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Background: Although robotic pancreatoduodenectomy has shown promising outcomes in experienced high-volume centres, it is unclear whether implementation on a nationwide scale is safe and beneficial. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of the early experience with robotic pancreatoduodenectomy versus open pancreatoduodenectomy in the Netherlands. Methods: This was a nationwide retrospective cohort study of all consecutive patients who underwent robotic pancreatoduodenectomy or open pancreatoduodenectomy who were registered in the mandatory Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Audit (18 centres, 2014–2021), starting from the first robotic pancreatoduodenectomy procedure per centre. The main endpoints were major complications (Clavien–Dindo grade greater than or equal to III) and in-hospital/30-day mortality. Propensity-score matching (1 : 1) was used to minimize selection bias. Results: Overall, 701 patients who underwent robotic pancreatoduodenectomy and 4447 patients who underwent open pancreatoduodenectomy were included. Among the eight centres that performed robotic pancreatoduodenectomy, the median robotic pancreatoduodenectomy experience was 86 (range 48–149), with a 7.3% conversion rate. After matching (698 robotic pancreatoduodenectomy patients versus 698 open pancreatoduodenectomy control patients), no significant differences were found in major complications (40.3% versus 36.2% respectively; P = 0.186), in-hospital/30-day mortality (4.0% versus 3.1% respectively; P = 0.326), and postoperative pancreatic fistula grade B/C (24.9% versus 23.5% respectively; P = 0.578). Robotic pancreatoduodenectomy was associated with a longer operating time (359 min versus 301 min; P < 0.001), less intraoperative blood loss (200 ml versus 500 ml; P < 0.001), fewer wound infections (7.4% versus 12.2%; P = 0.008), and a shorter hospital stay (11 days versus 12 days; P < 0.001). Centres performing greater than or equal to 20 robotic pancreatoduodenectomies annually had a lower mortality rate (2.9% versus 7.3%; P = 0.009) and a lower conversion rate (6.3% versus 11.2%; P = 0.032). Conclusion: This study indicates that robotic pancreatoduodenectomy was safely implemented nationwide, without significant differences in major morbidity and mortality compared with matched open pancreatoduodenectomy patients. Randomized trials should be carried out to verify these findings and confirm the observed benefits of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy versus open pancreatoduodenectomy. This nationwide study in 18 centres compared the surgical outcomes of 698 patients who underwent robotic pancreatoduodenectomy with those of 698 propensity-score-matched patients who underwent open pancreatoduodenectomy. The rates of major complications and mortality did not differ significantly, whereas robotic pancreatoduodenectomy was associated with less intraoperative blood loss, a longer operating time, a shorter hospital stay, fewer grade B/C chyle leaks, and fewer wound infections than open pancreatoduodenectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cholangitis is a late complication after pancreatoduodenectomy with considerable clinical impact and is difficult to treat. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview of the literature identifying risk factors for postoperative cholangitis. Methods: A systematic search of the databases PUBMED and EMBASE was performed to identify all studies reporting on possible risk factors for cholangitis following pancreatoduodenectomy. Data on patient, peri- and postoperative characteristics were collected. Risk of bias assessment was done according to the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) criteria. Results: In total, 464 studies were identified. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria for this analysis. The definition of postoperative cholangitis was inconsistent, with four studies using the Tokyo Guidelines, whereas other studies used different definitions. Data on 26 potential risk factors concerning the patient, peri- and postoperative characteristics were analyzed. Five factors were significantly associated with cholangitis in two or more studies: high body mass index, duration of surgery, benign disease, postoperative pancreatic fistula, and postoperative serum alkaline phosphatase. Conclusion: Multiple potential risk factors for postoperative cholangitis were identified, with large discrepancies between studies. Prospective research, with consensus on the definition, is required to determine the true relevance of these risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical impact and risk factors of chyle leak (CL). Background: In 2017, the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) published the consensus definition of CL. Multicenter series validating this definition are lacking and previous studies investigating risk factors have used different definitions and showed heterogeneous results. Methods: This observational cohort study included all consecutive patients after pancreatoduodenectomy in all 19 centers in the mandatory nationwide Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Audit (2017–2019). The primary endpoint was CL (ISGPS grade B/C). