Pancreatic Procedures Research Articles

Robotic Central Pancreatectomy

Central pancreatectomy is an excellent alternative to left pancreatectomy for symptomatic benign or premalignant lesions of the pancreatic body or tail. A key advantage of this technique lies in the preservation of pancreatic parenchyma, resulting in a lower rate of postoperative diabetes mellitus. However, this procedure requires more complex reconstruction, which in turn is associated with an increased risk of morbidity.Insulinoma in the pancreatic body.Robot-assisted central pancreatectomy with pancreaticojejunostomy using a modified Blumgart technique.Central pancreatectomy is a generally rare and challenging pancreatic procedure, but clearly plays a significant role in modern pancreatic surgery due to its functional advantages. When appropriate and technically feasible, central pancreatectomy should be preferred to the alternative of left pancreatectomy and whenever possible, performed minimally invasively.

Recommendations on Robotic Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery. The Paris Jury-Based Consensus Conference.

To establish the first consensus guidelines on the safety and indications of robotics in Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary (HPB) surgery. The secondary aim was to identify priorities for future research. HPB robotic surgery is reaching the IDEAL 2b exploration phase for innovative technology. An objective assessment endorsed by the HPB community is timely and needed. The ROBOT4HPB conference developed consensus guidelines using the Zurich-Danish model. An impartial and multidisciplinary jury produced unbiased guidelines based on the work of ten expert panels answering predefined key questions and considering the best-quality evidence retrieved after a systematic review. The recommendations conformed with the GRADE and SIGN50 methodologies. Fifty-four experts from 20 countries considered 285 studies, and the conference included an audience of 220 attendees. The jury (n=10) produced recommendations or statements covering five sections of robotic HPB surgery: technology, training and expertise, outcome assessment, and liver and pancreatic procedures. The recommendations supported the feasibility of robotics for most HPB procedures and its potential value in extending minimally invasive indications, emphasizing however the importance of expertise to ensure safety. The concept of expertise was defined broadly, encompassing requirements for credentialing HPB robotics at a given center. The jury prioritized relevant questions for future trials and emphasized the need for prospective registries, including validated outcome metrics for the forthcoming assessment of HPB robotics. The ROBOT4HPB consensus represents a collaborative and multidisciplinary initiative, defining state-of-the-art expertise in HPB robotics procedures. It produced the first guidelines to encourage their safe use and promotion.

Practice Patterns of Pancreatic Surgery Within the Military.

Pancreatic surgery is technically challenging, with mortality rates at high-volume centers ranging from 0% to 5%. An inverse relationship between surgeon volume and perioperative mortality has been reported suggesting that patients benefit from experienced surgeons at high-volume centers. There is little published on the volume of pancreatic surgeries performed in military treatment facilities (MTF) and there is no centralization policy regarding pancreatic surgery. This study evaluates pancreatic procedures at MTFs. We hypothesize that a small group of MTFs perform most pancreatic procedures, including more complex pancreatic surgeries. This is a retrospective review of de-identified data from MHS Mart (M2) from 2014 to 2020. The database contains patient data from all Defense Health Agency treatment facilities. Variables collected include number and types of pancreatic procedures performed and patient demographics. The primary endpoint was the number and type of surgery for each MTF. Twenty-six MTFs performed pancreatic surgeries from 2014 to 2020. There was a significant decrease in the number of cases from 2014 to 2020. Nine hospitals performed one surgery over eight years. The most common surgery was a distal pancreatectomy, followed by a pancreaticoduodenectomy. There was a decrease in the number of pancreaticoduodenectomies and distal pancreatectomies performed over this period. Pancreatic surgery is being performed at few MTFs with a downward trajectory over time. Further studies would be needed to assess the impact on patient care regarding postoperative complications, barriers to timely patient care, and impact on readiness of military surgeons.

Clinico-pathologic profile and outcomes of pediatric endocrine patients managed by endocrine surgeons: Experience over three decades in a tertiary center in India.

