Trends in Emergent Groin Hernia Repair-An Analysis From the Herniamed Registry.

Introduction: While the proportion of emergency groin hernia repairs in developed countries is 2.5-7.7%, the percentage in developing countries can be as high as 76.9%. The mortality rate for emergency groin hernia repair in developed countries is 1.7-7.0% and can rise to 6-25% if bowel resection is needed. In this present analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry, patients with emergency admission and operation within 24 h are analyzed. Methods: Between 2010 and 2019 a total of 13,028 patients with emergency admission and groin hernia repairs within 24 h were enrolled in the Herniamed Registry. The outcome results were assigned to the year of repair and summarized as curves. The total patient collective is broken down into the subgroups with pre-operative manual reduction (taxis) of the hernia content, operative reduction of the hernia content without bowel resection and with bowel resection. The explorative Fisher's exact test was used for statistical assessment of significant differences with Bonferroni adjustment for multiple testing. Results: The proportion of emergency admissions with groin hernia repair within 24 h was 2.7%. The percentage of women across the years was consistently 33%. The part of femoral hernias was 16%. The proportion of patients with pre-operative reduction (taxis) remained unchanged at around 21% and the share needing bowel resection was around 10%. The proportion of TAPP repairs rose from 21.9% in 2013 to 38.0% in 2019 (p < 0.001). Between the three groups with pre-operative taxis, without bowel resection and with bowel resection, highly significant differences were identified between the patients with regard to the rates of post-operative complications (4% vs. 6.5% vs. 22.7%; p < 0.0001), complication-related reoperations (1.9% vs. 3.8% vs. 17.7%; p < 0.0001), and mortality rate (0.3% vs. 0.9% vs. 7.5%; p < 0.001). In addition to emergency groin hernia repair subgroups female gender and age ≥66 years are unfavorable influencing factors for perioperative outcomes. Conclusion: For patients with emergency groin hernia repair the need for surgical reduction or bowel resection, female gender and age ≥66 years have a highly significantly unfavorable influence on the perioperative outcomes.

What Is the Reality of Hiatal Hernia Management?-A Registry Analysis.

Introduction: To date, the guidelines for surgical repair of hiatal hernias do not contain any clear recommendations on the hiatoplasty technique with regard to the use of a mesh or to the type of fundoplication (Nissen vs. Toupet). This present 10-years analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry aims to investigate these questions. Methods: Data on 17,328 elective hiatal hernia repairs were entered into the Herniamed Registry between 01.01.2010 and 31.12.2019. 96.4% of all repairs were completed by laparoscopic technique. One-year follow-up was available for 11,280 of 13,859 (81.4%) patients operated during the years 2010-2018. The explorative Fisher's exact test was used for statistical calculation of significant differences with an alpha = 5%. Since the annual number of cases in the Herniamed Registry in the years 2010-2012 was still relatively low, to identify significant differences the years 2013 and 2019 were compared. Results: The use of mesh hiatoplasty for axial and recurrent hiatal hernias remained stable over the years from 2013 to 2019 at 20 and 45%, respectively. In the same period the use of mesh hiatoplasty for paraesophageal hiatal hernia slightly, but significantly, increased from 33.0 to 38.9%. The proportion of Nissen and Toupet fundoplications for axial hiatal hernia repair dropped from 90.2% in 2013 to 74.0% in 2019 in favor of "other techniques" at 20.9%. For the paraesophageal hiatal hernias (types II-IV) the proportion of Nissen and Toupet fundoplications was 68.1% in 2013 and 66.0% in 2019. The paraesophageal hiatal hernia repairs included a proportion of gastropexy procedures of 21.7% in 2013 and 18.7% in 2019. The recurrent hiatal hernia repairs also included a proportion of gastropexies 12.8% in 2013 and 15.1% in 2019, Nissen and Toupet fundoplications of 72.7 and 62.7%, respectively, and "other techniques" of 14.5 and 22.2%, respectively. No changes were seen in the postoperative complication and recurrence rates. Conclusion: Clear trends are seen in hiatal hernia repair. The use of meshes has only slightly increased in paraesophageal hiatal hernia repairs. The use of alternative techniques has resulted in a reduction in the use of the "classic" Nissen and Toupet fundoplication surgical techniques.

Long-term impact of preventive UDCA therapy after transplantation for primary biliary cholangitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Recurrence of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) after liver transplantation (LT) is frequent and can impair graft and patient survival. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the current standard therapy for PBC. We investigated the effect of preventive exposure to UDCA on the incidence and long-term consequences of PBC recurrence after LT. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study in 780 patients transplanted for PBC, between 1983-2017 in 16 centers (9 countries), and followed-up for a median of 11 years. Among them, 190 received preventive UDCA (10-15 mg/kg/day). The primary outcome was histological evidence of PBC recurrence. The secondary outcomes were graft loss, liver-related death, and all-cause death. The association between preventive UDCA and outcomes was quantified using multivariable-adjusted Cox and restricted mean survival time (RMST) models. RESULTS: While recurrence of PBC significantly shortened graft and patient survival, preventive exposure to UDCA was associated with reduced risk of PBC recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.41; 95% CI 0.28-0.61; p <0.0001), graft loss (aHR 0.33; 95% CI 0.13-0.82; p <0.05), liver-related death (aHR 0.46; 95% CI 0.22-0.98; p <0.05), and all-cause death (aHR 0.69; 95% CI 0.49-0.96; p <0.05). On RMST analysis, preventive UDCA led to a survival gain of 2.26 years (95% CI 1.28-3.25) over a period of 20 years. Exposure to cyclosporine rather than tacrolimus had a complementary protective effect alongside preventive UDCA, reducing the cumulative incidence of PBC recurrence and all-cause death. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive UDCA after LT for PBC is associated with a reduced risk of disease recurrence, graft loss, and death. A regimen combining cyclosporine and preventive UDCA is associated with the lowest risk of PBC recurrence and mortality. LAY SUMMARY: Recurrence of primary biliary cholangitis after liver transplantation is frequent and can impair graft and patient survival. We performed the largest international study of transplanted patients with primary biliary cholangitis to date. Preventive administration of ursodeoxycholic acid after liver transplantation was associated with reduced risk of disease recurrence, graft loss, liver-related and all-cause mortality. A regimen combining cyclosporine and preventive ursodeoxycholic acid was associated with the best outcomes.

Influencing Factors on the Outcome in Female Groin Hernia Repair: A Registry-based Multivariable Analysis of 15,601 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Based on an analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry, this study aims to identify all factors influencing the outcome in female groin hernia repair. BACKGROUND: In a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies, female sex was found to be a significant risk factor for recurrence. In the guidelines, the totally extraperitoneal patch plasty (TEP) and transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP) laparo-endoscopic techniques are recommended for female groin hernia repair. However, even when complying with the guidelines, a less favorable outcome must be expected than in men. To date, there is no study in the literature for analysis of all factors influencing the outcome in female groin hernia repair. METHODS: In all, 15,601 female patients from the Herniamed Registry who had undergone primary unilateral groin hernia repair with the Lichtenstein, Shouldice, TEP or TAPP technique, and for whom 1-year follow-up was available, were selected between September 1, 2009 and July 1, 2017. Using multivariable analyses, influencing factors on the various outcome parameters were identified. RESULTS: In the multivariable analysis, a significantly higher risk of postoperative complications, complication-related reoperations, recurrences, and pain on exertion was found only for the Lichtenstein technique. No negative influence on the outcome was identified for the TEP, TAPP, or Shouldice techniques. Relevant risk factors for occurrence of perioperative complications, recurrences, and chronic pain were preoperative pain, existing risk factors, larger defects, a higher body mass index (BMI), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification and postoperative complications. Higher age had a negative association with postoperative complications and positive association with pain rates. CONCLUSIONS: Female groin hernia repair should be performed with the TEP or TAPP laparo-endoscopic technique, or, alternatively, with the Shouldice technique, if there is no evidence of a femoral hernia. By contrast, the Lichtenstein technique has disadvantages in terms of postoperative complications, recurrences, and pain on exertion. Important risk factors for an unfavorable outcome are preoperative pain, existing risk factors, higher ASA classification, higher BMI, and postoperative complications. A higher age and larger defects have an unfavorable impact on postoperative complications and a more favorable impact on chronic pain.

