Comparison of Reduced-Port Totally Robotic Pancreaticoduodenectomy with Conventional Totally Robotic and Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy

TL;DR

This study compares a new robotic surgery method for pancreaticoduodenectomy with conventional robotic and laparoscopic methods, finding it more efficient and safe.

Contribution

The study introduces and evaluates a reduced-port robotic approach for pancreaticoduodenectomy, demonstrating improved efficiency and consistency.

Findings

rpRPD had shorter operative time and lower blood loss compared to cRPD with similar outcomes in complications and hospital stay.

Learning curve analysis showed rpRPD had lower variance and more stable performance than cRPD.

Oncological equivalence was supported by comparable lymph node retrieval across all groups.

Abstract

Background: Reduced-port totally robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (rpRPD) has been introduced to address limitations of conventional robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (cRPD), particularly regarding assistant mobility and visualization. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical feasibility and procedural consistency of rpRPD in comparison with cRPD and laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between January 2015 and December 2024. Patients were categorized into rpRPD (n = 40), cRPD (n = 60), and LPD (n = 262) groups. Clinical outcomes and learning curves were compared using regression and cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar across groups. The rpRPD group demonstrated significantly shorter operative time (p < 0.001) and lower blood loss (p < 0.05) than cRPD, with no significant differences in postoperative complications or hospital stay. The learning curve analysis revealed that rpRPD had lower variance (5839.3 vs. 8919.1) and more stable performance than cRPD despite a slightly longer stabilization point. Lymph node retrieval was comparable across groups, supporting oncological equivalence. Conclusions: rpRPD offers comparable perioperative and oncologic outcomes to cRPD and LPD while improving operative efficiency and procedural predictability. It represents a technically feasible and safe option for minimally invasive pancreatic surgery.

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