Pediatric endocrine disorders requiring surgical intervention are rare and so are experienced surgeons dealing with these. The aim of the current study was to investigate disease profile and perioperative outcome of pediatric patients with surgical endocrine disorders in an endocrine surgery unit. This retrospective study (Sep 1989-Aug 2019) consisted of pediatric endocrine surgery patients (<18years) who were managed by a team of pediatric endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons at our center. Patients were divided into three cohorts consisting of a decade each. Clinico-pathologic variables, perioperative events operative and follow-up details were recorded. A total of 332 children were included and their mean age was 14.6±3.9years (M:F=1:1.6). Thyroid disorders were most prevalent (59.8%), followed by adrenal (28.2%), parathyroid (10.4%), and pancreas (1.5%). Incidence of benign, malignant, and congenital/developmental disorders were 65.4, 28.1 and 8.3, respectively. Familial association was observed in 8.9% children, which is highest among pheochromocytoma patients. Overall, 201 thyroidectomies+associated procedures, 35 parathyroidectomies, 96 adrenal and paraganglioma resections, and 5 pancreatic procedures were performed. Median hospital stay was 5.6±4.1days. The number of cases increased significantly over 3decades. Clinical profile and outcome did not vary except for significant decrease in incidence of malignant pathology (p=0.04) and increase in VHL cases (p=0.04) in the last decade though overall increase in familial cases was nonsignificant (p=0.11). No perioperative mortality was observed except for 3% after adrenalectomy. A team of dedicated endocrine surgeons and pediatric endocrinologists is effective in management of pediatric endocrine surgery.

FASTING INCREASES THE SEVERITY OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS IN A MOUSE MODEL: IMPLICATIONS FOR PREOPERATIVE INTERVENTIONS TO REDUCE COMPLICATIONS OF PANCREATIC SURGERY.

Acute pancreatitis following surgical or endoscopic procedures on the pancreas can compromise the outcome and lead to severe complications and even death. The aim of this study was to determine whether prolonged fasting affects the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). Male mice were divided into 4 groups: Group CF (n=5) control animals that fasted for 24 hours; Group CNF (n=5) control animals that did not fast; Group APF (n=7) that fasted for 24 hours and underwent induction of acute pancreatitis (AP) and Group APNF (n=7) that did not fast and underwent AP. Eight hours after AP blood was collected for evaluation of cytokines: IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and MCP-1. Liver tissue was collected for determination of Malondialdehyde, pancreatic tissue for determination of enzyme content and lung tissue for determination of myeloperoxidase. Significant increase in pancreatic amylase content was observed in group CF and increased serum levels of IL -6, Il-10 and MCP-1 were in group APF. Liver malondialdehyde was also increased in APF animals. APF group showed much more necrosis of the pancreatic acinar cells. In the present study, we observed an increase in the severity of acute pancreatitis with prolonged fasting in a severe acute pancreatitis model. These results suggest that in clinical practice, the preoperative fasting time should be shortened before pancreatic procedures.

Incisional hernia repair following pancreatic surgery—open vs laparoscopic approach