Prognostic factors for long-term survival in patients with ampullary carcinoma: the results of a 15-year observation period after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Introduction. Although ampullary carcinoma has the best prognosis among all periampullary carcinomas, its long-term survival remains low. Prognostic factors are only available for a period of 10 years after pancreaticoduodenectomy. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify factors that influence the long-term patient survival over a 15-year observation period. Methods. From 1992 to 2007, 143 patients with ampullary carcinoma underwent pancreatic resection. 86 patients underwent pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (60%) and 57 patients underwent standard Kausch-Whipple pancreaticoduodenectomy (40%). Results. The overall 1-, 5-, 10-, and 15-year survival rates were 79%, 40%, 24%, and 10%, respectively. Within a mean observation period of 30 (0-205) months, 100 (69%) patients died. Survival analysis showed that positive lymph node involvement (P = 0.001), lymphatic vessel invasion (P = 0.0001), intraoperative administration of packed red blood cells (P = 0.03), an elevated CA 19-9 (P = 0.03), jaundice (P = 0.04), and an impaired patient condition (P = 0.01) are strong negative predictors for a reduced patient survival. Conclusions. Patients with ampullary carcinoma have distinctly better long-term survival than patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Long-term survival depends strongly on lymphatic nodal and vessel involvement. Moreover, a preoperative elevated CA 19-9 proved to be a significant prognostic factor. Adjuvant therapy may be essential in patients with this risk constellation.

Modified plug repair with limited sphincter sparing fistulectomy in the treatment of complex anal fistulas.

PURPOSE: New technical approaches involving biologically derived products have been used to treat complex anal fistulas in order to avoid the risk of fecal incontinence. The least invasive methods involve filling out the fistula tract with fibrin glue or introduction of an anal fistula plug into the fistula canal following thorough curettage. A review shows that the new techniques involving biologically derived products do not confer any significant advantages. Therefore, the question inevitably arises as to whether the combination of a partial or limited fistulectomy, i.e., of the extrasphincteric portion of the fistula, and preservation of the sphincter muscle by repairing the section of the complex anal fistula running through the sphincter muscle and filling it with a fistula plug produces better results. METHODS: A modified plug technique was used, in which the extrasphincteric portion of the complex anal fistula was removed by means of a limited fistulectomy and the remaining section of the fistula in the sphincter muscle was repaired using the fistula plug with fixing button. RESULTS: Of the 52 patients with a complex anal fistula, who had undergone surgery using a modified plug repair with limited fistulectomy of the extrasphincteric part of the fistula and use of the fistula plug with fixing button, there are from 40 patients (follow-up rate: 77%) some kind of follow-up informations, after a mean of 19.32 ± 6.9 months. Thirty-two were men and eight were women, with a mean age of 52.97 ± 12.22 years. Surgery was conducted to treat 36 transsphincteric, 1 intersphincteric, and 3 rectovaginal fistulas. In 36 of 40 patients (90%), the complex anal fistulas or rectovaginal fistulas were completely healed without any sign of recurrence. None of these patients complained about continence problems. CONCLUSION: A modification of the plug repair of complex anal fistulas with limited fistulectomy of the extrasphincteric part of the fistula and use of the plug with fixing button seems to increase the healing rate in comparison to the standard plug technique.

Differences in biomechanical stability using various fibrin glue compositions for mesh fixation in endoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: In hernia surgery, mesh fixation with fibrin glue instead of tacks and sutures can demonstrably reduce postoperative morbidity without increasing recurrence rates. In some cases there are significant differences in the biomechanical properties, depending on the functional structure of the meshes. Furthermore, there are various fibrin glue products on the market and these are used for mesh fixation. This study compared the fixation strength of fibrin glues in combination with various meshes. METHODS: Three different lightweight polypropylene meshes (TiMESH™ light, ULTRAPRO™, Optilene(®) LP) were tested. All meshes were fixed using 2 ml of each of the three different fibrin glues (TISSUCOL(®), QUIXIL(®), EVICEL(®)) and tested for their biomechanical stability. The defect in the muscle tissue used was 45 mm for a mesh size of 10 × 15 cm. Measurements were conducted using a standardized stamp penetration test, while aiming not to use a fixation strength of less than 32 N. RESULTS: With TISSUCOL, the fixation of Optilene LP proved to be significantly better than that of TiMESH or ULTRAPRO (97.3 vs. 47.9 vs. 34.9 N, p < 0.001). With EVICEL, it was possible to also achieve good tissue fixation for the ULTRAPRO mesh, while the results obtained for Optilene and TiMESH were relatively poorer [114.7 vs. 92.4 N (p = 0.056), vs. 64.3 N (p < 0.001)]. With QUIXIL, satisfactory results were obtained only for Optilene LP (43.6 N). CONCLUSION: This study showed that there were significant differences in the fixation strength of different polypropylene meshes in combination with various fibrin glues. Experiments demonstrated that for each mesh there is an optimum combination with a particular fibrin glue with respect to the fixation strength. It must now be verified whether these results can be extrapolated to clinical practice.

