Due to the complex anatomy and being adjacent to important large vessels, pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a difficult procedure with high risk in the field of general surgery, and is also considered the toughest nut to crack in the field of minimal invasive surgery. For carrying out minimally invasive PD, the surgeons’ considerable experience and skillful surgical technique are crucial to the successful operation. The authors address the progress with regard to minimally invasive PD, so as to clarify the benefits and drawbacks brought by minimally invasive PD, and thereby to further improve the quality of this procedure.