IntroductionFor pancreatic procedures, transverse and midline or combined approaches are used. Having an increased morbidity after pancreatic surgery, these patients have an increased risk of developing an incisional hernia. In the following, we will analyze how the results of incisional hernia surgery after pancreatic surgery are presented in the Herniamed Registry.MethodsHospitals and surgeons from Germany, Austria and Switzerland can voluntarily enter all routinely performed hernia operations prospectively into the Herniamed Registry. All patients sign a special informed consent declaration that they agree to the documentation of their treatment in the Herniamed Registry. Perioperative complications (intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, complication-related reoperations and general complications) are recorded up to 30 days after surgery. After 1, 5, and 10 years, patients and primary care physicians are contacted and asked about any pain at rest, pain on exertion, chronic pain requiring treatment or recurrence. This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data compares the outcomes of minimally invasive vs open techniques in incisional hernia repair after pancreatic surgery.ResultsRelative to the total number of all incisional hernia patients in the Herniamed Registry, the proportion after pancreatic surgery with 1-year follow-up was 0.64% (n = 461) patients. 95% of previous pancreatic surgeries were open. Minimally invasive incisional hernia repair was performed in 17.1% and open repair in 82.9% of cases. 23.2% of the defects were larger than 10 cm and 32.8% were located laterally or were a combination of lateral and medial defects. Among the few differences between the collectives, a significantly higher rate of defect closure (58.1% vs 25.3%; p < 0.001) and drainage (72.8% vs 13.9%; p < 0.001) was found in the open repairs, and larger meshes were seen in the minimally invasive procedures (340.6 cm2 vs 259.6 cm2; p < 0.001). No difference deemed a risk factor for chronic postoperative pain was seen in the rate of preoperative pain between the open and minimally invasive procedures (Appendix Table 4) No significant differences were found in either the perioperative complications or at 1-year follow-up.ConclusionsIncisional hernias after complex pancreatic surgery can be repaired safely and with a low recurrence rate in both open and minimally invasive techniques.

International Hepato-Pancreato-Billiary Association (IHPBA) registry study on COVID-19 infections in HPB surgery patients

BackgroundIn response to the pandemic, the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (IHPBA) developed the IHPBA-COVID Registry to capture data on HPB surgery outcomes in COVID-positive patients prior to mass vaccination programs. The aim was to provide a tool to help members gain a better understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on patient outcomes following HPB surgery worldwide. MethodsAn online registry updated in real time was disseminated to all IHPBA, E-AHPBA, A-HPBA and A-PHPBA members to assess the effects of the pandemic on the outcomes of HPB procedures, perioperative COVID-19 management and other aspects of surgical care. ResultsOne hundred twenty-five patients from 35 centres in 18 countries were included. Seventy-three (58%) patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 preoperatively. Operative mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy and major hepatectomy was 28% and 15%, respectively, and 2.5% after cholecystectomy. Postoperative complication rates of pancreatic procedures, hepatic interventions and biliary interventions were respectively 80%, 50% and 37%. Respiratory complication rates were 37%, 31% and 10%, respectively. ConclusionThis study reveals a high risk of mortality and complication after HPB surgeries in patient infected with COVID-19. The more extensive the procedure, the higher the risk. Nonetheless, an increased risk was observed across all types of interventions, suggesting that elective HPB surgery should be avoided in COVID positive patients, delaying it at distance from the viral infection.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of pancreatic fungal infection in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis.

Pancreatic fungal infection (PFI) in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The incidence of PFI has increased during the past decade. Our study aimed to provide contemporary observations on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of PFI in comparison to pancreatic bacterial infection and necrotizing pancreatitis without infection. We conducted a retrospective study of patients with necrotizing pancreatitis (acute necrotic collection or walled-off necrosis), who underwent pancreatic intervention (necrosectomy and/or drainage) and had tissue/fluid culture between 2005 and 2021. We excluded patients with pancreatic procedures prior to hospitalization. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression models were fitted for in-hospital and 1-year survival outcomes. A total of 225 patients with necrotizing pancreatitis were included. Pancreatic fluid and/or tissue was obtained from endoscopic necrosectomy and/or drainage (76.0%), CT-guided percutaneous aspiration (20.9%), or surgical necrosectomy (3.1%). Nearly half of the patients had PFI with or without concomitant bacterial infection (48.0%), while the remaining patients had either bacterial infection alone (31.1%) or no infection (20.9%). In multivariable analysis to assess the risk of PFI or bacterial infection alone, only previous pancreatitis was associated with an increased odds of PFI vs. no infection (OR 4.07, 95% CI 1.13-14.69, p=.032). Multivariable regression analyses revealed no significant differences in in-hospital outcomes or one-year survival between the 3 groups. Pancreatic fungal infection occurred in nearly half of necrotizing pancreatitis. Contrary to many of the previous reports, there was no significant difference in important clinical outcomes between the PFI group and each of the other two groups.

