Pancreas

The pancreas was first mentioned in scriptures by Eristratos (304–250 BC); it was not until the eighteenth century that the organ was described in anatomically precise terms. Although surgical procedures of the pancreas improved dramatically in the second half of the twentieth century, they remained associated with a high rate of complications and, in some cases, mortality. In this chapter, both benign and malignant diseases of the pancreas are described. Special attention is given to the topic of pancreatic neoplasms (intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasia, mucinous-cystic neoplasia, solid pseudopapillary neoplasia) with malignant potential. The operative principles and main techniques are presented. In addition, perioperative complications and their therapy are discussed.