Open AccessLaparoscopic staging and surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer
Author(s) -
Thiruvengadam Muniraj,
Pranav Barve
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
north american journal of medical sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2250-1541
pISSN - 1947-2714
DOI - 10.4103/1947-2714.106183
Subject(s) - medicine , pancreatic cancer , pancreaticoduodenectomy , lymphadenectomy , stage (stratigraphy) , radiology , laparoscopy , cancer , general surgery , endoscopic ultrasound , surgery , resection , paleontology , biology
Pancreatic cancer is the tenth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Surgery remains a cornerstone in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, the percentage of patients presenting at the resectable stage is minimal. Although computed tomography (CT) scan remains the best modality to stage the tumor for resectability, laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound offers its own advantages. Extended lymphadenectomy, portal vein resection, and arterial reconstruction have also been explored in multiple studies to enhance staging. The traditional pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure) with regional lymphadenectomy is still the standard of care in the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer.