Hepatopancreatoduodenectomy

Book excerpt: Hepatopancreatoduodenectomy (HPD) is a radical new surgical procedure developed in Japan to treat patients with biliary tract carcinoma. The development and clinical application of HPD have been made possible through research conducted primarily by Japanese investigators on common routes of the spread of biliary tract carcinoma. Still regarded as a radical procedure because of its technical difficulty and possible complications, HPD is not yet widely practiced anywhere in the world. The authors of this volume, who are pioneers in the field, are convinced that recent progress in health-care technology will make HPD a safer and more commonly accepted procedure in the near future. The book is designed to share the experience of Japanese researchers with those working in the field throughout the world. The contents include a review of the historical development of HPD in Japan, indications and conditions for HPD, perioperative examinations, and patient management. Also presented are practical aspects of surgical technique and countermeasures against postoperative complications.