Pancreatectomy Research Articles

Laparoscopic Duodenum and Spleen-Preserving Subtotal or Total Pancreatectomy: A Parenchyma-Sparing Strategy for Main Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (with Video)

Abstract Background For premalignant main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (MD-IPMN), laparoscopic duodenum and spleen-preserving subtotal or total pancreatectomy (LDSP-STP/TP) seems to be a viable option for parenchyma-sparing pancreatectomy. Patients and Methods On the basis of the imaging features, family history, genomic alterations, intraoperative ultrasound examination, and frozen section evaluation, we have proposed patient selection strategies for the LDSP-STP/TP technique for the first time. Additionally, a comprehensive step-by-step overview of this technique has been provided. To date, we have performed five LDSP-STP procedures and one LDSP-TP procedure. Results We successfully performed selective resection of the affected pancreatic parenchyma while preserving the duodenum, common bile duct (CBD), spleen, and splenic artery and vein. The operation time ranged from 295 to 495 min, with blood loss ranging from 100 to 300 mL. Postoperative pathological results revealed low-grade dysplasia in the resected pancreatic samples and margins. The patients resumed eating within 3–5 days after surgery, and all postoperative complications were classified as grade I according to the Clavien–Dindo classification. At the 3-month follow-up, there were no cases of CBD ischemic stenosis, splenic ischemia, or pseudocyst formation observed. For patients who received LDSP-STP, the longitudinal diameter of the remaining pancreatic tail ranged from 2.2 to 4.6 cm, and they demonstrated satisfactory long-term blood glycemic control. Conclusions LDSP-STP/TP demonstrates technical feasibility and safety. It allows for the selective resection of the affected pancreatic parenchyma, thereby minimizing the impact of pancreatic functional impairment. However, it is crucial to validate this technique through long-term prospective observations.

Total versus Partial Pancreatectomy in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer Arising from Multifocal or Diffuse Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasia - A Multicenter Observational Study.

To investigate the impact of total pancreatectomy (TP) on oncological outcomes for patients at high-risk of local recurrence or secondary progression in the remnant gland after partial pancreatectomy (PP) for IPMN-associated cancer. Major risk factors for invasive progression in the remnant gland include multifocality, diffuse main duct dilation, and the presence of invasive cancer. In these high-risk patients, a TP may be oncologically beneficial. However, current guidelines discourage TP, especially in elderly patients. This international multicenter study compares TP versus PP in patients with adenocarcinoma arising from multifocal or diffuse IPMN (2002-2022). Log-rank test and multivariable Cox-analysis with interaction analysis was performed to assess overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and local-DFS. Of 359 included patients, 162 (45%) were treated with TP, whereas 197 (55%) underwent PP. Despite TP and PP having similar R0-rates (59% vs. 58%, P=0.866), patients undergoing a TP had significantly longer local-DFS compared to PP (P=0.039). However, no difference in OS was observed between the two surgical approaches (P=0.487). In a multivariable analysis, young age (optimal cut-off ≤63.6yrs) was associated with an OS benefit derived from TP (HR:0.44, 95%CI:0.22-0.89), whereas no significant difference was observed in elderly patients (HR:1.24, 95%CI:0.92-1.67, Pinteraction=0.007). Since overall, patients with diffuse or multifocal IPMN with an invasive component do not benefit from TP in terms of OS, the indication for TP may be individualized to young patients who have sufficient life expectancy to benefit from the prevention of secondary progression or local recurrence.

