84) or current clinical care (0.86). In the cohort of patients who underwent surgical resection, use of the EBM-CFMM model would have decreased the number of unnecessary surgeries by 59 % (n = 92), increased correct surgeries by 7.5 % (n = 11), identified patients who require monitoring by 122 % (n = 76), and increased the number of patients correctly classified for discharge by 138 % (n = 18) compared to clinical care.

EBM models had greater sensitivity and specificity for identifying the correct management compared with either clinical management or previous AI models. The model predictions are demonstrated to be interpretable by clinicians.

Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) presents a formidable surgical challenge for patients with a prior history of bilioenteric anastomosis. However, there are no reports in the literature of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy after open bilioenteric anastomosis. This article offers a detailed description of the surgical technique employed in performing RPD on a patient who previously underwent open Roux-en-Y biliary-enteric anastomosis, aiming to treat a duodenal tumor.

The patient underwent a successful surgery with a total operation time of 320 min and an estimated blood loss of approximately 150 ml. Following the procedure, the patient experienced an uncomplicated recovery and was discharged from the hospital after a 14-day hospitalization period. Postoperative pathology revealed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the duodenum invading the entire layer of the bowel wall.

RPD is a safe and viable option for patients with a history of complex abdominal surgery.

Surgical resection is the standard recommended treatment in localized pancreatic cancer. The benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is still debated. The aim of this population-based study was to describe the pancreatic cancer surgical management.

An observational real-world study from the French Network of Cancer Registries sampled 638 pancreatic adenocarcinomas diagnosed in 2019. Characteristics of patients, tumours and recommended and administered treatments were collected. Operability of the patients and resectability of the tumours were described. A multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the probability of having surgical resection.

Among the 263 (41 %) patients with M0 pancreatic adenocarcinomas, 202 patients (77 %) were considered operable and 157 (60 %) also had a tumour considered resectable. Upfront resection was recommended for 68 % and resection after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for 32 % of these patients. Among operable patients with resectable tumour, 36 % underwent upfront R0 resection, and 15 % achieved R0 resection following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Eventually, among M0 pancreatic adenocarcinomas, age over 80 years (OR≥80 years vs < 65 years: 0.16 [0.06-0.39], p < 0.001) and WHO performance status over 0 (OR1-2 vs 0: 0.43 [0.24-0.79], p = 0.013) decreased the odds of having resection. R0 surgical resection was achieved in 61 % of patients selected for upfront surgical recommendation, and 29 % of those selected for a prior neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

In a non-selected population, one-third of patients with localized pancreatic cancer had a complete R0 surgical resection. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy did not achieve a resection rate similar to that of patients selected for upfront surgical indication.

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most common complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). DGE represents impaired gastric motility without significant mechanical obstruction and is associated with an increased length of hospital stay, increased healthcare costs, and a high readmission rate. We reviewed published studies on various technical modifications to reduce the incidence of DGE.

Studies were identified by searching PubMed for relevant articles published up to December 2022. The following search terms were used: "pancreaticoduodenectomy", "pancreaticojejunostomy", "pancreaticogastrostomy", "gastric emptying", "gastroparesis" and "postoperative complications". The search was limited to English publications. Additional articles were identified by a manual search of references from key articles.

In recent years, various surgical procedures and techniques have been explored to reduce the incidence of DGE. Pyloric resection, Billroth II reconstruction, Braun's enteroenterostomy, and antecolic reconstruction may be associated with a decreased incidence of DGE, but more high-powered studies are needed in the future. Neither laparoscopic nor robotic surgery has demonstrated superiority in preventing DGE, and the use of staplers is controversial regarding whether they can reduce the incidence of DGE.

Despite many innovations in surgical techniques, there is no surgical procedure that is superior to others to reduce DGE. Further larger prospective randomized studies are needed.

