Pancreaticoduodenectomy with Mesocaval Shunt for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Introduction Patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) represent a challenging group to treat, given the involvement of major vascular structures. In selected patients with favorable biology, temporary mesocaval shunt can facilitate the resection and allow for a safer procedure with enhanced exposure to the superior mesenteric vessels. Methods We present a video of a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with temporary mesocaval shunt with left internal jugular (LIJ) vein conduit. Results A 65-year-old woman presented with LAPC in the uncinate, causing total occlusion of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and encasement of the first jejunal artery. After neoadjuvant therapy and evidence of disease stability, a decision was made to perform a PD with a temporary mesocaval shunt to divert mesenteric flow to reduce blood loss and prevent bowel ischemia. During the procedure, the main mesenteric collateral (ileocolic vein) was divided to create the shunt to the inferior vena cava (IVC) with LIJ interposition. The remaining mesenteric tributaries involved by the tumor were divided. The uncinate dissection was performed using a superior mesenteric artery-first approach. Once the resection was completed, the shunt was stapled from the IVC and the graft transposed to the upper SMV. Standard reconstruction was performed. Total operative time was 536 min, and estimated blood loss was 250 cc without transfusions. No perioperative complications occurred. Conclusion In selected patients with LAPC, PD with temporary mesocaval shunt can facilitate resection and venous reconstruction in patients with complete portal vein/SMV occlusion.