Published online Feb 7, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i5.1588
Peer-review started: January 14, 2014
First decision: March 4, 2014
Revised: March 31, 2014
Accepted: May 19, 2014
Article in press: May 23, 2014
Published online: February 7, 2015
Processing time: 391 Days and 21.8 Hours
AIM: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) using a reverse-“V” approach with four ports.
METHODS: This is a retrospective study of selected patients who underwent LPD at our center between April 2011 and April 2012. The following data were collected and reviewed: patient characteristics, tumor histology, surgical outcome, resection margins, morbidity, and mortality. All patients were thoroughly evaluated preoperatively by complete hematologic investigations, triple-phase helical computed tomography, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and biopsy of ampullary lesions (when present). Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was performed for doubtful cases of lower common bile duct lesions.
RESULTS: There was no perioperative mortality. LPD was performed with tumor-free margins in all patients, including patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (n = 6), ampullary carcinoma (n = 6), intra-ductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (n = 2), pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma (n = 2), pancreatic head adenocarcinoma (n = 3), and bile duct cancer (n = 2). The mean patient age was 65 years (range, 42-75 years). The median blood loss was 240 mL, and the mean operative time was 368 min.
CONCLUSION: LPD using a reverse-“V” approach can be performed safely and yields good results in elective patients. Our preliminary experience showed that LDP can be performed via a reverse-“V” approach. This approach can be used to treat localized malignant lesions irrespective of histopathology.
Core tip: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy via reverse -“V” approach can be performed with safety and obtain good results in elective patients. The preliminary experience showed a good prospect via reverse-“V” approach for LDP. Localized malignant lesions and irrespective of histopathology may be particularly amenable to this approach.