Single port laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

Abstract

Introduction: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy has become the standard treatment of choice for pancreatic tail cystic and solid tumors when technically feasible. Technological advances have led to the development of single-port laparoscopic surgery, a safe alternative procedure. We present our experiences with single-port laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. Method: We retrospectively reviewed clinical records and compared clinical outcomes in 49 patients diagnosed with a pancreatic tail mass between 2007 and 2013 who received either conventional laparoscopic (n = 28) or single-port laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (n = 21). Result: The mean surgery time in the single-port group (270.6 ± 53.0 minutes) was significantly longer than in the conventional group (186.9 ± 86.6 minutes) (P = .007). The mean duration of postoperative hospital stays in the single-port group (13.3 ± 11.3 days) was longer than in the conventional group (8.3 ± 4.7 days), but the difference was not significant (P = .068). The spleen was preserved more in the conventional group (60.7%) than in the single-port group (42.9%), but the difference was not significant (P=.215). There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, tumor size, conversion rate, or postoperative complications (including pancreatic fistula) between the two groups. Conclusion: Blood loss, postoperateive hospital stays and postoperative complications of single-port laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy are similar to those of conventional laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. Single-port laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy can be performed safely and effectively in patients with pancreas tail cystic and solid neoplasms, but is associated with a longer surgery time.