Mesenteric Route Superior Mesenteric Artery First Approach in Robot-Assisted Pancreatoduodenectomy

The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) approach is crucial for the successful implementation of robot-assisted pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD). Herein, we present a novel technique, the mesenteric route SMA-first approach, for RPD.

A 20-year-old woman with a 50 mm intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm underwent RPD. As the tumor was large and located close to the mesenteric vessels, we developed the mesenteric route SMA-first approach.

Following the mesenteric Kocher maneuver, the mesenteric route SMA-first approach was applied. With appropriate retraction of the pancreatic head, dissection around the mesenteric vessels was performed and their branches were divided. The uncinate process dissection (PL, ph II) was performed via the mesenteric route. This approach facilitated dorsal dissection, particularly around the large tumor. After dissection of the hepatoduodenal ligament, the remaining pancreatic nerve plexus (PL ph I) was dissected. Finally, the pancreas was divided on the superior mesenteric vein, and the specimen was resected. Operative time was 390 min with minimal blood loss.

The mesenteric route SMA-first approach enables uncinate process dissection via the mesenteric route. This technique may be a safe and feasible option for selected patients, such as nonobese individuals with a large pancreatic head tumor near major vessels.