Preface

Pancreatic resections have historically been associated with high operative morbidity and have classically been performed through large abdominal incisions. Minimally invasive techniques are associated with less postoperative pain, lower wound infection rates, decreased physiological stress, and fewer postoperative hernias and bowel obstructions. Recent studies have suggested that the benefits of laparoscopy may be true for pancreatic surgery as well, resulting in increased interest in utilizing minimally invasive approaches to pancreatectomy.