Laparoscopic Observation and Biopsy of the Pancreas

Abstract
Laparoscopy was employed mainly for [human] liver diseases. Although there were many reports dealing with intraabdominal lesions other than of the liver, few concerned the pancreas. Because of its anatomical characteristics, the laparoscopic approach to the pancreas was extremely difficult. For endoscopic diagnosis of pancreatic lesions, a 2-channel operating laparoscope was developed. Using a supragastric approach through the lesser omentum, the scope is inserted into the lesser peritoneal sac for direct inspection of the pancreas. The method of lesser omentotomy and the diagnostic results are described.