Predictors and Outcomes of Intraoperative Blood Transfusion in Cirrhotic Veterans

Background: Cirrhotic patients are at increased risk of postoperative complications and mortality following any surgical procedure. One of the independent predators of adverse outcomes is intraoperative transfusion (IOT). In this study we examine the profile of cirrhotic patients requiring IOT to determine its predictors.&#x0D; Methods: The Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) was utilized to identify all patients with cirrhosis and ascites who underwent any non-liver transplant procedures from 2008 to 2015. Univariate and multivariate regression were used to identify predictors of increased risk of IOT and associated outcomes.&#x0D; Results: A total of 1,957 cirrhotic patients were identified, of which only 358 (18.8%) required IOT ≥1 unit. IOT group were older, more frail, higher Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, anemic (hematocrit &lt;30%), hypoalbuminemic. This group also had more emergent procedures, higher rates of preoperative sepsis, longer operative time, longer postoperative length of stay, and higher morbidity and mortality rates. On multivariate logistic regression, pancreatic resections, open hernia repair, anemia, gastric resections, hypoalbuminemia, acute renal failure, emergency procedure, preoperative sepsis, and preoperative weight loss &gt;10% were significant predictors of IOT.&#x0D; Conclusion: IOT in cirrhotic patients is associated with worse outcomes. Pancreatic procedures, open hernia repair, and gastric resection were associated with increased IOT. This aid in preoperative planning and blood products preparation.

Impact of route of reconstruction of gastrojejunostomy on delayed gastric emptying after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A prospective randomized study.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is commonly performed pancreatic procedure for tumors of periampullary region. Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) and pancreatic fistula are the most common specific complications following PD. DGE can lead to significant morbidity, resulting in prolonged hospital stay and increased cost. Various factors might influence the occurrence of DGE. We hypothesized that kinking of jejunal limb could be a cause of DGE post PD. Antecolic (AC) and retrocolic (RC) side-to-side gastrojejunostomy (GJ) groups in classical PD were compared for the occurrence of DGE in a prospective study. All patients who underwent PD between April 2019 and September 2020 in a tertiary care center in south India were included in this study. After classic PD, RC GJ was found to be superior to AC in terms of DGE rate (26.7% vs. 71.9%) and hospital stay (9 days vs. 11 days). Route of reconstruction of GJ can influence the occurrence of DGE as RC anastomosis in classical PD provides the most straight route for gastric emptying.

Hepatopancreatic Surgeons Versus Pancreatic Surgeons: Does Surgical Subspecialization Impact Patient Care and Outcomes?

BackgroundHepatopancreatic (HP) surgeon and hospital procedural volume may vary relative to liver or pancreas cases. We sought to investigate the impact of surgeon and hospital pancreatic subspecialization on patient outcomes. MethodsPatients who underwent pancreatic surgery between 2013–2017 were identified from the Medicare Standard Analytic Files. The surgery subspecialization index (SSI) was calculated to signify surgeon and hospital pancreatic subspecialization, and categorized as low, intermediate, and high SSI. The association of SSI with Textbook Outcome (TO) and its components, failure to rescue (FTR), discharge to home and index admission expenditures was assessed with mixed-effects multivariable logistic regression. ResultsAmong 19,625 patients, most pancreatic procedures were characterized by high SSI (Low SSI: 27.7%, Intermediate SSI: 34.7%, High SSI: 37.7%). Notably, higher SSI was associated with greater odds of achieving a TO [Intermediate SSI: OR 1.16 (95%CI 1.06–1.27); High SSI: OR 1.23 (95%CI 1.11–1.35)] as well as being discharged home, and lower odds of experiencing FTR. Furthermore, this association persisted in both low-volume [referent: Low SSI; Intermediate SSI: OR 1.14 (95%CI 1.01–1.28); High SSI: OR 1.15 (95%CI 1.02–1.31)] and high-volume hospitals [referent: Low SSI; Intermediate SSI: OR 1.16 (95%CI 1.01–1.32); High SSI: OR 1.26 (95%CI 1.09–1.45)]. ConclusionsGreater pancreatic subspecialization was associated with improved postoperative outcomes following pancreatic resection. Amidst increasing efforts to improve quality of care, surgical subspecialization may play a role in determining patient outcomes regardless of total surgeon or hospital volume.

