Laparoscopic versus open pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a single-center experience

The efficacy and outcomes of laparoscopic resection for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are well established; however, specific data regarding the outcomes of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (L-PD) are limited. The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical and oncological outcomes following L-PD versus open PD (O-PD) in patients with PNETs.

This retrospective study included 149 patients with PNETs who underwent PD at the Asan Medical Center between January 2006 and December 2017. In 58 patients, a laparoscopic approach was used (L-PD group), and in 91, an open technique was used (O-PD group).

The mean operative time was longer in the L-PD group than in the O-PD group (417.4 min vs. 362.2 min; p = 0.002), and the mean duration of postoperative stay was shorter in the L-PD group (12.6 days vs. 17.8 days; p < 0.001). The estimated blood loss (433.2 ml vs. 415.0 ml; p = 0.824) and the overall complication rate (34.5% vs. 38.5%; p = 0.624) did not significantly differ between the two groups. Regarding the oncological outcomes, there were no significant differences in the resection margins, tumor size, tumor grading, or T/N stage. The number of harvested lymph nodes in the L-PD group was lower than that in the O-PD group (7.1 vs. 10.8; p = 0.002). The 3-year overall survival rate was 91.9% in the L-PD group and 93.6% in the O-PD group (p = 0.974). The 3-year disease-free survival rate was 94.8% in the L-PD group and 86.7% in the O-PD group (p = 0.225).

L-PD is feasible for the treatment of PNETs in selected patients and has the advantages of short recovery time and reduced hospital stay. The survival rate was similar in both groups; however, due to the difference in the harvested lymph nodes, a randomized trial should confirm the oncological safety of L-PD for PNETs.