BACKGROUND : Whipple pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a complex gastrointestinal surgery that is performed increasingly via minimally invasive approach through robotic platforms. We sought to provide a comparative review of available data regarding robot-assisted versus open PD in terms of cost-effectiveness, overall survival, and other perioperative and long-term oncologic outcomes.

METHODS : Utilizing PRISMA criteria, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from 1980 to April 2024 using designated keywords. English-language studies comparing costs and oncologic outcomes of robotic versus open PDs were considered for inclusion. Reviews, abstracts, case reports, letters to the editor, and non-English articles were excluded.

RESULTS : A total of 1,733 studies were initially identified throughout the literature search. Following the removal of duplicates and title and abstract screening, 16 studies were included in the review. No statistically significant differences were detected in terms of short-term complications (95% CI; [0.805, 1.096], p=0.42), mortality (95% CI; [0.599,1.123], p=0.21), and readmission (95% CI; [0.959,1.211], p=0.20) among patients undergoing open versus robotic PD. Robotic PDs was associated with a slightly better overall survival (95% CI; [1.020, 1.233]) and higher costs (95% CI; [0.134,1.139], p=0.013). Mean length of stay (LOS) was higher in the open PD group (95% CI; [-0.353, 0.189], p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION : Robotic-assisted PD had a slightly shorter LOS and improved overall survival. There were no differences in short-term complications, mortality, or readmission. The use of cohort studies and residual potential selection bias necessitate randomized controlled trials to define the benefit of robotic PD.