Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy - A review

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is considered as a complex procedure and there have been exciting developments over some advancement in the field of minimally invasive pancreatic surgery (MIPS) over the last decade. But MIPS has not progressed much due to surgical reluctance as well as technical challenges. Improvement in the technology and instrumentation in minimally invasive approach (laparoscopic and robotic) has made the surgeons, trained in advanced laparoscopic procedures, to adapt to this approach in performing PD with acceptable oncological outcomes. A high mortality and morbidity rate associated with PD is of concern. This review addresses various important factors associated with minimally invasive PD, its feasibility, and outcomes.