Mini-invasive distal pancreatectomy: a feasible and cost-effective technique

Aim: Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that has been widely applied only in the past decade. The purpose of this study was to evaluate its safety and assess whether laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is cost-effective compared with open distal pancreatectomy (ODP). Methods: The medical records of patients treated for left-sided pancreatic lesions were retrospectively analysed, and the analysis of costs for hospital stay, operative time, and equipment were analysed. Twelve patients underwent LDP, while 12 patients underwent ODP. Results: The two groups were homogeneous according to age, ASA score, BMI, and distribution of pathological findings. Both the size of the specimen (5.33 ± 3.2 vs. 5.58 ± 2.57 cm) and the number of removed lymph nodes (10.5 ± 4.3 vs. 12.1 ± 3.1) did not differ. Although LDP required a longer operative time (197.5 ± 33.7 vs. 122.5 ± 35.4 min), intraoperative bleeding, postoperative pain intensity (measured by VAS scale) and hospital stay were significantly reduced. Conclusion: The mini-invasive approach offers several advantages compared with open surgery, including a significant reduction of blood loss and postoperative pain, and an earlier recovery. The global costs of laparoscopic surgery should be carefully re-evaluated, considering the saving that arises from these advantages