Comment on "Robotic Distal Pancreatectomy, a Novel Standard of Care? Benchmark Values for Surgical Outcomes From 16 International Expert Centers".

Comment on "Robotic Distal Pancreatectomy, a Novel Standard of Care? Benchmark Values for Surgical Outcomes From 16 International Expert Centers".

The impact of race/ethnicity and county-level upward economic mobility on textbook outcomes in hepatopancreatic surgery

BackgroundThe impact of upward economic mobility and race/ethnicity on achieving quality metrics such as textbook outcomes remains ill-defined. As such, we sought to define the impact of race and county-level upward economic mobility on the ability to achieve a textbook outcome among patients undergoing hepatic and pancreatic surgery. MethodsPatients who underwent hepatic or pancreatic procedures between 2013 and 2017 were identified from the Medicare Standard Analytic Files. The primary outcomes of interest were textbook outcome and its components. ResultsAmong 35,403 patients, 17,923 (50.6%) patients were classified as living in a low upward economic mobility county, whereas 17,480 (49.4%) lived in a high upward economic mobility county. Furthermore, 32,981 (93.1%) patients were White, and 2,422 (6.8%) were Black. Overall, a textbook outcome was achieved in 45.6% of patients (n = 16,139), with textbook outcome most likely in patients from a high upward economic mobility county compared with a low upward economic mobility county (low: 44.6% vs high: 46.6%, P < .001). On multivariable analysis, patients in a low upward economic mobility county had 6% lower odds of achieving a textbook outcome compared with a high upward economic mobility county (odds ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.90–0.98). Furthermore, Black patients were less likely to achieve a textbook outcome (odds ratio 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.84–0.99) and had 17% and 15% higher odds of developing a complication (odds ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.07–1.28) and extended length of stay (odds ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.27), respectively. Within races, White patients in a high upward economic mobility county had 7% higher odds of achieving a textbook outcome compared with White patients in a low upward economic mobility county (odds ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.12), although no such effect was observed in Black patients (odds ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.77–1.15). Furthermore, Black patients in a high upward economic mobility county had similar odds of achieving a textbook outcome compared with White patients in a low upward economic mobility county (odds ratio 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.77–1.09). ConclusionThese results highlight the differential impact of upward economic mobility and race on postoperative outcomes. Due to the health care implications of socioeconomic status, future policy initiatives should target economic mobility as a means to ensure greater health care equity.

Clinical and Endoscopic Consequences of Delay in Stent Exchange Procedures With ERCP During the Covid-19 Pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, elective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures have been postponed as recommended by international guidelines. In this study, the results of biliary and pancreatic ERCP procedures that had to be postponed during the pandemic process were investigated. Forty-seven patients whose stent exchange procedures with ERCP were postponed between March 2020 and June 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic were included in the study. Patients were evaluated in 2 groups as delayed biliary procedures (n: 32) and delayed pancreatic procedures (n: 15). Clinical problems (biliary or pancreatic pain, itching, cholangitis, etc.) and technical problems encountered during the procedure (stent migration, abundant stone sludge in the bile ducts, etc.) were compared with 46 patients who could be treated without delay (39 interventions for the biliary system and seven interventions for the pancreas). Considering the procedures for the biliary system, there was no difference in age and sex between the groups. Although clinical problems in biliary procedures were more common in the group with delay than in those without delay, this difference was not significant (34% vs. 20%; P : 0.14). The technical problems encountered during the procedures in the group with delay were significantly higher than those without delay (21% vs. 2.5%; P : 0.019), with stent migration being the most common problem (n: 5). Age and sex did not differ in the patients who had pancreatic interventions with and without delay. The clinical problems that developed in the patients did not differ between the groups with and without delay (26% vs. 28%; P : 0.8). Although technical problems were encountered in 1 out of 15 patients in the group with delay, no technical problem was experienced in the group without delay ( P : 0.68). Postponing elective ERCP procedures for the biliary system not for the pancreatic system during the COVID-19 pandemic brings technical problems.