Matched-pair analysis of postoperative morbidity and mortality for pancreaticogastrostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy using mattress sutures in soft pancreatic tissue remnants.

BACKGROUND: After pancreaticoduodenectomy, the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula remains high, especially in patients with "soft" pancreatic tissue remnants. No "gold standard" surgical technique for pancreaticoenteric anastomosis has been established. This study aimed to compare the postoperative morbidity and mortality of pancreaticogastrostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy for "soft" pancreatic tissue remnants using modified mattress sutures. METHODS: Seventy-five patients who had undergone pancreaticogastrostomy and 75 who had undergone pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2002 and 2008 were retrospectively compared using matched-pair analysis. A modified mattress suture technique was used for the pancreaticoenteric anastomosis. Patients with an underlying "hard" pancreatic tissue remnant, as in chronic pancreatitis, were excluded. Both groups were homogeneous for age, gender, and underlying disease. Postoperative morbidity, mortality, and preoperative and operative data were analyzed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups for the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (10.7% in both). Postoperative morbidity and mortality, median operation time, median length of hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, and the amount of intraoperatively transfused erythrocyte concentrates also did not significantly differ between the groups. Patient age >65 years (P=0.017), operation time >350 minutes (P=0.001), and intraoperative transfusion of erythrocyte concentrates (P=0.038) were identified as risk factors for postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed no significant differences between the groups in the pancreaticogastrostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy anastomosis techniques using mattress sutures for "soft" pancreatic tissue remnants. In our experience, the mattress sutures are safe and simple to use, and pancreaticogastrostomy in particular is feasible and easy to learn, with good endoscopic accessibility to the anastomosis region. However, the location of the anastomosis and the surgical technique need to be individually evaluated to further reduce the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Comparison of a lightweight polypropylene mesh (Optilene® LP) and a large-pore knitted PTFE mesh (GORE® INFINIT® mesh)--Biocompatibility in a standardized endoscopic extraperitoneal hernia model.

PURPOSE: The use of a mesh with good biocompatibility properties is of decisive importance for the avoidance of recurrences and chronic pain in endoscopic hernia repair surgery. As we know from numerous experiments and clinical experience, large-pore, lightweight polypropylene meshes possess the best biocompatibility. However, large-pore meshes of different polymers may be used as well and might be an alternative solution. METHODS: Utilizing a totally extraperitoneal technique in an established animal model, 20 domestic pigs were implanted with either a lightweight large-pore polypropylene (PP) mesh (Optilene® LP) or a medium-weight large-pore knitted polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) mesh (GORE® INFINIT® mesh). After 94 days, the pigs were sacrificed and postmortem diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, followed by explantation of the specimens for macroscopic, histological and immunohistochemical evaluation. RESULTS: The mean mesh shrinkage rate was 14.2% for Optilene® LP vs. 24.7% for INFINIT® mesh (p = 0.017). The partial volume of the inflammatory cells was 11.2% for Optilene® LP vs. 13.9% for INFINIT (n.s.). CD68 was significantly higher for INFINIT (11.8% vs. 5.6%, p = 0.007). The markers of cell turnover, namely Ki67 and the apoptotic index, were comparable at 6.4% vs. 12.4% (n.s.) and 1.6% vs. 2.0% (n.s.). In the extracellular matrix, TGF-ß was 35.4% for Optilene® LP and 31.0% for INFINIT® (n.s.). Collagen I (pos/300 µm) deposits were 117.8 and 114.9, respectively. CONCLUSION: In our experimental examinations, Optilene® LP and INFINIT® showed a comparable biocompatibility in terms of chronic inflammatory reaction; however, the shrinkage rate was significantly higher for INFINIT® after 3 months. The higher shrinkage rate of INFINIT® should be taken into account when choosing the mesh size for an adequate hernia overlap.

