Fully robotic-assisted technique for total pancreatectomy with an autologous islet transplant in chronic pancreatitis patients: results of a first series

Current status of total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation for chronic and recurrent acute pancreatitis

Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is an established and effective treatment modality for patients diagnosed with intractable chronic pancreatitis (CP) and recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP). TPIAT primarily aims to manage debilitating pain leading to impaired quality of life among patients with CP or RAP, which can be successfully managed with medical, endoscopic, or surgical interventions. TPIAT is significantly successful in relieving pain associated with CP and improving health-related quality of life outcomes. Furthermore, the complete loss of pancreatic endocrine function attributed to total pancreatectomy (TP) can be compensated by autologous islet transplantation (IAT). Patients receiving IAT can achieve insulin independence or can be less dependent on exogenous insulin compared with those receiving TP alone. Historically, TPIAT has been mainly used in the United States, and its outcomes have been improving due to technological advancements. Despite some challenges, TPIAT can be a promising treatment for patients with CP-related intractable pain. Thus far, TPIAT is not commonly performed in Japan. Nevertheless, it may improve health-related quality of life in Japanese patients with CP, similar to Western patients. This review article aimed to provide an overview of the indications, related procedures, and outcomes of TPIAT and to discuss future prospects in Japan.

Current practices in islet cell autotransplantation

INTRODUCTION

Chronic pancreatitis and recurrent acute pancreatitis comprise a spectrum of disease that results in complications related to exocrine and endocrine insufficiency and chronic pain with narcotic dependence and poor quality of life. The mainstay of therapy has been medical and endoscopic therapy; surgery, especially total pancreatectomy, was historically reserved for few select patients as the obligate exocrine insufficiency and pancreatogenic diabetes (type 3C) are challenging to manage. The addition of islet cell autotransplantation after total pancreatectomy helps to mitigate brittle type 3c diabetes and prevents mortality related to severe hypoglycemic episodes and hypoglycemic unawareness. There have been more recent data demonstrating the safety of surgery and the beneficial long-term outcomes.

AREAS COVERED

The purpose of this review is to describe the current practices in the field of islet cell autotransplantation including the selection and evaluation of patients for surgery, their preoperative work up and management, surgical approach, post-operative management and outcomes.

EXPERT OPINION

Total pancreatectomy and islet cell autotransplantation has the ability to drastically improve quality of life and prevent brittle diabetes for patients suffering with chronic pancreatitis.

Changing trends in the minimally invasive surgery for chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a debilitating pancreatic inflammatory disease characterized by intractable pain resulting in poor quality of life. Conventional management of pancreatic pain consists of a step-up approach with medications and lifestyle modifications followed by endoscopic intervention. Traditionally surgery is reserved for patients who do not improve with other interventions. However, recent studies suggest that early surgical intervention is more beneficial as it can mitigate the progression of the pathological process and prevent loss of pancreatic function. Despite the widespread adoption of minimally invasive approaches in various gastrointestinal surgical disorders, minimally invasive surgery for chronic pancreatitis is slow to evolve. Technical difficulty due to severe inflammatory changes has been the major impediment to the widespread usage of minimally invasive surgery in chronic pancreatitis. With this background, the present review aimed to critically analyze the available evidence on the minimally invasive treatment of chronic pancreatitis. A Pub Med search of all relevant articles was performed using the appropriate keywords, parentheses, and Boolean operators. Most initial laparoscopic series have reported the feasibility of lateral pancreaticojejunostomy, considered an adequate procedure only in a small proportion of patients. The pancreatic head is the pacemaker of pain, so adequate decompression is critical for long-term pain relief. Recent studies have documented the feasibility of minimally invasive duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection. With improvements in laparoscopic instrumentation and technological advances, minimally invasive surgery for chronic pancreatitis is gaining momentum. However, more high-quality evidence is required to document the superiority of minimally invasive surgery for chronic pancreatitis.

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.

Psychosocial outcomes 1-year post total pancreatectomy and autologous islet cell transplant

BACKGROUND

A paucity of research regarding the psychosocial outcomes after TPIAT exists.