A study on several surgical methods of pancreas guided by main pancreatic duct treatment

With the gradual spread of laparoscopic and robotic technology, pancreatic surgery is developing toward reducing complications and preserving more pancreatic functions. The main pancreatic duct is an important outflow channel for pancreatic exocrine fluid, and precise management of the main pancreatic duct can effectively reduce the occurrence of postoperative pancreatic complications. This paper focuses on the difficulties of pancreatic-intestinal anastomosis, distal pancreatic resection, the relationship between the pancreatic pseudocyst and main pancreatic duct, and partial pancreatic resection, and introduces how to properly manage the main pancreatic duct in common pancreatic procedures under laparoscopic and robotic techniques. Besides, the "mucosa-to-mucosa six-stitch method" for mid-pancreatic resection and end-to-end anastomosis has been proposed, which can achieve the best surgical results with minimally invasive technology and benefit more patients.

Perioperative outcomes in dogs and cats undergoing pancreatic surgery: 81 cases (2008-2019).

To identify and describe the type and frequency of perioperative factors in dogs and cats undergoing pancreatic surgery under referral care. Medical records from a small animal surgical referral practice were retrospectively reviewed to identify dogs and cats that underwent pancreatic surgery between 2008 and 2019. Inclusion criteria included complete medical record, histopathology results and follow-up of at least 14 days postoperatively or until death. Variables collected included signalment, history, presenting complaint, preoperative diagnostic results, intraoperative complications, surgical findings/procedures, postoperative complications and histopathology results. Cases were excluded if pertinent information or a histopathology report was missing from the medical record. The frequency of these variables was reported. There were 81 client-owned animals identified that met the inclusion criteria (57 dogs and 24 cats). The most common pancreatic procedure performed in dogs was partial pancreatectomy 63.2% (36/57) and in cats was pancreatic biopsy 62.5% (15/24). The most common histologic diagnosis in dogs was pancreatic islet cell carcinoma 50.9% (29/57) and in cats was pancreatitis 41.7% (10/24). The overall mortality rate was 13.6% (11/81), with a 10.5% (6/57) mortality rate in dogs and a 20.8% (5/24) mortality rate in cats. In this series of dogs and cats, pancreatic surgery under referral care carried a low to moderate mortality rate.

Robotic modified Appleby: Case report, technical aspects and video

Introduction and importancePancreatic body and tail adenocarcinoma is a tumor of silent evolution, showing up as advanced disease at diagnosis in the majority cases.Case presentationA 60-year-old man, presenting a solid expansive lesion (3.1 × 2.8 cm) in the body of the pancreas, by imaging exams. There was 50% involvement of the celiac trunk at the level of the it's bifurcation and suspected peripancreatic lymph nodes. Clinical staging was cT4N1M0. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NQT), there was a small reduction of the tumor to 3.0 × 2.6 cm, an important decreasing of the celiac trunk involvement (25%), and also a reduction in the levels of C19–9 from 650 U/mL to 358 U/mL. Further on, the patient underwent a Robotic Modified Appleby procedure, without intra and postoperative complications.Clinical discussionLocally advanced pancreatic tumors should be referred to NQT, and those with good response might benefit to radical surgery. The modified Appleby technique - distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and celiac trunk resection – is the procedure of choice when there is involvement of celiac trunk, but concern must be given to the liver vascularization. The use of robotic system on pancreatic surgery is emerging, but still, there is lower data regarding its safety in major pancreatic procedures.ConclusionThe use of neoadjuvant therapy is recommended to assess the in vivo response, improve oncological results and increase negative margins. Pre-operative imaging is mandatory for surgical planning. The robotic modified Appleby procedure is feasible and safe, with reduced of intraoperative blood loss and transfusion rate, corroborating the literature.

