Systematic review of minimally invasive pancreatic resection.
BACKGROUND
Pancreatic resection is associated with a significant morbidity. Efforts to reduce hospital stay and enhance recovery have seen the introduction of minimally invasive surgical techniques. This article reviews the current published literature on the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgery of the pancreas.


METHODS
An electronic search of the PubMed and Embase databases was performed from 1996 to May 2008 to identify all relevant publications; studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria were retrieved and analyzed using a standardized protocol. Data on the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgery of the pancreas were recorded and analyzed.


RESULTS
Of 565 abstracts reviewed, 39 studies were identified as eligible for inclusion. There were 37 case series and two case control studies. Compared with open pancreatic surgery, minimally invasive pancreatic resection is similar in terms of morbidity and mortality. Blood loss and length of stay are decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic distal pancreatic resection and enucleation of insulinoma appear to be safe procedures with reduced hospital stay, though morbidity remains significant. The evidence for laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy is in its infancy, but the authors feel it is unlikely that many centers will achieve sufficient case load to make the introduction of minimally invasive resection feasible.
Briggs
Christopher D
CD
Cancer Biomarkers and Prevention Group, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Bio centre, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK. Chrisbriggs@doctors.org.uk
Mann
Christopher D
CD
Irving
Glen R B
GR
Neal
Christopher P
CP
Peterson
Mark
M
Cameron
Iain C
IC
Berry
David P
DP
D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D010180:Pancreatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D016577:Pancreaticoduodenectomy / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications