Dissection of the uncinate process and pancreatic head behind the portal vein using endovascular staplers.

Abstract

Pancreatic resections have evolved into safe operations in experienced centers. Technical refinements continue to further improve operating time, intraoperative blood loss, and outcome after these procedures. The dissection of the uncinate process/pancreatic head is one of the critical steps during pancreaticoduodenectomy. This step can be time-consuming, with the possibility of troublesome hemorrhage. This article describes, in a stepwise fashion, the use of endovascular stapler devices that facilitate uncinate process/pancreatic head dissection during pancreaticoduodenectomy.