Increased Mortality in Robotic Pancreatic Surgery

Surgeons need to be aware that robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) initially carries higher mortality risks compared to open procedures.

• 30-day mortality for RPD is 2.7%, compared to 2.0% for open pancreaticoduodenectomy (adjusted relative risk 1.43, p = 0.029).
• Mortality risk significantly decreases with surgeon experience: 0.92% for those with 19-71 RPD cases (Q5) versus 3.9% for less experienced surgeons (Q1).

Structured training programs are crucial for safely adopting robotic techniques to improve patient outcomes.