The evaluation of postoperative exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in patients with benign and low-malignant pancreatic tumor: A multicenter, prospective, observational study

Objectives: We assess the incidence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) at different time points after pancreatic surgery and explore pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy's (PERT) efficacy. Background: EPI is characterized by inadequate pancreatic enzymes, resulting in maldigestion and abdominal symptoms. EPI is a common postoperative complication of pancreatic surgery, yet often overlooked by surgeons. There is no clear answer to when EPI occurs after pancreatic surgery nor the duration of PERT after partial pancreatectomy. Methods: Benign or borderline pancreatic tumor patients undergoing surgeries were recruited between December 2020 and November 2021 from 10 medical centers in China. The EPI Questionnaire (EPI-Q) was performed at discharge, and 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-ups to evaluate the occurrence of EPI. Statistical analyses were performed to identify the occurrence of EPI and explore PERT's efficacy. Results: Of the 146 patients, 105 (71.9%) were female, and the median age was 49 (range 16-78 yrs). Symptoms of EPI patients were most pronounced within 3 months post-surgery (15.7%), while most patients recovered after 1 year (96.9%). There was a negative correlation between symptom score and time since surgery. Lack of PERT in the 3-month post-surgery was associated with higher symptom scores in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) patients, while not in distal pancreatectomy (DP) patients. Conclusions: Generally, the high-occurrence period for postoperative EPI is within 3 months after resection in patients with benign or borderline pancreatic tumors, and most will gradually recuperate with time. PERT can improve symptoms in PD patients, while reduced PERT duration may be considered for DP patients.

Surgical management of pancreatic neoplasms in children: a single-institution experience over 15 years.

Pancreatic neoplasms are rare among children and very few studies have reported on surgical outcomes for pediatric pancreatic neoplasms. Therefore, we aimed to describe patient and tumor characteristics and report on the surgical outcomes of pediatric pancreatic neoplasm. In this retrospective single-center study, we reviewed and analyzed the data of patients who underwent surgery for pediatric pancreatic neoplasms at Severance Children's Hospital between January 2007 and December 2022. Clinical data including demographics, surgical procedures, and postoperative and long-term outcomes were evaluated. A total of 28 patients underwent surgical treatment for pancreatic neoplasms with a median age of 11.7 years (range: 0.4-17.8). The most common histological diagnosis among benign tumors was solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN), which occurred in 20 patients (71.4%). This was followed by a mucinous cyst, nesidioblastosis, pseudocyst, duplication cyst, and benign cyst, each occurring in one patient (3.5%). Regarding malignant tumors, pancreatoblastoma, solid pseudopapillary carcinoma, and malignant pheochromocytoma were noted in one patient each (3.5%). Tumor locations included the head in 4 patients (14.2%), the body in 7 (25%), and the tail in 16 (57.1%), and was diffuse in 1 (3.5%). The most common surgical resection range was distal pancreatectomy, found in 22 patients (78.5%), followed by pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy, found in 2 (7.2%); duodenum-preserving pancreatic resection, central pancreatectomy, tumor enucleation, and near-total pancreatectomy were performed in one patient each (3.5%). Overall, 4 patients developed grade B or C postoperative pancreatic fistulas, and 1 experienced postoperative mortality due to uncontrollable bleeding. The mean follow-up period was 6.1 years (range: 1-15.6 years), during which no significant impact on growth after surgery was detected. Among the 20 patients with SPN, tumor rupture occurred in 4 (20%), among whom 2 experienced tumor recurrences. Histological diagnosis of benign tumors was predominant in this case series and various extents of surgical resection were performed. Surgical treatment for pediatric pancreatic neoplasms appears to be safe and effective. However, considering the long-term prognosis of these patients, it is essential to determine the appropriate extent of surgical resection based on the location of the tumor.

Robotic single-port plus one-port splenic vessel-conserving spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy: a case report.

Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy is a safe and effective surgical approach for the treatment of distal pancreatic tumors. Recently, the da Vinci single-port (SP) system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc.) was introduced to overcome the previously known limitations of this approach. Here, we report our experience with robotic SP plus one-port splenic vessel-conserving spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (RSP + 1 SVc-SpDP). A 38-year-old male patient was incidentally found to have a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. On May 12, 2023, RSP + 1 SVc-SpDP was performed. The robotic SP was placed at the transumbilical site, and an additional 12-mm port was placed on the left side of the patient's abdomen. The surgical procedure was based on splenic vessel-conserving, spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy. The operative time was 350 minutes, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 8 without any complications. The initial experience of RSP + 1 SVc-SpDP using the da Vinci SP system showed the possibility of an alternative operation for distal pancreatectomy.

