Concepts and techniques for revascularization of replaced hepatic arteries in pancreatic head resections

Abstract

Background: The relationship of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to important peripancreatic vasculature dictates resectability. As per the current guidelines, tumors with extensive, unreconstructible venous or arterial involvement are staged as unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). The introduction of effective multiagent chemotherapy and development of surgical techniques, have renewed interest in local control of PDAC. High-volume centers have demonstrated safe resection of short-segment encasement of the common hepatic artery. Knowledge of the unique anatomy of the patient's vasculature is important in surgical planning of these complex resections. Hepatic artery anomalies are common and insufficient knowledge can result in iatrogenic vascular injury during surgery.

Methods and results: Here, we discuss different strategies to resect and reconstruct replaced hepatic arteries during pancreatectomy for PDAC to ensure restoration of adequate blood flow to the liver. Strategies include various arterial transpositions, in-situ interposition grafts and the use of extra-anatomic jump grafts.

Conclusion: These surgical techniques allow more patients to undergo the only available curative treatment currently available for PDAC. Moreover, these improvements in surgical techniques highlight the shortcoming of current resectability criteria, which rely mainly on local tumor involvement and technical resectability, and disregards tumor biology.