Combined pancreatojejunal and hepatojejunal anastomotic stent placement in total laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy

Introduction Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is a technically demanding procedure that is considered safe and feasible if performed in a high-volume institution, where surgeons and medical staff is appropriately trained. For this advanced abdominal procedure only few studies described a reproducible stepwise technique and a standard approach is still lacking. Methods The attached video reports all steps of our standardized LPD with pancreatojejunal and hepatojejunal anastomotic stent placement performed with a double approach. The laparoscopic demolitive phase, exactly as the laparotomic one, begins with the surgeon placed on the patient's right side, while for the reconstructive one he moves between the patient's legs. The main characteristic of this technique is an easy realization of the end-to-side biliary anastomosis with a Kehr's T tube segment placement as internal biliary stent. This easy technical tip can facilitate the anastomosis realization that remains the most challenging step of this laparoscopic technique, especially in case of small common bile duct. Results We consider that our standardized technique can be safely performed and it can facilitate the anastomosis execution, especially the hepatic-jejunal. Discussion Despite our reproducible stepwise technique could help to minimize the learning curve for LPD, further randomized controlled trials are needed to validate the superiority of minimally invasive approach.

Automated summary

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is a technically demanding procedure that is considered safe if performed in a high-volume institution with appropriately trained surgeons and medical staff. A standardized technique with easy realization of biliary anastomosis and hepatic-jejunal anastomosis placement can facilitate the surgical execution and minimize the learning curve for LPD. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to validate the superiority of minimally invasive approach.