Surgery for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Techniques and Potential Complications

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are relatively uncommon tumors which are primarily treated surgically. PNETs originate from distinct types of endocrine cells in the pancreas which provide the basis for associated characteristic clinical phenotypes. This chapter provides an overview of the presentation, diagnosis, and surgical approach to functional PNETs, as organized by specific tumor type. As will be discussed, the anatomic and physiologic basis of the different types of PNETs underlies the distinct workup modalities applied to each and informs the different techniques behind surgical resection. While the operative treatment of these tumors is safe and effective in experienced hands, there are several important potential complications of PNET surgery which will also be outlined herein.