A comparative analysis of robotic versus laparoscopic total pancreatectomy: insights from the National Cancer Database

Total pancreatectomy is a complex procedure used in the management of pancreatic cancer. While minimally invasive techniques have been increasingly adopted, limited data exist comparing robotic total pancreatectomy (RTP) and laparoscopic total pancreatectomy (LTP). This study evaluates the utilization, short- and long-term outcomes of RTP and LTP using the National Cancer Database. Patients with stages I-III pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent RTP or LTP between 2010 and 2019 were identified. Patient demographics, treatment characteristics, pathologic outcomes, postoperative outcomes, and overall survival were compared. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional-hazards models were used to assess the association of surgical approach with outcomes. Of the 995 patients included, 188 (19%) underwent RTP and 807 (81%) underwent LTP. The utilization of minimally invasive techniques increased over time, with RTP accounting for 24% of cases in 2019. RTP had lower conversion rates than LTP (16% vs. 24%, p = 0.031), but this difference was not significant after adjusting for confounders. Postoperative outcomes, including length of stay, 30-day readmission, and 30- and 90-day mortality, were similar between RTP and LTP. The median overall survival was 22.3 months for RTP and 23.6 months for LTP (p = 0.647). RTP and LTP demonstrate comparable perioperative, pathological, and oncological outcomes for the management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Despite the increasing adoption of minimally invasive total pancreatectomy, it remains a rare operation and should be performed in experienced centers to optimize outcomes.