Portal and superior mesenteric vein resection in radical pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Radical resection remains essential for prolonging survival and increasing the possibility of cure in pancreatic cancer. However, few patients are resectable at the time of diagnosis, with a portion of patients presenting with portal and superior mesenteric vein invasion and regarded as resectable or locally advanced disease. Venous resection in pancreatectomy enables achievement of tumor-free margins in patients with venous invasion. This review provides an overview of preoperative evaluation, resection and reconstruction types, vascular grafts selection, morbidity, mortality and survival in radical pancreatectomy with portal and superior mesenteric vein resection. Key words: Pancreatic neoplasms; Vascular resection; Portal vein; Superior mesenteric vein