Single-Incision Cholecystectomy in about 200 Patients.

Background and Aims. We describe our experience of performing transumbilical single-incision laparoendoscopic cholecystectomy as standard procedure for acute and chronic gallbladder diseases. Methods. Between September 2008 and March 2010, 220 patients underwent laparoscopic single-incision surgery. A single port was used for 196 patients and two conventional 5 mm and one 10 mm port in 24 cases. All operations were performed with straight instruments. Results. Single-incision surgery was successfully performed in 215 patients (98%). Three patients (1.4%) required conversion to a three-port technique and two patients (0.9%) to an open procedure. Average age of 142 women (65%) and 78 men (35%) was 47 years (range: 15-89), average ASA status 2 (range: 1-3) and BMI 28 (range: 15-49). Mean operative time was 62 minutes (range: 26-174) and 57 patients (26%) had histopathological signs of acute cholecystitis. Eleven patients (5%) developed to surgery-related complications and nine (4%) of these required a reoperation. The mean followup was 331.5 (range: 11-590) days. Conclusion. Transumbilical single-incision cholecystectomy is a feasible and safe new approach for routine cholecystectomy. After a short learning curve, operation time and complication rate are comparable with standard multiport operation. In addition, most cases of acute cholecystitis can be performed with this technique.

Single-port versus multi-port cholecystectomy for patients with acute cholecystitis: a retrospective comparative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Trans-umbilical single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy for chronic gallbladder disease is becoming increasingly accepted worldwide. But so far, no reports exist about the challenging single-port surgery for acute cholecystitis. The objective of this study was to describe our experience with single-port cholecystectomy in comparison to the conventional laparoscopic technique. METHODS: Between August 2008 and March 2010, 73 patients with symptomatic gallbladder disease and histopathological signs of acute cholecystitis underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at our institution. Thirty-six patients were operated on with the single-port technique (SP group) and the data were compared with a control group of 37 patients who were treated with the multi-port technique (MP group). RESULTS: The mean age in the SP group was 61.5 (range 21-81) years and in the MP group was 60 (range 21-94) (P=0.712). Gender, ASA status and BMI were not significantly different. The number of white blood cells was different before [SP: 9.2 (range 2.8-78.4); MP: 13.2 (range 4.4-28.6); P=0.001] and after the operation [SP: 7.8 (range 3.5-184.8); MP: 11.1 (range 5-20.8); P=0.002]. Mean operating time was 88 (range 34-174) minutes in the SP group vs 94 (range 39-209) minutes in the MP group (P=0.147). Four patients (5%) required conversion to an open procedure (SP: 1; MP: 3; P=0.320). During the follow-up period of 332 (range 29-570) days in the SP group and 428 (range 111-619) days in the MP group (P=0.044), eleven (15%) patients developed postoperative complications (P=0.745) and two patients in the SP group required reoperation (P=0.154). CONCLUSIONS: Trans-umbilical single-port cholecystectomy for beginning acute cholecystitis is feasible and the complication rate is comparable with the standard multi-port operation. In spite of our good results, these operations are difficult to perform and should only be done in high-volume centers for laparoscopic surgery with experience in single-port surgery.

