Laparoscopic single-branch resection of the pancreas for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm

Although laparoscopic pancreatic resections have become more common, laparoscopic minimally invasive and function-preserving pancreatic resections have not been widely accepted. Branch-type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) has a low-grade malignant potential and shows a favorable prognosis. In branch-type IPMN, minimal resection techniques with preservation of the pancreatic functional reserve have advantages over the more conventional pancreaticoduodenectomy. We describe herein laparoscopic single-branch resection of the pancreas for branchtype IPMN. This surgical procedure is a novel and an ideal minimally invasive method for the resection of branch-type IPMN. In addition, our endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage (ENPD) tube-guided technique is useful for precise resection of the tumor and for the prevention of pancreatic fistula.