Initial results of a laparoscopic hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery program at the Regional Hospital of Talca

Abstract

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgery is the preference access for the treatment of various abdominal pathologies, however, its development in hepato-biliary-pancreatic (HBP) surgery has been slower and heterogeneous.

Aim: Present the results of the implementation and development of a laparoscopic HBP surgery program at the Regional Hospital of Talca. Materials and Method: Case series study in which were included all patients submitted to laparoscopic surgery for treatment of HPB pathology as access to the abdominal cavity in the Regional Hospital of Talca between June 1, 2014 and June 30, 2016.

Results: There were 42 patients, 25 (59.5%) female. The median age was 58 years (IQ25-75 38-64 years). 22 (52.4%) had previous abdominal surgery in most of them by open route. 22 (52.4%) patients were operated on for malignant pathology. The most frequent indication was radical surgery for gallbladder cancer in 10 (23.8%) cases and hepatic hydatidosis (HH) in 7 (16.7%). 1 (2.4%) patient carrying a HH required a conversion to laparotomy. 5 (11.9%) presented some postoperative morbidity, 2 of them > Clavien III. The median functional recovery was 1 day (1-2) and the postoperative stay was 3 days (3-4). There was no mortality at 90 days. With a median follow-up of 26.5 (18-33) months, 4 (19%) of the 21 oncological patients operated on with curative intent presented recurrence of the disease, most of them systemic and 95% free from recurrence at 24 months.

Conclusions: Implementation and development of HBP surgery by laparoscopy is feasible and it can be performed in regional referral hospitals with the same international standards and results.