Transient mesoportal shunt: An innovative technique for maintaining portal flow during pancreatoduodenectomy with portal vein resection

Pancreatic cancers exhibit a surgical challenge, in light of frequent vascular involvement. In absence of metastatic spread, vascular invasion is the predominant limiting factor for determining the resectability. With progression of time vascular involvement is no longer considered a surgical contraindication. However these complex procedures are fraught with technical challenges. Portal clamping required for vascular resection and reconstruction results in hepatic ischemia and visceral congestion. In order to mitigate these untoward effects, surgeons have tried diverse techniques including venous shunts. Venous shunting facilitates the resection and allows for an enhanced exposure and a safe procedure. Previously described techniques were either cumbersome or failed to maintain portal flow. We present a technique of transient mesoportal shunt, to facilitate vascular resection during pancreatoduodenectomy. This technique is both simple and maintains portal flow throughout the procedure preventing both hepatic ischemia and visceral congestion.