Parenchymal sparing duodenal and pancreatic resection are safe procedures in selected patients with the aim to reduce endocrine and exocrine long-term dysfunction. When the tumor is benign or borderline malignant, this appears to be a good option for the surgeon, associated with low rates of severe surgery-related early postoperative complications and low in-hospital mortality. This mini review offers comments, tips and tricks, and a review of literature concerning those different options with specific illustrations in order to clarify their indication.
Keywords: ampullectomy; central-pancreatectomy; duodenectomy; enucleation; long-term functional outcomes; pancreatectomy; pancreatic sparing surgery; pancreatic tumor; uncus resection.