Main- and Branch-Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms: Extent of Surgical Resection

BACKGROUND Surgical treatment of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) requires a differentiated approach regarding indications and extent of resection. METHODS The review summarizes the current literature on indication, timing, and surgical procedures in IPMN. RESULTS The most important differentiation has to be made between main-duct and branch-duct IPMN as well as mixed-type lesions that biologically mimic main-duct types. In main-duct and mixed-type IPMN, the resection should be indicated by the time of the diagnosis - in accordance with the international consensus guidelines - and should follow oncological principles. Depending on IPMN localization, this implies partial pancreatoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, or total pancreatectomy and includes the corresponding types of lymphadenectomy. Furthermore, branch-duct IPMN > 3 cm or bearing high-risk features (mural nodules in magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or endoscopic ultrasound imaging; symptomatic lesions; elevated tumor markers) are similarly treated. As the risk for malignancy in smaller branch-duct IPMN is lower, the decision for surgical treatment is often individually made - despite the updated 2012 guidelines. In these lesions, limited surgical approaches, including enucleation and central pancreatectomy, are possible. CONCLUSION Timely and radical resection of IPMN offers the unique opportunity to prevent pancreatic cancer, and even in malignant IPMN surgery can offer a curative approach with excellent long-term outcome in early stages. A structured imaging follow-up should be considered to recognize IPMN recurrence and metachronous pancreatic cancer as well as gastrointestinal neoplasias by endoscopic surveillance.