Published online May 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i17.4908
Revised: December 6, 2013
Accepted: January 3, 2014
Published online: May 7, 2014
Processing time: 190 Days and 12.4 Hours
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are a rare heterogeneous group of endocrine neoplasms. Surgery remains the best curative option for this type of tumor. Over the past two decades, with the development of laparoscopic pancreatic surgery, an increasingly larger number of PNET resections are being performed by these minimally-invasive techniques. In this review article, the various laparoscopic surgical options for the excision of PNETs are discussed. In addition, a summary of the literature describing the outcome of these treatment modalities is presented.
Core tip: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are a rare clinical entity, with surgery being the treatment modality of choice. Over the past several years, laparoscopic techniques have gained popularity in the surgical management of these tumors. This article reviews the available literature on laparoscopic resection of PNETs, with an overview of the commonly-practiced surgical procedures.