Pancreatoduodenectomy using a no-touch isolation technique

BackgroundPancreatoduodenectomy is the only effective treatment for cancers of the periampullary region. Because surgeons usually grasp tumors during pancreatoduodenectomy, this procedure may increase the risk of squeezing and shedding the cancer cells into the portal vein, retroperitoneum, and/or peritoneal cavity. In an effort to overcome these problems, we have developed a surgical technique for no-touch pancreatoduodenectomy.MethodsFrom March 2005 through May 2008, 42 patients have been operated on following this technique. Resected margins were microscopically analyzed.ResultsWe describe a technique for pancreatoduodenectomy using a no-touch isolation technique. We resect cancers with wrapping them within Gerota's fascia and transect the retroperitoneal margin along the right surface of the superior mesenteric artery and abdominal aorta without grasping tumors.ConclusionsNo-touch pancreatoduodenectomy has many potential advantages that merit further investigation in future randomized controlled trials.