Robot-assisted laparoscopic versus open pancreaticoduodenectomy: a prospective, matched, mid-term follow-up study

Background Robot-assisted laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy is a novel minimally invasive surgery technique, and its effectiveness and safety remain unknown in patients with borderline malignant or malignant diseases. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of RLPD versus open PD (OPD). Methods Between January 2010 and December 2013, 180 eligible patients were prospectively hospitalized for elective RLPD ( n = 60) or OPD ( n = 120). They were matched for tumor location, tumor type, tumor size, ASA classification, age, and sex. The main outcome measures included demographics, intraoperative variables, morbidity, postoperative recovery, and mid-term evaluation. Results Over the study period, the RLPD group had a significantly longer but decreasing operative time (median 410 vs. 323 min; P