Robotic and open distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection for locally advanced pancreatic body tumors: a single institutional assessment of perioperative outcomes and survival

Abstract Background Distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) is an option for T4 tumors of the pancreatic body. We examined the perioperative and oncologic outcomes of open and robotic DP-CAR at a high-volume pancreatic center. Methods Retrospective review of all consecutive DP-CARs. Patient demographics, 90-day perioperative outcomes, and disease specific survival were collected. Results 30 DP-CARs were performed (11 Robotic, 19 Open). Both groups had similar preoperative/tumor characteristics, and 27 of 28 PDA patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Robotic DP-CAR was associated with decreased OT (316 vs. 476 min), reduced EBL (393 vs. 1736 ml) and lower rates of blood transfusion (0% vs. 54%) (all p