title: Robotic palliation for unresectable pancreatic cancer and distal cholangiocarcinoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Optimizing quality of life is a major goal for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer and distal cholangiocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to assess the value of robotic surgery for palliation in these patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between May 2007 and January 2010, nine patients who presented with unresectable pancreatic cancer or distal cholangiocarcinoma at exploratory laparoscopy were included in this retrospective study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eight hepaticojejunostomies, one choledochoduodenostomy and five gastrojejunostomies were performed robotically. Mean operative time was 236 ± 25 min. Median length of stay was 6 (range 4-10) days. There was no perioperative mortality. The morbidity rate was 22.2%. After a median follow-up of 265 days, there were no other readmissions for problems related to the operation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Robotic palliation in cases of unresectable pancreatic cancer or distal cholangiocarcinoma is feasible and effective. The use of robotics in palliative surgery offers low morbidity, short hospital stay and minimal readmissions.
authors.affiliation: Division of General, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Nicolas C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Buchs
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Addeo
authors.forename: Francesco M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Bianco
authors.forename: Enrique F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Elli
authors.forename: Subhashini
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ayloo
authors.forename: Pier C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Giulianotti
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001650:Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome