O Morató1, I Poves, F Burdío2, P Sánchez-Velázquez3, X Duran4, L Grande5. 1. Department of Surgery, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: 97896@parcdesalutmar.cat. 2. Department of Surgery, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: 96999@parcdesalutmar.cat. 3. Department of Surgery, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: 99976@parcdesalutmar.cat. 4. Department of Statistics, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: xduran@imim.es. 5. Department of Surgery, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: LGrande@parcdesalutmar.cat.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) remains an extremely demanding surgery. The purpose of this study was to describe the learning curve required for its safe implementation. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients undergoing LPD were retrospectively reviewed. The learning curve was clustered into 4 groups: A, B and C (initial phase, n = 10 each) and D (consolidation phase, n = 20). Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) analysis was applied to operative time, conversion rate and severe postoperative complications. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed among groups and phases concerning specific and general postoperative complications, oncological outcomes or mortality. The conversion rate significantly reduced from 90% (9) in Group A to 40% (4) in Group C (p < 0.01). Operative time was longer in the consolidation phase (median of 506 vs 437 min, p < 0.01). Conversely, hospital stays were shorter during the consolidation phase (8 vs 15 days, p < 0.01). CUSUM analysis identified 20-25cases as being enough to complete the learning curve if operative time and severe complications are analysed, while 40 cases would be needed for considering the conversion rate. CONCLUSIONS: The learning curve in LPD can be completed after 20-25 procedures. This information will help to design programmes for introducing new surgeons to this technique.
INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) remains an extremely demanding surgery. The purpose of this study was to describe the learning curve required for its safe implementation. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients undergoing LPD were retrospectively reviewed. The learning curve was clustered into 4 groups: A, B and C (initial phase, n = 10 each) and D (consolidation phase, n = 20). Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) analysis was applied to operative time, conversion rate and severe postoperative complications. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed among groups and phases concerning specific and general postoperative complications, oncological outcomes or mortality. The conversion rate significantly reduced from 90% (9) in Group A to 40% (4) in Group C (p < 0.01). Operative time was longer in the consolidation phase (median of 506 vs 437 min, p < 0.01). Conversely, hospital stays were shorter during the consolidation phase (8 vs 15 days, p < 0.01). CUSUM analysis identified 20-25cases as being enough to complete the learning curve if operative time and severe complications are analysed, while 40 cases would be needed for considering the conversion rate. CONCLUSIONS: The learning curve in LPD can be completed after 20-25 procedures. This information will help to design programmes for introducing new surgeons to this technique.