Minimally invasive treatment of an internal pancreaticopleural fistula with massive pleural effusion: a case report

BackgroundA pancreatic duct rupture can lead to various complications such as a fistula, pseudocyst, ascites, or walled-off necrosis. Due to pleural effusion, pancreaticopleural fistula typically causes dyspnea and chest pain. Leaks of enzyme-rich pancreatic fluid forming a pleural effusion can be verified in a thoracocentesis following radiological imaging such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance tomography. While management strategies range from a conservative to endoscopic and surgical approach, we report a case with successful minimally invasive treatment of pancreaticopleural fistula and effusion.Case presentationWe present a case of a patient with pancreaticopleural fistula and successful minimally invasive surgical treatment. A 62-year old Caucasian man presented with acute chest pain and dyspnea. A computed tomography scan identified a left-sided cystoid formation, extending from the abdominal cavity into the left hemithorax with concomitant pleural effusion. Pleural effusion analysis indicated significantly elevated pancreatic enzymes. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a rupture of the pancreatic duct and nearby fluid accumulation. Endosonography later confirmed proximity to the tail of the pancreas, suggesting a pancreatic pseudocyst with visible tract into the pancreas. We assumed a pancreatic duct rupture with a fistula from the tail of the pancreas transdiaphragmatically into the left hemithorax with a commencing pleural empyema. A visceral and parietal decortication on the left hemithorax and a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was performed. The suspected diagnosis of a fistula arising from the pancreatic duct was confirmed histologically.ConclusionPancreaticopleural fistulas often have a long course and may remain undiagnosed for a long time. At this point diagnostic management and therapy demand a high level of expertise. In instances of unclear symptomatic pleural effusion, considering an abdominal focus is crucial. If endoscopic treatment is not feasible, minimally invasive surgery should strongly be considered, especially when located in the distal pancreas.

Cost-effectiveness of operative intervention for mucinous cystic neoplasm: the role of post-operative diabetes.

Small mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) of the pancreas are managed with operative resection in otherwise healthy patients; however, postoperative diabetes development is not considered in recommendations for resection. Via probabilistic microsimulation Markov modeling, we assessed clinical and economic implications of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) versus surveillance for non-DM patients with suspected MCN of 2 cm without high-risk or worrisome features. Primary outcomes included quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), medical costs (2021 USD), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). We conducted sensitivity analyses to evaluate the robustness of our model to changes in input parameters. All analyses were repeated for a population with pre-DM. Surveillance resulted in 6.52 QALYs and $61,200, while LDP accumulated 6.12 QALYs and $63,700. Almost 20% of the LDP cohort developed DM over the first 10 years, compared to 11% of the surveillance cohort. In a pre-DM cohort, LDP remained Dominated in the base case, with over 40% developing DM postoperatively. In sensitivity analyses, surveillance remained the preferred strategy in most iterations for both cohorts. Surveillance for small suspected MCNs without high-risk features is the preferred strategy from a clinical and economic standpoint. Consensus guidelines should consider the long-term implications of postoperative diabetes development following LDP.

Drainage and irrigation on demand may decrease severe septic complications and mortality in pancreatic resections.

