Exploring the landscape of minimally invasive pancreatic surgery: Progress, challenges, and future directions

Minimally invasive surgery(MI)has become the standard of care for many surgical procedures aimed at reducing the burden on patients.However,its adoption in pancreatic surgery(PS)has been limited by the pancreas’s unique location and the complexity of the dissection and reconstruction phases.These factors continue to contribute to PS having one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates in general surgery.Despite a rough start,MIPS has gained widespread acceptance in clinical practice recently.Robust evidence supports MI distal pancreatectomy safety,even in oncological cases,indicating its potential superiority over open surgery.However,definitive evidence of MI pancre-aticoduodenectomy(MIPD)feasibility and safety,particularly for malignant lesions,is still lacking.Nonetheless,reports from high-volume centers are emer-ging,suggesting outcomes comparable to those of the open approach.The robotic PS increasing adoption,facilitated by the wider availability of robotic platforms,may further facilitate the transition to MIPD by overcoming the technical con-straints associated with laparoscopy and accelerating the learning curve.Alth-ough the MIPS implementation process cannot be stopped in this evolving world,ensuring patient safety through strict outcome monitoring is critical.Investing in younger surgeons with structured and recognized training programs can promote safe expansion.

Vascular resections in minimally invasive surgery for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is characterised by poor oncological outcome and is the seventh cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.With the advances in surgical technology,oncological treatment,and critical care,extended pancreatic resections including vascular resections have become more frequently performed in specialised centres.Furthermore,the boundaries of resectability continue to be pushed in order to achieve a potentially curative approach in selected patients in combination with neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment strategies.This review gives an overview on the current state of venous and arterial resections in PDAC surgery with particular attention given to the minimally invasive approach.

Current status of minimally invasive surgery for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer(PC)is the most lethal cancer among digestive system cancers.Although the only way to radically cure PC is surgical resection,complex surgical procedures and severe post-operative complications lead to high mortality.In recent years,minimally invasive surgery has become more common for PC.Minimally invasive pancreatic resection(MIPR)with the laparoscopic or robotic method has shown its superiority compared with traditional surgery.However,increasing evidence indicates that the long-term or even short-term outcomes of MIPR for PC patients remain controversial.Moreover,the indications and learning curve of MIPR require further assessment.This review aims to discuss the progress in current MIPR,analyze the specific problems and obstacles in the development of MIPR,and try to standardize MIPR procedures and improve the outcomes of MIPR.

Contemporary review of minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy

AIM To assess the current literature describing various minimally invasive techniques for and to review short-term outcomes after minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD). METHODS PD remains the only potentially curative treatment for periampullary malignancies, including, most commonly, pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Minimally invasive approaches to this complex operation have begun to be increasingly reported in the literature and are purported by some to reduce the historically high morbidity of PD associated with the open technique. In this systematic review, we have searched the literature for high-quality publications describing minimally invasive techniques for PD-including laparoscopic, robotic, and laparoscopicassisted robotic approaches(hybrid approach). We have identified publications with the largest operative experiences from well-known centers of excellence for this complex procedure. We report primarily short term operative and perioperative results and some short term oncologic endpoints. RESULTS Minimal y invasive techniques include laparoscopic, robotic and hybrid approaches and each of these techniques has strong advocates. Consistently, across all minimally invasive modalities, these techniques are associated less intraoperative blood loss than traditional open PD(OPD), but in exchange for longer operating times. These techniques are relatively equivalent in terms of perioperative morbidity and short term oncologic outcomes. Importantly, pancreatic fistula rate appears to be comparable in most minimally invasive series compared to open technique. Impact of minimally invasive technique on length of stay is mixed compared to some traditional open series. A few series have suggestedthat initiation of and time to adjuvant therapy may be improved with minimally invasive techniques, however this assertion remains controversial. In terms of shortterms costs, minimally invasive PD is significantly higher than that of OPD. CONCLUSION Minimally invasive approaches to PD show great promise as a strategy to improve short-term outcomes in patients undergoing PD, but the best results remain isolated to high-volume centers of excellence.

