Trends in Robotic Pancreaticoduodenectomy and Distal Pancreatectomy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic surgery remains a challenge even to the most experienced surgeons. Despite significant advances in the field, morbidity and mortality continue to have elevated rates even in specialized, high-volume centers. The rise of laparoscopy in the past decades has improved outcomes for patients, but remains unused due to the technical complexities involved. METHODS: A literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Key words used in the search include: "robotic surgery," "robotic pancreas surgery," "pancreas surgery," "minimally invasive pancreas surgery," "robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy," and "robotic distal pancreatectomy." The studies included in our review were summarized in a patient intervention comparison and outcome table. RESULTS: The use of a robotic platform has emerged to counteract the more challenging aspects of laparoscopic pancreatic surgery, but incurs a high cost. Data, however, show a trend toward ever improving outcomes such as operative time, estimated blood loss, and length of stay, while still offering the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. CONCLUSION: There is no question that the use of robots in surgery will continue to expand, and with this, appropriate measures must be taken to ensure patient safety in the form of standardized education and certification for the future generation of surgeons considering robotic surgery. As robotic pancreatic surgery grows, encouraging data have emerged-as surgeons become more skilled and programs gain experience, patients are being benefited by this expanding technology. Larger, prospective cohorts will also provide more definitive evidence of the benefits of robotic surgery.