Study International Multicentric Pancreatic Left Resections (SIMPLR): Does Surgical Approach Matter?

Abstract

Background: Minimally invasive surgery is increasingly preferred for left-sided pancreatic resections. The SIMPLR study aims to compare open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches using propensity score matching analysis. Methods: This study included 258 patients with tumors of the left side of the pancreas who underwent surgery between 2016 and 2020 at three high-volume centers. The patients were divided into three groups based on their surgical approach and matched in a 1:1 ratio. Results: The open group had significantly higher estimated blood loss (620 mL vs. 320 mL, p p = 0.003), and longer hospital stays (16.9 vs. 6.81 days, p p = 0.011) without being significantly longer. The laparoscopic group had a shorter operative time (210 vs. 340 min, p p p < 0.001) when compared to the robotic group. There was no difference in morbidity or mortality between the three techniques. Conclusion: The laparoscopic approach exhibits short-term benefits. The three techniques are equivalent in terms of oncological safety, morbidity, and mortality.

Keywords

• left pancreatic resection
• laparoscopy
• robotic surgery
• minimally invasive
• multicentric
• international