METHODS

Adults (>18 years), adolescents (13-18 years), and children (5-12 years) with their parents were administered questionnaires at the time of evaluation for TPIAT and 1-year postsurgery to assess psychosocial outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 13 adults (6 male, 46%; mean age 35.2 years) and 9 children/adolescents (4 female, 44.4%; mean age 11.78 years) with CP were included in the study. A total of 69.2% of the adults and 66.7% of the children and adolescents were insulin dependent at 1-year postsurgery. In adults, improvements on the SF-36 pain (p = .001) and general health (p = .045) subscales were generally observed 1-year postsurgery. Adult patients who underwent robotic-assisted surgery compared to open surgery specifically reported better general health on the SF-36 (p < .05) at 1 year. For children and adolescents, reductions in average pain in the last week (p < .05), pain interference (p < .001), and fatigue were observed (p < .05) at 1-year postsurgery. For the entire sample, using repeated measures ANOVA and covarying for age, significant differences were found 1-year postsurgery in average pain in the last week (p = .034) and pain interference with the following categories: general activity (p < .001), walking (p = .04), normal work (p = .003), sleep (p = .002), and enjoyment in life (p = .007).

CONCLUSIONS

While few transplant centers offer this treatment, the improvement in quality of life suggests this may be a viable treatment option for those with CP complicated by intractable pain. (IRB Approval PRO 19080302).

Surgical approach and short-term outcomes in adults and children undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation: A report from the Prospective Observational Study of TPIAT

BACKGROUND

Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is a viable option for treating debilitating recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) in adults and children. No data is currently available regarding variation in approach to operation.

METHODS

We evaluated surgical techniques, islet isolation and infusion approaches, and outcomes and complications, comparing children (n = 84) with adults (n = 195) enrolled between January 2017 and April 2020 by 11 centers in the United States in the Prospective Observational Study of TPIAT (POST), which was launched in 2017 to collect standard history and outcomes data from patients undergoing TPIAT for RAP or CP.

RESULTS

Children more commonly underwent splenectomy (100% versus 91%, p = 0.002), pylorus preservation (93% versus 67%; p < 0.0001), Roux-en-Y duodenojejunostomy reconstruction (92% versus 35%; p < 0.0001), and enteral feeding tube placement (93% versus 63%; p < 0.0001). Median islet equivalents/kg transplanted was higher in children (4577; IQR 2816-6517) than adults (2909; IQR 1555-4479; p < 0.0001), with COBE purification less common in children (4% versus 15%; p = 0.0068). Median length of hospital stay was higher in children (15 days; IQR 14-22 versus 11 days; IQR 8-14; p < 0.0001), but 30-day readmissions were lower in children (13% versus 26%, p = 0.018). Rate of portal vein thrombosis was significantly lower in children than in adults (2% versus 10%, p = 0.028). There were no mortalities in the first 90 days post-TPIAT.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatectomy techniques differ between children and adults, with islet yields higher in children. The rates of portal vein thrombosis and early readmission are lower in children.

Robotic Total Pancreatectomy: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND/AIM

Studies on robotic total pancreatectomy (RTP) have been limited regardless of the increasing evidence on robotic pancreatoduodenectomy. The aim of this study was to review the current status of RTP in terms of surgical techniques and outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search using PubMed was conducted to investigate surgical techniques and outcomes of RTP.

RESULTS

A total of eight case series with 56 patients were included. The indications for RTP consisted of benign or pre-malignant tumors in 43 patients and malignant tumors in 13 patients. Surgical techniques included the "dividing technique" and "en-bloc technique". Regarding surgical outcomes, the rate of conversion to open total pancreatectomy was 3.6% and the incidence of major complications was 10.7%.

CONCLUSION

Although evidence for RTP is still lacking, RTP is feasible for selected patients when performed in specialized centers. Further studies are essential to investigate the effectiveness of RTP compared to open total pancreatectomy.

Total Pancreatectomy with Autologous Islet Cell Transplantation-The Current Indications

Total pancreatectomy is a major complex surgical procedure involving removal of the whole pancreatic parenchyma and duodenum. It leads to lifelong pancreatic exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. The control of surgery-induced diabetes (type 3) requires insulin therapy. Total pancreatectomy with autologous islet transplantation (TPAIT) is performed in order to prevent postoperative diabetes and its serious complications. It is very important whether it is safe and beneficial for patients in terms of postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term results including quality of life. Small duct painful chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a primary indication for TPAIT, but currently the indications for this procedure have been extended. They also include hereditary/genetic pancreatitis (HGP), as well as less frequent indications such as benign/borderline pancreatic tumors (intraductal papillary neoplasms, neuroendocrine neoplasms) and "high-risk pancreatic stump". The use of TPAIT in malignant pancreatic and peripancreatic neoplasms has been reported in the worldwide literature but currently is not a standard but rather a controversial management in these patients. In this review, history, technique, indications, and contraindications, as well as short-term and long-term results of TPAIT, including pediatric patients, are described.

