Pancreatic injuries and pancreaticoduodenectomy

The pancreas is relatively protected deep within the confines of the retroperitoneum. As such, injuries to the pancreas are uncommon, but not rare, and can present a diagnostic dilemma. Despite advances in modern trauma care, injuries to the pancreas present a continuing challenge to the trauma surgeon. When identified early, the treatment of most pancreatic injuries is straightforward. It is the delayed recognition and treatment of these injuries that can result in devastating outcomes. This chapter attempts to clarify the anatomic and physiologic basis for the concerns over injuries to the pancreas as well as elucidate specific diagnostic and therapeutic interventions following traumatic injuries to the pancreas.