Evolution of minimally invasive pancreatic surgery in Thailand

The first minimally invasive pancreatic surgery was initiated 25 years ago. Currently, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is accepted as an alternative treatment to open surgery. However, there is still skepticism about the benefit of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery in Thailand is in the beginning. The author has successfully developed the new technique of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy which was performed in 35 patients at Rajavithi Hospital with satisfactory outcome. However, more effort is needed for further progression of minimally invasive pancreatic surgery in Thailand.