Robotic versus open total pancreatectomy: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Robotic total pancreatectomy (RTP), although considered safe and feasible, has rarely been reported. This study aimed to evaluate whether RTP has advantages over open TP (OTP).

METHODS

Demographics and perioperative outcomes among patients who underwent RTP (n=14) versus OTP (n=15) between May 2015 and September 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

RTP reduced the operative time (307.2 vs. 382.0 min, p=0.01) and estimated blood loss (EBL) (200 vs. 700 ml, p=0.002) compared to those of OTP. The patients in the RTP group got out of their beds and stood, received their first liquid, and took oral diets earlier (2.0 vs. 3.0 days, p=0.002; 2.0 vs. 4.0 days, p=0.009; 3.0 vs. 5.0 days, p=0.006) and experienced a shorter postoperative hospital stay (PHS) (9.0 vs. 12.0 days, p=0.03). There were no significant differences in the rates of spleen preservation, splenic vessel preservation, bile leakage, delayed gastric emptying, morbidity, or the number of lymph nodes harvest between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that RTP is safe and feasible in selected patients with different indications in experienced robotic center. RTP was associated with a shorter operative time, lower EBL, and shorter PHS than OTP.

What Is New with Total Pancreatectomy and Autologous Islet Cell Transplantation? Review of Current Progress in the Field

Patients with chronic pancreatitis have benefited from total pancreatectomy and autologous islet cell transplantation (TPAIT) since the 1970s. Over the past few decades, improvements have been made in surgical technique and perioperative management that have led to improved success of islet cell function, insulin independence and patient survival. This article focuses on recent updates and advances for the TPAIT procedure that continue to expand and innovate the impact on patients with debilitating disease.

Robotic-assisted versus open total pancreatectomy: a propensity score-matched study

BACKGROUND

Total pancreatectomy (TP) is a complex surgical procedure with significant postoperative morbidity. Despite the narrowed range of indications for TP, the introduction of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and the increasing complexity of surgical resections performed in high-volume centers has increased the number of annually performed TPs, especially regarding malignant disease. The introduction of robotic-assisted pancreatic surgery has provided a novel and minimally invasive approach for TP, yet the feasibility of this technique is still unknown. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of robotic-assisted total pancreatectomy (RTP) compared to conventional open total pancreatectomy (OTP).

METHODS

All patients who underwent TP between March 2015 and July 2019 in a high-volume institution for pancreatic surgery were included in this retrospective study. Clinical data and perioperative outcomes were derived from the prospectively maintained institutional database. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was utilized to compare the RTP and OTP cohorts to minimize bias.

RESULTS

A standardized surgical protocol was utilized for RTP following a learning curve of RPD and RDP. The median operative time for patients who underwent RTP was significantly decreased compared to those who underwent OTP [300 (IQR, 250-360) vs. 360 min (IQR, 300-525), P=0.031]. Additionally, en bloc resection and spleen-preserving rates were also higher in the RTP cohort. Major 30-day morbidity (Clavien-Dindo > IIIa) and 90-day mortality were similar between the two cohorts. After a median follow-up time of 15 (IQR, 8-24) months, both the RTP and OTP cohorts had a comparable quality of life regarding exocrine and endocrine insufficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

RTP appears to be safe and feasible when utilized in high-volume centers for the indicated management of benign and highly selected malignant pancreatic disease. However, further prospective randomized studies are needed to assess the feasibility of this approach.

Real-Time, Intraoperative Doppler/Ultrasound Monitoring of Islet Infusion During Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplant: A First Report

Chronic pancreatitis (CP), secondary to a wide variety of etiologies, is a progressive and irreversible disease. Initially, CP is managed with endoscopic interventions, long-term analgesia for its associated chronic abdominal pain syndrome and pancreatic enzyme replacement for exocrine dysfunction. As the disease advances, pancreatic drainage procedures and partial resections are considered, but they leave diseased tissue behind and usually result in short-term relief only. Total pancreatectomy alone is widely viewed as a last resort treatment option because it causes brittle diabetes mellitus. However, total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) can prevent the development of diabetes and cure the chronic pain syndrome. One serious, albeit rare, complication of TPIAT is (partial) portal vein thrombosis. Its incidence is probably about 5%. To prevent the occurrence of portal vein thrombosis, we propose herein, and have successfully performed, continuous real-time Doppler ultrasonography during the islet infusion to study portal vein and intrahepatic flow patterns, as well as changes in Doppler signals. Flow and signal changes may allow for timely adjustment of the infusion rate, before a marked increase in portal vein pressure is noted and decrease the risk of portal vein thrombosis.