The necessity of routine drain placement in pancreatic resections is controversial. Some randomized controlled trials have shown that the omission of drainage is safe for some patients, whereas reintervention rates and mortality rates are substantial for others. The present study aimed to assess fistula-associated outcomes in the setting of routine drain placement and drain irrigation on demand. Between 01/2017 and 12/2022, perioperative and outcome data from patients who underwent consecutive pancreatoduodenectomies (PD, n = 253) or distal pancreatectomies (DP, n = 72) were prospectively collected in the electronic StuDoQ database and analysed. All patients underwent intraoperative drain placement. Drains were removed starting at postoperative day 2 in PD or at day 5 in DP after testing for amylase concentration. In case of high amylase levels or macroscopically suspicious pancreatic fistulas, drain irrigation was started. Nondrained fluid collections underwent percutaneous radiologic or transluminal endoscopic evacuation. Clinically relevant pancreatic fistulas were detected in 53 of 325 patients (POPF grade B 16.3%, grade C 1.2%). 43.3% of those had drain irrigation. Additional interventional or endoscopic drainage was necessary in 14 and 5 patients, respectively (overall 5.8%), and were observed in 4.0% of patients with PD and in 12.5% with DP (p = 0.009). Delayed fistula-associated postpancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH) was present in 1.2% (4/325) of patients. The fistula- and delayed PPH-associated reoperation rate was 1.5% (5/325). The 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates were both 1.5% (5/325), and the rate of fistula-associated mortality was 0.6% (2/325). The overall 90-day mortality rate was 4.5%. In pancreatectomies, a standardized drainage protocol including on-demand drain irrigation results in very low fistula-associated morbidity and mortality and an infrequent need for interventional or surgical reintervention as compared to previously published drainage studies.

ThP5.4 - Which Resection for Distal Cholangiocarcinoma?: Retrospective Study

Abstract Introduction The treatment of distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC) is contingent upon the patient's condition and the local and lymphatic extent of the disease. Surgery remains the sole radical treatment, albeit infrequently feasible and often followed by biliary drainage. The surgical procedure involves resecting the bile duct with healthy distal and proximal margins, accompanied by lymphadenectomy. Cephalic pancreatectomy (DPC) is deemed the optimal oncological treatment for DCC. Method This retrospective study encompasses cancers of the main bile duct. Various factors influencing treatment were analyzed, focusing on the type of resection (biliary and pancreatic). Results From January 2014 to December 2021, 119 patients were treated for distal cholangiocarcinoma (88 men, 31 women, average age: 61 years). Twenty-one patients underwent endoscopic drainage, 17 transhepatic drainage, and 55 surgical interventions. Among them, 9 underwent preoperative drainage, 28 radical resection, 10 DPC, 18 biliary resections, and one total pancreatectomy. In 27 patients, radical surgery was impossible; 20 underwent drainage, and 7 did not. Three early surgical revisions in the biliary resection group, with incidents of digestive hemorrhage and hemoperitoneum. Two moderate pancreatic fistulas and immediate postoperative hypoglycemia were recorded. Two deaths in the biliary resection group and 7 in-hospital deaths in the biliary drainage group. All patients with external drainage died before 12 months, while 8 patients from the endoscopic drainage group survived after 12 months. Patients with radical surgery and adjuvant treatment exhibited longer survivals (36 months vs. 45 months). Conclusion Improving the prognosis of DCC requires early diagnosis and radical surgery combined with adjuvant treatment.

Oral Protein Supplements Might Improve Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients after Standard Pancreatic Resection.

Elderly patients who undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) or distal pancreatectomy (DP) experience not only a reduction in protein intake but also a decrease in protease secretion, leading to impaired protein digestion and absorption. This increases the risk of malnutrition and creates a dual burden of sarcopenia. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the impact of protein supplements on the nutritional status and quality of life (QoL) of elderly patients after PPPD and DP surgeries. For six weeks, the case group (CG; n = 23) consumed protein supplements containing 18 g of protein daily, while the placebo group (PG; n = 18) consumed a placebo with the same amount of carbohydrate. In elderly patients where protein digestion and intake were compromised, the CG showed significantly higher protein intake (77.3 ± 5.3 g vs. 56.7 ± 6.0 g, p = 0.049), improved QoL, better nutritional status, and faster walking speed compared to the PG. Protein intake was positively correlated with muscle mass and phase angle. Protein supplementation may not only increase protein intake but also improve clinical outcomes such as walking speed, nutritional status, and QoL in elderly post-surgical patients at high risk of sarcopenia. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage and long-term effects.

