Minimally invasive pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Since minimally invasive pancreatectomy requires advanced surgical techniques, it is important to assure safety during the learning curve. In 2016, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy was covered by insurance for patients with pancreatic cancer. In 2020 laparoscopic and robot-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy with lymph node dissection were also covered by national insurance. The most effective treatment for pancreatic cancer is surgical resection, although pancreatic cancer has an overall poor prognosis. In the surgical treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer, preoperative and postoperative adjuvant treatments are extremely important to improve the prognosis. Minimally invasive pancreatectomy is expected to be associated with early postoperative recovery. Laparoscopic surgery allows delicate dissection by facilitating recognition of detailed anatomy with high resolution imaging. Traditionally, Japanese surgeons have performed safe and curative surgery by understanding the anatomical structures. The development of novel approaches to minimally invasive pancreatectomy with precise understanding of anatomy is expected in the future.