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Overall, 2159 patients after pancreatoduodenectomy were included. The rate of CL was 7.0% (n=152), including 6.9% (n=150) grade B and 0.1% (n=2) grade C. CL was independently associated with a prolonged hospital stay [odds ratio (OR)=2.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.85–4.36, P <0.001] but not with mortality (OR=0.3, 95% CI: 0.0–2.3, P =0.244). In multivariable analyses, independent predictors for CL were vascular resection (OR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.4–3.2, P <0.001) and open surgery (OR=3.5, 95% CI: 1.7–7.2, P =0.001). The number of resected lymph nodes and aortocaval lymph node sampling were not identified as predictors in multivariable analysis. Conclusions: In this nationwide analysis, the rate of ISGPS grade B/C CL after pancreatoduodenectomy was 7.0%. Although CL is associated with a prolonged hospital stay, the clinical impact is relatively minor in the vast majority (>98%) of patients. Vascular resection and open surgery are predictors of CL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whereas neoadjuvant chemo(radio)therapy is increasingly used in pancreatic cancer, it is currently not recommended for other periampullary (non-pancreatic) cancers. This has important implications for the relevance of the preoperative diagnosis for pancreatoduodenectomy. This retrospective multicentre cohort study aimed to determine the frequency of clinically relevant misdiagnoses in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic or other periampullary cancer. Data from all consecutive patients who underwent a pancreatoduodenectomy between 2014 and 2018 were obtained from the prospective Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Audit. The preoperative diagnosis as concluded by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting was compared with the final postoperative diagnosis at pathology to determine the rate of clinically relevant misdiagnosis (defined as missed pancreatic cancer or incorrect diagnosis of pancreatic cancer). In total, 1244 patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy of whom 203 (16%) had a clinically relevant misdiagnosis preoperatively. Of all patients with a final diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, 13% (87/679) were preoperatively misdiagnosed as distal cholangiocarcinoma (n = 41, 6.0%), ampullary cancer (n = 27, 4.0%) duodenal cancer (n = 16, 2.4%), or other (n = 3, 0.4%). Of all patients with a final diagnosis of periampullary (non-pancreatic) cancer, 21% (116/565) were preoperatively incorrectly diagnosed as pancreatic cancer. Accuracy of preoperative diagnosis was 84% for pancreatic cancer, 71% for distal cholangiocarcinoma, 73% for ampullary cancer and 73% for duodenal cancer. A prediction model for the preoperative likelihood of pancreatic cancer (versus other periampullary cancer) prior to pancreatoduodenectomy demonstrated an AUC of 0.88. This retrospective multicentre cohort study showed that 16% of patients have a clinically relevant misdiagnosis that could result in either missing the opportunity of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer or inappropriate administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with non-pancreatic periampullary cancer. A preoperative prediction model is available on www.pancreascalculator.com. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy is slowly gaining acceptance within pancreatic surgery. Advantages have been demonstrated for robotic surgery in other fields, but robust data for pancreaticoduodenectomy is limited. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) to open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) and laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). Methods: Patients who underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy between January 2011 and July 2019 at the Johns Hopkins Hospital were included in this retrospective propensity-matched analysis. The RPD cohort was matched to patients who underwent OPD in a 1:2 fashion and LPD in a 1:1 fashion. Short-term outcomes were analyzed for all three cohorts. Results: In total, 1644 patients were included, of which 96 (5.8%) underwent RPD, 131 (8.0%) LPD, and 1417 (86.2%) OPD. RPD was associated with a decreased incidence of delayed gastric emptying (9.4%) compared to OPD (23.5%; P = 0.006). The median estimated blood loss was significantly less in the RPD cohort (RPD vs OPD, 150 vs 487 mL; P < 0.001, RPD vs LPD, 125 vs 300 mL; P < 0.001). Compared to OPD, the robotic approach was associated with a shorter median length of stay (median 8 vs 9 days; P = 0.014) and a decrease in wound complications (4.2% vs 16.7%; P = 0.002). The incidence of other postoperative complications was comparable between RPD and OPD, and RPD and LPD. Conclusion: In the hands of experienced surgeons, RPD may have a modest yet statistically significant reduction in estimated blood loss, postoperative length of stay, wound complications, and delayed gastric emptying comparing to OPD in similar patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the