Video-assessment of Surgical Performance in Robotic Gastro-enterostomy During Pancreatoduodenectomy: Evaluating the Learning Curve and Risk of Delayed Gastric Emptying.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to identify learning curves for robotic gastro-enterostomy (RGE) during RPD and the predictive value of the objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) score for DGE according to the Birkmeyer et al and UPMC method.

Summary of background data: In some series, robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD) has been associated with increased risk of delayed gastric emptying (DGE). It is unclear whether this is attributable to learning curve. Improved surgical performance and experience has not yet been linked to a decrease in delayed gastric emptying in RPD.

Methods: Post-hoc study of the prospective multicenter (LAELAPS-3) training program including videos of RGE during RPD. Surgical performance was scored with OSATS by two blinded graders. The main outcomes are the combined OSATS scores of two blinded graders over time (learning curve). Secondary outcome is the correlation between OSATS scores and clinically relevant DGE (grade B/C).

Results: Videos from 192 RGE anastomoses were included. DGE occurred in 42/192 (21.9%) patients. Mean OSATS score was 22.4 (SD±5.1) and predicted DGE (AUC 0.668, P<0.001). The predictive OSATS elements for DGE were gentleness (AUC 0.719, P<0.001), instrument handling (AUC 0.595 P=0.043), tissue exposure (AUC 0.625, P=0.009), and summary score (AUC 0.665, P<0.001). An OSATS score >25 was associated with a 59.9% reduced relative risk of grade B/C DGE (11.3% (8/71) vs 28.1% (34/121); OR 0.325, P=0.006). CUSUM analysis of RGE-OSATS identified a turning point at 34 procedures (27.5% (36/140) before vs 11.5% (6/52) after; OR 0.156, P=0.035. On multivariable analysis for grade B/C DGE, OSATS ≤25 remained an independent risk factor (OR 2.907, P=0.028).

Conclusions: Better surgical performance during gastro-enteric anastomosis in RPD, as assessed by OSATS, is associated with a reduced rate of grade B/C DGE. OSATS could serve as a tool for competency-based training programs and quality-controlled implementation of RPD.