Background/aims: To study the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP).
Methodology: Four patients underwent attempted LSPDP from February 2008 to April 2010 in our department and their clinical data and outcome were reviewed retrospectively.
Results: A total of 4 laparoscopic distal pancreas resections were attempted for 3 female and 1 male patient. All of these operations were successful with an average operative time of 235 min (range 115-305 min) and average blood loss of 200mL (range 100-450mL). The mean hospital stay time was 12.8 days, ranging from 10 to 21 days. Pancreatic fistula occurred in 1 patient then cured by extending drainage. Postoperative pathological examination showed those 2 cases of serous cystadenoma, 1 case of mucinous cystadenoma and 1 case of insulinoma, respectively.
Conclusions: LSPDP is minimally invasive, safe and feasible for the management of benign pancreatic tail tumors with the advantages of earlier recovery and less morbidity from complications.