A multicenter survey on distal pancreatectomy in Italy: results of minimally invasive technique and variability of perioperative pathways.

No data are available about distal pancreatectomy (DP) in Italy, regarding variability of care among centers, and outcome of minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) in a multicenter setting. Hence, a survey was conducted among 20 institutions experienced in pancreatic surgery by the Italian Association for Study of Pancreas. Centers were asked to fill in two questionnaires about (1) general approach and perioperative protocols for DP and MIDP; (2) detailed operative results of MIDP in the period 2010-2011. Results of questionnaire 1: a great variability in perioperative approach was observed: octreotide was used in 50 % of centers, enzyme supplementation in 35 %, postoperative gastric suction in 80 % and oral liquids on day 1 in 55 %. All hospitals used at least one drain and its removal ranged between days 3-5 (in absence of fistula). Differences in type and timing of post-splenectomy vaccinations were recorded. As regards MIDP, 17/20 centers performed laparoscopic or robotic DP. MIDP rate on overall DP varied among centers (range 0-82 %) and it doubled from 2007 (14 %) to 2011 (28 %). Results of questionnaire 2: in the period 2010-2011, 171 MIDP were performed (140 laparoscopic, 31 robotic). Overall conversion rate was 17 %, mean operative time was 230 min and blood loss 285 ml. Mortality was nil and morbidity was 62 %, with 4 % relaparotomies. Pancreatic fistula occurred in 49 % (grade A 35 %, B 14 %). Mean postoperative stay was 9.8 days with 10 % readmission rate. The results indicated a great variability in DP management among Italian centers. Most centers performed MIDP, but MIDP rate on overall DP largely varied among centers. As regards MIDP conversion rate and hospital stay were found to be worse than those in single-institution series.