Laparoscopic versus open pancreatic resection for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: a systematic review and meta-analysis (HPB, 7 November 2013)

Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery was introduced in the early 1990s. The laparoscopic approach to the resection of pancreatic lesions has been in general considered with more caution due to technical challenges and risk of perioperative complications.

This meta-analysis reviews previous published research comparing open vs. laparoscopic resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. They assessed a number of parameters including operative time, length of stay, morbidity and mortality.

A total of 11 studies were included which incorporated 906 patients of which 22% underwent laparoscopic operations and the remainder open.  Laparoscopic surgery was associated with a lower overall complication rate. Laparoscopic patients suffered less blood less and shorter stays but there was no difference in mortality.

Whilst this meta-analysis is limited and not comparing exactly like for like surgery, laparoscopic surgery appears to be a safe option for patients with no worse mortality and a lower length of stay.

Source: HPB (published study)