Overcoming the Arduous Transition for Robotic Hepatopancreatobiliary Cases: A Multi-Procedure Learning Curve Study Utilizing CUSUM Analysis

The required experience of open pancreaticoduodenectomy before becoming a specialist in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeons: a multicenter, cohort study of 334 open pancreaticoduodenectomies

BACKGROUND

Open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) is an essential surgical procedure for expert hepato-biliary-pancreatic (HBP) surgeons. However, there is no standard for how many surgeries must be performed by a surgeon in training before they are considered to have enough experience to ensure surgical safety.

METHODS

Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) analysis was performed using the surgical data of OPDs performed during the training period of board-certified expert surgeons of the Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery.

RESULTS

Fourteen HBP surgeons participated in this study and performed 334 OPDs during their training period. The median (interquartile range) values for operative time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 455 (397-519) minutes, 450 (234--716) ml, and 28 (21-38) days, respectively. CUSUM analysis showed inflection points at 20 surgeries performed for operative time. After 20 procedures, operative time was significantly shorter (461 min vs. 425 min, p = 0.021) and blood loss was significantly lower (470 ml vs. 340 ml, p = 0.038). No significant differences between within 20 and after 21 procedures were found in the complication rate (53% vs. 48%, p = 0.424) and rate of in-hospital deaths (1.5% vs.1.4%. p = 0.945). Up to 20 surgeries, PDAC and another malignant tumor had longer operative time than benign/low malignant diseases (486 min vs. 472 min vs. 429 min, p < 0.001), and higher blood loss (500 ml vs. 502 ml vs. 355 ml, p < 0.001). Mortality rate was higher at PDAC cases (5% vs. 0% vs. 0%, p = 0.01). After the 21 procedures, these outcomes were improved and no differences in by primary disease were observed. Multivariable analysis showed that within 20 surgeries were independent risk factors of longer operative time (HR2.6, p = 0.013) and higher blood loss (HR2.0, p = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

To stabilize the surgical outcome of OPD for malignant disease, at least 20 surgeries should be performed at a certified institution during surgeon training.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.

Single-center experience of transitioning from video-assisted laparoscopic to robotic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication for esophageal motility disorders

BACKGROUND

Video-assisted laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) has become the standard treatment option for achalasia. While robotic surgery offering some specific advantages such as better three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic vision, hand-eye consistency, and flexibility and stability with the endowrist is expected to be shorter in learning curve than that of LHM for surgeons who are proficient in LHM. The aim of this study was to describe a single surgeon's experience related to the transition from video-assisted laparoscopic to robotic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study based on the recorded data of the first 66 Heller myotomy performed with laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication (LHMD, 26 cases) and with the robotic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication (RHMD, 40 cases) by the same surgeon in Department of Thoracic Surgery of The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University in China. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were analyzed using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method. Corresponding statistical tests were used to compare outcomes of both serials of cases.

RESULTS

The median operation time was shorter in the RHMD group compared to the LHMD group (130 [IQR 123-141] minutes vs. 163 [IQR 153-169]) minutes, p < 0.001). In the RHMD group, one patient (2.5%) experienced mucosal perforation, whereas, in the LHMD group, the incidence of this complication was significantly higher at 19.2% (5 patients) (p = 0.031). Based on cumulative sum analyses, operation time decreased starting with case 20 in the LHMD group and with case 18 in the RHMD group. Intraoperative blood loss tended to decline starting with case 19 in the LHMD group and with case 16 in the RHMD group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both RHMD and LHMD are effective surgical procedures for symptom relief of achalasia patients. RHMD demonstrates superior outcomes in terms of operation time and mucosal perforation during surgery compared to LHMD. Proficiency with RHMD can be achieved after approximately 16-18 cases, while that of LHMD can be obtained after around 19-20 cases.

Figures do matter: A literature review of 4587 robotic pancreatic resections and their implications on training

BACKGROUND

The use of robotic assistance in minimally invasive pancreatic resection is quickly growing.

METHODS

We present a systematic review of the literature regarding all types of robotic pancreatic resection (RPR). Our aim is to show for which procedures there is enough experience to permit safe training and provide an estimation of how many centers could serve as teaching institutions.

RESULTS

Sixty-four studies reporting on 4587 RPRs were analyzed. A total of 2598 pancreatoduodenectomies (PD) were reported by 28 centers from Europe (6/28; 21.4%), the Americas (11/28; 39.3%), and Asia (11/28; 39.3%). Six studies reported >100 robot PD (1694/2598; 65.2%). A total of 1618 distal pancreatectomies (DP) were reported by 29 centers from Europe (10/29; 34.5%), the Americas (10/29; 34.5%), and Asia (9/29; 31%). Five studies reported >100 robotic DP (748/1618; 46.2%). A total of 154 central pancreatectomies were reported by six centers from Europe (1/6; 16.7%), the Americas (2/6; 33.3%), and Asia (3/6; 50%). Only 49 total pancreatectomies were reported. Finally, 168 enucleations were reported in seven studies (with a mean of 15.4 cases per study). A single center reported on 60 enucleations (35.7%). Results of each type of robotic procedure are also presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Experience with RPR is still quite limited. Despite high case volume not being sufficient to warrant optimal training opportunities, it is certainly a key component of every successful training program and is a major criterion for fellowship accreditation. From this review, it appears that only PD and DP can currently be taught at few institutions worldwide.

Enhanced recovery pathway after open pancreaticoduodenectomy reduces postoperative length of hospital stay without reducing composite length of stay

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

There is no data regarding the impact of enhanced recovery pathways (ERP) on composite length of stay (CLOS) after procedures with increased risk of morbidity and mortality, such as pancreaticoduodenectomy.

METHODS

Patients undergoing open pancreaticoduodenectomy before and after implementation of ERP were prospectively followed for 90 days after surgery and complications were severity graded using the Modified Accordion Grading System. A retrospective analysis of patient outcomes were compared before and after instituting ERP. 1:1 propensity score matching was used to compare ERP patient outcomes to those of matched pre-ERP patients. CLOS is defined as postoperative length of hospital stay (PLOS) plus readmission length of hospital stay within 90 days after surgery.

RESULTS

494 patients underwent open pancreaticoduodenectomy - 359 pre-ERP and 135 ERP. In a 1:1 propensity-score-matched analysis of 110 matched pairs, ERP patients had significantly decreased superficial surgical site infections (5.5% vs 15.5% p = 0.015) and significantly increased rates of urinary retention (29.1% vs 7.3% p < 0.0001) compared to matched pre-ERP patients. However, overall complication rate and 90-day readmission rate were not significantly different between matched groups. Propensity score-matched ERP patients had significantly decreased PLOS (7 days vs 8 days p = 0.046) compared to matched pre-ERP patients, but CLOS was not significantly different (9 days vs 9.5 days p = 0.615).

CONCLUSION

ERP may reduce PLOS but might not impact the total postoperative time spent in the hospital (i.e. CLOS) within 90 days after pancreaticoduodenectomy.