Central Pancreatectomy - A Novel Surgical Technique Single Institution Experience.

Abstract

Children evaluated for abdominal pain are increasingly recognized to have pancreatic lesions by imaging modalities. Malignant lesions of the pancreas have also been diagnosed at regular intervals, the most common being solid cystic pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPT) - Borderline (uncertain malignant potential). Surgical resection of this tumor should provide adequate tumor free margins and also should preserve pancreatic tissue. Radical resection of the pancreas will lead to pancreatic insufficiency. Herein, we describe the technique of central pancreatectomy wherein tumor excision gives adequate clearance but preserves the pancreatic tissue, thereby reducing significant morbidity. Three children ages ranging between 11 to 12 years diagnosed to have SPT were included in the study. All children underwent successful central pancreatectomy and had an uneventful post operative recovery. Central pancreatectomy offers a good volume of remanant pancreas preserving near normal pancreatic function making it an ideal procedure for select cases.