Comparison of outcomes with stapler versus hand-sewn closure of the pancreatic stump following minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy:a retrospective cohort study

Background:Pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy is a common and potentially lethal complication.The optimal closure method for the pancreatic remnant during minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy(MDP)remains unclear.Methods:Data of consecutive patients who underwent MDP in our institution between July 2018 and June 2021 were collected.The outcomes of MDP with stapler and hand-sewn closure were compared.The primary outcome was clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula(CR-POPF)per the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery definition.Results:Of the 384 patients(stapler closure,339;hand-sewn closure,45)enrolled,249 developed CR-POPF(grades B and C:242 and 7 patients,respectively).The rates of grade B and grade C POPF in the stapler group were similar to the corresponding rates in the hand-sewn group(64.6%and 1.5%vs 51.1%and 4.4%,P=.078 and P=.223,respectively).No differences between the stapler and hand-sewn groups were observed regarding the median operation time(207 vs 222 minutes,P=.139),incidence of major complications(16.5%vs 20.0%,P=.559),and mortality(0.2%vs 0%,P=1.000).The independent risk factors of CR-POPF were abdominal abscess,prolonged operation time,and transection site(P=.004,.006,and.001,respectively).Conclusion:The incidence and severity of CR-POPF by stapler closure of the pancreatic stump were comparable to those associated with hand-sewn closure in MDP in this retrospective cohort.Randomized controlled trials are needed to verify this finding.

Minimally invasive vs open pancreatectomy for nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

BACKGROUND The mainstay of treating nonfunctioning-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors(NFPNETs)is surgical resection.However,minimally invasive approaches to pancreatic resection for treating NF-PNETs are not widely accepted,and the longterm oncological outcomes of such approaches remain unknown.AIM To determine the short-and long-term outcomes of minimally invasive pancreatic resection conducted in patients with NF-PNETs.METHODS Prospective databases from Severance Hospital were searched for 110 patients who underwent curative resection for NF-PNETs between January 2003 and August 2018.RESULTS The proportion of minimally invasive surgery(MIS)procedures performed for NF-PNET increased to more than 75%after 2013.There was no significant difference in post-operative complications(P=0.654),including pancreatic fistula(P=0.890)and delayed gastric emptying(P=0.652),between MIS and open approaches.No statistically significant difference was found in disease-free survival between the open approach group and the MIS group(median follow-up period,28.1 mo;P=0.428).In addition,the surgical approach(MIS vs open)was not found to be an independent prognostic factor in treating NF-PNET patients[Exp(β)=1.062;P=0.929].CONCLUSION Regardless of the type of surgery,a minimally invasive approach can be safe and feasible for select NF-PNET patients.

Robotic surgery of the pancreas

Pancreatic surgery is one of the most challenging and complex fields in general surgery.While minimally invasive surgery has become the standard of care for many intra-abdominal pathologies the overwhelming majority of pancreatic surgery is performed in an open fashion.This is attributed to the retroperitoneal location of the pancreas,its intimate relationship to major vasculature and the complexity of reconstruction in the case of pancreatoduodenectomy.Herein,we describe the application of robotic technology to minimally invasive pancreatic surgery.The unique capabilities of the robotic platform have made the minimally invasive approach feasible and safe with equivalent if not better outcomes(e.g.,decreased length of stay,less surgical site infections)to conventional open surgery.However,it is unclear whether the robotic approach is truly superior to traditional laparoscopy;this is a key point given the substantial costs associated with procuring and maintaining robotic capabilities.

Invasive intervention timing for infected necrotizing pancreatitis: Late invasive intervention is not late for collection

With the advance of invasive interventions,the treatment model for infected necrotizing pancreatitis(INP)has shifted from open surgery to the step-up minimally invasive treatment.Late intervention,originating from the open surgery era,has been questioned in the minimally invasive period.With the emergence of new high-quality evidence about the timing for intervention,it seems to be increasingly apparent that,even in the age of minimal invasiveness,“late intervention”waiting for the necrotic collections to be encapsulated is still necessary.This opinion review mainly discusses the intervention timing for INP.