Geographical variance in reporting of elective surgery for chronic pancreatitis

The selection of optimum surgical procedure from the range of reported operations for chronic pancreatitis (CP) can be difficult. The aim of this study is to explore geographical variation in reporting of elective surgery for CP. A systematic search of the literature was performed using the Scopus database for reports of five selected procedures for CP: duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection, total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT), Frey pancreaticojejunostomy, thoracoscopic splanchnotomy and the Izbicki V-shaped resection. The keyword and MESH heading 'chronic pancreatitis' was used. Overall, 144 papers met inclusion criteria and were utilized for data extraction. There were 33 reports of duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection. Twenty-one (64%) were from Germany. There were 60 reports of TPIAT, 53 (88%) from the USA. There are only two reports of TPIAT from outwith the USA and UK. The 34 reports of the Frey pancreaticojejunostomy originate from 12 countries. There were 20 reports of thoracoscopic splanchnotomy originating from nine countries. All three reports of the Izbicki 'V' procedure are from Germany. There is geographical variation in reporting of surgery for CP. There is a need for greater standardization in the selection and reporting of surgery for patients with painful CP.

Glycemic Outcomes of Islet Autotransplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

While there has been a growing utilization of total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) for patients with medically refractory chronic pancreatitis over the past few decades, there remains a lack of consensus clinical guidelines to inform the counseling and management of patients undergoing TPIAT. In this article, we review the current clinical practice and published experience of several TPIAT centers, outline key aspects in managing patients undergoing TPIAT, and discuss the glycemic outcomes of this procedure.

RECENT FINDINGS

Aiming for lower inpatient glucose targets immediately after surgery (usually 100-120 mg/dl), maintaining all patients on subcutaneous insulin for at least 3 months to "rest" islets before an attempt is made to wean insulin, and close outpatient endocrinology follow-up after TPIAT particularly in the first year is common and related to better outcomes. Although TPIAT procedures and glycemic outcomes may differ across surgical centers, overall, approximately one third of patients are insulin independent at 1 year after TPIAT. Higher islet yield and lower preoperative glucose levels are among the strongest predictors of short-term post-operative insulin independence. Beyond 1 year post-operatively, the clinical management and long-term glycemic outcomes of patients after TPIAT are more variable. A multidisciplinary approach is essential in optimizing the preoperative, inpatient, and post-operative management and counseling of patients about the expected glycemic outcomes after surgery. Consensus guidelines for the clinical management of diabetes after TPIAT and harmonization of data collection protocols among TPIAT centers are needed to address the current knowledge gaps in clinical care and research and to optimize glycemic outcomes after TPIAT.

Total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantion for chronic and recurrent acute pancreatitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We reviewed the current state of total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) for chronic pancreatitis and recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP).

RECENT FINDINGS

An increasing number of centers in the United States and internationally are performing TPIAT. In selected cases, TPIAT may be performed partially or entirely laparoscopically. Islet isolation is usually performed at the same center as the total pancreatectomy surgery, but new data suggest that diabetes outcomes may be nearly as good when a remote center is used for islet isolation. Ongoing clinical research is focused on patient and disease factors that predict success or failure to respond to TPIAT. Causes of persistent abdominal pain after TPIAT may include gastrointestinal dysmotility and central sensitization to pain. Several clinical trials are underway with anti-inflammatory or other islet protective strategies to better protect islets at the time of infusion and thereby improve the diabetes results of the procedure.

SUMMARY

In summary, there is an increasing body of literature emerging from multiple centers highlighting the benefits and persistent challenges of TPIAT for chronic pancreatitis and RAP. Ongoing study will be critical to optimizing the success of this procedure.

Fully robotic total pancreatectomy: technical aspects and outcomes

Robotic total pancreatectomy (RTP) is a novel surgical approach currently performed by a select group of skilled surgeons. As robotic approaches to pancreatic surgery increase worldwide, rates of RTP are expected to increase. However, the standard technique is still evolving and several technical problems still require evaluation. Here, we describe our approach in a stepwise fashion and discuss solutions to overcome technical difficulties.