The prevalence and risk factors associated with zinc deficiency after pancreatic surgery.

To clarify the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical implications associated with zinc deficiency in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery. The serum zinc levels were measured in 329 patients post-pancreatic surgery between January and April 2021. The postoperative serum zinc levels and clinicopathological variables were retrospectively analyzed. The median serum zinc level was 73µg/dL (33-218). Zinc deficiency (zinc level < 60µg/dL) was observed in 52 patients (16%). A total of 329 patients were classified into zinc-deficient (n = 52) and non-deficient (zinc ≥ 60µg/dL, n = 277) groups. A univariate analysis revealed significant differences in sex, postoperative body mass index, serum albumin, total cholesterol, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), HbA1c levels, diabetes, surgical procedures, and operative blood loss. According to a multivariate analysis, male sex [odds ratio (OR) 3.70; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.67-8.20; p = 0.001], postoperative serum albumin levels < 3.9g/dL (OR 6.39; 95% CI 3.30-12.37; p < 0.001), postoperative serum AST ≥ 51 U/L (OR, 4.6; 95% CI 0.07-0.29; p < 0.001), and total pancreatectomy (OR 3.68; 95% CI 1.37-9.85; p = 0.009) were found to be independent predictors of zinc deficiency after pancreatic surgery. Zinc deficiency frequently occurs in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery. Lower postoperative zinc levels could be linked to sex, the serum albumin and AST levels, and surgery type.

Incisional hernia after major pancreatic resection: long term risk assessment from two distinct sources – A large multi-institutional network and a single high-volume center

BackgroundPost-operative incisional hernia (IH) is a common complication following abdominal surgery. Data regarding IH after major pancreatic surgery are limited. We aim to evaluate the long-term risk of IH following major pancreatic resection. MethodsA dual-approach study: a large multi-institutional research network (RN) was investigated for IH incidence and risk factors in propensity-score matched survivors after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and distal pancreatectomy (DP), was complemented by a patient-reported questionnaire. ResultsRN analysis identified 22,113 patients that underwent pancreatic surgery. 11.0% of PD patients and 8.6% of DP patients developed IH (P < 0.0001). IH rates were higher with open surgery compared with minimally invasive approaches in PD (OR = 1.56, P = 0.03) and DP (OR = 1.94, P = 0.003). BMI>35 was found to correlate with increased IH rates for PD and DP (OR = 1.87, and OR = 1.86, respectively, P < 0.0001 each), as did postoperative intraabdominal infections (P < 0.0001). Patient-based survey of 104 patients, revealed that 16 patients (15%) reported post-operative IH during the follow-up period. BMI≥30, SSI and intra-abdominal abscesses were associated with increased IH risk (P < 0.05). ConclusionImproved survival after pancreatic resection has led to an increased prevalence of long-term surgical sequela. In this study, we demonstrate significant rates of IH among long-term survivors and assess potential risk factors.

Increased kidney stone risk following total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation

Background/objectivesChronic pancreatitis (CP) is associated with increased risk of calcium-oxalate kidney stones, likely due to enteric hyperoxaluria. However, the risk of kidney stones for patients with CP after total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is unknown. We aimed to evaluate kidney stone risk in patients with CP after TPIAT. MethodsA retrospective analysis of 629 patients who underwent TPIAT was conducted to identify patients who developed kidney stones post-TPIAT. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated time to first event. An Anderson-Gill proportional-hazards analysis of all kidney stone events described key clinical associations. ResultsMean age at TPIAT was 33 years (SD 15.3, range 3–69); 69.8 % (n = 439) were female. The estimated chance of any kidney stone episodes by 5 years post-TPIAT was 12.8 % (95 % CI: 8.8–16.6 %); by 10 years, 23.2 % (CI: 17.5–28.6 %); by 15 years, 29.4 % (CI: 21.8–36.2 %). Significant associations with kidney stones post-TPIAT included older age (HR 1.25 per 10 years), smoking history (HR 1.72), mild chronic kidney disease (HR 1.96), renal cysts (HR 3.67), pre-TPIAT kidney stones (HR 4.06), family history of kidney stones (HR 4.10), and Roux-en-Y reconstruction (HR 2.68). Of the 77 patients who developed kidney stones, 34 (44.1 %) had recurrent episodes. Of 143 total kidney stone events, 35 (24.5 %) required stone removal, 79 (55.2 %) resolved spontaneously, and 29 (20.3 %) were missing this data. ConclusionsPatients with CP post-TPIAT commonly have kidney stones: nearly 3 in 10 have ≥1 kidney stone episodes within 15 years. Clinicians should be aware of this risk and counsel patients on prevention.

