Management of diseases of the pancreas is varied and complex, and the diagnoses leading to surgical consideration dictate what technical approaches are feasible and safe.  Over the last decade, this has changed considerably, and as a result, the necessity of documenting the updated surgical approaches is not only warranted yet paramount to surgeons.

This manual presents a contemporary description of pancreatic surgery.  The classic open approach maintains relevancy, yet refinement in technique has improved outcomes.  The application of laparoscopic techniques provides improvement in recovery when applied appropriately, yet further technological innovations continue to improve this approach.  Further innovation and research in robotic, percutaneous and endoscopic techniques have broadened the horizon of the management of pancreatic disease. Chapters in this manual address surgical therapy of benign and malignant disease of the pancreas, including management of acute and chronic pancreatitis as well as benign, premalignant and malignant pancreatic neoplasms, and will focus on specific disease processes and the various approaches that are currently applied. Each of the chapters addresses patient selection, pre-operative considerations, technical conduct of the procedures and minimizing morbidity.  A brief review of the existing literature addressing the particular topic is included in each chapter, with extensive illustrations and selected video clips.