Robotic versus laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A propensity score-matched analysis

Background: Minimally invasive surgery is becoming increasingly popular in the field of pancreatic surgery. However, there are few studies of robotic distal pancreatectomy(RDP) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC). This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of RDP for PDAC. Methods: Patients who underwent RDP or laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy(LDP) for PDAC between January 2015 and September 2020 were reviewed. Propensity score matching analyses were performed. Results: Of the 335 patients included in the study, 24 underwent RDP and 311 underwent LDP. A total of 21 RDP patients were matched 1:1 with LDP patients. RDP was associated with longer operative time(209.7 vs. 163.2 min;P = 0.003), lower open conversion rate(0% vs. 4.8%;P < 0.001), higher cost(15 722 vs. 12 699 dollars;P = 0.003), and a higher rate of achievement of an R0 resection margin(90.5% vs. 61.9%;P = 0.042). However, postoperative pancreatic fistula grade B or C showed no significant intergroup difference(9.5% vs. 9.5%). The median disease-free survival(34.5 vs. 17.3 months;P = 0.588) and overall survival(37.7 vs. 21.9 months;P = 0.171) were comparable between the groups. Conclusions: RDP is associated with longer operative time, a higher cost of surgery, and a higher likelihood of achieving R0 margins than LDP.

“Parenchyma transection-first”strategy is superior to“tunnel-first”strategy in robotic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with conservation of splenic vessels

Background: Creating a tunnel between the pancreas and splenic vessels followed by pancreatic parenchyma transection(“tunnel-first” strategy) has long been used in spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy(SPDP) with splenic vessel preservation(Kimura’s procedure). However, the operation space is limited in the tunnel, leading to the risks of bleeding and difficulties in suturing. We adopted the pancreatic “parenchyma transection-first” strategy to optimize Kimura’s procedure. Methods: The clinical data of consecutive patients who underwent robotic SPDP with Kimura’s procedure between January 2017 and September 2022 at our center were retrieved. The cohort was classified into a “parenchyma transection-first” strategy(P-F) group and a “tunnel-first” strategy(T-F) group and analyzed. Results: A total of 91 patients were enrolled in this cohort, with 49 in the T-F group and 42 in the P-F group. Compared with the T-F group, the P-F group had significantly shorter operative time(146.1 ± 39.2 min vs. 174.9 ± 46.6 min, P < 0.01) and lower estimated blood loss [40.0(20.0–55.0) m L vs. 50.0(20.0–100.0) m L, P = 0.03]. Failure of splenic vessel preservation occurred in 10.2% patients in the TF group and 2.4% in the P-F group( P = 0.14). The grade 3/4 complications were similar between the two groups( P = 0.57). No differences in postoperative pancreatic fistula, abdominal infection or hemorrhage were observed between the two groups. Conclusions: The pancreatic “parenchyma transection-first” strategy is safe and feasible compared with traditional “tunnel-first strategy” in SPDP with Kimura’s procedure.

Role of robotic-assisted pancreatic surgery:lessons learned from our initial experience

BACKGROUND:Minimally invasive surgery has achieved worldwide acceptance in various fields, however, pancreatic surgery remains one of the most challenging abdominal procedures. In fact, the indication for robotic surgery in pancreatic disease has been controversial. The present study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of robotic pancreatic resection.METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed our experience of robotic pancreatic resection done in Sanchinarro University Hospital. Clinicopathologic characteristics, and perioperative and postoperative outcomes were recorded and analyzed.RESULTS:From October 2010 to April 2016, 50 patients underwent robotic-assisted surgery for different pancreatic pathologies. All procedures were performed using the da Vinci robotic system. Of the 50 patients, 26 were male and 24 female. The average age of all patients was 62 years. Operative time was 370 minutes. Among the procedures performed were 16 pancreaticoduodenectomies(PD), 23 distal pancreatectomies(DP), 11 tumor enucleations(TE). The mean hospital stay was 17.6 days in PD group, 9.0 days in DP group and 8.4 days in TE group. Pancreatic fistula occurred in 10 cases(20%), 2 after PD, 3 after DP, and 5 after TE. Four patients had postoperative transfusion in PD group and one in DP group. Conversion to open laparotomy occurred in four patients(8%). No serious intraoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS:From our early experience, robotic pancreatic surgery is a safe and feasible procedure. Further experience and follow-up are required to confirm the role of robotic approach in pancreatic surgery.

