Radical surgical resection is still the only potentially curative treatment for pancreatic cancer. With the update of minimally invasive concepts, the laparoscopic and robotic platform has been introduced to pancreatic surgery practice. The recent studies have demonstrated that minimally invasive procedure achieved similar or improved perioperative outcomes compared to the standard open approach. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy is increasingly being applied in pancreatic surgery, making surgical resection more challenging. Numbers of patients undergoing minimally invasive resection following neo-adjuvant chemotherapy remain low. The author consulted the latest literatures at home and abroad and described the current situation of minimally invasive treatment of pancreatic cancer after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.
Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of Frey operation under laparoscopy in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. Methods The clinical data of chronic pancreatitis patients who underwent laparoscopic Frey procedure in Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from 2021-2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Eleven patients with chronic pancreatitis complicated with pancreatic duct stones were included in the study, 7 of whom had a history of diabetes and (or ) impaired glucose tolerance, suggesting that pancreatic endocrine function was impaired. The median diameter of the main pancreatic duct measured by imaging method was 8 mm (4–20mm). The median operative time was 188 min (120–368 minutes), and the total intraoperative bleeding volume was 50 mL (20–100 mL). Postoperative pancreatic fistula did not occur, one case of postoperative abdominal fluid accumulation and hypoproteinemia improved after symptomatic supportive treatment such as anti infection, acid and enzyme inhibition, and nutritional rehydration. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 3 cases, including 1 case of intestinal anastomotic bleeding, which was sutured again under emergency laparoscopic intestinal anastomosis to stop bleeding. The other two cases improved after conservative management such as blood transfusion, plasma, vitamin K, acid inhibition, enzyme inhibition and hemostatic drugs. The median postoperative hospitalization time was 7 days (4–18 days), and no patient mortality happened within 90 days after surgery. Conclusion Laparoscopic Frey operation is feasible and a relatively safe and effective method for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.