Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: what factors are related to the learning curve?

PURPOSE: The factors related to the learning curve for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy have rarely been evaluated. METHODS: A retrospective study of 32 patients who underwent a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy performed at a high-volume center by a single pancreatic surgeon experienced with laparoscopic surgery was conducted. Pre-, intra- and postoperative data were collected. The primary endpoint was the length of the operation. The secondary endpoints were the conversion and reoperation rates, overall postoperative morbidity and mortality rates, the length of hospital stay and rate of unplanned splenectomy. RESULTS: The length of the operation and the cumulative sum of the procedures presented a logarithmic correlation (P = 0.048). The learning curve appeared to have been completed after 17 procedures (P = 0.040). The multivariate analysis confirmed that the completion of the learning curve (CLC) reduced the length of the operation by 18 % (P = 0.009), but extended resection increased the length of the operation (P = 0.023). The conversion and reoperation rates, overall postoperative morbidity and mortality rates and length of the hospital stay were not related to the CLC. Unplanned splenectomy was more frequently performed during the first 17 procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The length of the operation seems to be the main factor related to the CLC for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. The learning curve could be considered to be completed after about 17 procedures if performed by surgeons experienced with laparoscopic techniques at high-volume centers.