Embolize, supercharge, resect: Embolization to enhance hepatic vascularization prior to en-bloc pancreas and arterial resection

IntroductionEmbolization could increase the resectability of pancreatic tumors by supercharging visceral arterial perfusion prior to pancreatic surgery with arterial en-bloc resection. Its indications, however, are controversial. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the results of a single-center database of patients undergoing pancreatic surgery with arterial resection (AR) after preoperative arterial embolization (PAE) to increase hepatic vascular flow and spare arterial reconstruction. ResultsPAE was planned in 15 patients with arterial involvement due to pancreatic tumors. Three patients were excluded due to the finding of irresectable disease during surgery. Twelve cases were resected because of pancreatic cancer (10), distal cholangiocarcinoma (1), and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (1). Arterial involvement in these cases required embolization of the substitute right hepatic artery (RHA) (5), left hepatic artery (1), and common hepatic artery (CHA) (6) to enhance liver vascularization. Two patients presented migration of the vascular plug after PAE. Six pancreatoduodenectomies and 6 distal pancreatectomies were performed, the latter associated with en-bloc celiac trunk and CHA resection. R0 was achieved in 7 out of 12 patients, and pathological vascular involvement was confirmed in 8. Postoperative complications included one patient who developed gastric ischemia and underwent gastrectomy, and one patient who underwent reoperation for acute cholecystitis with liver abscesses. ConclusionPreoperative arterial embolization before pancreatic surgery with hepatic arterial resection enables surgeons to precondition hepatic vascularization and prevent hepatic ischemia. In addition, this avoids having to perform arterial anastomosis in the presence of pancreatic suture.

443.9: Glycemic Control after Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation—Results from a Single Center with Large Cohort of Patients.

443.9: Glycemic Control after Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation—Results from a Single Center with Large Cohort of Patients.

Abdominal drainage after minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy: out of sight, out of mind?

The use of drains in pancreatic surgery remains controversial. The present study investigated postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) without intraperitoneal drain placement. Data of consecutive patients undergoing MIDP between 2013 and 2023 were prospectively collected. Patients were divided in drain group (DG), including patients with prophylactic abdominal drain placed, and no-drain group (NDG) including those without drain. The groups were compared in terms of postoperative outcomes, using a propensity score-matched analysis. 116 patients were selected. After matching, DG and NDG consisted of 29 patients each. The rates of POPF and abdominal collection were lower in NDG in comparison to DG (3.4% vs. 27.6%, p 0.025 and 3.4% vs. 31.0%, p 0.011, respectively). The length of stay was significantly shorter in the NDG (5 vs. 9days, p < 0.001). No difference between the groups was found for other outcomes. Drain omission was associated with lower rates of POPF and abdominal collections, as well as shorter hospital stays, not affecting the rate of severe complication, reoperation and readmission.

443.6: The epidemiology of hereditary pancreatitis in Australia and its effect on patient of total pancreatectomy with islet auto-transplantation (TPIAT).

443.6: The epidemiology of hereditary pancreatitis in Australia and its effect on patient of total pancreatectomy with islet auto-transplantation (TPIAT).

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer: an overview of evaluation and treatment strategies.

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies (LDP) confer benefits over open distal pancreatectomies (ODP). These benefits extend to patients with known malignancies. Despite being a common procedure for pancreatic surgeons, widespread adoption of minimally invasive approaches is still not universal. Improved understanding of the benefits of LDP as well as operative steps can help further spread the use of minimally invasive techniques. The authors present their approach to LDP with an emphasis on anatomy, intraoperative technique, and pearls/pitfalls. A brief historical overview of the development of LDP and landmark studies is also included. Review of milestones along the evolution of LDP are presented, showcasing the controversies and advantages that are associated with the procedure. Current perspectives and society recommendations are also discussed. Operative steps of LDP are described via the "clockwise technique". This technique outlines a step-wise method that includes wide mobilization for adequate exposure, slow compression of pancreatic parenchyma, and other important pearls such as patient positioning and operative planning. Proper understanding of LDP is crucial to maximizing positive outcomes from the operation. Further education on technical pearls can help increase use of minimally invasive approaches to distal pancreatic resection for cancer.

Shorter Drainage Tube to the Pancreatic Stump Reduces Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy.

We investigated the relationship between the length of a prophylactic closed-suction drainage tube and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) in distal pancreatectomy (DP). The clinical data of 76 patients who underwent DP using a reinforced stapler for the division of the pancreas at Ehime University Hospital between December 2017 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Laparoscopic DP was performed in 41 patients (53.9%). Closed-suction drainage was performed using a 19Fr ExuFlow Round Drain with a vacuum bulb. The drainage tube length was defined as the distance between the peripancreatic stump site and the abdominal wall insertion site using abdominal radiography. CR-POPF was observed in 12 patients (15.8%). Univariate analyses demonstrated that male sex (P=0.020), American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (P=0.017), current smoking (P=0.005), and drainage tube length (P<0.001) were significantly associated with CR-POPF. The optimal cut-off value of drainage tube length for CR-POPF was 220mm (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.80). In multivariate analyses, drainage tube length (≥220mm) was the sole independent predictor for CR-POPF (odds ratio, 6.59; P=0.023). According to computed tomography performed ∼1 week after surgery, the median volume of peripancreatic fluid collection was significantly higher in the long drainage tube group than in the short drainage tube group (P<0.001). A drainage tube inserted at a shorter distance to the pancreatic stump may reduce the incidence of CR-POPF after DP.

Significance of Specimen Extraction Site in Minimizing Hernia Risk After Distal Pancreatectomy.

Incisional hernia (IH) results in significant morbidity to patients and financial burden to healthcare systems. We aimed to determine the incidence of IH in distal pancreatectomy (DP) patients, stratified by specimen extraction sites. Imaging in DP patients in our institution from 2016 to 2021 were reviewed by radiologists blinded to the operative approach. Specimen extraction sites were stratified as upper midline/umbilical (UM) versus Pfannenstiel. IH was defined as fascial defect on postoperative imaging. Patients without preoperative and postoperative imaging were excluded. Of the 219 patients who met our selection criteria, the median age was 64 years, 54% were female, and 64% were White. The majority were minimally invasive (MIS) procedures (n=131, 60%), of which 52% (n=64) had a UM incision for specimen extraction, including 45 hand-assist and 19 purely laparoscopic procedures. MIS with Pfannenstiel incisions for specimen extraction was 48% (n=58), including 44 robotic and 14 purely laparoscopic procedures. Mean follow-up time was 16.3 months (standard deviation [SD] 20.8). Follow-up for MIS procedures with UM incisions was 16.6 months (SD 21.8) versus 15.5 months (SD 18.6) in the Pfannenstiel group (p=0.30). MIS procedures with UM incisions for specimen extraction had a 17.8 times increase in odds of developing an IH compared with MIS procedures with Pfannenstiel extraction sites (p=0.01). The overall odds of developing an IH increased by 4% for every month of follow-up (odds ratio 1.04; p<0.001). A Pfannenstiel incision should be performed for specimen extraction in cases with purely laparoscopic or robotic distal pancreatectomy, when feasible.