Initial experience in laparoscopic single-port appendectomy: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: We describe our initial experience performing a single-port (SP) advanced laparoscopic appendectomy in comparison to the conventional port (CP) technique, which uses three ports. METHODS: Between June and September 2009, 40 consecutive patients with acute appendicitis underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at Vivantes Klinikum Am Urban, Berlin, Germany. Twenty patients were operated on using the SP technique (SP group), and the data were compared to a control group of 20 patients operated on using the CP technique (CP group) during the same time period. RESULTS: SP surgery was successfully performed on all patients without conversion to CP laparoscopic appendectomy or an open procedure. The mean age was 27.7 ± 8.3 years in the SP group and 31.7 ± 9.3 in the CP group (p = 0.32). Gender (p = 0.352), status of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (p = 0.765) and body mass index (p = 0.971) did not differ significantly between the two groups. The mean operating time was 48.0 ± 13.2 min in the SP group versus 49.0 ± 19.9 min in the CP group (p = 0.694). No patient in the SP group developed surgical complications. No patient in either group developed an incisional hernia or wound infection during the mean follow-up of 98.17 ± 38.56 days. CONCLUSION: Transumbilical SP appendectomy via a tri-port system with a single incision is a feasible and safe new approach for routine appendectomy. It is easy to perform and good training for more advanced SP surgery.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of carcinomas of the papilla of Vater has prognostic and putative therapeutic implications.

We further characterize the heterogeneous carcinomas of the papilla of Vater (CPVs) in relation to various clinicopathologic patient characteristics and patient survival. Of the 71 reevaluated CPVs, 32 were intestinal, 26 were pancreatobiliary, 6 were mixed, 4 were mucinous, and 3 were poorly differentiated carcinomas. The prevalence of cytokeratin 20 and cytokeratin 7 correlated with the intestinal (25/32 [78%] vs 13/32 [41%]) and pancreatobiliary (6/26 [23%] vs 24/26 [92%]) phenotypes. CDX2 was found in mucinous (3/4 [75%]), intestinal (7/32 [22%]), and some mixed (1/6 [1%]) CPVs. A KRAS mutation was detected in all poorly differentiated CPVs and in about 20% of each of the other types. In multivariate analyses, tumor type, local tumor spread, and lymph node metastases were independent prognostic factors of patient survival. We provide further evidence of the prognostic relevance of the phenotypic and genotypic diversity of CPVs. Besides the poorly differentiated CPV, the most common KRAS wild type makes them a putative target for an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy.

Donor influence on outcome in patients undergoing liver transplant for primary biliary cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVES: Risk factors for survival after liver transplant owing to primary biliary cirrhosis have been extensively investigated, whereas the donor-specific influence and particularly, the histologic data, have not been sufficiently analyzed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Donor data of 121 patients who underwent liver transplant for primary biliary cirrhosis and histologic findings of 69 donor liver grafts were assessed according to preoperative status and histologic criteria. Findings were correlated with the histologic and clinical course up to 20 years after orthotopic liver transplant. RESULTS: Risk factors for death were a longer stay in intensive care units (> 7 days) (P < .02), a hypotensive period > 60 minutes (P < .03), and the administration of red blood cells (P < .04). Grafts from donors with liver fibrosis (P < .03), fatty degeneration (P < .04), and liver cell hydrops (P < .04) resulted in a significantly higher risk of primary biliary cirrhosis recurrence. Log rank analysis revealed a significant decreased survival for patients if donors had a prolonged hypotensive period (P < .02) and administration of epinephrine (P < .03) and red blood cells (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that donor histology can affect disease recurrence, especially the grade of inflammation, fibrosis, and fatty degeneration. In addition, prolonged intensive care hospitalization for donors should be avoided.

Surgical strategies for treatment of malignant pancreatic tumors: extended, standard or local surgery?

Tumor related pancreatic surgery has progressed significantly during recent years. Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) with lymphadenectomy, including vascular resection, still presents the optimal surgical procedure for carcinomas in the head of pancreas. For patients with small or low-grade malignant neoplasms, as well as small pancreatic metastases located in the mid-portion of pancreas, central pancreatectomy (CP) is emerging as a safe and effective option with a low risk of developing de-novo exocrine and/or endocrine insufficiency. Total pancreatectomy (TP) is not as risky as it was years ago and can nowadays safely be performed, but its indication is limited to locally extended tumors that cannot be removed by PD or distal pancreatectomy (DP) with tumor free surgical margins. Consequently, TP has not been adopted as a routine procedure by most surgeons. On the other hand, an aggressive attitude is required in case of advanced distal pancreatic tumors, provided that safe and experienced surgery is available. Due to the development of modern instruments, laparoscopic operations became more and more successful, even in malignant pancreatic diseases. This review summarizes the recent literature on the above mentioned topics.