Robotic versus conventional laparoscopic distal pancreatic resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Robotic surgery offers theoretical advantages to conventional laparoscopic surgery including improved instrument dexterity, 3D visualization and better ergonomics. This review aimed to determine if these theoretical advantages translate into improved patient outcomes in patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy through laparoscopic (LDP) or robotic (RDP) approaches.

Method: A systematic literature search was conducted for studies reporting minimally invasive surgery for distal pancreatectomy.