Is pancreatic anastomotic leak after the Whipple procedure reduced using the surgical microscope?
The enhanced vision provided by the surgical microscope allowed precise construction of the anastomosis resulting in a significant decrease in Leak, particularly when a patient was at risk for Leak, ie, pancreatic duct less than or equal to 3 mm.
Laparoscopic repair should remain in the forefront for the management of paraesophageal hernias. However, there is considerable room for improvement in reducing the incidence of recurrence.