feasibility and impact of a nationwide training program in minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP). Summaryof Background Data: Superior outcomes of MIDP compared with open distal pancreatectomy have been reported. In the Netherlands (2005 to 2013) only 10% of distal pancreatectomies were in a minimally invasive fashion and 85% of surgeons welcomed MIDP training. The feasibility and impact of a nationwide training program is unknown. Methods: From 2014 to 2015, 32 pancreatic surgeons from 17 centers participated in a nationwide training program in MIDP, including detailed technique description, video training, and proctoring on-site. Outcomes of MIDP before training (2005-2013) were compared with outcomes after training (2014-2015). Results: In total, 201 patients were included; 71 underwent MIDP in 9 years before training versus 130 in 22 months after training (7-fold increase, P < 0.001). The conversion rate (38% [n = 27] vs 8% [n = 11], P < 0.001) and blood loss were lower after training and more pancreatic adenocarcinomas were resected (7 [10%] vs 28 [22%], P=0.03), with comparable R0-resection rates (4/7 [57%] vs 19/28 [68%], P = 0.67). Clavien-Dindo score ≥III complications (15 [21%] vs 19 [15%], P = 0.24) and pancreatic fistulas (20 [28%] vs 41 [32%], P = 0.62) were not significantly different. Length of hospital stay was shorter after training (9 [7-12] vs 7 [5-8] days, P < 0.001). Thirty-day mortality was 3% vs 0% (P = 0.12). Conclusion: A nationwide MIDP training program was feasible and followed by a steep increase in the use of MIDP, also in patients with pancreatic cancer, and decreased conversion rates. Future studies should determine whether such a training program is applicable in other settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Volume-outcome relationships in pancreatic surgery are well established, but an optimal volume remains to be determined. Studies analyzing outcomes in volume categories exceeding 20 procedures annually are lacking. Study design: A consecutive 3420 patients underwent PD for primary pancreatic or periampullary carcinoma (2005-2013) and were registered in the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Relationships between hospital volume (<5, 5-19, 20-39 and ≥40 PDs/year) and mortality and survival were explored. Results: There was a non-significant decrease in 90-day mortality from 8.1 to 6.7% during the study period (p = 0.23). Ninety-day mortality was 9.7% in centers performing <5 PDs/year (n = 185 patients), 8.9% for 5-19 PDs/year (n = 1432), 7.3% for 20-39 PDs/year (n = 240) and 4.3% for ≥40 PDs/year (n = 562, p = 0.004). Within volume categories, 90-day mortality did not change over time. After adjustment for confounding factors, significantly lower mortality was found in the ≥40 category compared to 20-39 PDs/year (OR = 1.72 (1.08-2.74)). Overall survival adjusted for confounding factors was better in the ≥40 category compared to categories under 20 PDs/year: HR (≥40 vs 5-19/ year) = 1.24 (1.09-1.42). In the ≥40 category significantly more patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and had >10 lymph nodes retrieved compared to lower volume categories. Conclusions: Volume-outcome relationships in pancreatic surgery persist in centers performing ≥40 PDs annually, regarding both mortality and survival. The volume plateau for pancreatic surgery has yet to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complementary to percutaneous intra-abdominal drainage, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) might ameliorate healing of pancreatic fistula and biliary leakage after pancreatoduodenectomy by diversion of bile from the site of leakage. This study evaluated technical and clinical outcomes of PTBD for this indication. All patients undergoing PTBD for leakage after pancreatoduodenectomy were retrospectively evaluated in two tertiary pancreatic centers (2014–2019). Technical success was defined as external biliary drainage. Clinical success was defined as discharge with a resolved leak, without additional surgical interventions for anastomotic leakage other than percutaneous intra-abdominal drainage. Following 822 pancreatoduodenectomies, 65 patients (8%) underwent PTBD. Indications were leakage of the pancreaticojejunostomy (n = 25; 38%), hepaticojejunostomy (n = 15; 23%) and of both (n = 25; 38%). PTBD was technically successful in 64 patients (98%) with drain revision in 40 patients (63%). Clinical success occurred in 60 patients (94%). Leakage resolved after median 33 days (IQR 21–60). PTBD related complications occurred in 23 patients (35%), including cholangitis (n = 14; 21%), hemobilia (n = 7; 11%) and PTBD related bleeding requiring re-intervention (n = 4; 6%). In hospital mortality was 3% (n = 2). Although drain revisions and complications are common, PTBD is highly feasible and appears to be effective in the treatment of biliopancreatic leakage after pancreatoduodenectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage is a potentially lethal complication after pancreatic resection. The objective of this systematic review is to provide insight in the current status of incidence, detection, management