The development and clinical efficacy of simulation training of open duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy using pancreas and intestine silicone models

Pancreatic anastomosis training models: Current status and future directions

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), and previous research has focused on patient-related risk factors and comparisons between anastomotic techniques. However, it is recognized that surgeon experience is an important factor in POPF outcomes, and that there is a significant learning curve for the pancreatic anastomosis. The aim of this study was to review the current literature on training models for the pancreatic anastomosis, and to explore areas for future research. It is concluded that research is needed to understand the mechanical properties of the human pancreas in an effort to develop a synthetic model that closely mimics its mechanical properties. Virtual reality (VR) is an attractive alternative to synthetic models for surgical training, and further work is needed to develop a VR pancreatic anastomosis training module that provides both high fidelity and haptic feedback.

Training efficacy of robotic duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy simulation using silicone models for surgical fellows

Purpose

In the era of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is actively performed, and clinical fellows need to thoroughly prepare for MIS-PD during the training process. Although pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) is a difficult anastomosis that requires repeated practice, there are obstacles preventing its practice that concerns patient safety and limited time in the actual operating room. This study evaluated the efficacy of simulation-based training of robotic duct-to-mucosa PJ using pancreatic and intestinal silicone models using a scoring system.

Methods

Three pancreatobiliary clinical fellows who had never performed a real robotic PJ participated in this study. Each trainee, who was well acquainted with master's video created by a senor surgeon, performed the robotic PJ procedures 9 times, and 3 independent pancreatobiliary surgeons assessed the videos and analyzed the scores using a blind method.

Results

The mean robotic PJ times for the 3 trainees were 42.8 and 29.1 minutes for the first and 9th videos, respectively. The mean score was 13.8 (range, 6-17) for the first video and 17.7 (range, 15-19) for the 9th video. When comparing earlier and later attempts, the PJ time decreased significantly (2,201.67 seconds vs. 2,045.50 seconds, P = 0.007), whereas test scores increased significantly (total score 14.22 vs. 16.89, P = 0.011).

Conclusion

This robotic education system will help pancreatobiliary trainees overcome the learning curves efficiently and quickly without raising ethical concerns associated with animal models or direct practice with human subjects. This will be of practical assistance to trainees preparing for MIS-PD.

Pancreatojejunostomy: standing on the shoulders of giants. A single centre retrospective analysis

Gaining experience in pancreatic surgery could be demanding especially when minimally invasive approach is used. Pancreatojejunostomy (PJ) is one of the most critical steps during pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Our aim was to investigate the impact of a surgeon's experience in performing PJ, especially in a subgroup of patients undergoing laparoscopic PD (LPD). Data of consecutive patients undergoing PD from 2017 to 2022 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: M group included patients in which PJ was performed by an experienced surgeon, D group included those receiving PJ by a less experienced one. The groups were compared in terms of postoperative outcomes. 187 patients were selected (157 in group M and 30 in group D). The cohorts differed in terms of median age (68 vs 74 years, p = 0.016), and previous abdominal surgery (41.4% vs 66.7%, p = 0.011), while no difference was found regarding risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). The groups did not differ in terms of surgical outcomes. POPF rate was 15.9% and 10% in the M and D group (p = 0.578), respectively. Among patients undergoing laparoscopic PJ POPF rate was 16.0% and 17.7% in the M and D group (p = 0.867), respectively, without difference. No difference was found in terms of POPF in patients undergoing PD independently from the surgeon who performed the PJ, even during LPD. Moderate/high FRS, BMI > 30 kg/m2 and male sex, but not the surgeon who performed the PJ anastomosis, were independent predictors of POPF.