Outcomes After Minimally Invasive Versus Open Total Pancreatectomy: A Pan-European Propensity Score Matched Study

Lianne Scholten1, Sjors Klompmaker1, Jony Van Hilst1

  • 1Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Annals of Surgery
|July 15, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Minimally invasive total pancreatectomy (MITP) shows lower major morbidity compared to open total pancreatectomy (OTP). This study suggests MITP is a viable alternative for selected patients undergoing this complex pancreatic surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology and Hepatology
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

  • Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery, including minimally invasive total pancreatectomy (MITP), is gaining traction.
  • Limited multicenter data exists comparing MITP to open total pancreatectomy (OTP).
  • The comparative efficacy and safety of MITP versus OTP remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate 90-day postoperative outcomes after MITP versus OTP in selected patients.
  • To compare major morbidity, mortality, and hospital stay between MITP and OTP.
  • To assess the potential of MITP as a valid alternative to OTP.

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter, retrospective, propensity-score matched study was conducted across 16 European centers.
  • Consecutive adult patients undergoing MITP or OTP for any indication between 2008 and 2017 were included.
  • A 1:1 matching ratio (caliper 0.02) was used to compare 70 MITP patients with 70 OTP controls, with missing data imputed.

Main Results:

  • Minimally invasive total pancreatectomy (MITP) was associated with significantly lower 90-day major morbidity (17% vs. 31%, P=0.022) compared to open total pancreatectomy (OTP).
  • No significant differences were observed in 90-day mortality (1.4% vs. 7.1%, P=0.209) or median hospital stay (17 vs. 12 days, P=0.876).
  • For patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), overall survival showed a trend favoring MITP but was not statistically significant after T-stage stratification.

Conclusions:

  • Minimally invasive total pancreatectomy (MITP) demonstrates a lower rate of major morbidity compared to open total pancreatectomy (OTP).
  • MITP represents a potentially valuable alternative to OTP for carefully selected patients.
  • Further research may explore long-term survival benefits and optimal patient selection for MITP.