Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic tumors

Abstract

Objective To summarize the clinical applications and surgical technique of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). Method The clinical data of 10 cases of pancreatic body and tail tumors undergoing laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy were retrospectively analyzed.Results Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) was successfully undertaken in 8 cases (including spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy in one case ). Intraoperatively two cases were converted to open surgery because of peripancreatic organs involvement by cancer in one case and massive bleeding in another case during laparoscopic procedures. The average operation time of LDP was 141 ± 35 min (95 -195 min),mean blood loss was 263 ± 151 ml( 100 -600 ml), average postoperative hospital stay was 7 ± 1 days (5 -9 days ). There was no major postoperative complications and no mortality. Final pathology was solid psedopapillary tumor in 4 cases, mucinous cystadenoma in 3 cases and islet cell tumor in 1 case, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in 2 cases, hence 80% of tumors were benign. Conclusions LDP is indicated for benign body and tail pancreatic tumors and early malignant tumor of pancreatic body and tail. Being less traumatic, and fewer complications, LDP is a safe, effective and minimally invasive therapy. Key words: Pancreatic neoplasms; Laparoscopy; Pancreatectomy