Minimally invasive total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation for chronic pancreatitis: the robotic approach

Benedict Kinny-Köster, Christi M. Walsh, Zhaoli Sun, Mahya Faghih, Niraj M. Desai, Daniel S. Warren, Rita R. Kalyani, Courtney Roberts, Vikesh K. Singh, Martin A. Makary, Jin He

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) treats refractory pain in chronic pancreatitis, prevents episodes of acute exacerbation, and mitigates postoperative brittle diabetes. The minimally invasive (MIS) approach offers a decreased surgical access trauma and enhanced recovery. Having established a laparoscopic TPIAT program, we adopted a robotic approach (R-TPIAT) and studied patient outcomes compared to open TPIAT. Methods: Between 2013 and 2021, 61 adult patients underwent TPIAT after a comprehensive evaluation (97% chronic pancreatitis). Pancreatic islets were isolated on-site during the procedure. We analyzed and compared intraoperative surgical and islet characteristics, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and 1-year glycemic outcomes. Results: MIS-TPIAT was performed in 41 patients (67%, 15 robotic and 26 laparoscopic), and was associated with a shorter mean length of intensive care unit stay compared to open TPIAT (2.9 vs 4.5 days, p = 0.002). R-TPIAT replaced laparoscopic TPIAT in 2017 as the MIS approach of choice and demonstrated decreased blood loss compared to open TPIAT (324 vs 843 mL, p = 0.004), similar operative time (609 vs 562 min), 30-day readmission rate (7% vs 15%), and 90-day complication rate (13% vs 20%). The glycemic outcomes including C-peptide detection at 1-year (73% vs 88%) and insulin dependence at 1-year (75% vs 92%) did not differ. The mean length of hospital stay after R-TPIAT was 8.6 days, shorter than for laparoscopic (11.5 days, p = 0.031) and open TPIAT (12.6 days, p = 0.017). Both MIS approaches had a 1-year mortality rate of 0%. Conclusions: R-TPIAT was associated with a 33% reduction in length of hospital stay (4-day benefit) compared to open TPIAT. R-TPIAT was similar to open TPIAT on measures of feasibility, safety, pain control, and 1-year glycemic outcomes. Our data suggest that robotic technology, a new component in the multidisciplinary therapy of TPIAT, is poised to develop into the primary surgical approach for experienced pancreatic surgeons.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3948-3956
Number of pages9
JournalSurgical endoscopy
Volume38
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2024

Keywords

  • Hereditary pancreatitis
  • Islet cell autotransplantation
  • Islet transplantation
  • Pancreatic surgery
  • Robotic pancreatectomy
  • Robotic surgery

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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