Robot-assisted trans-gastric drainage and debridement of walled-off pancreatic necrosis using the EndoWrist stapler for the da Vinci Xi:A case report

BACKGROUND Walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) is a late complication of acute pancreatitis. The management of a WOPN depends on its location and on patient's symptoms. Trans-gastric drainage and debridement of WOPN represents an important surgical treatment option for selected patients. The da Vinci surgical System has been developed to allow an easy, minimally invasive and fast surgery, also in challenging abdominal procedures. We present here a case of a WOPN treated with a robotic trans-gastric drainage using the da Vinci Xi. CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old man with an episode of acute necrotizing pancreatitis was referred to our center. Six wk after the acute episode the patient developed a walled massive fluid collection, with an extensive pancreatic necrosis, causing obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. The patient underwent a robotic transgastric drainage and debridement of the WOPN performed with the da Vinci Xi platform. Firstly, an anterior ideal gastrotomy was carried out, guided by intraoperative ultrasound (US)-scan using the TilePro? function. Then, through the gastrotomy, the best location for drainage on the posterior gastric wall was again US-guided identified. The anastomosis between the posterior gastric wall and the walled-off necrosis wall was carried out with the new EndoWrist stapler with vascular cartridge. Debridement and washing of the cavity through the anastomosis were performed. Finally, the anterior gastrotomy was closed and the cholecystectomy was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful and a post-operative computed tomography-scan showed the collapse of the fluid collection. CONCLUSION In selected cases of WOPN the da Vinci Surgical System can be safely used as a valid surgical treatment option.

Surgical management of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms are a rare and complex group of neoplastic lesions that develop from pancreatic islet cells.Their incidence has dramatically increased during the last two decades.Due to its complex nature and pathophysiological behaviour,surgical management continues to evolve.Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment for most non-functional and functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours,while lymphadenectomy remains a controversial subject.Different techniques,such as pancreas-preserving and minimally invasive approaches,continue to evolve and offer the same overall outcomes as open surgery.This comprehensive review describes in detail the current and most up-todate classification and staging of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours,explores the rationale for nonsurgical and surgical management,and focuses on surgical treatment and more specifically,on minimally invasive approaches.

早期颅内血肿微创清除术治疗轻中度基底核区高血压脑出血的临床效果分析

目的分析早期颅内血肿微创清除术应用在轻中度基底核区高血压脑出血(HICH)中的临床效果。方法80例轻中度的基底核区HICH患者,依据随机数字表法划分为研究组和对照组,每组40例。对照组采取保守方式治疗,研究组实施早期颅内血肿微创清除术治疗。对比两组治疗效果、神经功能评分、认知功能评分及并发症发生情况。结果研究组总有效率为95.00%,与对照组77.50%相比更优,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗前,两组神经功能评分对比,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后,研究组神经功能评分(13.64±2.12)分比对照组的(19.74±5.26)分低,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。研究组注意评分(5.71±0.43)分、命名评分(2.76±0.24)分、语言流畅评分(1.99±0.37)分、定向力评分(5.97±0.45)分、延迟记忆评分(2.96±0.33)分、抽象思维评分(1.65±0.33)分、视空间的执行能力评分(4.79±0.53)分、总分(23.85±5.47)分与对照组的(4.12±0.49)、(2.04±0.03)、(1.52±0.08)、(4.06±0.32)、(1.76±0.14)、(1.14±0.21)、(4.02±0.46)、(17.28±2.35)分相比更高,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。研究组并发症发生率7.50%与对照组25.00%相比较低,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论早期颅内血肿微创清除术应用在轻中度的基底核区HICH患者效果较好,可帮助患者更好地恢复其神经功能,帮助患者提升认知功能,降低术后并发症,能有效促进其早日康复,临床上值得推广使用。

腹腔镜微创手术治疗胆源性胰腺炎的效果分析

目的 分析腹腔镜微创手术治疗胆源性胰腺炎的临床效果。方法 随机选取2021年12月—2023年12月费县中医医院接受手术治疗的80例胆源性胰腺炎患者为研究对象,依据不同治疗方法分为观察组和对照组,每组40例。对照组采用开腹胆囊切除术治疗,观察组采取腹腔镜微创手术治疗,比较两组患者手术指标、炎性因子和并发症发生率。结果 观察组手术时间、术后下床活动时间、术后排气时间和住院时间均短于对照组,术中出血量少于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。术后,两组患者各项炎性因子水平均高于术前,但观察组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。观察组并发症发生率为2.50%(1/40),低于对照组的20.00%(8/40),差异有统计学意义(χ^(2)=4.507,P<0.05)。结论 胆源性胰腺炎患者应用腹腔镜微创手术治疗,可获得较好的手术效果,可减少患者术中出血量和术后并发症的发生,缩短术后机体恢复时间。

Pancreatic necrosis:Complications and changing trend of treatment

Incidence of acute pancreatitis seems to be increasing in the Western countries and has been associated with significantly increased morbidity. Nearly 80% of the patients with acute pancreatitis undergo resolution; some develop complications including pancreatic necrosis. Infection of pancreatic necrosis is the leading cause of death in these patients. A significant portion of these patients needs surgical interventions. Traditionally, the "gold standard" procedure has been the open surgical necrosectomy, which is now being completed by the relatively lesser invasive interventions. Minimally invasive surgical(MIS) procedures include endoscopic drainage, percutaneous image-guided catheter drainage, and retroperitoneal drainage. This review article discusses the open and MIS interventions for pancreatic necrosis with each having its own respective benefits and disadvantages are covered.

老年胰腺癌早期诊断及微创外科治疗的研究进展

近年来,胰腺癌的发病率逐渐升高,老年胰腺癌的比重也逐渐上升,因此在临床诊疗工作中,需给予老年胰腺癌诊疗工作更多重视。然而临床实践发现老年胰腺癌诊治工作还存在不足,最为明显的是早期诊断率低,因而患者接受根治术的比例较低,导致临床疗效及预后较差。当前关于胰腺癌的诊断已有多种可行方法,微创外科治疗是胰腺癌临床治疗的重要选择。本文具体论述老年胰腺癌早期诊断及微创外科治疗现状,以期为老年胰腺癌诊疗工作提供一定指导。

机器人手术在肝胆胰外科中的应用与进展

机器人手术自21世纪问世以来已成为微创手术的代表,并得到迅速发展。肝胆胰手术难度大,往往涉及复杂的解剖、消化道重建及精细的血管吻合,这导致其微创手术的发展相对缓慢,而机器人手术则可打破这一局面。如何拓宽机器人手术的适应证并进一步发展机器人手术技术则是未来外科发展的重要方向。本综述针对机器人手术在肝胆胰外科中的应用现状及未来发展前景进行总结及展望。

感染坏死性胰腺炎外科治疗现状和展望

急性胰腺炎是指因胰酶异常激活对胰腺自身及周围器官产生消化作用而引起的急腹症。急性胰腺炎发病率较高,并呈逐年上升趋势。感染坏死性胰腺炎(INP)是急性胰腺炎最严重的并发症,病死率高,其外科介入主要包括经皮穿刺引流术、微创手术、内镜治疗和开放手术等。本文综述了目前INP外科治疗的现状,并对其未来的治疗方向进行了展望,以期为临床INP治疗方法的选择提供理论依据。

机器人外科手术系统辅助下治疗胰腺疾病的临床疗效

目的探讨达芬奇S机器人外科手术系统辅助胰腺手术的可行性、手术难点以及手术适应证。方法回顾性分析上海交通大学医学院附属瑞金医院2010年3—9月在达芬奇S机器人外科手术系统辅助下完成的20例胰腺切除术患者的临床资料,其中胰腺中段切除术5例,胰体尾切除术4例,Beger's术3例,胰十二指肠切除术8例。观察患者术中、术后恢复以及术后并发症的情况。结果 20例患者均成功完成手术,手术时间为40～510min,中位手术时间为306min;术中出血量为50～1100mL,中位出血量为385mL。术后并发症发生率为30%(6/20),其中胰瘘发生率为25%(5/20)。术后随访1～6个月,所有患者均恢复良好,未发现肿瘤复发转移,无1例死亡。结论达芬奇S机器人外科手术系统辅助胰腺手术安全可行,并能降低胰腺微创手术的难度,具有微创的优势。