From Tutoring Gross Anatomy to Pancreatic Surgery Innovation.

The training for pancreatic surgery still is not conducted according to standardized protocols, and academic programs differ between countries and hospitals. Moreover, due to recent technological innovations such as minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and the broader indications for complex pancreatic procedures due to the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, training is continuously redefining itself. The historical paradigm of “see one, do one, teach one” has been challenged and might have become obsolete. Finally, the rising number of surgical residents along with the limited time required practicing during residency might represent a major limitation to becoming an independent surgeon. Gross anatomy is a solid practice for the active learning of human anatomy during medical school. With regards to the pancreas, it offers a unique opportunity to both actively study the pancreatic gland anatomy during dissection and simulate actual surgical procedures. A critical review of the literature was conducted, aiming to assess the role of gross anatomy in surgical training and possible future perspectives.

Surgery for chronic pancreatitis: the comparison of two high-volume centers reveals lack of a uniform operative management

PurposeMany aspects of surgical therapy for chronic pancreatitis (CP), including the correct indication and timing, as well as the most appropriate operative techniques, are still a matter of debate in the surgical community and vary widely across different centers. The aim of the present study was to uncover and analyze these differences by comparing the experiences of two specialized surgical units in Italy and Austria.MethodsAll patients operated for CP between 2000 and 2018 at the two centers involved were included in this retrospective analysis. Data regarding the clinical history and the pre- and perioperative surgical course were analyzed and compared between the two institutions.ResultsOur analysis showed a progressive decrease in the annual rate of pancreatic surgical procedures performed for CP in Verona (no. = 91) over the last two decades (from 3% to less than 1%); by contrast, this percentage increased from 3 to 9% in Vienna (no. = 77) during the same time frame. Considerable differences were also detected with regard to the timing of surgery from the first diagnosis of CP — 4 years (IQR 5.5) in the Austrian series vs two (IQR 4.0) in the Italian series -, and of indications for surgery, with a 12% higher prevalence of groove pancreatitis among patients in the Verona cohort.ConclusionThe comparison of the surgical attitude towards CP between two surgical centers proved that a consistent approach to this pathology still is lacking. The identification of common guidelines and labels of surgical eligibility is advisable in order to avoid interinstitutional treatment disparities.

Robot-assisted pancreatic surgery—optimized operating procedures: set-up, port placement, surgical steps

Even in most complex surgical settings, recent advances in minimal-invasive technologies have made the application of robotic-assisted devices more viable. Due to ever increasing experience and expertise, many large international centers now offer robotic-assisted pancreatic surgery as a preferred alternative. In general however, pancreatic operations are still associated with high morbidity and mortality, while robotic-assisted techniques still require significant learning curves. As a prospective post-marketing trial, we have established optimized operating procedures at our clinic. This manuscript intends to publicize our standardized methodology, including pre-operative preparation, surgical set-up as well as the surgeons’ step-by-step actions when using pancreatic-assisted robotic surgery. This manuscript is based on our institutional experience as a high-volume pancreas operating center. We introduce novel concepts that should standardize, facilitate and economize the surgical steps in all types of robotic-assisted pancreatic surgery. The “One Fits All” principle enables single port placement irrespective of the pancreatic procedure, while the “Reversed 6-to-6 Approach” offers an optimized manual for pancreatic surgeons using the robotic console. Novel and standardized surgical concepts could guide new centers to establish a robust, efficient and safe robotic-assisted pancreatic surgery program.