Total laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy

Total laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (TLP) represents perhaps one of the most challenging abdominal operations. This procedure is gaining popularity in recent years, mostly due to the numerous reports underling its safety and feasibility in the setting of several benign and malignant pancreatic pathologies. Minimal-invasive pancreatic surgery is rapidly becoming a reality in many centers around the globe and its benefits, compared to the traditional open approach, have been extensively proven in the setting of distal pancreatic resection. The many advantages of a laparoscopic approach, such as the improved visual magnification, the theoretical improved tissue exposure, and the potential for a more delicate manipulation of tissues are reasonably expected to be applicable to other pancreatic procedures including TLP. Herein we describe a technique for a TLP; we provide some suggestions on patient selection, pre-operative preparation, equipment, postoperative management, and finally discuss some of the most common pitfalls encountered during the procedure.