Despite technical advances in recent decades and a decrease in hospital mortality (<5%), pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is still associated with major postoperative complications, even in high-volume centers. The present study aimed to assess the effect of a modified reconstruction technique on postoperative morbidity and mortality. A cohort study of all patients (n=218) undergoing PD between January 2010 and December 2019 was performed at Attikon University Hospital (Athens, Greece). Several variables were studied, including demographic data, past medical history, perioperative parameters, tumor markers and pathology, duration of hospitalization, postoperative complications, 30-day-survival, postoperative mortality and overall survival using multivariate logistic regression and survival analysis techniques. In this cohort, 123 patients [modified PD (mPD) group] underwent a modified reconstruction after a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy, which consisted of gastrojejunostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy on the same loop and an isolated hepaticojejunostomy on another loop. In the standard PD (StPD) group, 95 patients underwent standard reconstruction. The median age was 67 years, ranging from 25 to 89 years. Compared with in the StPD group, the mPD group had significantly lower rates of grade B and C pancreatic fistula (4.9% vs. 28.4%), delayed gastric emptying (7.3% vs. 42.1%), postoperative hemorrhage (3.3% vs. 20%), intensive care unit admission (8.1% vs. 18.9%), overall morbidity (Clavien-Dindo grade III-V: 14.7% vs. 42.0%), perioperative mortality (4.1% vs. 14.7%), and shorter hospitalization stay (11 days vs. 20 days). However, no difference was noted regarding median survival (35 months vs. 30 months). In this single-center series, a modified reconstruction after PD appears to be associated with improved postoperative outcomes. However, further evaluation in larger multi-center trials is required.

Postoperative adverse events (AEs) in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (BR-PC) treated with neoadjuvant therapy and pancreatectomy in the national cooperative group setting have not been previously characterized. We conducted a preplanned secondary analysis of patients enrolled on the Alliance A021501 clinical trial to quantify perioperative AE rates.

The A021501 phase 2 trial randomized patients with BR-PC to receive 8 doses of mFOLFIRINOX (Arm 1) or 7 doses of mFOLFIRINOX and hypofractionated radiotherapy (Arm 2), followed by pancreatectomy (December 31, 2016 to May 31, 2019). Adverse events were assessed 90 days after pancreatectomy.

Of 126 enrolled patients, 51 (40%) underwent pancreatectomy (n = 32, Arm 1; n = 19, Arm 2) at 28 institutions. Five (10%) patients required reoperation within 90 days; 56% of patients (n = 27/48) experienced at least one grade 3 or higher AE (50% vs. 67%, p = 0.37). Ninety-day mortality was 2.0%. Readmission was less frequent in Arm 1 (16% vs. 42%, p = 0.05), but there were no differences between study arms in rates of reoperation (13% vs. 5%), pancreatic fistula or intra-abdominal abscess requiring drainage (9% vs. 16%), or wound infection (6% vs. 16%). Pancreatic fistula or intra-abdominal abscess requiring drainage was associated with receipt of adjuvant therapy (p = 0.012). No difference in overall survival was observed based on occurrence of postoperative AEs (hazard ratio = 1.1; 95% confidence interval 0.5-2.6).

In this multicenter study, rates of postoperative AEs were consistent with those previously reported. Multimodality trials of preoperative therapy for BR-PC may be performed in the cooperative group setting with careful quality assurance and safety monitoring.

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02839343.

This report describes the authors' experience with 150 consecutive robotic pancreatoduodenectomies.

The study enrolled 150 consecutive patients who underwent robotic pancreatoduodenectomy between 2018 and 2023. Pre- and intraoperative variables such as age, gender, indication, operation time, diagnosis, and tumor size were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised the first 75 patients, and group 2 comprised the last 75 cases. The median age of the patients was 62.4 years and did not differ between the two groups.

Morbidity was lower in group 2. The mortality rate was 0.7% at 30 days and 1.3% at 90 days, and there was no difference between the groups. There was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in operative time, resection time, reconstruction time, and conversion to open surgery in group 2. Partial resection of the portal vein was performed in 17 patients and more common in group 2 (p < 0.01). The number of resected lymph nodes was higher in group 2. The indication for pancreatoduodenectomy did not differ between the two groups. There was no difference in tumor size or clinical characteristics of the patients.

The robotic platform is useful for pancreatoduodenectomy, facilitates adequate lymphadenectomy, and is helpful for digestive tract reconstruction after resection. Robotic pancreatoduodenectomy is safe and feasible for selected patients. It should be performed in specialized centers by surgeons experienced in open and minimally invasive pancreatic surgery.

Postoperative cholangitis is a common complication after pancreatoduodenectomy that can occur with or without anatomical biliary obstruction. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors of cholangitis after pancreatoduodenectomy.

We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy in 2 Dutch tertiary pancreatic centers (2010-2019). Primary outcome was postoperative cholangitis, defined as systemic inflammation with abnormal liver tests without another focus of infection, at least 1 month after resection. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies were evaluated. Two types of postoperative cholangitis were distinguished; obstructive cholangitis (benign stenosis of the hepaticojejunostomy) and nonobstructive cholangitis. Potential risk factors were identified using logistic regression analysis.

Postoperative cholangitis occurred in 93 of 900 patients (10.3%). Median time to first episode of cholangitis was 8 months (interquartile range 4-16) after pancreatoduodenectomy. Multiple episodes of cholangitis occurred in 44 patients (47.3%) and readmission was necessary in 83 patients (89.2%). No cholangitis-related mortality was observed. Obstructive cholangitis was seen in 37 patients (39.8%) and nonobstructive cholangitis in 56 patients (60.2%). Surgery was performed for cholangitis in 7 patients (7.5%) and consisted of revision of the hepaticojejunostomy or elongation of the biliary limb. Postoperative biliary leakage (odds ratio 2.56; 95% confidence interval 1.42-4.62; P = .0018) was independently associated with postoperative cholangitis.

Postoperative cholangitis unrelated to cancer recurrence was seen in 10% of patients after pancreatoduodenectomy. Nonobstructive cholangitis was more common than obstructive cholangitis. Postoperative biliary leakage was an independent risk factor.

Background Owing to the well-established volume-outcome relationship, hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery is commonly regionalized to academic, teaching hospitals. However, regionalization is associated with decreased access for some populations in need, as well as geographic and financial barriers for patients. If high surgeon and institutional volumes can be achieved, the community, non-teaching HPB surgical practice could help alleviate some issues associated with regionalization. The HPB experience of a community surgeon immediately after surgical oncology training was reviewed, hypothesizing that high volumes with acceptable short-term outcomes could be achieved, although a learning curve may be observed. Materials and methods Electronic medical records from 2013 to 2023 were reviewed. Data included patient demographics, perioperative details, pathology, complications, and deaths over 90 postoperative days. Perioperative quality metrics were assessed for trends over time in pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and liver resection subgroups. Results A total of 295 patients underwent 176 (59.7%) pancreatic and 119 (40.3%) hepatobiliary operations. The most common operations were PD (n=87; 49.4%) and partial hepatic lobectomy (n=56; 41.1%). In the pancreas group, morbidity was 25% (n=44), and mortality was 4.5% (n=8). In the hepatobiliary group, morbidity and mortality were 19.3% (n=23) and 5.0% (n=6), respectively. Within the PD and liver resection subgroups, operative time, estimated blood loss, and hospital length of stay (LOS) trended downward over time, with LOS decreasing significantly. Conclusion High HPB volumes with acceptable short-term outcomes can be achieved by a solo practitioner in the community, non-teaching setting. For PDs and liver resections, perioperative metrics trended downward over time, illustrating the learning curve encountered after training.

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) primarily affects older individuals with diminished physiological reserves. The Modified 5-Item Frailty Index (mFI-5) is a novel risk stratification tool proposed to predict postoperative morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to validate the mFI-5 for predicting surgical outcomes in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for PDAC.

Our retrospective PDAC database included patients who underwent PD between 2014 and 2023. Patients were stratified by mFI-5 scores (0 best - 5 worst), which assess preoperative CHF, diabetes mellitus, history of COPD or pneumonia, functional health status, and hypertension requiring medication. Associations between mFI-5 scores and outcomes, including postoperative complications and mortality, were analyzed using logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards models, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Among 250 PDAC patients undergoing PD, 142 (56.8%) had mFI-5 scores ≤ 1, and 25 (10%) had scores ≥ 3. No patients had scores > 4. Higher mFI-5 scores correlated with older age (p < 0.001) and tobacco use (p = 0.036). Multivariate analysis identified age (RR 1.02, p = 0.038), ASA class (ASA III; RR 2.61, p < 0.001; ASA IV; RR 2.63, p = 0.026), and moderate alcohol consumption (RR 0.56, p = 0.038) as frailty predictors. An mFI-5 score > 2 independently associated with higher mortality (HR 2.08, p = 0.026). Median overall survival was significantly lower for patients with mFI-5 scores > 2 than for those with scores ≤ 2 (21.3 vs. 42.1 months, p = 0.022).

The mFI-5 is a valuable tool for predicting postoperative morbidity and mortality in PDAC patients undergoing PD. Integrating frailty assessment into preoperative evaluations can enhance patient selection and surgical outcomes. Future research should focus on incorporating frailty assessments into surgical planning and patient management to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Postoperative complications of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) are still a thorny problem. This study aims to verify the preventative impact of T-tube on them.

