Technical Aspects of Patch Reconstruction during Open and Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy with Venous Resection: Preserving Venous Axis and Collaterals without Sacrificing Radicality

Background: Different techniques for venous resection and reconstruction during pancreatoduodenectomy are available, each with different advantages and drawbacks. Patients and Methods: In this multimedia article, a detailed description of the surgical technique of venous resection with peritoneal (falciform) patch reconstruction is provided, including examples of extended (> 5 cm) or low (jejunal veins confluence) venous infiltrations, during both open and robotic pancreatoduodenectomy. Results: Reconstruction with patch is a versatile technique, typically fit for lateral but cranio-caudally prolonged tumor involvements, which unlike segmental resection allows preservation of venous collaterals, where a simple tangential resection would jeopardize oncologic radicality or increase the risk of stenosis. Moreover, maintaining the original venous axis and direction, it avoids the risk of torsion or kinking potentially associated with segmental resection with or without interposition graft. Conclusions: The patch reconstruction combines the advantages of both tangential and segmental resection. It can be used for low or extended infiltrations, during open or robotic surgery, preserving venous collaterals without sacrificing radicality, and using prophylactic anticoagulation only.