Minimally Invasive Approaches to Pancreatic Surgery

Abstract

Minimally invasive techniques have the potential to revolutionize the surgical management of pancreatic disease in the setting of benign and malignant processes. Pancreatic surgery, in particular, may be aided significantly by minimal access surgery given the high morbidity associated with traditional open pancreatic procedures. This article presents a review of two minimally invasive techniques for distal pancreatectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy, focusing on metrics of technique, safety, morbidity, and oncologic outcomes and potential benefits.

Keywords: Distal pancreatectomy; Minimally invasive; Open; Pancreatic adenocarcinoma; Whipple.