It is feasible to perform laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy for patients with prior abdominal operation

Intra-abdominal surgeries may induce scarring and bowel adhesions to the abdominal wall. Approximately 30–50% of severe complications associated with laparoscopic surgery may occur during surgical access, and a major risk factor is previous upper abdominal operation (PUAO) (1). A history of intra-abdominal surgery has been reported to be a relative contraindication for laparoscopic surgery (2). However, rapid developments in technological innovations, improvements in surgical skills, and accumulated operative experience have expanded the indications for laparoscopic surgeries. Some surgeons began to perform laparoscopic surgeries in patients who previously underwent abdominal operations (2-6). Performing laparoscopic surgery in these patients is safe, although this procedure is associated with an increased risk of operative complications, a high conversion rate, and a prolonged operating time (5,6)