Is superior mesenteric artery reimplantation during surgery for pancreaticoduodenal tumors an underutilized procedure?

Resection and reimplantation of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) as part of a pancreaticoduodenal resection for cancer is rarely performed even in high-volume centers because of the risks inherent in this procedure and the perceived lack of oncological benefit associated with arterial resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy. The role of arterial resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy has recently been reevaluated, and this procedure may be of greater benefit than previously believed in selected patients. It also has a definite role when necessary to resect low-grade pancreatic and peripancreatic malignancies or to salvage intraoperative injury to the SMA. This small case series presents the authors experience with this procedure.