and clinical outcomes of late postpancreatectomy hemorrhage. A systematic search was conducted on the literature from February 2007 to July 2018 in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library. Included were clinical studies with clinical outcomes on late postpancreatectomy hemorrhage defined according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery definition (i.e. occurring >24 h after pancreatic resection). A total of 14 studies on 467 patients with late postpancreatectomy hemorrhage were included. The incidence of late postpancreatectomy hemorrhage ranged from 3% to 16% (weighted mean: 5%). Seventy-four patients received conservative treatment; 252 patients underwent primary endovascular intervention; 82 patients underwent primary relaparotomy; 56 patients underwent primary endoscopic intervention; and three patients died before any intervention could be performed. CT-scan and diagnostic angiography were able to identify the source of hemorrhage in 67% (66/98) and 69% (114/166) of patients, respectively. The most frequent origin of the hemorrhage was the gastroduodenal artery stump (79/275; 29%), followed by the common hepatic artery (51/275; 19%) and splenic artery (32/275; 12%). Overall mortality was 21% (98/464 patients; range 0%–38%). Mortality was lower after primary interventional angiography as compared to primary relaparotomy (16% vs 37% respectively). This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the current literature for severe late postpancreatectomy hemorrhages. CT-scan and diagnostic angiography are equally sensitive in detecting the bleeding source. Interventional angiography appears to be associated to lower mortality as compared to relaparotomy and endoscopy as first intervention for postpancreatectomy hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Surgery for pancreatic cancer yields significant morbidity and mortality risks and survival is limited. Therefore, the influence of complications on quality of life (QoL) after pancreatic surgery is important. This study compares QoL in patients with and without severe complications after surgery for pancreatic (pre-)malignancy. Methods This prospective cohort study scored complications after pancreatic surgery according to the Clavien–Dindo system and the definitions of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery. QoL was measured by the RAND36 questionnaire, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and the pancreas specific QLQ-PAN26. QoL in patients with severe complications was compared with QoL in patients with no or mild complications over a period of 12 months. Analysis was performed with linear mixed models for repeated measurements. Results Between March 2012 and July 2016, 137 patients were included. Sixty-eight patients (50%) had at least 1 severe complication. There were no statistically significant and clinically relevant differences between both groups in QoL up to 12 months after surgery. Conclusion In this study, no differences in QoL between patients with and without severe postoperative complications were encountered during the first 12 months after surgery for pancreatic (pre-)malignancy. Trial registration http://www.clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02175992 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Auditing is an important tool to identify practice variation and ‘best practices’. The Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Audit is mandatory in all 18 Dutch centers for pancreatic surgery. Methods Performance indicators and case-mix factors were identified by a PubMed search for randomized controlled trials (RCT's) and large series in pancreatic surgery. In addition, data dictionaries of two national audits, three institutional databases, and the Dutch national cancer registry were evaluated. Morbidity, mortality, and length of stay were analyzed of all pancreatic resections registered during the first two audit years. Case ascertainment was cross-checked with the Dutch healthcare inspectorate and key-variables validated in all centers. Results Sixteen RCT's and three large series were found. Sixteen indicators and 20 case-mix factors were included in the audit. During 2014–2015, 1785 pancreatic resections were registered including 1345 pancreatoduodenectomies. Overall in-hospital mortality was 3.6%. Following pancreatoduodenectomy, mortality was 4.1%, Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ III morbidity was 29.9%, median (IQR) length of stay 12 (9–18) days, and readmission rate 16.0%. In total 97.2% of >40,000 variables validated were consistent with the medical charts. Conclusions The Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Audit, with high quality data, reports good outcomes of pancreatic surgery on a national level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a change in the routine feeding strategy applied after pancreatoduodenectomy ( PD) from nasojejunal tube ( NJT) feeding to early oral feeding improved clinical outcomes. Methods An observational cohort study was performed in 102 consecutive patients undergoing PD. In period 1 ( n = 51, historical controls), the routine postoperative feeding