The laparoscopic approach to distal pancreatectomy for ductal adenocarcinoma results in shorter lengths of stay without compromising oncologic outcomes.

Background: The oncologic equivalence of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) to open pancreatectomy (ODP) for ductal adenocarcinoma (DAC) is not established.

Methods: The National Cancer Data Base was used to compare perioperative outcomes following LDP and ODP for DAC between 2010 and 2011.

Results: One hundred forty-five patients underwent LDP; 625 underwent ODP. Compared with ODP, patients undergoing LDP were older (68 ± 10.1 vs 66 ± 10.5 years, P = .027), more likely treated in academic centers (70% vs 59%, P = .01), and had shorter hospital stays (6.8 ± 4.6 vs 8.9 ± 7.5 days, P < .001). Demographic data, lymph node count, 30-day unplanned readmission, and 30-day mortality were identical between groups. Multivariable regression identified a lower probability of prolonged length of stay with LDP (odds ratio .51, 95% confidence interval .327 to .785, P = .0023). There was no association between surgical approach and node count, readmission, or mortality.

Conclusion: LDP for DAC provides shorter postoperative lengths of stay and rates of readmission and 30-day mortality similar to OPD without compromising perioperative oncologic outcomes.