Role of Staging Laparoscopy in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background Pancreatic cancer patients undergoing curative resection need staging laparoscopy for detecting metastatic disease not picked up on standard radiological scans. Identifying these patients can help to prevent unnecessary laparotomies and early induction of palliative therapies. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of staging laparoscopy on resectable pancreatic or periampullary tumors at our hospital. Methods Patients recommended pancreaticoduodenectomy between September 2014 and June 2018 were included in this study. Any significant finding and its impact on management was recorded. Results A total of 120 patients underwent staging laparoscopy. Fifteen patients had suspicious lesions and one patient had cirrhotic liver on staging laparoscopy. Out of these 15 patients nine patients had liver lesions, three patients with peritoneal nodules and three patients having both liver and peritoneal lesions. Among patients with liver lesions, four patients were found to have metastatic deposits. All of the remaining lesions were benign. Plan of curative resection was changed in five patients. Three patients who were planned for pancreaticoduodenectomy cancelled because of hepatic metastasis. One patient with hepatic metastasis showing neuroendocrine tumor considered for resection. One patient with resectable disease had cirrhotic liver on laparoscopy, so not medically fit for this major surgery. Conclusion In patients planned for pancreaticoduodenectomy, staging laparoscopy is an important step to detect metastatic disease involving peritoneum or viscera. It is very helpful in determining the stage of disease and further management plan.