To compare the feasibility of robotic enucleation (REN) and robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD) in the treatment of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPT) in the head of the pancreas and the short-term and long-term results.

From Jan. 2016 to Apr. 2019, 28 patients with SPT at the head of pancreas, 10 patients resected REN and 18 patients resected RPD were selected. Retrospectively analysis of the two groups of patients with general information, surgery, postoperative follow-up and other data, the two groups were compared and evaluated.

The median age was 29 years old, and the ratio of male to female was 1∶8.33. The BMI of REN group was less (P=0.046). There was no perioperative death or secondary operation in both groups. Compared with RPD group, REN group had shorter operation time (P<0.001) and less bleeding (P=0.009). However, there was no significant difference in postoperative complication rate, pancreatic fistula rate and postoperative hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). During the follow-up period, there was no recurrence in both groups, and the incidence of postoperative exocrine dysfunction was lower in REN group (P=0.039).

Robotic enucleation of tumor is safe and feasible, with obvious advantages of organ and function preservation, and will not increase postoperative pancreatic fistula and other serious complications. It is suggested that robotic enucleation should be the first choice for patients with SPT in the head of pancreas.