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Robotic platforms are increasingly utilized in surgery, offering unique technical advantages, though there is a scarcity of difficulty scoring systems (DSS) for these procedures. DSS aids in understanding operative complexities and enhancing preoperative planning. With IRB approval, data were collected on 200 consecutive adult patients who underwent robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy at a high-volume institution from 2019 to 2022. Linear regression was employed on clinical variables to analyze operative time and estimated blood loss as markers of surgical complexity. Weighted scoring system was developed using significant linear coefficient values, and an ANOVA analysis created the difficulty-level grouping system. Significant variables affecting operative time and/or EBL included: history of alcoholism, preoperative endoscopic intervention, tumor size, nodal disease on preoperative imaging, pancreatic duct dilation. These factors created the DSS ranging from 0 to 33. Group 1 (0–8, n = 9), Group 2 (9–20, n = 145), Group 3 (21–26, n = 37), and Group 4 (27–33, n = 9) showed significant differences in age, history of alcoholism, preoperative jaundice, tumor size, nodal disease, and operative metrics. Our novel DSS for robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy effectively predicts intraoperative challenges and aids in preoperative planning. Future steps include validating the system internally and externally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to identify the primary reasons for hospital readmissions and examine patient outcomes and associated costs following readmission after robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 435 patients who underwent robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2012 and 2024. Readmitted patients within 30 days post-surgery were compared to non-readmitted patients using Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test. Data are presented as median (mean ± SD). In the study cohort, 86 patients (20%) were readmitted within 30 days after surgery. No significant differences were found in patient demographics or outcomes. The most common causes for readmission included insufficient patient education (n = 18), infection (n = 16), and gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 13). The readmitted cohort had significantly higher costs at $40,452 (± 30,724) compared to $31,438 (± 31,546.2) for non-readmitted patients (p < 0.001). Median survival was similar between the two groups (36 vs. 34 months, p = 0.88). Although some readmissions are inevitable, this study provides compelling evidence that inadequate patient education is a primary contributor to increased healthcare costs. The lack of sufficient education appears to have no mitigating effect on patient outcomes. Implementing a proactive, thorough patient education approach, combined with improved emergency department awareness, presents a promising strategy for reducing costly readmissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, increasingly diagnosed in the United States, has a disheartening initial resection rate of 15%. Neoadjuvant therapy, particularly FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine-based regimens, is gaining favor for its potential to improve resectability rates and achieving microscopically negative margins (R0) in borderline resectable cases, marked by intricate arterial or venous involvement. Despite surgery being the sole curative approach, actual benefit of neoadjuvant therapy remains debatable. This study scrutinizes current literature on oncological outcomes post-resection of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. A MEDLINE/PubMed search was conducted to systematically compare oncological outcomes of patients treated with either neoadjuvant therapy with intent of curative resection or an "upfront resection" approach. A total of 1293 studies were initially screened and 30 were included (n = 1714) in this analysis. All studies included data on outcomes of patients with borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma being treated with neoadjuvant therapy (n = 1387) or a resection-first approach (n = 356). Patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy underwent resection 52% of the time, achieving negative margins of 43% (n = 601). Approximately 77% of patients who received an upfront resection underwent a successful resection, with 39% achieving negative margins. Neoadjuvant therapy remains marginally efficacious in treatment of borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, as patients undergo an operation and successful resection less often when treated with neoadjuvant therapy. Rates of curative resection are comparable, despite neoadjuvant therapy being a primary recommendation in borderline resectable cases and employed more often than upfront resection. Upfront resection may offer improved resection rates by intention-to-treat, which can provide more patients with paths to curative resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: IWATE, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris (IMM), and Southampton are established difficulty scoring systems (DSS) for laparoscopic hepatectomy, yet none specifically address robotic hepatectomy. Our study evaluates these 3 DSS for predicting perioperative outcomes in