Safety and feasibility of the robotic platform in the management of surgical sequelae of chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND/AIM

The application of minimally invasive surgery to chronic pancreatitis (CP) procedures is uncommon. Our objective was to report the safety and feasibility of the robotic approach in the treatment of surgical sequelae of CP, and provide insights into the technique, tricks, and pitfalls associated with the application of robotics to this challenging disease entity.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing robotic-assisted resections and/or drainage procedures for CP at the University of Pittsburgh between May 2009 and January 2017 was performed. A video of a robotic Frey procedure is also shown.

RESULTS

Of 812 robotic pancreatic resections and reconstructions 39 were for CP indications. These included 11 total pancreatectomies [with and without auto islet transplantation], 8 Puestow procedures, 4 Frey procedures, 6 pancreaticoduodenectomies, and 10 distal pancreatectomies. Median age was 49, and 41% of the patients were female. The most common etiology for CP was idiopathic pancreatitis (n = 16, 46%). Median operative time was 324 min with a median estimated blood loss of 250 ml. None of the patients required conversion to laparotomy. A Clavien III-IV complication rate was experienced by 5 (13%) patients, including one reoperation. Excluding the eleven patients who underwent TP, rate of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula was 7% (Grade B = 2, Grade C = 0). No 30 or 90 day mortalities were recorded. The median length of hospital stay was 7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the robotic platform is safe and feasible when tackling complex pancreatic resections for sequelae of chronic pancreatitis.

Robotic total pancreatectomy with splenectomy: technique and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Robotic total pancreatectomy (TP) represents a minimally invasive approach to a major intra-abdominal operation. Its utility, technique, and outcomes are evolving.

METHODS

In this video, we describe a systematic approach to a robotic total pancreatectomy performed for multifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). Additionally, we reviewed the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to examine the outcomes of robotic TP compared to laparoscopic and open TP between 2010 and 2014.

RESULTS

The patient is a 61-year-old female who was diagnosed with multifocal IPMN. A total of 6 robotic ports were placed and the da Vinci Xi robotic system was used with the patient supine. The approach entailed as follows: (1) Diagnostic laparoscopy; (2) Entry into the lesser sac; (3) Division of the short gastric vessels; (4) Exposure and dissection of the inferior pancreas border; (5) Dissection and transection of the splenic artery; (6) Mobilization of the pancreas tail/spleen; (7) Exposure of the splenic vein-superior mesenteric vein confluence; (8) Kocher maneuver; (9) Release of the ligament of Treitz and transection of the proximal jejunum; (10) Transection of the distal stomach; (11) Portal lymphadenectomy; (12) Dissection and transection of the gastroduodenal artery; (13) Superior mesenteric vein exposure/dissection of the uncinate process; (14) Hepaticojejunostomy; (15) Cholecystectomy; and (16) Gastrojejunostomy. NCDB database review of 73 patients who underwent robotic TP revealed similar rates of margin negative resections and retrieved lymph nodes between robotic, laparoscopic, and open TP, whereas robotic and laparoscopic TP were associated with shorter in-hospital stay and reduced mortality at 30 and 90 days compared to open TP. Overall median survival of pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients who underwent TP was similar between robotic, laparoscopic, and open approaches.

CONCLUSION

Robotic total pancreatectomy with splenectomy offers a minimally invasive approach to a major abdominal operation and is feasible in a stepwise, reproducible technique. It is associated with improved postoperative outcomes and equivalent oncologic outcomes compared to open TP.

Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation for Acute Recurrent and Chronic Pancreatitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The first total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation (TP-IAT) was performed for chronic pancreatitis in 1977 with the goal to ameliorate the pain and simultaneously preserve islet function. We reviewed the recent medical literature regarding indications, patient suitability, current outcomes, and challenges in TP-IAT.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current indications for TP-IAT include intractable pain secondary to chronic pancreatitis (CP) or acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) with failed medical and endoscopic/surgical management. Independent studies have shown that TP-IAT is associated with elimination or significant improvement in pain control and partial or full islet graft function in the majority of patients. In single-center cost analyses, TP-IAT has been suggested to be more cost-effective than medical management of chronic pancreatitis. While initially introduced as a surgical option for adults with long-standing chronic pancreatitis, TP-IAT is now often utilized in children with chronic pancreatitis and in children and adults with intractable acute recurrent pancreatitis. The surgical procedure has evolved over time with some centers offering minimally invasive operative options, although the open approach remains the standard. Despite many advances in TP-IAT, there is a need for further research and development in disease diagnosis, patient selection, optimization of surgical technique, islet isolation and quality assessment, postoperative patient management, and establishment of uniform metrics for data collection and multicenter studies. TP-IAT is an option for patients with otherwise intractable acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis which presents potential for pain relief and improved quality of life, often with partial or complete diabetes remission.

