Laparoscopic assisted duodenopancreatectomy

Background: In the past few years, minimally invasive therapy for pancreatic diseases has made significant strides but the role of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy is still controversial. Methods: Four patients with a mean age of 44 ± 11 years were chosen for a laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. Pathological diagnoses were ductal adenocarcinoma in one, neuroendocrine tumor in two, and metastatic malignant melanoma in one. Results: The procedure was laparoscopically completed in all with a mean operating time, blood loss, and hospital stay of 416 ± 77 min, 325 ± 50 ml, and 12 ± 2 days, respectively. There were no complications attributable to this surgery and there were no deaths. The average number of dissected lymph nodes was 26 ± 17 (range 16-47). All the patients remained well at a median follow-up of 4.5 months (range 1-10). Conclusions: It can be inferred from this small but successful experience that laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy can be considered for the treatment of tumors of the pancreas or periampullary region.