The electronic medical records and follow-up data of patients who received pancreaticoduodenectomy in our center from July 2016 to June 2020 were reviewed. According to whether T tube was placed during the operation, the patients were divided into T-tube group and not-T-tube group. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to minimize selection bias.

A total of 330 patients underwent PD (Not-T-tube group =226, T-tube group=104). Propensity score matching resulted in 222 patients for further analysis (Not-T-tube group =134, T-tube group=88). Patients' demographics were comparable in the matched cohorts. Significantly higher incidences of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) ((14 (10.45%) VS 20 (22.73%)), P=0.013) were observed in the T-tube group. The total incidence of biliary anastomotic stricture (BAS) was 3.15%. The incidence was slightly lower in the T-tube group, but there was no statistically significant differentiation (6 (4.48%) VS 1 (1.14%), P=0.317).

It is not feasible to prevent postoperative complications with the application of a T-tube in PD.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) represent a novel tool in therapeutic endoscopy. However, the presence of LAMS may dissuade surgeons from operations with curative-intent. We report three clinical scenarios with deployment of LAMS in patients that subsequently underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

Six patients identified from our IRB-approved pancreas cancer database had EUS-LAMS placement prior to PD. Patient, tumor, treatment-related variables, and outcomes are herein reported.

Two patients underwent a LAMS gastrojejunostomy (GJ) for duodenal obstruction. Another patient underwent LAMS choledochoduodenostomy (CDS) for malignant biliary obstruction. In three patients, a LAMS gastrogastrostomy or jejunogastrostomy was deployed post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for a EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) procedure. The hospital length of stay after LAMS placement was 0-3 days without morbidity. Patients subsequently proceeded to either classic PD (n = 5) or PPPD (n = 1). Interval from LAMS insertion to surgery ranged from 28 to 194 days. Mean PD operative time and EBL were 513 minutes and 560 mL, respectively. Post-PD hospital length of stay was 4-17 days. Clavien-Dindo IIIb morbidity required percutaneous drainage of intra-abdominal collections in two patients. In cases involving LAMS-GJ and CDS, the LAMS directly impacted the surgeon's preference not to perform pylorus preservation.

In this case series, PD following EUS-LAMS was feasible with acceptable morbidity. Additional studies with larger patient populations are needed to evaluate LAMS as a bridge to PD with curative-intent.

Adoption of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD) is growing, although there are challenges for safe introduction of this technique, including limitations in on-site expert proctoring. We developed and implemented a structured approach for safe introduction of a new RPD program using virtual collaboration.

A structured framework for introducing a RPD program was designed; key steps included obtaining additional training, identifying required resources, establishing a dedicated team, and patient safety considerations. Virtual collaboration with a proctor for bidirectional communication was utilized for remote operative guidance. In the initial cohort, perioperative data and postoperative outcomes were extracted from a prospectively maintained database.

From August 2020 to December 2023, 68 patients underwent RPD. The median operative time was 407 min with an estimated blood loss of 150 mL. Median length of stay was 8 days. Negative margins were obtained in 90% of resections. Operative time was significantly shorter in the second half of cases compared to the first (380min vs 441min, p < 0.01) and rate of conversion decreased (6% vs 21%).

The safe initiation of a structured RPD program is feasible through virtual expert collaboration. With careful consideration and an appropriate environment, excellent perioperative outcomes are achievable even for initial cases.

The effects of postoperative pancreatic fistula on survival rates remain controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of postoperative pancreatic fistula on overall survival and recurrence-free survival after upfront pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Patients operated on between January 2007 and December 2017 at seven tertiary pancreatic centres for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were included in the study. Postoperative pancreatic fistula was defined using the 2016 International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery grading system. The impact of postoperative pancreatic fistula on overall survival, recurrence-free survival (excluding 90-day postoperative deaths) and corresponding risk factors were investigated by univariable and multivariable analyses. Comparisons between groups were made using the chi-squared or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. Odds ratios were estimated with their 95% confidence intervals. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method with their 95% confidence intervals.

A total of 819 patients were included between 2007 and 2017. Postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 14.4% (n = 118) of patients; of those, 7.8% (n = 64) and 6.6% (n = 54) accounted for grade B and grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula respectively. The 5-year overall survival was 37.0% in the non-postoperative pancreatic fistula group and 45.3% in the postoperative pancreatic fistula cohort (P = 0.127). Grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula (excluding 90-day postoperative deaths) was not a prognostic factor for overall survival. The 5-year recurrence-free survival was 26.0% for patients without postoperative pancreatic fistula and 43.7% for patients with postoperative pancreatic fistula (P = 0.003). Eight independent prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival were identified: age over 70 years, diabetes, moderate or poor tumour differentiation, T3/T4 tumour stage, lymph node positive status, resection margins R1, vascular emboli and perineural invasion.

This high-volume cohort showed that grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula, based on the 2016 International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery grading system, does not impact overall or recurrence-free survival (excluding 90-day postoperative deaths).

Pancreatoduodenectomy is the only cure for cancers of the pancreas and the periampullary region but has considerable operative complications and uncertain prognosis. Our goal was to analyse temporal improvements and provide contemporary population-based benchmarks for outcomes following pancreatoduodenectomy.

We empanelled a cohort comprising all patients in Sweden with pancreatic or periampullary cancer treated with pancreatoduodenectomy from 1964 to 2016 and achieved complete follow-up through 2016. We analysed postoperative deaths and disease-specific net survival.

We analysed 5923 patients with cancer of the pancreas (3876), duodenum (444), bile duct (504), or duodenal papilla (963) who underwent classic (3332) or modified (1652) Whipple's procedure or total pancreatectomy (803). Postoperative deaths declined from 17.2% in the 1960s to 1.6% in the contemporary time period (2010-2016). For all four cancer types, median, 1-year and 5-year survival improved substantially over time. Among patients operated between 2010 and 2016, 5-year survival was 29.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 25.5, 33.0) for pancreatic cancer, 71.2% (95% CI: 62.9, 80.5) for duodenal cancer, 30.8% (95% CI: 23.0, 41.3) for bile duct cancer, and 62.7% (95% CI: 55.5, 70.8) for duodenal papilla cancer.

There is a continuous and substantial improvement in the benefit-harm ratio after pancreatoduodenectomy for cancer.

Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) has emerged as an alternative to open technique in treating periampullary tumors. However, the safety and efficacy of LPD compared to open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) remain unclear. Thus, we conducted an updated meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LPD versus OPD in patients with periampullary tumors, with a particular focus on the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patient subgroup.

According to PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library in December 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that directly compare LPD versus OPD in patients with periampullary tumors. Endpoints and sensitive analysis were conducted for short-term endpoints. All statistical analysis was performed using R software version 4.3.1 with a random-effects model.

Five RCTs yielding 1018 patients with periampullary tumors were included, of whom 511 (50.2%) were randomized to the LPD group. Total follow-up time was 90 days. LPD was associated with a longer operation time (MD 66.75; 95% CI 26.59 to 106.92; p = 0.001; I2 = 87%; Fig. 1A), lower intraoperative blood loss (MD - 124.05; 95% CI - 178.56 to - 69.53; p < 0.001; I2 = 86%; Fig. 1B), and shorter length of stay (MD - 1.37; 95% IC - 2.31 to - 0.43; p = 0.004; I2 = 14%; Fig. 1C) as compared with OPD. In terms of 90-day mortality rates and number of lymph nodes yield, no significant differences were found between both groups.

Our meta-analysis of RCTs suggests that LPD is an effective and safe alternative for patients with periampullary tumors, with lower intraoperative blood loss and shorter length of stay.

This trial evaluated whether anti-inflammatory agents hydrocortisone (H) and indomethacin (I) could reduce major complications after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).

Between June 2018 and June 2020, 105 patients undergoing PD with > 40% of acini on the intraoperative frozen section were randomized into three groups (35 patients per group): 1) intravenous H 100 mg 8 hourly, 2) rectal I suppository 100 mg 12 hourly, and 3) placebo (P) from postoperative day (POD) 0-2. Participants, investigators, and outcome assessors were blinded. The primary outcome was major complications (Clavien-Dindo grades 3-5). Secondary outcomes were overall complications (Clavien-Dindo grades 1-5), Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF), delayed gastric emptying (DGE), postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH), surgical site infections (SSI), length of stay, POD-3 serum amylase, readmission rate, and mortality.

Major complications were comparable (8.6%, 5.7%, and 8.6% in groups H, I, and P, respectively). However, overall complications were significantly lower in group H than in group P (45.7% vs. 80.0%, p = 0.006). CR-POPF (14.3% vs. 25.7%, p = 0.371), PPH (8.6% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.710), DGE (8.6% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.188), and SSI (14.3% vs. 25.7%, p = 0.371) were comparable between groups H and P. Major complications and overall complications in group I were 5.7% and 60.0%, respectively, which were comparable to those in groups P and H. CR-POPF rates in groups H, I, and P were 14.3%, 17.1%, and 25.7%, respectively, which was comparable.

H and I did not decrease major complications in PD.

Local therapies may benefit patients with oligometastatic cancer. However, there were limited data about pancreatic cancer. Here, we compared the efficacy and safety of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to the primary tumor and all oligometastases with SBRT to the primary tumor alone in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

A retrospective review of patients with synchronous oligometastatic pancreatic cancer (up to 5 lesions) receiving SBRT to all lesions (including all oligometastases and the primary tumor) were performed. Another comparable group of patients with similar baseline characteristics, including metastatic burden, SBRT doses, and chemotherapy regimens, receiving SBRT to the primary tumor alone were identified. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoints were progression frees survival (PFS), polyprogression free survival (PPFS) and adverse events.

There were 59 and 158 patients receiving SBRT to all lesions and to the primary tumor alone. The median OS of patients with SBRT to all lesions and the primary tumor alone was 10.9 months (95% CI 10.2-11.6 months) and 9.3 months (95% CI 8.8-9.8 months) (P < 0.001). The median PFS of two groups was 6.5 months (95% CI 5.6-7.4 months) and 4.1 months (95% CI 3.8-4.4 months) (P < 0.001). The median PPFS of two groups was 9.8 months (95% CI 8.9-10.7 months) and 7.8 months (95% CI 7.2-8.4 months) (P < 0.001). Additionally, 14 (23.7%) and 32 (20.2%) patients in two groups had grade 3 or 4 treatment-related toxicity.

SBRT to all oligometastases and the primary tumor in patients with pancreatic cancer may improve survival, which needs prospective verification.

Pancreatoduodenectomy is the most appropriate technique for the treatment of periampullary tumors. In the past, this procedure was associated with high mortality and morbidity, but with improvements in patient selection, anesthesia, and surgical technique, mortality has decreased to less than 5%. However, morbidity remains increased due to various complications such as delayed gastric emptying, bleeding, abdominal collections, and abscesses, most of which are related to the pancreatojejunostomy leak. Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula is the most dangerous and is related to other complications including mortality. The incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula ranges from 5-30%. Various techniques have been developed to reduce the severity of pancreatic fistulas, from the use of an isolated jejunal loop for pancreatojejunostomy to binding and invagination anastomoses. Even total pancreatectomy has been considered to avoid pancreatic fistula, but the late effects of this procedure are unacceptable, especially in relatively young patients. Recent studies on the main techniques of pancreatojejunostomy concluded that duct-to-mucosa anastomosis is advisable, but no technique eliminates the risk of pancreatic fistula. The purpose of this study is to highlight technical details and tips that may reduce the severity of pancreatic fistula after pancreatojejunostomy during open or minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy.

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows: To assess the benefits and harms of laparoscopic or robot-assisted pancreatoduodenectomy versus open pancreatoduodenectomy for people with benign, premalignant, and malignant disease.

Whole-course nutrition management (WNM) has been proven to improve outcomes and reduce complications. We conducted this randomized controlled trial to validate its effectiveness in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).

From 1 December 2020, to 30 November 2023, this single-center randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Department of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery in a major hospital in Beijing, China. Participants who were undergoing PD were enrolled and randomly allocated to either the WNM group or the control group. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative complications. Subgroup analysis in patients who were at nutritional risk was performed. Finally, a 6-month follow-up was conducted and the economic benefit was evaluated using an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

A total of 84 patients were randomly assigned (1:1) into the WNM group and the control group. The incidences of total complications (47.6% vs. 69.0%, P =0.046), total infections (14.3% vs. 33.3%, P =0.040), and abdominal infection (11.9% vs. 31.0%, P =0.033) were significantly lower in the WNM group. In the subgroup analysis of patients at nutritional risk, 66 cases were included (35 cases in the WNM group and 31 cases in the control group). The rate of abdominal infection (11.4% vs. 32.3%, P =0.039) and postoperative length of stay (23.1±10.3 vs. 30.4±17.2, P =0.046) were statistically different between the two subgroups. In the 6-month follow-up, more patients reached the energy target in the WNM group (97.0% vs. 79.4%, P =0.049) and got a higher daily energy intake (1761.3±339.5 vs. 1599.6±321.5, P =0.045). The ICER suggested that WNM saved 31 511 Chinese Yuan (CNY) while reducing the rate of total infections by 1% in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population and saved 117 490 CNY in patients at nutritional risk, while WNM saved 31 511 CNY while reducing the rate of abdominal infections by 1% in the ITT population and saved 101 359 CNY in patients at nutritional risk.

In this trial, whole-course nutrition management was associated with fewer total postoperative complications, total and abdominal infections, and was cost-effective, especially in patients at nutritional risk. It seems to be a favorable strategy for patients undergoing PD.

To estimate the causal effect of surgery vs chemotherapy on survival in patients with T1-3NxM0 pancreatic cancer in a rigorous framework addressing selection bias and immortal time bias.

We used population-based Danish health-care registries to conduct a cohort study emulating a hypothetical randomized trial to estimate the absolute difference in survival, comparing surgery with chemotherapy. We included pancreatic cancer patients diagnosed during 2008-2021. Exposure was surgery or chemotherapy initiated within a 16-week grace period after diagnosis. At the time of diagnosis, data of each patient were duplicated; one copy was assigned to the surgery protocol, and one copy to the chemotherapy protocol of the hypothetical trial. Copies were censored when the assigned treatment deviated from the observed treatment. To account for informative censoring, uncensored patients were weighted according to confounders. For comparison, we also applied a more conventional analysis using propensity score-based inverse probability weighting.

We included 1744 patients with a median age of 68 years: 73.6% underwent surgery, and 18.6% had chemotherapy without surgery; 7.8% received no treatment. The 3-year survival was 39.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 36.7% to 42.6%) after surgery and 22.7% (95% CI = 17.7% to 28.4%) after chemotherapy, corresponding to an absolute difference of 17.0% (95% CI = 10.8% to 23.1%). In the conventional survival analysis, this difference was 23.0% (95% CI = 17.0% to 29.0%).

Surgery was superior to chemotherapy in achieving long-term survival for pancreatic cancer. The difference comparing surgery and chemotherapy was substantially smaller when using the clone-censor-weight approach than conventional survival analysis.

Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) treats refractory pain in chronic pancreatitis, prevents episodes of acute exacerbation, and mitigates postoperative brittle diabetes. The minimally invasive (MIS) approach offers a decreased surgical access trauma and enhanced recovery. Having established a laparoscopic TPIAT program, we adopted a robotic approach (R-TPIAT) and studied patient outcomes compared to open TPIAT.

Between 2013 and 2021, 61 adult patients underwent TPIAT after a comprehensive evaluation (97% chronic pancreatitis). Pancreatic islets were isolated on-site during the procedure. We analyzed and compared intraoperative surgical and islet characteristics, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and 1-year glycemic outcomes.

MIS-TPIAT was performed in 41 patients (67%, 15 robotic and 26 laparoscopic), and was associated with a shorter mean length of intensive care unit stay compared to open TPIAT (2.9 vs 4.5 days, p = 0.002). R-TPIAT replaced laparoscopic TPIAT in 2017 as the MIS approach of choice and demonstrated decreased blood loss compared to open TPIAT (324 vs 843 mL, p = 0.004), similar operative time (609 vs 562 min), 30-day readmission rate (7% vs 15%), and 90-day complication rate (13% vs 20%). The glycemic outcomes including C-peptide detection at 1-year (73% vs 88%) and insulin dependence at 1-year (75% vs 92%) did not differ. The mean length of hospital stay after R-TPIAT was 8.6 days, shorter than for laparoscopic (11.5 days, p = 0.031) and open TPIAT (12.6 days, p = 0.017). Both MIS approaches had a 1-year mortality rate of 0%.

R-TPIAT was associated with a 33% reduction in length of hospital stay (4-day benefit) compared to open TPIAT. R-TPIAT was similar to open TPIAT on measures of feasibility, safety, pain control, and 1-year glycemic outcomes. Our data suggest that robotic technology, a new component in the multidisciplinary therapy of TPIAT, is poised to develop into the primary surgical approach for experienced pancreatic surgeons.