Implementation of a robotic pancreas program, the Muenster experience

Introduction Robotic assisted surgery is being increasingly implemented in pancreatic surgery since not only feasibility and safety but also improvement of short-term and oncological outcomes has been reported. Since 2018 we established a robotic pancreatic surgery program at our center.

Methods All consecutive robotic distal pancreatic resections since November 2018 at our tertiary center were analyzed. A matched-pair analysis with patients undergoing open pancreatic distal resection before establishment of the robotic program was performed. Patients were matched for age (±3 years), gender and type of resection.

Results A total of 34 patients were included, 17 in each group. Median age was 68 years (range 36-79) and 10 females were identified in each group. Longer operation times in the robotic group was observed (213.6 vs 300.2 min, p=0.015), however length of hospital stay was significantly shorter after robotic surgery (19.8 vs 11.7 days, p=0.006). Total rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) did not differ significantly between groups (open 47% vs. robotic 29.4%, p=0.29). POPF grad C (revised 2016 ISGPS classification) was reported in two patients after open and none after robotic resection.

Conclusion In accordance with existing literature, robotic pancreatic surgery enables shorter length of hospital stay and shows a trend towards lower rates of POPF, despite longer operation times. Robotic distal pancreatic resections can safely be implemented when performed by surgeons already trained in distal pancreatectomies.

Publication History

Article published online:
07 September 2021