Laparoscopic Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation and Intraoperative Islet Separation as a Treatment for Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis

Importance

Pain management of patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) can be challenging. Laparoscopy has been associated with markedly reduced postoperative pain but has not been widely applied to total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT).

Objective

To examine the feasibility of using laparoscopic TPIAT (L-TPIAT) in the treatment of CP.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Thirty-two patients with CP presented for TPIAT at a tertiary hospital from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2015. Of the 22 patients who underwent L-TPIAT, 2 patients converted to an open procedure because of difficult anatomy and prior surgery. Pain and glycemic outcomes were recorded at follow-up visits every 3 to 6 months postoperatively.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Operative outcomes included operative time, islet isolation time, warm ischemia time, islet equivalent (IE) counts, estimated blood loss, fluid resuscitation, and blood transfusions. Postoperative outcomes included length of stay, all-cause 30-day readmission rate, postoperative complications, mortality rate, subjective pain measurements, opioid use, random C-peptide levels, insulin requirements, and glycated hemoglobin level.

Results

Of the 32 patients who presented for TPIAT, 20 underwent L-TPIAT (8 men and 12 women; mean [SD] age, 39 [13] years; age range, 21-58 years). Indication for surgery was CP attributable to genetic mutation (n = 9), idiopathic pancreatitis (n = 6), idiopathic pancreatitis with pancreas divisum (n = 3), and alcohol abuse (n = 2). Mean (SD) operative time was 493 (78) minutes, islet isolation time was 185 (37) minutes, and warm ischemia time was 51 (62) minutes. The mean (SD) IE count was 1325 (1093) IE/kg. The mean (SD) length of stay was 11 (5) days, and the all-cause 30-day readmission rate was 35% (7 of 20 patients). None of the patients experienced postoperative surgical site infection, hernia, or small-bowel obstruction, and none died. Eighteen patients (90%) had a decrease or complete resolution of pain, and 12 patients (60%) no longer required opioid therapy at a median follow-up period of 6 months. Postoperative random insulin C-peptide levels were detectable in 19 patients (95%) at a median follow-up of 10.4 months. At a median follow-up of 12.5 months, 5 patients (25%) were insulin independent, whereas 9 patients (45%) required 1 to 10 U/d, 5 patients (25%) required 11 to 20 U/d, and 1 patient (5%) required greater than 20 U/d of basal insulin. The mean (SD) glycated hemoglobin level was 7.4% (0.5%).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study represents the first series of L-TPIAT, demonstrating its safety and feasibility. Our approach enables patients to experience shorter operative times and the benefits of laparoscopy, including reduced length of stay and quicker opioid independence.

Operative management of chronic pancreatitis: A review

BACKGROUND

Pain secondary to chronic pancreatitis is a difficult clinical problem to manage. Many patients are treated medically or undergo endoscopic therapy and surgical intervention is often reserved for those who have failed to gain adequate pain relief from a more conservative approach.

RESULTS

There have been a number of advances in the operative management of chronic pancreatitis over the last few decades and current therapies include drainage procedures (pancreaticojejunostomy, etc.), resection (pancreticoduodenectomy, etc.) and combined drainage/resection procedures (Frey procedure, etc.). Additionally, many centers currently perform total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation, in addition to minimally invasive options that are intended to tailor therapy to individual patients.

DISCUSSION

Operative management of chronic pancreatitis often improves quality of life, and is associated with low rates of morbidity and mortality. The decision as to which procedure is optimal for each patient should be based on a combination of pathologic changes, prior interventions, and individual surgeon and center experience.

The use of robotic surgery in abdominal organ transplantation: A literature review

Minimally invasive surgical approaches in transplantation are gaining increasing interest, and many centers are reporting their, mainly laparoscopic, experiences. Robotic surgery (RS) has some hypothetical advantages over traditional laparoscopy and has been successfully applied, although infrequently to organ transplantation. Our goal was to review and critique the publications reporting RS use in organ transplantation. Most of the RS experience has been with living renal donor organ procurement and, to a lesser extent, with RS procedures in the transplant recipient. The available literature suggests that RS appears to be a safe surgical alternative to standard open procedures. RS in living liver donor surgery remains limited, and more experience is required before commenting on RS-related outcomes RS in pancreatic transplantation is exceedingly rare. The enhanced precision and ergonomics of RS may expand its applicability to liver living donation and pancreas transplantation at some point in the future.

