Hand-assisted Laparoscopic Spleen-preserving Distal Pancreatectomy for Low-grade Malignant Pancreatic Tumors

Abstract

Purpose : We performed spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) for low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors. We recently began performing laparoscopic pancreatectomy in our department, including hand-assisted laparoscopic (HALS) SPDP. Here, we report the indications for, details of the procedure, and results of this operation. Method : Using laparoscopic surgery, we resected two endocrine tumors from the pancreas. The operating time, blood loss, and complications were compared to those of open SPDP. Results : Two HALS SPDP and five open SPDP procedures were performed. The mean operating times were 2 h 58 min for HALS SPDP and 2 h 55 min for open SPDP. Mean blood loss was 97 and 190mL, respectively. Postoperative complications consisted of pancreas juice leakage in one patient in each group. The hospital stay was 10.0 days for HALS SPDP and 13.6 days for open SPDP. No postoperative deaths occurred. Conclusion : HALS SPDP may be applicable to low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors.