The laparoscopic approach to distal pancreatectomy for ductal adenocarcinoma results in shorter lengths of stay without compromising oncologic outcomes.

BACKGROUND

The oncologic equivalence of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) to open pancreatectomy (ODP) for ductal adenocarcinoma (DAC) is not established.

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base was used to compare perioperative outcomes following LDP and ODP for DAC between 2010 and 2011.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-five patients underwent LDP; 625 underwent ODP. Compared with ODP, patients undergoing LDP were older (68 ± 10.1 vs 66 ± 10.5 years, P = .027), more likely treated in academic centers (70% vs 59%, P = .01), and had shorter hospital stays (6.8 ± 4.6 vs 8.9 ± 7.5 days, P < .001). Demographic data, lymph node count, 30-day unplanned readmission, and 30-day mortality were identical between groups. Multivariable regression identified a lower probability of prolonged length of stay with LDP (odds ratio .51, 95% confidence interval .327 to .785, P = .0023). There was no association between surgical approach and node count, readmission, or mortality.

CONCLUSION

LDP for DAC provides shorter postoperative lengths of stay and rates of readmission and 30-day mortality similar to OPD without compromising perioperative oncologic outcomes.