strategy was NJT feeding. This was changed to a protocol of early oral feeding with on-demand NJT feeding in period 2 ( n = 51, consecutive prospective cohort). The primary outcome was time to resumption of adequate oral intake. Results The baseline characteristics of study subjects in both periods were comparable. In period 1, 98% ( n = 50) of patients received NJT feeding, whereas in period 2, 53% ( n = 27) of patients did so [for delayed gastric empting ( DGE) ( n = 20) or preoperative malnutrition ( n = 7)]. The time to resumption of adequate oral intake significantly decreased from 12 days in period 1 to 9 days in period 2 ( P = 0.015), and the length of hospital stay shortened from 18 days in period 1 to 13 days in period 2 ( P = 0.015). Overall, there were no differences in the incidences of complications of Clavien-Dindo Grade III or higher, DGE, pancreatic fistula, postoperative haemorrhage and mortality between the two periods. Conclusions The introduction of an early oral feeding strategy after PD reduced the time to resumption of adequate oral intake and length of hospital stay without negatively impacting postoperative morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To potentially improve outcomes in pancreatic resection, robot-assisted pancreatic surgery has been introduced. This technique has possible advantages over laparoscopic surgery, such as its affordance of three-dimensional vision and increased freedom of movement of instruments. A systematic review was performed to assess the safety and feasibility of robot-assisted pancreatic surgery. Methods The literature published up to 30 September 2011 was systematically reviewed, with no restrictions on publication date. Studies reporting on over five patients were included. Animal studies, studies not reporting morbidity and mortality, review articles and conference abstracts were excluded. Data were extracted and weighted means were calculated. Results A total of 499 studies were screened, after which eight cohort studies reporting on a total of 251 patients undergoing robot-assisted pancreatic surgery were retained for analysis. Weighted mean operation time was 404 ± 102 min (510 ± 107 min for pancreatoduodenectomy only). The rate of conversion was 11.0% (16.4% for pancreatoduodenectomy only). Overall morbidity was 30.7% ( n = 77), most frequently involving pancreatic fistulae ( n = 46). Mortality was 1.6%. Negative surgical margins were obtained in 92.9% of patients. The rate of spleen preservation in distal pancreatectomy was 87.1%. Conclusions Robot-assisted pancreatic surgery seems to be safe and feasible in selected patients and, in left-sided resections, may increase the rate of spleen preservation. Randomized studies should compare the respective outcomes of robot-assisted, laparoscopic and open pancreatic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple resection) in children is feasible though rarely indicated. In several pediatric malignancies of the pancreas, however, it may be the only curative strategy [1]. With the emergence of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy as at least a clinically equivalent alternative to open surgery [2], it remains to be determined whether the pediatric population may potentially benefit from this minimally invasive procedure. Here we present, for the first time, a video of setup and surgical technique of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy in a child. Methods A 10-year-old girl presented with complaints of fullness and abdominal pain in the upper quadrants. Investigations including a diffusion-weighted, pancreatic MR scan suggested the diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary tumor (Frantz's tumor). The patient was considered for robotic pancreatoduodenectomy. Results After anesthesia, the patient was placed supine on a split-leg table. Trocar placement was adjusted to accommodate the child's length and body weight, according to pre-operatively calculated positions that would allow for maximum working space and minimize inadvertent collision between the robotic arms. The da Vinci Si surgical robot was positioned in-line towards the surgical target and all four robotic arms were docked, while two additional laparoscopic ports were placed for tableside assistance. After standard pancreatoduodenectomy, a conventional loop reconstruction was performed including an end-to-side pancreaticojejunostomy with duct-to-mucosa technique and stapled side-to-side gastrojejunostomy. We suggest that in this patient group, pylorus preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with end-to-side duodenojejunostomy may be a suitable alternative. Postoperative recovery was complicated by delayed gastric emptying but otherwise unremarkable. Hospital length of stay was 12 days. Final pathology demonstrated a solid pseudopapillary tumor with negative surgical margins. Conclusion This case illustrates the feasibility of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy in children. Essential elements of this procedure are a well-running robotic pancreatic surgery program as well as careful preoperative port placement planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]