Laparoscopic total pancreatectomy: Case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Laparoscopic total pancreatectomy is a complicated surgical procedure and rarely been reported. This study was conducted to investigate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic total pancreatectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three patients underwent laparoscopic total pancreatectomy between May 2014 and August 2015. We reviewed their general demographic data, perioperative details, and short-term outcomes. General morbidity was assessed using Clavien-Dindo classification and delayed gastric emptying (DGE) was evaluated by International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) definition.

DIAGNOSIS AND OUTCOMES

The indications for laparoscopic total pancreatectomy were intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) (n = 2) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) (n = 1). All patients underwent laparoscopic pylorus and spleen-preserving total pancreatectomy, the mean operative time was 490 minutes (range 450-540 minutes), the mean estimated blood loss was 266 mL (range 100-400 minutes); 2 patients suffered from postoperative complication. All the patients recovered uneventfully with conservative treatment and discharged with a mean hospital stay 18 days (range 8-24 days). The short-term (from 108 to 600 days) follow up demonstrated 3 patients had normal and consistent glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level with acceptable quality of life.

LESSONS

Laparoscopic total pancreatectomy is feasible and safe in selected patients and pylorus and spleen preserving technique should be considered. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to obtain a comprehensive understanding the role of laparoscopic technique in total pancreatectomy.

Robotic pancreatectomies

Pancreatic surgery represents one of the most challenging fields in general surgery. Its complexity is related to the severity of the disease and the technical skills required for surgical approach. Given this, most pancreatic resections are performed through classic open surgery. Minimally invasive approaches are gradually gaining widespread popularity also in this specific setting, as for distal resections and enucleations. The robotic platform, due to its 3-dimensional vision and articulated movements, represents the natural progress of laparoscopic surgery overcoming the technical defaults and opening up the possibility to perform major pancreatic resections as pancreaticoduodenectomies. This review focuses on the impact of robotic platform in pancreatic surgery in terms of surgical and oncological outcome.

Laparoscopic pancreatic resection-a review

Contrary to many other gastrointestinal operations, minimal access approaches in pancreatic surgery have gained ground slowly. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy has gained wide acceptance. It is associated with reduced blood loss and shorter duration of stay (DOS) while oncologic results and morbidity are similar to open surgery. In recent years the number of laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomies has also increased. While oncological outcome seems comparable to the open approach, operative times are longer while DOS and blood loss are reduced. One added advantage of the laparoscopic approach to pancreatic cancer seems to be that adjuvant treatment can start earlier. Minimal access total pancreatectomy, only reported in small numbers (mostly robot assisted), has also been shown to be feasible and safe. Enucleation (EN) of small pancreatic lesions is the most common tissue sparing resection. Although no reconstruction is necessary, the risk of pancreatic fistula is high, related to excision margins equal or smaller than 2 mm to the main pancreatic duct. Compared to the open approach, laparoscopic EN has shown comparable results in terms of morbidity, pancreatic function and fistula rate, with shorter operation times and faster recovery. Experience in robot assisted pancreatic surgery is increasing. However reports are still small in numbers, lacking randomization and mostly limited to dedicated centers. The learning curve for minimal access pancreatic surgery is steep. Low patient volume leads to longer DOS, higher costs and negatively impacts outcome.

Robotic-Assisted Paraesophageal Hernia Repair: Initial Experience at a Single Institution

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery is considered the standard approach for the treatment of paraesophageal hernias (PEHs). Despite its advantages, this approach is technically demanding with a significant learning curve. Data about the safety and utility of the robotically assisted paraesophageal hernia repair (RA-PEHR) are scarce. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and safety of robotic assistance for the treatment of PEH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between June 2010 and December 2015, patients who underwent elective RA-PEHR were included in a prospectively collected database. Demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, preoperative testing, operative time (OT), length of hospital stay (LOS), conversion rate, morbidity, and mortality were recorded and reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients underwent RA-PEHR with mesh, 72% were female (mean age of 63 and mean body mass index [BMI] of 30). ASA classification was 2.6 (57% of patients had an ASA III). With respect to the type of the hernia, the preoperative diagnosis was: Type II 26%, III 64%, and IV 13%. OT averaged 186 minutes (88-360), including robot setup time. After the 16th case, OT significantly decreased by 4.09 minutes (P = .01). There were no conversions. The average blood loss was 51 mL. Perioperative complications, including intraoperative and 30-day complications, were 6% and 23%, respectively. The mean length of hospitalization was 2.6 (1-18) days. There were no deaths. Forty patients (66%) were available for follow-up, and length of follow-up was 17 ± 15 months. Anatomic recurrence was observed in 42% of patients and only 23% of patients were symptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

This report represents the largest series to date of RA-PEHR. RA-PEHR has proved to be feasible and safe with a learning curve comparable to the standard laparoscopic approach.

