The implementation of a robotic surgical platform for the treatment of patients with malignant or pre-malignant pancreatic tumors at the University Medical Center Ljubljana.

Abstract

Background: Robotic platforms are increasingly employed in the field of minimally invasive pancreatic surgery. It is essential to develop an innovative method that ensures both safety and efficacy, producing outcomes comparable to those of established treatment modalities. Implementation process should incorporate surgical science, education, local implementation, and non-technical skills. In our study, we describe the safe implementation of a robotic platform in pancreatic surgery within our medical institution.

Patients and methods: We analysed prospectively collected data from the first ten consecutive robotic-assisted distal pancreatectomies (RDP) and pancreatoduodenectomies (RPD). Due to nature of the study basic statistical analysis were performed.

Results: The mean operating time was 211minutes (±49.4) for RDP and 365 minutes (±69.6) for RPD, with blood loss 330 mL for RDP and 195 mL for RPD. Hospital stay was 8.7 days (±3.9) in RDP and 7.9 days (±3.9) in RPD. One patient (10%) in the RDP group developed clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) and delayed gastric emptying (DGE). The mean tumour size was 31 mm (±9.8) in the RDP and 27 mm (±7.5) in the RPD. The mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 6 (0-24) in the RDP and 15 (6-22) in the RPD. The R0 resection rate was 60% in the RDP and 70% in the RPD.

Conclusions: Robotic surgical technology can be safely and effectively integrated into a clinical setting. This integration should be facilitated through a well-established training program and curriculum. Nonetheless, patient selection is important, especially in the early phases of robotic program development.