Abstract
Total pancreatectomy (TP) is a surgical procedure indicated selectively for patients with benign and malignant disease. In the case of malignancy, TP is indicated electively for multifocal or advanced disease, mostly for chronic pancreatitis after a non-effective primary operation.
TP is indicated as "salvage surgery" in cases of acute postoperative pancreatitis or in situations where it is not possible to complete the elective partial resection. With respect to survival and quality of life, the outcomes of TP patients are comparable to those of patients who have undergone partial resection.
The exclusion of patients who have a high probability of not profiting from TP is still a problem. The aim of this review is to inform gastroenterologists about the current place of TP in the treatment of malignant and benign pancreatic diseases.
A multidisciplinary team and a surgeon played key roles in all cases.