robotic hepatectomy. Methods: With IRB approval, we prospectively followed 359 consecutive patients undergoing robotic hepatectomies, assessing categorical metrics like conversions to open, intra/postoperative issues, Clavien-Dindo Score (≥III), 30 and 90-day mortality, and 30-day readmissions using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and Area Under the Curve (AUC) to determine efficacy in predicting their occurrence for each DSS. Continuous metrics such as operative duration, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay, and total cost were analyzed using Spearman's correlation and regression. Predictive strength was significant with an AUC or correlation ≥.700 and P -value ≤.05. Results: IMM had highest predictive accuracy for conversions to open (AUC =.705) and postoperative complications (AUC =.481). Southampton was most accurate in predicting Clavien Dindo ≥ III complications (AUC =.506). IWATE excelled in predicting 30-day mortality (AUC =.552), intraoperative issues (AUC =.798), In-hospital mortality (AUC =.450), 90-day mortality (AUC =.596), and readmissions (AUC =.572). Regression showed significant relationships between operative duration, EBL, and hospital cost with increasing scores for all DSS (P ≤.05). Discussion: Statistical analysis of the 3 DSS indicates that each has specific strengths that can best predict intra- and/or postoperative outcomes. However, all showed inaccuracies and conflicting relationships with the variables, indicating lack of substantial hierarchy between DSS. Given these inconsistencies, a dedicated comprehensive DSS should be created for robotic hepatectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Robotic platform usage for distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy has grown exponentially in recent years. This study aims to identify the impact of readmission following robotic distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy and to analyze the financial implications of these readmissions. Methods: We prospectively followed 137 patients after robotic distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. Readmission was defined as rehospitalization within 30 days post-discharge. Total cost incorporated initial and readmission hospital costs, when applicable. Outcomes were analyzed using chi-square/Fisher's exact test and Student's t test. Data are presented as median (mean ± SD). Results: Of 137 patients, 20 (14%) were readmitted. Readmitted patients were 67 (66 ± 10.3) years old and had a BMI of 30 (30 ± 7.0) kg/m2; 9 (45%) had previous abdominal operations. Non-readmitted patients were 67 (62 ± 14.7) years old and had a BMI of 28 (28 ± 5.7) kg/m2; 37 (32%) had previous abdominal operations (P = NS, for all). Readmitted patients vs non-readmitted patients had operative durations of 327 (363 ± 179.1) vs 251 (293 ± 176.4) minutes (P =.10), estimated blood loss (EBL) of 90 (159 ± 214.6) vs 100 (244 ± 559.4) mL (P =.50), and tumor diameter of 3 (4 ± 2.0) vs 3 (4 ± 2.9) cm (P = 1.00). Initial length of stay (LOS) for readmitted patients vs patients who were not readmitted was 5 (5 ± 2.7) vs 4 (5 ± 3.0) days (P = 1.00); total hospital cost of those readmitted, including both admissions, was $29,095 (32,324 ± 20,227.38) vs $24,663 (25,075 ± 10,786.45) (P =.018) for those not readmitted. Discussion: Despite a similar perioperative course, readmissions were associated with increased costs. We propose thorough consideration before readmission and increased patient education initiatives will reduce readmissions after robotic distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Benign biliary disease (BBD) is a prevalent condition involving patients who require extrahepatic bile duct resections and reconstructions due to nonmalignant causes. Methods: This study followed all patients who underwent biliary resections for BBD between 2015 and 2023. We excluded those with malignant conditions and patients who had an 'open' operation. Based on the patient's anatomy, the procedures employed were either robotic Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) or robotic choledochoduodenostomy (CDD). Results: From the 33 patients studied, 23 were female, and 10 were male. Anesthesiology (ASA) class was 3 ± 0.5; the MELD score was 9 ± 4.1; the Child‐Pugh score was 6 ± 1.7. The primary indications for undergoing the operation included iatrogenic bile duct injuries, biliary strictures, and type 1 choledochal cysts. The average surgical duration was about 272 min, and the average blood loss amounted to 79 mL. Postoperatively, three patients experienced major complications, all attributed to anastomotic leaks. The average hospital stay was 4 days, with a readmission rate of 15% within 30 days. During an average follow‐up period of 33 months, one patient had to undergo a revision at 18 months due to stricture. This necessitated further duct resection and reanastomosis. Notably, there were no reported hepatectomies, no conversion to the 'open' method, no intraoperative complications, and no mortalities. Conclusions: Robotic extrahepatic bile duct resection and reconstruction with Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy or choledochoduodenostomy is safe with an acceptable postoperative morbidity, short hospital length of stay, and low postoperative stricture rate at intermediate duration follow‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]