Artery-First Approach During Minimally Invasive Pancreatoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Cancer: Outcomes from a Single Center and Comparison Between Laparoscopic and Robotic Approaches

Abstract

Background: Despite benefits during open pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), the artery-first approach (AFA) during minimally invasive PD (MIPD) has been poorly investigated. Methods: Data of consecutive patients undergoing MIPD (both laparoscopic (LPD) and robotic (RPD)) from 2020 to 2024 for pancreatic cancer (PC) were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed, comparing the surgical and oncological outcomes of LPD with right AFA and RPD with posterior AFA. The rate of ineffective AFA (IAFA), defined in the case of excessive resection time, estimated blood loss, or conversion to laparotomy, was also investigated. Results: 71 patients undergoing MIPD were selected (32 LPD and 39 RPD). Baseline patients’ characteristics only differed for a higher rate of neoadjuvant treatment in LPD and RPD groups, respectively (23.1% vs. 0%, p = 0.0036). No patients underwent conversion. R0 resection was obtained in 74.6% of patients. No difference between the groups was found regarding intraoperative, postoperative, and oncological outcomes except for a greater number of lymph nodes harvested in RPD (24 vs. 17, p = 0.023). IAFA was observed in 12.7% of patients, without difference between the groups (9.4 vs. 15.4%, p = 0.499, in LPD and RPD, respectively). Conclusions: MIPD with AFA was feasible and safe in patients affected by PC. RPD using posterior AFA had a higher number of lymph nodes retrieved when compared to LPD using right AFA. RPD has provided subjective advantages for the surgeon in terms of handling, safety, and reproducibility, although these have not translated into better outcomes.