Minimally Invasive Techniques for Resection of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Abstract

Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice for primary pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs), because it is associated with increased survival. Minimally invasive procedures are a safe modality for the surgical treatment of PNETs. In malignant PNETs, laparoscopy is not associated with a compromise in terms of oncologic resection, and provides the benefits of decreased postoperative pain, better cosmetic results, shorter hospital stay, and a shorter postoperative recovery period. Further prospective, multicenter, randomized trials are required for the analysis of these minimally invasive surgical techniques for the treatment of PNETs and their comparison with traditional open pancreatic surgery.

Keywords: Gastrinoma; Insulinoma; Laparoscopic pancreas resection; Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors; Robotic pancreas resection.