NEWSROOM

On the afternoon of November 27, at the 36th Italian Congress of Digestive Surgery, Prof. Xianjun Yu, President of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Chief Expert of the Pancreatic Cancer MDT Team, together with Prof. Chen Liu, Deputy Director of Pancreatic Surgery, led their team in performing a 3.5-hour live laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. The demonstration won strong recognition from international experts.

Organized by the Italian Society of Digestive Surgery under the theme “Innovative Technology for Precision Treatment, Multidisciplinary Collaboration for Better Care,” the congress attracted over 2,000 experts, scholars, and clinicians from more than 40 countries and regions. It is one of the most influential international academic platforms in the field of digestive surgery in 2025.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is often regarded as the “Mount Everest” of surgery due to its involvement of critical organs such as the pancreas, bile duct, and stomach. The procedure is characterized by complex anatomy, multiple operative steps, and demands extreme precision in vascular dissection and delicate reconstruction of the digestive tract.

Prof. Yu noted that more than a decade ago, the hospital’s pancreatic surgery team pioneered the “semi-open, semi-minimally invasive” approach for pancreatic tumor surgery. Today, this highly complex “Everest-level” operation no longer requires a large open incision at their center. “We only need five small ports,” he explained. “Using laparoscopic instruments, we can operate within a space that previously mandated open surgery, removing the tumor and reconstructing the digestive tract with high precision.” This progress, he emphasized, stems from the team’s long-term dedication and series of original “Fudan Solutions.”

During the live demonstration, Prof. Xianjun Yu, Prof. Chen Liu, and their team operated on a 79-year-old patient with duodenal cancer. The real-time video displayed clear anatomical planes and meticulous dissection, leading to the smooth and safe removal of the tumor. In the reconstruction phase, the team skillfully performed a key “two-layer pancreaticojejunostomy,” ensuring a reliable and secure anastomosis. The entire procedure was completed in just 3.5 hours, with blood loss limited to under 50 mL.

Experts at the congress commented, “The Department of Pancreatic Surgery at FUSCC has successfully combined minimally invasive techniques with oncological radicality. Their proposed ‘Fudan Solutions’ for key technical challenges offer valuable insights for the surgical community.” The precise use of ultrasonic scalpels, accurate layering of anatomical planes, standardized lymph node dissection, and stable digestive tract reconstruction illustrated how complex steps in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy can be transformed into safe, reproducible standard practices. This provides invaluable experience for pancreatic surgeons worldwide.

Under the leadership of Prof. Yu, the center has emerged as a significant force in international pancreatic surgery. The department now performs over 1,000 pancreaticoduodenectomies annually, with laparoscopic and robotic approaches accounting for more than 80% of cases. Over 20% of these surgeries involve vascular resection and reconstruction, reflecting the team’s proficiency in highly complex operations. Prof. Chen Liu has also contributed the innovative “leave the vein alone” concept, exemplifying the department’s technical and conceptual advancements. This approach enhances safety by minimizing bleeding and complications without compromising oncological outcomes.

The invitation to demonstrate surgery at the 36th Italian Congress of Digestive Surgery not only signifies international recognition of FUSCC’s pancreatic surgical expertise but also marks the evolution of the hospital’s minimally invasive pancreatic surgery from a “follower” to a “leader” on the global stage.