Hybrid laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: an Australian experience and a proposed process for implementation.

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is gaining interest with several series reporting favourable outcomes. However, there are significant limitations to the successful implementation of LPD programmes in Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) settings. This study presents a local series of consecutive hybrid LPD (HLPD) and a suggested protocol for implementation of an LPD programme in ANZ settings.

METHODS

A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing HLPD with a laparoscopic resection and open reconstruction performed by a single surgeon at two centres in Sydney, Australia, between February 2014 and October 2019 was undertaken. Data were collected from a prospectively maintained database and patient records.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients underwent HLPD. Median operative time was 370 min, with a median laparoscopic resection time of 253 min. Median length of stay was 11 days. There was no mortality within 90 days. Post-operative complications included two patients requiring a return to operating theatre for post-operative pancreatic fistula, and five patients with delayed gastric emptying. Median number of lymph nodes harvested was 13 (interquartile range 11-15.8). Resection margins were negative in 15 patients (83.3%).

CONCLUSION

HLPD is associated with satisfactory perioperative outcomes and may be feasible as a first step towards eventual implementation of LPD in ANZ hospitals.