Minimally Invasive Distal Pancreatectomy: Are There Long-Term Benefits?

Despite promising postoperative outcomes after complex laparoscopic operation, such as colectomy, skepticism exists regarding minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP). This is due to the elevated risk from anatomic location, vascular proximity, and perioperative complications, as well as the learning curve and surgeon comfort level. Early data composed of small retrospective reviews found that compared with open distal pancreatectomy, patients undergoing MIDP had significantly improved perioperative outcomes (lower blood loss, decreased length of stay, fewer complications) without compromising margin positivity or increasing postoperative pancreatic fistula rate or mortality.
Source: Journal of the American College of Surgeons - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: Invited Commentary Source Type: research