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Updated: Dec 7, 2025
Application of End-to-end Anastomosis in Robotic Central Pancreatectomy
Published on: June 2, 2018
Current statement and safe implementation of minimally invasive surgery in the pancreas
Hiromitsu Hayashi1, Hideo Baba1
1Department of Gastroenterological Surgery Graduate School of Life Sciences Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan.
Abstract:
Minimally invasive pancreatic resection has become very popular in modern pancreatic surgery. Evidence of the benefits of a minimally invasive approach is accumulating thanks to prospective and randomized controlled studies. Minimally invasive surgery provides advantages to the surgeon due to the high definition of the surgical field and the freedom of fine movement of the robot, but should be considered only in selected patients and in high-volume centers. Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy for benign and low-grade malignant tumors has established a secure position over open distal pancreatectomy, since it is associated with a shorter hospital stay, reduced blood loss, and equivalent complication rates. Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma appears to be a feasible, safe, and oncologically equivalent technique in experienced hands. On the other hand, the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy are still controversial compared with open pancreaticoduodenectomy. The choice of either technique among open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches depends on surgeons' experience and hospital resources with a focus on patient safety. Further studies are needed to prove the perioperative and oncological advantages of minimally invasive surgery compared to open surgery in the pancreas. Here, we review the current status of minimally invasive pancreatic surgery and its safe implementation.
Insights
Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery offers benefits for selected patients, particularly for distal resections. While promising for pancreatic cancer, its use in pancreaticoduodenectomy requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Minimally invasive pancreatic resection is gaining traction in modern surgery.
- Growing evidence from prospective and randomized studies supports its benefits.
- Robotic and laparoscopic approaches offer surgical advantages but require patient selection and high-volume centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of minimally invasive pancreatic surgery.
- To assess the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive techniques.
- To discuss the implementation of these advanced surgical methods.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and evidence from prospective and randomized controlled studies.
- Analysis of outcomes for minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy.
- Comparison of minimally invasive approaches (laparoscopic, robotic) with open surgery.
Main Results:
- Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy shows advantages for benign/low-grade tumors (shorter stay, less blood loss) and is feasible for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
- Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy's safety and feasibility remain debated compared to open procedures.
- Outcomes depend on surgeon experience and hospital resources, prioritizing patient safety.
Conclusions:
- Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy is a well-established alternative to open surgery.
- Further research is needed to confirm perioperative and oncological benefits of minimally invasive pancreatic surgery.
- Careful patient selection and experienced centers are crucial for successful implementation.
