Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
Application of Robot-assisted Pancreaticobiliary Junction Resection in Benign Duodenal Tumors
Published on: December 20, 2024
Robotic Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives
Silvio Caringi1,2, Antonella Delvecchio1,3, Annachiara Casella1
1Unit of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, "F. Miulli" General Hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti, 70021 Bari, Italy.
Background:
Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) is a less invasive alternative to open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) with the potential for perioperative advantage. Concerns remain regarding its technical difficulty, cost, and oncologic adequacy.
Methods:
Review of PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases was conducted (January 2000-October 2025), focusing on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and significant comparative studies of RPD. Outcomes assessed were perioperative outcomes, oncologic sufficiency, learning curve, model training, cost-effectiveness, and future developments.
Results:
Several studies report comparable R0 rates and lymph node yield between RPD and OPD, with reduced blood loss, shorter postoperative hospital stay, and faster recovery in high-volume centers. Morbidity (35-50%) and 90-day mortality (<2%) are similar to open or laparoscopic surgery. Competence is usually achieved after 40-60 cases, while optimal outcomes are achieved after 80-100 procedures. Structured mentorship and simulation training improve safety and reproducibility. Novel technologies such as augmented reality, intraoperative fluorescence, and artificial intelligence-based navigation may also enhance accuracy and shorten the learning curve.
Conclusions:
RPD appears to be a safe and effective minimally invasive option in carefully selected patients if done in specialized, high-volume centers. Future studies need to resolve long-term oncologic results, cost-effectiveness, and the role of next-generation robotic systems.
