Robotic pancreatoduodenectomy reduces grade B pancreatic fistula in patients with a small main pancreatic duct: a propensity score-matched study compared to laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The benefits of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) over laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) remain less reported, this study aimed to evaluate the superiority of RPD over LPD. METHODS: A retrospective 1:1 propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis of the characteristics and perioperative variables of patients who underwent RPD and LPD between January 2021 and June 2023 in a high-volume centre was performed. RESULTS: = 0.045). CONCLUSION: RPD is as safe and feasible a minimally invasive approach as LPD is. The robotic approach in pancreatoduodenectomy could decrease grade B pancreatic fistula rate in patients with a main pancreatic duct of small diameter and reduce the operative time, blood loss and postoperative hospital stays.