Pancreatoduodenectomy

The Whipple procedure was established in 1935 as the prototype for resection of the pancreas head. During the 50 years following that landmark, refinements in surgical technique and development of new technology have led to improved mortality and morbidity rates of pancreatoduodenectomy for the treatment of a number of benign and malignant diseases. Consequently, there has been an increase in the number of patients undergoing the procedure and in the number of institutions where it is performed. In addition, basic techniques have been greatly modified to accommodate specific conditions. As procedures for pancreatoduodenectomy have evolved rapidly, new problems have arisen. The International Symposium on Pancreatoduodenectomy, held in Tokyo in November 1995, sought to provide a forum for specialists and practitioners from 24 countries in which to share their accumulated experience and expertise in the field and to discuss current problems. The papers which form this volume reflect the proceedings of the Symposium and aim to provide a source of information for surgeons and others concerned with diseases for which pancreatoduodenectomy is indicated.