Minimally Invasive Distal Pancreatectomy for Cancer: Short-Term Oncologic Outcomes in 1733 Patients

Background: Data from high-volume institutions suggest that minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) provides favorable perioperative outcomes and adequate oncologic resection for pancreatic cancer; however, these outcomes may not be generalizable. This study examines patterns of use and short-term outcomes from MIDP (laparoscopic or robotic) versus open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the United States. Methods: Adult patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy were identified from the National Cancer Database, 2010-2011. Multivariable modeling was applied to compare short-term outcomes from MIDP versus ODP for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Results: 1733 patients met inclusion criteria: 535 (31 %) had MIDP and 1198 (69 %) ODP. Use of MIDP increased 43 % between 2010 and 2011; the conversion rate from MIDP to ODP was 23 %. MIDP cases were performed at 215 hospitals, with 85 % of hospitals performing <10 cases overall. After adjustment, pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients undergoing MIDP versus ODP had a similar likelihood of complete resection (OR 1.48, p = 0.10), number of lymph nodes removed (RR 1.01, p = 0.91), and 30-day readmission rate (OR 1.02, p = 0.96); however, length of stay was shorter (RR 0.84, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Use of MIDP for cancer is increasing, with most centers performing a low volume of these procedures. Use of MIDP for body and tail pancreatic adenocarcinoma appears to have short-term outcomes that are similar to those of open procedures with the benefit of a shorter hospital stay. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed.