Pancreatoduodenectomy: learning curve within single multi-field center

Abstract

AIM: To analyze learning curve by using of immediate results of pancreatoduodenectomy at multi-field oncology institute. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the period 2010-2016 at Abdominal Oncology Department of Herzen Moscow Oncology Research Institute 120 pancreatoduodenal resections were consistently performed. All patients were divided into two groups: the first 60 procedures (group A) and subsequent 60 operations (group B). Herewith, first 60 operations were performed within the first 4.5 years of study period, the next 60 operations - within remaining 2.5 years. RESULTS: Learning curves showed significantly variable intraoperative blood loss (1100 ml and 725 ml), surgery time (589 min and 513 min) and postoperative hospital-stay (15 days and 13 days) in group A followed by gradual improvement of these values in group B. Incidence of negative resection margin (R0) was also significantly improved in the last 60 operations (70 and 92%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Despite pancreatoduodenectomy is one of the most difficult surgical interventions in abdominal surgery learning curve will differ from one surgeon to another.