The impact of minimally invasive surgery on hospital readmissions, emergency department visits and functional recovery after distal pancreatectomy.

Background: A recent RCT showed similar postoperative outcomes and a reduced time to functional recovery in patients undergoing minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (DP) compared to open approach. However, it reported very-high post-discharge readmission rates, calling for further investigation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the extent to which minimally invasive surgery impacts on postoperative readmissions following DP.

Methods: Clinical data for patients undergoing DP between 2011 and 2018 were reviewed. Primary outcome was hospital readmission at 90 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included post-discharge emergency department (ED) visits and time to functional recovery. Regression analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of the laparoscopic approach and other perioperative factors.

Results: Overall, 376 consecutive patients underwent DP during the study period. Laparoscopy was successfully performed in 219 (58%) patients. Overall, 62 patients (16.5%) returned to the ED after discharge, 41 (18.7%) of laparoscopically operated patients, and 21 (13.4%) of those undergoing open surgery (p = 0.162). Forty-six (12.2%) of them required readmission, 31 (14.2%) after laparoscopic, and 15 (9.6%) after open procedures (p = 0.179). At multivariate regression, a low preoperative physical status (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.7; p = 0.017), occurrence of pancreatic fistula (OR 6.8, 95% CI 2.9-15.9; p < 0.001), and post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.2-13.1; p = 0.025) were significantly associated with 90-day readmission, while laparoscopy had no impact. Median time to reach functional recovery was 5 (IQR 4-6) days. At multivariate analysis, laparoscopy reduced time to functional recovery by 13% (95% CI - 19 to - 6%; p < 0.001), time to adequate oral intake by 19% (95% CI - 27 to - 10%; p < 0.001), and time to adequate pain control by 12% (95% CI - 18 to - 5%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Hospital readmissions and ED visits following DP were not influenced by the surgical approach. A low preoperative physical status, occurrence of postoperative pancreatic fistula and hemorrhage were significantly associated with post-discharge readmission within 90 days. Laparoscopy reduced time to functional recovery.