Abstract:

Benign and low-grade malignant tumors of the pancreatic head have distinct clinicopathological features and a relatively indolent biological behavior, leading to favorable prognoses and high surgical cure rates. When indicated, enucleation enables maximal preservation of pancreatic function with minimal trauma, demonstrating considerable clinical promise. This article focused on recent technical advances in enucleation for pancreatic head tumors and postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) prevention strategies, offering a systematic review of current concepts and clinical practices in the field. In the context of advancing precision surgery and minimally invasive techniques, enucleation—as a pancreatic function-preserving procedure—continues to present challenges in indication selection, intraoperative technique, and perioperative management. Covered topics included preoperative multimodal imaging and three-dimensional reconstruction for tumor localization, the application of intraoperative ultrasound and fluorescence navigation, comparison and selection of surgical approaches (such as anterior, posterior, and retroperitoneal laparoscopic routes), and the advantages and limitations of minimally invasive techniques including robotic and laparoscopic surgery. Proactive strategies for POPF prevention and management were also discussed. Finally, the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and individualized decision-making was emphasized, with the goal of improving surgical safety, reducing complications, and enhancing patient prognosis.

Key words: Pancreatic head tumor, Enucleation, Minimally invasive surgery, Pancreatic fistula, Precise treatment