Minimally Invasive versus Open Pancreatoduodenectomy for Resectable Neoplasms

Nine de Graaf1,2,3, Anouk M L H Emmen1,2,3, Marco Ramera3,4

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

NEJM Evidence
|November 25, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) is noninferior to open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) for overall complications in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. MIPD also demonstrated a faster time to functional recovery, suggesting improved patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Surgical Oncology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

  • Minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) may offer faster recovery than open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) for resectable pancreatic neoplasms.
  • The safety and efficacy of MIPD compared to OPD remain under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if MIPD is noninferior to OPD regarding overall complications.
  • To assess if MIPD is superior to OPD in terms of time to functional recovery (TTFR).

Main Methods:

  • An international, multicenter, patient-blinded randomized noninferiority trial compared robot-assisted/laparoscopic MIPD with OPD.
  • 288 patients with resectable pancreatic or periampullary neoplasms were randomized (2:1 ratio).
  • Primary endpoint: overall complications within 90 days (Comprehensive Complication Index); Secondary endpoint: TTFR.

Main Results:

  • MIPD was noninferior to OPD (mean CCI: 33.4 vs 35.3, P=0.002).
  • Median TTFR was shorter for MIPD (7 days) versus OPD (8 days).
  • MIPD showed lower rates of pancreatic fistula and surgical site infection, but a higher 90-day mortality rate (4.7% vs 2.0%).

Conclusions:

  • Minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy is noninferior to open pancreatoduodenectomy for 90-day overall complications in patients with resectable pancreatic and periampullary neoplasms.

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