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Despite significant improvement in the results of pancreatoduodenecomy over recent years, the Whipple procedure and its main modifications still has a poor reputation. Based on the principles of evidence-based medicine, we reviewed the current status of pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis. Mortality of pancreatoduodenectomy has declined to less than 5% for chronic pancreatitis and to 3-5% for pancreatic cancer. In contrast, overall morbidity remains high, ranging from 20% to 70%. Delayed gastric emptying accounts for almost 50% of all complications. Major relief of pain is achieved in 70% to 100% of patients with chronic pancreatitis. Overall 5-year survival for patients with pancreatic cancer remains poor, ranging from 5% to 15%, with a median survival of 13 to 17 months. Mortality ad morbidity are not related to the type of pancreatoduodenectomy, however patients with pancreatic cancer tend to have a higher risk for complications. Extended lymph node dissection and portal vein resection can be performed with similar mortality and morbidity compared with standard procedures, however without any survival benefit in the long-term course.

Complications of combined glaucoma and cataract surgery are frequent. It is why prevention is necessary, based on rightness of the operative indication, the most appropriate technique and the quality of the execution, main topics reviewed in this paper. When prevention has not been sufficient and complications occur, it is necessary to recognize their causes. Complications may occur early or late, may not induce any clinical consequence or on the contrary induce serious ones. The most frequent complications and their treatment are reported. A technique of surgical revision, useful either in case of filtration failure or in case of severe hypotony, is proposed and discussed according to the most recent data in the literature.