Current progress in robotic hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery at a high-volume center

Implementation of a robotic hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery program: a swedish referral center's experience

Robotic-assisted surgery has been recognized for enhancing the feasibility of minimally invasive procedures, particularly in high-complexity fields like hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery. This study aims to describe the implementation and development of a robotic HPB surgery program at a Swedish referral center, during a structured transition from mostly open surgery, as well as evaluating perioperative outcomes. A retrospective observational study at Karolinska University Hospital (September 2020-July 2024) included patients undergoing robotic HPB resections. Data on demographics, procedure types, intraoperative metrics, and outcomes were collected. Program implementation followed a stepwise approach. A total of 495 robotic resections were performed by three generations of surgeons, including 235 liver, 208 pancreatic, and 52 biliary resections. The overall conversion rate to open surgery was 7.7%. Major complications were observed in 10.9% of cases, with a mortality rate of 0.8%. Exposure and training improved outcomes over time, indicating the value of a structured implementation approach and a stepwise introduction of new surgeons into the robotic program. The transition to robotic HPB surgery requires a well-organized approach that includes thorough training and close collaboration within a multidisciplinary team. The program focused on helping junior surgeons develop their skills, starting with simpler procedures to reduce risks and ensure patient safety. After 8 semesters, minimally invasive HPB surgeries have increased from 15 to 41%. Results show that the program is safe and effective, highlighting the importance of institutional support, teamwork, and strategic planning in building a successful and lasting robotic surgery program.

Early prediction of post-pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis after pancreaticoduodenectomy based on serum C-reactive protein

BACKGROUND

Post-pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP) is an early acute inflammatory process of the pancreatic remnant that is associated with a series of downstream pancreas-specific complications. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between postoperative serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the occurrence of PPAP after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent PD between January 1, 2020, and May 31, 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. PPAP was defined according to the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) definitions. A Sankey diagram incorporating Fistula Risk Score (FRS), serum amylase levels, and serum CRP levels was further performed for the early iterative risk stratification of PPAP.

RESULTS

A total of 601 patients were included in the analysis. Postoperative serum hyperamylasemia (POH) was observed in 268 patients (44.6 %), of whom 136 (16.7 %) developed PPAP after PD. Patients with serum CRP >100 mg/L on postoperative day (POD) 2 had a significantly higher incidence of PPAP (27.2 % vs. 2.3 %, p < 0.001). The highest Youden index was achieved with the cut-off value of 100 mg/L, with the area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.754 for predicting PPAP (sensitivity 91.8 %, specificity 59.0 %). Multivariate analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI) ≥24 (OR 2.09), estimated blood loss >200 mL (OR 1.70), and elevated serum CRP levels (OR 13.01) were independent risk factors for PPAP. Notably, patients with both POH and elevated serum CRP levels on POD 2 were classified as the high-risk group, exhibiting a remarkably high PPAP rate of 41.8 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum CRP levels on POD 2 are strongly associated with the development of PPAP after PD. This finding has the potential to enable tailored postoperative management and pave the way for the anti-inflammation strategies targeting the early postoperative period.

Usefulness of Hem-o-lok® clips to ligate the gastroduodenal artery in pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) is a fatal complication of pancreatoduodenectomy. When complicated by a pancreatic fistula, pancreatic juice contacting the artery may form a pseudoaneurysm and cause arterial bleeding. We used Hem-o-lok® clips to prevent damage to the outer wall of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA). This study evaluated the usefulness of using Hem-o-lok® clips to ligate the GDA stump to prevent PPH.

METHODS

Overall, 468 patients who underwent PD at our hospital were included. Before July 2020, we ligated the GDA stump using the knot-tying method, which involves double ligation. After July 2020, the GDA stump was double clipped using a 10-mm Hem-o-lok® clip to the residual side without tension on the GDA. Propensity score matching was used to compare cases of pancreatic fistulas that underwent clipping vs. knot-tying.

RESULTS

Propensity score matching resulted in 37 patients in each group. PPH occurred in 12 (16.4%) and 4 (6.9%) patients in the knot-tying and clipping groups, respectively. PPH from the GDA stump occurred in eight (11.0%) and one (1.7%) patient in the knot tying and clipping groups, respectively (P = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

Hem-o-lok® clips are safe to apply on the GDA stump during pancreatoduodenectomy to prevent PPH.

Safety of robotic cholecystectomy as index training procedure: the UK experience

AIMS

To evaluate the safety profile of robotic cholecystectomy performed within the United Kingdom (UK) Robotic Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) training programme.

METHODS

A retrospective evaluation of prospectively collected data from eleven centres participating in the UK Robotic HPB training programme was conducted. All adult patients undergoing robotic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease or gallbladder polyp were considered. Bile duct injury, conversion to open procedure, conversion to subtotal cholecystectomy, length of hospital stay, 30-day re-admission, and post-operative complications were the evaluated outcome parameters.

