Laparoscopic versus open pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic or periampullary tumors

There is no consensus on benefit and safety of laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) for the treatment of pancreatic or periampullary tumors. Studies have shown that the learning curve plays an important role in LPD. A randomized study in 14 Chinese centers compared LPD versus open pancreatoduodenectomy, performed by surgeons who had already done at least 104 LPDs. LPD resulted in shorter length of stay (median 15.0 versus 16.0 days; p=0.02) with no significant differences in perioperative mortality and morbidity.