Review on Retractor Design to Enhance Minimally Invasive Pancreatectomy: Addressing Challenges in Deep Tissue Access
摘要
Pancreatic cancer ranks among the deadliest cancers globally, being the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in 2022. The late diagnosis of this disease often results in a limited number of resectable tumors. Additionally, the pancreas’s deep anatomical location and its surrounding vascular structures make pancreatectomy one of the most challenging surgical procedures. These challenges are further intensified in minimally invasive pancreatectomy, where restricted space complicates anastomoses, leading to higher rates of postoperative pancreatic fistulas compared to open surgery. Despite the inherent advantages of minimally invasive surgery over open surgery, these difficulties significantly impact the training of new surgeons and the advancement of minimally invasive pancreatectomy techniques. To address these issues, we plan to design a novel retractor intended to expand the surgeon’s workspace around deep tissues such as the pancreas. This article presents a comprehensive review of current retractors used in minimally invasive surgery, exploring various categories to identify the most suitable technology to address this challenge.