Learning curve for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in peritoneal surface malignancies: analysis of two centres.

BACKGROUND

We assessed the learning curve (LC) of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in treating peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM) in two centers and evaluated in which extent surgical tutoring could abbreviate the learning process.

METHODS

Six hundred and forty-one cases submitted to CRS using peritonectomy procedures and HIPEC were considered. After having overcome its own LC, the NCI of Milan has provided technical assistance to Bentivoglio's centre for the development of a new PSM program since 2003. The risk-adjusted sequential probability ratio test (RA-SPRT) was employed to assess the LC of the two centers. Outcomes were incomplete cytoreduction, G3-5 morbidity (NCI-CTCAE.v3) and procedure-related mortality (PRM).

RESULTS

Rates of incomplete cytoreduction, G3-5 morbidity, and PRM were 8.4%, 30.1%, and 3.9%, respectively, in the entire series. The breaking points of the LC concerning incomplete cytoreduction, G3-5 morbidity, and PRM were achieved at 141, 158, and 144 cases, in the Milan's experience, and at 126, 134, and 60 cases in the Bentivoglio's experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical tutoring could substantially shorten the steep LC associated with CRS and HIPEC. Our data should be confirmed by further studies on LC focusing oncological outcomes. Other factors that could influence the length of learning process should be identified.