[Laparoscopic latero-lateral pancreaticojejunostomy]

Side-to-side pancreatojejunostomy for patients with chronic pancreatitis and dilated pancreatic duct is an established procedure, but so far there has been no report of this operation being performed as minimally invasive surgery. A 23-year-old woman with a history of seven years of recurrent pancreatitis with pancreas divisum underwent a latero lateral pancreatojejunostomy with Braun anastomosis. For access, three ports were used; the anastomoses were produced with Endo-GIA staplers. The operation time was 115 min and the postoperative course was uneventful. During 8 months of follow-up no dilatation of the pancreatic duct or signs of recurrent pancreatitis were seen. The patient feels fine. Using improved and newly developed surgical devices (i.e., ultrasonic shears, endo-staplers) more difficult procedures can be done in a reasonable operation time. Under ideal conditions, patients will have full benefits with minimally invasive surgery.