Robotic surgery of the pancreas: The current state of the art

Pancreatic surgery is one of the most technically challenging and complex types of surgery. Most pancreatic surgery is performed with the open technique, yet minimally invasive surgery has become the standard of care for many other intra-abdominal operations. The unique qualities of the robotic platform have made this approach to pancreatic surgery safe and feasible with at least equivalent if not better results than the open platform in terms of surgical and oncological outcomes.

Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery - a review

During the past 20 years the application of a minimally invasive approach to pancreatic surgery has progressively increased. Distal pancreatectomy is the most frequently performed procedure, because of the absence of a reconstructive phase. However, middle pancreatectomy and pancreatoduodenectomy have been demonstrated to be safe and feasible as well. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is recognized as the gold standard treatment for small tumors of the pancreatic body-tail, with several advantages over the traditional open approach in terms of patient recovery. The surgical treatment of lesions of the pancreatic head via a minimally invasive approach is still limited to a few highly experienced surgeons, due to the very challenging resection and complex anastomoses. Middle pancreatectomy and enucleation are indicated for small and benign tumors and offer the maximum preservation of the parenchyma. The introduction of a robotic platform more than ten years ago increased the interest of many surgeons in minimally invasive treatment of pancreatic diseases. This new technology overcomes all the limitations of laparoscopic surgery, but actual benefits for the patients are still under investigation. The increased costs associated with robotic surgery are under debate too. This article presents the state of the art of minimally invasive pancreatic surgery.

Robotic total pancreatectomy with or without autologous islet cell transplantation: replication of an open technique through a minimal access approach

BACKGROUND

Total pancreatectomy (TP) is a morbid but sometimes necessary operation. Robotic TP is not often reported but may harbor some advantages compared to the open approach. This manuscript details a single institution's outcomes and technique of robotic TP. An accompanying video demonstrates a robotic TP with auto islet cell transplantation (IAT) in which (1) the arterial blood supply and venous drainage are kept intact until the last step of the TP to minimize warm ischemia time and (2) extirpation of the entire pancreas is performed without dividing the pancreatic neck to maximize islet recovery.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of a prospective database of perioperative outcomes of all consecutive robotic TPs at a single institution. This included a single robotic TP with IAT performed on a twenty-year-old patient with chronic pancreatitis.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and January 2014, ten robotic TPs were performed (7 males, mean age 58 years), one of which included an IAT. Median body mass index was 28. Indications were intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (6), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (1), and chronic pancreatitis (3). The median operative time was 560 min with a median estimated blood loss of 650 ml. One case was converted to laparotomy. Ninety days mortality and Clavien III-IV complication rate were 0 and 20 %, respectively. The average length of stay was 10 ± 3 days, with only 1 readmission within 90 days. The single TP and IAT were completed successfully without conversion, and were achieved without division of the pancreatic neck thereby maintaining vascular inflow to an entire specimen up until extraction.

CONCLUSION

This represents the largest series of robotic TP, demonstrating its safety and feasibility. Additionally, TP and IAT using the technique described above can be recapitulated using the robotic approach.

The state of the art of robotic pancreatectomy

During the last decades an increasing number of minimally invasive pancreatic resections have been reported in the literature. With the development of robotic surgery a new enthusiasm has not only increased the number of centers approaching minimally invasive pancreatic surgery in general but also enabled the use of this technique for major pancreatic procedures, in particular in minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy. The aim of this review was to define the state of the art of pancreatic robotic surgery. No prospective randomized trials have been performed comparing robotic, laparoscopic, and open pancreatic procedures. From the literature one may conclude that robotic pancreatectomies seem to be as feasible and safe as open procedures. The general idea that the overall perioperative costs of robotic surgery would be higher than traditional procedures is not supported. With the current lack of evidence of any oncologic advantages, the cosmetic benefits offered by robotic surgery are not enough to justify extensive use in cancer patients. In contrast, the safety of these procedure can justify the use of the robotic technique in patient with benign/low grade malignant tumors of the pancreas.