Objective Research Priorities in Pancreatic Surgery – Results of a Worldwide Online Expert Survey

Abstract

Abstract Background Several evidence gaps still need to be addressed in pancreatic surgery research. In our times of scarcity of resources in finances and time, research activities should be prioritized according to their clinical and political relevance. Aims Prioritize research topics in pancreatic surgery based on existing evidence and expert voting. Methods A digital survey among national and international pancreatic societies was performed over the course of six months. International experts were asked to rate their “Top 5” research topics requiring an RCT based on the 76 research topics from the Evidence Map of Pancreatic Surgery. Moreover, experts rated the importance of having an RCT for existing evidence gaps i.e. from the eleven research topics currently without an existing RCT. Results A total of 149 surgeons from 30 countries contributed to this study. Currently, the most relevant research topic is vascular resection in pancreatic surgery (39 votes). Radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) versus standard distal pancreatectomy was ranked second (30 votes). Celiac axis resection versus standard resection and spleen management in distal pancreatectomy were ranked third and fourth (both 27 votes). Finally, the time point for surgery for chronic pancreatitis was ranked fifth with 25 votes. With regard to the eleven evidence gaps, the topic of RAMPS versus standard distal pancreatectomy and total versus partial pancreatectomy were both rated as having “very high priority” to have an RCT. Conclusions Research activities should be based on objective prioritization. The current study allows researchers and funding bodies to address the most relevant research questions based on a systematic evidence overview evaluated by pancreatic surgeons worldwide. This will allow for clinically relevant, high-quality evidence while also saving resources.