Minimally Invasive Pancreatic Surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery is framed within the current history of surgery with great impact and development, especially in the field of distal pancreatectomies.

Objective: To update the general and current aspects of minimally invasive surgery in pancreatic disorders.

Methods: A systematic review was carried out based on the consultation of scientific articles about the subject, indexed in the Pubmed, Ebsco and SciELO databases. The information was analyzed and articles published up to 2020 were selected, related to the indications for laparoscopic and robotic surgery in pancreatic conditions, the variability of laparoscopic surgical procedures, as well as morbidity and mortality.

Development: Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery has reached considerable levels of complexity and safety (from diagnostic laparoscopy to large pancreatic resections). The indications for laparoscopic and robotic surgery in pancreatic disorders, together with the variability of laparoscopic surgical procedures, are identified, and the procedures performed at the National Center for Minimally Access Surgery during the last three years by the group dedicated to this entity are presented.

Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery in pancreatic affections can offer satisfactory outcomes, as long as they are performed by surgeons with experience in hepatobiliopancreatic surgery and laparoscopic surgery. It guarantees a much lower risk of intervention and optimal recovery in the shortest possible time, with similar outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality to conventional surgery.