RESULTS

A total of 600 patients were included. The median age was 53 (IQR 65-41) years and the majority (72.7%; 436/600) were female. The main indications for robotic cholecystectomy were biliary colic (55.5%, 333/600), cholecystitis (18.8%, 113/600), gallbladder polyps (7.7%, 46/600), and pancreatitis (6.2%, 37/600). The median length of stay was 0 (IQR 0-1) days. Of the included patients, 88.5% (531/600) were discharged on the day of procedure with 30-day re-admission rate of 5.5% (33/600). There were no bile duct injuries and the rate of conversion to open was 0.8% (5/600) with subtotal cholecystectomy rate of 0.8% (5/600).

CONCLUSION

The current study confirms that robotic cholecystectomy can be safely implemented to routine practice with a low risk of bile duct injury, low bile leak rate, low conversion to open surgery, and low need for subtotal cholecystectomy.

The training pathway for residents: 'Robotic Curriculum for young Surgeons' (RoCS) does not impair patient outcome during implementation into clinical routine

The "Robotic Curriculum for young Surgeons" (RoCS) was launched 03/2020 to address the increasing importance of robotics in surgical training. It aims to provide residents with foundational robotic skills by involving them early in their training. This study evaluated the impact of RoCS' integration into clinical routine on patient outcomes. Two cohorts were compared regarding the implementation of RoCS: Cohort 1 (before RoCS) included all robot-assisted procedures between 2017 and 03/2020 (n = 174 adults) retrospectively; Cohort 2 (after RoCS) included all adults (n = 177) who underwent robotic procedures between 03/2020 and 2021 prospectively. Statistical analysis covered demographics, perioperative parameters, and follow-up data, including mortality and morbidity. Subgroup analysis for both cohorts was organ-related (upper gastrointestinal tract (UGI), colorectal (CR), hepatopancreaticobiliary system (HPB)). Sixteen procedures were excluded due to heterogeneity. In-hospital, 30-, 90-day morbidity and mortality showed no significant differences between both cohorts, including organ-related subgroups. For UGI, no significant intraoperative parameter changes were observed. Surgery duration decreased significantly in CR and HPB procedures (p = 0.018 and p < 0.001). Estimated blood loss significantly decreased for CR operations (p = 0.001). The conversion rate decreased for HPB operations (p = 0.005). Length of hospitalization decreased for CR (p = 0.015) and HPB (p = 0.006) procedures. Oncologic quality, measured by histopathologic R0-resections, showed no significant changes. RoCS can be safely integrated into clinical practice without compromising patient safety or oncologic quality. It serves as an effective training pathway to guide robotic novices through their first steps in robotic surgery, offering promising potential for skill acquisition and career advancement.

Predictors and Outcomes Associated with Bariatric Robotic Delivery: An MBSAQIP Analysis of 318,151 Patients

Background: The adoption of robotic bariatric surgery has increased dramatically over the last decade. While outcomes comparing bariatric and laparoscopic approaches are debated, little is known about patient factors responsible for the growing delivery of robotic surgery. A better understanding of these factors will help guide the planning of bariatric delivery and resource allocation. Methods: Data were extracted from the MBSAQIP registry from 2020 to 2021. The patient population was organized into primary robot-assisted sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) versus those who underwent laparoscopic procedures. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression modeling were conducted to characterize cohort differences and identify independent patient predictors of robotic selection. Results: Of 318,151, 65,951 (20.7%) underwent robot-assisted surgery. Patients undergoing robotic procedures were older (43.4 ± 11.8 vs. 43.1 ± 11.8; p < 0.001) and had higher body mass index (BMI; 45.4 ± 7.9 vs. 45.0 ± 7.6; p < 0.001). Robotic cases had higher rates of medical comorbidities, including sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and diabetes mellitus. Robotic cases were more likely to undergo RYGB (27.4% vs. 26.4%; p < 0.001). Robotic patients had higher rates of numerous complications, including bleed, reoperation, and reintervention, resulting in higher serious complication rates on multivariate analysis. Independent predictors of robotic selection included increased BMI (aOR 1.02), female sex (aOR 1.04), GERD (aOR 1.12), metabolic dysfunction, RYGB (aOR 1.08), black racial status (aOR 1.11), and lower albumin (aOR 0.84). Conclusions: After adjusting for comorbidities, patients with greater metabolic comorbidities, black racial status, and those undergoing RYGB were more likely to receive robotic surgery. A more comprehensive understanding of patient factors fueling the adoption of robotic delivery, as well as those expected to benefit most, is needed to better guide healthcare resources as the landscape of bariatric surgery continues to evolve.

Exploring the feasibility of robotic liver resection in a limited resource setting

The transition from open hepatectomy to minimally invasive techniques has reduced morbidity and mortality. However, laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) requires substantial expertise. Robotic liver resection (RLR) combines minimal invasiveness with open surgical precision. It may facilitate complex procedures without the learning required for LLR. We evaluated RLR outcomes in a limited resource setting and assessed its efficacy and practicality. This retrospective study analyzed 67 robotic hepatectomies conducted from 2020 to 2023. Demographic, perioperative factors, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Major hepatectomies were required in 46/67 (68.7%) patients who underwent RLR. No open conversions, 30-day mortalities, or readmissions occurred. Complications occurred in 7.4% of patients; major complications occurred in 5.9%. Learning curve analysis showed a negative correlation between operation sequence and operative time. Effective use of robotic technology combined with the expertise of well-trained surgeons facilitates successful execution of RLR with feasible surgical outcomes, even at smaller centers.