Minimally invasive pancreatic resection for patients with benign to low-grade malignancies

Abstract

Minimally invasive surgery has emerged as an alternative to open surgery, and this approach has also been applied to pancreatectomy. With the increase in the number of minimally invasive pancreatic resections (MIPR), several studies comparing MIPR and conventional open pancreatectomy have been reported. In addition, with the application of robotic-assisted pancreatectomy, the number of studies comparing robotic-assisted pancreatectomy and laparoscopic pancreatectomy has also increased. In Japan, laparoscopic pancreatectomy, such as laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy or pancreatoduodenectomy has been covered by national health insurance for patients with benign to low-grade malignancies. The indication for this procedure was then expanded to patients with malignancies. In Japan, MIPR is covered by insurance for patients with both benign and malignant diseases. However, during the introductory period, the indications should be limited to patients with benign to low-grade malignancies. In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of MIPR, especially for patients with benign to low-grade malignancies.