One hundred sixty pancreaticoduodenectomies for periampullary cancers in a growing-volume setting: a single-institution and a single-surgeon's experience

PURPOSE: Many studies have concluded that cancer patients may have better outcomes when their surgery is performed in high-volume centers, especially when the procedure is pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, some studies concluded that experienced surgeons or incorporation of expertise from high-volume centers may achieve satisfactory outcomes after PD in low-volume centers. METHODS: I retrospectively collected and analyzed the outcomes of PD for periampullary cancers treated with curative intent in my center. RESULTS: From August 2, 2005 to December 10, 2018, 160 pancreatic resections were done with curative intent in my center. The number of operations per year was 1 in 2005 and gradually increased to 21 in 2018. Thirty-day mortality was 0, and 90-day mortality was 1 (0.6%). Morbidity was found in 65 cases (40.6%). The median follow-up period was 23.2 months and 5-year survival rates were 28.5% for pancreas head cancer, 48.2% for distal CBD cancer, and 72.6% for AOV cancer. I divided patients into 2 groups by the number of annual operations, which is more than 21 per 2 years. The 2 groups showed no differences in terms of morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION: A well-trained low-volume surgeon may perform PD safely at a well-equipped low-volume center.