2013 Volume 28 Issue 2 Pages 173-177
The international consensus guidelines for management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas was first published in 2006 and was revised in 2012. Multi-institutional studies conducted by Japan Pancreas Society have propelled clarification of the clinical relationship between IPMN and invasive ductal adenocarcinoma. The newly discovered knowledge was incorporated into the revised international consensus guideline and the recommendations for surgery and methods of follow-up investigation in patients with branch-duct IPMN were modified accordingly. Pathohistoloical classification of IPMN subtypes was described and its clinical significance was emphasized. The natural history of IPMN will be further elucidated by future studies following to the revised guidelines. On the other hand, it is unclear whether or not the clinical management of IPMN can be practiced in accordance with the guideline recommendations in those countries with different health care systems. While it is important to create new evidences from domestic studies, it is requisite that the guideline be based on a truly international consensus.
