Introduction: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD)has been covered by insurance since 2016 in Japan. Advance LPD and robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy(RPD)has been also covered by insurance since 2020 in Japan. We report our technique and the short-term outcome of RPD performed in our institution.
Surgical procedures: As a first step, the resection phase was performed laparoscopically. Pancreato-jejunostomy and choledocho-jejunostomy were performed robotically (hybrid-RPD). As a second step, Kocher maneuver and jejunal transection were performed laparoscopically. Other procedures were performed robotically(modified-RPD). As a final step, all procedures were performed robotically(pure-RPD).
Surgical techniques: RPD is performed in reverse Trendelenburg supine position. An extended Kocher maneuver is performed. The common bile duct is then identified and transected after proximal aspect is secured with a surgical bulldog clamp. IPDA is divided by using an energy device after clip placement. The pancreatic neck is then divided with the use of scissors. Pancreato-jejunostomy was performed by modified Blumgart and pancreatic duct to jejunal mucosa method. Choledocho- jejunostomy was performed with continuous and interrupted suturing.
Patients and method: Between 2020 and 2022, 45 patients underwent RPD at our institution. Cases were divided into hybrid-RPD(n=20), modified-RPD(n=9) and pure-RPD(n=16).
Results: No significant differences were noted between hybrid-RPD, modified-RPD and pure-RPD groups with respect to patient age(73.6, 68.7, 70.6 years old), gender(male/female 15/5, 6/3, 8/8), respectively. The operation time was longer(667, 770, 746 minutes)and the resection time was longer(286, 399, 380 minutes)in modified- RPD and pure-RPD than hybrid-RPD group. In the pure-RPD group, the resection time was decreasing(y=-12.0×+ 481.5)as a learning curve. No significant differences were noted between hybrid-RPD, modified-RPD and pure-RPD groups with respect to reconstruction time(388, 371, 367 minutes)and the estimated blood(261, 199, 293 mL), respectively. All postoperative pancreatic fistula was under Grade B.
Conclusion: Although further studies are still needed to confirm the benefit of RPD, RPD is safe, minimally invasive, and effective approach to the management of pancreatic tumor.