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. preparation, equipment, postoperative management, and finally discuss some of the most common pitfalls encountered during the procedure.
Patient selection and workupMost patients with pancreatic, ampullary, or biliary pathologies who require a pancreaticoduodenectomy are eligible for a laparoscopic approach. One limitation is represented by patients with locally advanced pathologies (i.e., locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma) with involvement of the mesenteric vasculature due to the inherent technical difficulties represented by the need for laparoscopic vascular resection and reconstruction (although a few specialized centers occasionally offer TLP in this setting) (11,19).The authors routinely obtain preoperative multi-slice pancreas specific triple-phase (i.e., arterial, late arterial, and venous phase) computed tomography in order to properly evaluate the pancreatic gland and its spatial relation with the surrounding organs and vasculature; particular attention is given to the evaluation for any aberrant anatomy (e.g., replaced or accessory hepatic vasculature).Additional imaging is dictated by the particular pancreatic pathology that is being addressed, and can vary from endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with or without pancreatic duct brushing, endoscopic pancreatic ultrasound with or without fine needle aspiration, and magnetic resonance imaging.Preoperative laboratory tests are routinely obtained and include a complete blood cell count, a complete metabolic panel (CMP), a coagulation profile, and in case of a patient with known preexisting diabetes glycated hemoglobin level is assessed; specific tumors markers are obtained based on the pathology being treated.
Pre-operative preparationPatients selected to undergo a TLP meet preoperatively with a nutritionist and a glucose management expert, this provides an initial overview on the life style and diet adjustments that are necessary following the procedure. Furthermore, t...