Minimally invasive versus open pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic and peri-ampullary neoplasm (DIPLOMA-2): study protocol for an international multicenter patient-blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: de Graaf Nine , Emmen Anouk M.L.H. , Ramera Marco , Björnsson Bergthor , Boggi Ugo , Bruna Caro L. , Busch Olivier R. , Daams Freek , Ferrari Giovanni , Festen Sebastiaan , Hilst Jony van , D'Hondt Mathieu , Ielpo Benedetto , Keck Tobias , Khatkov Igor E. , Koerkamp Bas Groot , Lips Daan J. , Luyer Misha D.P. , Mieog J. Sven D. , Morelli Luca , Molenaar I. Quintus , Santvoort Hjalmar C van , Sprangers Mirjam AG , Ferrari Clarissa , Berkhof Johannes , Maisonneuve Patrick , Hilal Mohammad Abu , Besselink Marc G. 
Published: August 2023

Background
Minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) aims to reduce the negative impact of surgery as compared to open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) and is increasingly becoming part of clinical practice for selected patients worldwide. However, the safety of MIPD remains a topic of debate and the potential shorter time to functional recovery needs to be confirmed. To guide safe implementation of MIPD, large-scale international randomized trials comparing MIPD and OPD in experienced high-volume centers are needed. We hypothesize that MIPD is non-inferior in terms of overall complications, but superior regarding time to functional recovery, as compared to OPD.
Methods/design:
The DIPLOMA-2 trial is an international randomized controlled, patient-blinded, non-inferiority trial performed in 14 high-volume pancreatic centers in Europe with a minimum annual volume of 30 MIPD and 30 OPD. A total of 288 patients with an indication for elective pancreatoduodenectomy for pre-malignant and malignant disease, eligible for both open and minimally invasive approach, are randomly allocated for MIPD or OPD in a 2:1 ratio. Centers perform either laparoscopic or robot-assisted MIPD based on their surgical expertise. The primary outcome is the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI®), measuring all complications graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification up to 90 days after surgery. The sample size is calculated with the following assumptions; 2.5% one-sided significance level (α), 80% power (1-β), expected difference of the mean CCI® score of 0 points between MIPD and OPD, and a non-inferiority margin of 7.5 points. The main secondary outcome is time to functional recovery, which will be analyzed for superiority. Other secondary outcomes include post-operative 90-day Fitbit™ measured activity, operative outcomes (e.g., blood loss, operative time, conversion to open surgery, surgeon-reported outcomes), oncological findings in case of malignancy (e.g., R0-resection rate, time to adjuvant treatment, survival), postoperative outcomes (e.g., clinically relevant complications) health-care resource utilization (length of stay, readmissions, intensive care stay), quality of life, and costs. Postoperative follow-up is up to 36 months.
Discussion
The DIPLOMA-2 trial has the potential to revolutionize the field of pancreatic surgery by establishing MIPD as the new standard of care for this selected patient population undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy in high-volume centers, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Trial registration
ISRCTN27483786