Anaesthesia for Pancreatic Surgery

Abstract

This article provides a broad perspective on the salient perioperative issues encountered when caring for patients undergoing pancreatic surgery in the setting of pancreatic cancer. It describes the epidemiology of pancreatic cancer, the indications for and evolution of pancreatic resection surgery, the challenges faced perioperatively including patient selection, optimization, anesthetic considerations, postoperative analgesia, fluid management, and nutrition and discusses some of the common complications and their management. It finishes by outlining the future directions for research and development required to continue improving outcomes for these patients.

Keywords: ERAS; Enhanced recovery; Fast track; Pancreatic cancer; Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Whipple’s procedure.