A novel laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenal training model: optimization of the learning curve and simplification of...

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy requires a long learning curve. A preoperative training system was established to optimize the surgeons' learning curve and reduce the incidence rate of complications at the beginning of the curve.

The laparoscopic pancreaticojejunostomy model, and choledochojejunostomy and gastrojejunostomy training systems were developed, and corresponding evaluation systems were also defined. Surgeons B and C performed laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy after completing training session. Surgical outcomes, postoperative complications and their learning curves were analyzed.

Patients operated by surgeons B and C experienced shorter operative durations following training session than those in nontrained group (called A) ( P <0.001). B and C began entering the inflection point at the 26th and 20th case in learning curve, respectively. The incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula in group B was 3.3%, significantly lower than 13.1% in group A ( P =0.047). Patients in group B showed significantly lower incidence of biliary-enteric anastomosis leakage (0% vs. 8.2%, P =0.029) and Clavien-Dindo classification greater than or equal to 3 (3.3% vs. 14.8%, P =0.027) compared with those in group A. The incidence of surgical site infection in groups B (3.3%, P =0.004) and C (4.9%, P =0.012) was significantly lower than that in group A (19.7%). Moreover, the length of postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in groups B (12.5±5.9 days, P =0.002) and C (13.7±6.5 days, P =0.002) compared with group A (16.7±8.5 days).

The laparoscopic pancreaticojejunostomy training model and evaluation system can shorten the operative duration, lower the risk of postoperative complications, and shorten the length of hospital stay.